Introduction to Post-Mauryan Period

The period following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, starting around 200 BCE, marked a significant transitional phase in Indian history. 

• This era was characterized by political fragmentation, regional kingdoms, and extensive cultural interactions that shaped the socio-political and economic fabric of India.
• After Ashoka’s death, his successors struggled to maintain control over the vast Mauryan Empire.
• The empire disintegrated as provinces began declaring independence, reducing Mauryan influence to the Gangetic valley.
• Kalinga declared independence, while the Satavahanas established an independent rule in the Deccan.
• In northwestern India, the Mauryan control weakened, and the region witnessed several foreign invasions, leading to the assimilation of foreign elements into Indian society.
• This period saw the rise of multiple political entities in north and northwestern India, including:

• Sungas: They succeeded the Mauryas in the Gangetic plains.
• Indo-Greeks: Known for their cultural and artistic contributions.
• Sakas and Parthians: These groups settled in northwestern India, influencing local culture and administration.
• Kushanas: They established a vast empire in northwestern India and Central Asia, promoting trade and cultural exchanges.

• These regional powers fostered cultural contacts in areas such as trade, technology, art, and religion.

Sources of Historical Information of Post-Mauryan Period

The Post-Mauryan period has been reconstructed through various literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and art historical sources.

• Literary Sources:

• • • Mahabhasya by Patanjali: Provides insights into linguistic and social developments.
    • Divyavadana: Contains narratives on Buddhism and political history.
    • Puranas: Offer genealogies of rulers and accounts of historical events.
    • Malavikagnimitra by Kalidasa: Depicts political events and cultural life during the Sunga period.
    • Harshacharita by Banabhatta: A historical biography that sheds light on rulers of this era.
    • Milinda-Panha: A Pali text detailing dialogues between the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda) and a Buddhist monk, providing valuable information on Buddhism.

• Epigraphic Sources:

• • • Numerous inscriptions have been discovered from regions like Ayodhya, Vidisha, and Bharhut.
    • Inscriptions written in Kharosthi script have been found in Gandhara, and many Kharosthi documents have been recovered from Central Asia.

• Numismatic Evidence:

• • • Coins minted by regional rulers are a vital source of information.
    • These coins often bear the names of kings, symbols, and inscriptions, revealing details about minor ruling dynasties and trade.

• Foreign Accounts:

• • • Greek and Latin texts refer to northwestern India and its rulers, shedding light on cross-cultural interactions.
    • Chinese historical chronicles discuss events in Central Asia, Bactria, and northwestern India, highlighting the cultural and trade exchanges of the time.

• Cultural Interactions:

• • The Post-Mauryan era witnessed a rich blend of cultures due to increased trade and migration.
  • Artistic traditions evolved, with contributions from Indo-Greek, Saka, Parthian, and Kushana influences.
  • Buddhism and Jainism flourished during this period, with the active patronage of rulers like Menander and the Kushanas.