Post Mauryan Period - Shunga, Kanva, Chedi Dynasties

The Post Mauryan Period between the fall of the Mauryas and the rise of the Guptas (2nd century BC to 3rd century AD), saw significant developments in the Indian subcontinent, which were characterised by changes in the subcontinent's political structure and the introduction of new elements in art, architecture, and religion.

The Mauryan Empire ruled over a large portion of the Indian subcontinent, including modern-day Afghanistan's Kandahar. The Mauryan Empire came to an end around 187 BC. The disintegration of the Mauryan empire resulted in the rise of numerous regional kingdoms and at the same time, various groups of people from Central Asia and western China invaded India which forms part of the Post Mauryan Period.

Political History during Post Mauryan Period

Following Asoka's death, his successors were unable to maintain the huge Mauryan Empire. The subsequent rulers were relatively weak and lacked the same level of administrative and military capabilities as their predecessors.

• The provinces started declaring their independence.
• The Mauryas lost control of northwest India, and the region was subjected to a series of foreign invasions.
• Kalinga declared its independence, and the Satavahanas established their independent rule further south.
• The religious policy of the Mauryas angered the Shungas, who were staunch followers of Brahmanism.
• Thus, Mauryan rule was confined to the Gangetic Valley, and it was soon replaced by the Sunga dynasty.

Shunga Dynasty

Kanva Dynasty

Chedi Dynasty

Art and Architecture of Post Mauryan Period

The art of the Post Mauryan Period started reflecting the changing socio-political scenario as well. The architecture of rock-cut caves and stupas proceeded, with each dynasty introducing its own distinctive features. Similarly, various schools of sculpture arose, and the art of sculpture reached its pinnacle in the post-Mauryan period.

• Development of Stupas: Stupas are Buddhist commemorative monuments usually housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons.
  • Three prominent stupas from this period can be found in Bharhut and Sanchi (both in Madhya Pradesh), which were originally constructed by Ashoka but later expanded, as well as Amravati and Nagarjunkonda (both in Andhra Pradesh).
  • Stupas became larger and more decorative in the Post Mauryan period. Stone was increasingly used in place of wood and brick. 
  • The Shunga dynasty introduced the idea of torans as beautifully decorated gateways to the stupas.
• Early Temples Architecture:
• During this time, Brahmanical temples and images of gods began to be built.
• Myths mentioned in the Puranas were incorporated into the narrative representation of Brahmanical religion. 
• Temples were decorated with the images of gods.Each temple had an image of a Chief Deity. These temples are basic structures that include a hall, a veranda, and a shrine in the back.
• Important temple sites of this period: Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh, Eran, Nachna-Kuthara and Udayagiri near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.
• There were three types of temple shrines: Sandhara type (without pradikshinapatha), Nirandhara type (with pradakshina patha) and Sarvatobhadra (accessible from all sides). 

Religion and Society of Post-Mauryan Period

Religion and society during the post-Mauryan period witnessed the following changes. 

• Rise of Brahmanism: People in the post-Mauryan period practised Vedic religion, Buddhism, and Jainism. However, Brahmanism experienced a resurgence under Shunga's rule. There was an increase in rituals such as Ashwamedha and Rajasuya. 
  • Stories of Pushyamitra's brutality and hostility against Buddhism are described in the Divyavadana.
• Varna system: During the post-Mauryan period, the four-fold varna system was also revived.  Thus, the social structure became rigid as the fourfold varna system was strengthened. The dominance of priests and the ruling class was strengthened, while the conditions of Shudras remained unchanged. 
• Position of women: Women's position in society was generally limited to domestic roles, and they were expected to follow strict codes of conduct as mentioned in the Manusmriti.
• Cultural expanse: It was the period of the emergence of various mixed castes and the integration of foreigners into Indian society.

Language and Literature of the Post-Mauryan Period

The Post-Mauryan period was significant for the development of Sanskrit for religious, philosophical, and literary works.

• Sanskrit became more popular during this period and was used to write Buddhist texts also.
  • Patanjali: His important works include: Yoga Sutras (a collection of Sanskrit sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga), Mahabhasya (an ancient treatise on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics) and Patanjali Tantra (medical text). 
• The Sanskrit language was written using the variant version of Brahmi script. It is believed that the writing serves as a link between the Kalinga Brahmi script and the Maurya script.

Trade and Commerce in Post Mauryan Period

The Post Mauryan period witnessed the flourishment of commerce and crafts in ancient India and the growth of internal and external trade and commerce.

• Craft and commerce:Jyestha was the head of the guild of artisans. Mathura was famous for the production of shataka, a unique kind of cloth.
  • Merchant class: During this period, trade flourished and resulted in the rise of many types of merchant guilds.
  • Shreshti led the merchant guild (shreni), while Sarthavaha led the sartha (mobile or caravan trading corporation). Vanijgramo was the head of the corporation of merchants.
• Trade routes: 
  • Uttarapatha was the internal trade land route connecting northern and eastern parts of India with the northwestern areas. 
  • Dakshinapatha was the trade land route connecting peninsular India with the western and northern parts of India.
• Discovery of monsoon: Discovery of monsoon led to the development of external trade. 
• Export of spices to the Romans and import of gold and silver from Romans was common.

Around the same time, 200 BCE, there were invasions from Central Asia and western China. Among these were the Indo-Greeks, Scythians or Shakas, Parthiansor Pahlavas, and Kushanas. These invasions not only altered the political structure of northwestern India but also contributed to the transmission and transformation of cultural elements from both India and the Central Asian region.