Post-Maurya & Pre-Gupta Period (185 BCE – 320 CE)

Introduction

• After the decline of the Mauryas, India saw the rise of many small and foreign kingdoms.
• These included Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, Kushanas in the north-west and Satavahanas in the south.
• Important developments in trade, religion, and art occurred during this period.

Foreign Rulers in North-West India

1. Indo-Greeks (2nd century BCE)

• First foreign rulers to issue coins with their images.
• Famous ruler: **Menander (Milinda)** – converted to Buddhism (mentioned in *Milinda Panha*).

2. Shakas (Scythians)

• Defeated Indo-Greeks and ruled parts of western India.
• Important ruler: **Rudradaman I** – issued the **first long inscription in Sanskrit** (Junagarh Inscription).

3. Parthians

• Ruled briefly before Kushanas.
• Important king: **Gondophernes**, under whom **Saint Thomas**, a Christian missionary, arrived in India.

4. Kushanas (1st–3rd century CE)

• Founded by **Kujula Kadphises**.
• Most famous ruler: **Kanishka** – started the **Saka Era (78 CE)**.
• Promoted **Mahayana Buddhism**, held **4th Buddhist Council in Kashmir**.
• Great patron of **Gandhara and Mathura School of Art**.

Deccan and South India

Satavahanas (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)

• Also called **Andhras**, ruled the Deccan region.
• First ruler: **Simuka**; most famous: **Gautamiputra Satakarni**.
• Fought against Shakas and expanded territory.
• Issued coins with **Prakrit legends**.
• Supported **Buddhism and Brahmanism**.

Trade, Religion, and Culture

• Expansion of **Indian Ocean and Silk Route trade** – contacts with Romans, Chinese.
• Use of **gold coins** by Kushanas; extensive **urbanization** and trade centers.
• Growth of **Mahayana Buddhism**; images of Buddha became central.
• Development of **Gandhara (Greco-Buddhist)** and **Mathura Art** styles.

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2019: Who started the Saka Era in India?
• Kanishka
• RRB NTPC 2018: Which Indo-Greek ruler converted to Buddhism?
• Menander
• HSSC 2021: What is the language of the Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I?
• Sanskrit
• SSC GD 2020: Who founded the Kushan dynasty?
• Kujula Kadphises
• SSC JE 2020: Which foreign king’s court was visited by Saint Thomas?
• Gondophernes
• RRB ALP 2019: The Satavahanas ruled over which region?
• Deccan
• SSC MTS 2023: Who held the 4th Buddhist Council?
• Kanishka
• UPSC CDS 2022: What was the capital of Kushanas?
• Purushapura (modern Peshawar)
• SSC CHSL 2021: Which school of art shows Greek influence?
• Gandhara School
• SSC CGL 2017: Who issued gold coins extensively?
• Kushanas
• RRB Group D 2023: Which ruler is associated with “Milinda Panha”?
• Menander
• SSC JE 2021: Which art is known as Greco-Buddhist art?
• Gandhara