Sunga Dynasty: 185 BC – 73 BC [Capital – Vidisha (M.P)]

 Sunga Dynasty: 185 BC – 73 BC [Capital – Vidisha (M.P)] 

1. Sunga Dynasty was established by Pushymitra Sunga, a Brahmin Commander-in-Chief of last Mauryan ruler named Brihadratha in 185 BC. 

2. Pushyamitra was a staunch adherent of orthodox Hinduism. However, the great Buddhist stupa at Bharhut (in M.P) was built during the reign of Sungas. 

3. Pushyamita was succeeded by his son Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s drama ‘Malvikagnimitra;. 

4. After Agnimitra, a series of weak rulers such as Vasumitra, Vajramitra, Bhagabhadra, Devabhuti, followed, leading to the decline of the dynasty. 

5. During their rule there was a revival of Brahminical influence. The Bhagavatra religion became important. 

6. Patanjali, author of the ‘Mahabhasya’, was born at Gonarda in Central India. Patanjali was the priest of 2 Asvamedha Yajnas, performed by Pushymitra Sunga. 

7. In arts, the Bharhut Stupa is the most famous monument of the Sunga period. 

8. The fine gateway railing which surrounds the Sanchi stupa, built by Ashoka, constructed during the Sunga period. 

9. Other examples of Sunga Art: Vihar, Chaitya and Stupa of Bhaja (Poona), Amarvati Stupa, Nasika Chaitya etc. 

Kanva Dynasty: 73 BC – 28 BC [Capital – Patliputra] 

 In 73 BC, Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, was murdered by his minister Vasudeva, who usurped the throne and founded the Kanva dynasty. 

 The period of Kanva rule came to an end in 28 BC.