Shungas & Satavahanas

NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Grade 7 Part I) | Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation

The Age of Reorganisation

After the last Maurya emperor was assassinated around 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga, the empire fragmented. Many new kingdoms emerged — former tributaries reasserting independence. The northwest became vulnerable to external invasions. This period is called the 'age of reorganisation' because existing regions were constantly being reorganised into new competing kingdoms.

The Shungas

Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty, ruling parts of north and central India. He performed the ashvamedha yajna (a Vedic ritual where a horse was released to wander freely, with unchallenged territory becoming part of the king's domain). The Shungas revived Vedic rituals while allowing other schools of thought to flourish. Sanskrit emerged as a preferred language for philosophical and literary works. Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras during this period. The Shungas patronised art and architecture, notably adding beautiful carved railings to the Bharhut Stupa.

The Satavahanas

The Satavahanas ruled large parts of the Deccan from the 2nd century BCE onward, with capitals at Amaravati and Pratishtana (Paithan). Trade flourished — coins depicting ships suggest important maritime trade. Agriculture prospered along the Krishna-Godavari river system. The Satavahanas traded with the Roman Empire, exchanging spices, textiles, sandalwood, and luxury items. They followed Vasudeva (Krishna) but patronised all schools of thought, granting tax-free land to scholars and monks. Princes were often named after their mothers (e.g., Gautamiputra Satakarni). The Karla caves near Lonavala showcase their contributions to Buddhist rock-cut architecture.