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Semester Notes –
AIHC First Semester

Content Creator : Sumit Kumar

@sumit_kr_45

AIHC First Semester Notes

BAA 111
Unit - 1 Political condition in the 6th century BC
The History of Ancient India is very significant, not only for its
historical and cultural parameters But also for its incredible political
paradigm. The period of sixth century B.C. is like second Elevation
phase, which known as “the time of second urbanization in India”. At
that time, many Sovereign powers came in existence, which result we
can see in the form of sixteen Mahajanpadas. Overabundance and
use of iron, development of stable urbanization, agriculture,
industries, trade Engendered sixteen Mahajanpadas, in the history
of Ancient India. In this way, sixth century B.C. Is often regarded as a
major turning point of ancient history.Mahajanpadas literally means
“great kingdom”. Mahajanpadas refer to one of the sixteen
Monarchic and oligarchy republic that existed in Ancient India from
sixth to fourth century B.C.Ancient Buddhism text Anguttra Nikaya
and Jain Text Bhagavati Sutra make frequent reference About these
sixteen Mahajanpadas. These mahajanapadas get evolved and
flourished in the Indian Sub continental, belt stretching from
Gandhara region in the North to Assaka in the south and Anga in the
East to Matasya in the west. Archaeologically, this period
corresponds to the Northern Black
Polished Ware Culture.
Literary evidence:-
1. In Buddhist text Anguttra Nikaya mentions these sixteen
Mahajanpadas as follows:
1.Anga 2. Magadha 3. Kosala, 4. Kashi, 5. Vriji 6. Mlla, 7. Chedi, 8.
Vatsa, 9. Kuru, 10. Panchala,
11. Matsya, 12. Sursena, 13. Assaka (or Asmaka) 14. Avanti, 15.
Gandhara, 16. Kamboja.
2. However, Buddhist text Digha Nikaya mentions only the first
twelve Mahajanpadas of this list and encloses the last four Janpadas
in above list.
3. Buddhist text Chulla Vagga, adds Kalinga in this list and substitutes
“Yona” for Gandhara, thus listed the Kamboja and the Yona as the
only Mahajanpadas of Uattrapatha.
4. The Jain text Bhagvati sutra gives a slightly different list of sixteen
Mahajanpadas viz, 1. Anga,2. Bangs(vAnga),3. Magadha,4. Malaya,
5. Malavaka,6. Accha, 7. Vaccha, 8. Kochcha (kachcha?), 9. Padha,
10. Ladha (lata), 11. Bajji(vajji), 12. Moli (malla), 13. Kasi, 14. Kosala,
15. Avaha, 16. Sambhuttara.
Although, The Bhagavati Sutra list has focused on the countries of
Madhyadesha and of the Far East and Southern region but according
to hemchandra rai chaudhary some of these mahajanpadas
are later origin than Anguttra nikaya list, so this list is less reliable.
The descriptions of sixteen Mahajanpadas are as mentioned-
1. ANGA:-
The kingdom of Anga Mahajanpada corresponded to the region of
modern Bhagalpur, Monger districts of Bihar and some parts of
Bengal. The Capital of Anga was Champa. Champa River
(modern Chandan) created boundary between Magadha in the West
and Anga in the East. Anga bounded by the river Kosi from the North.
The earliest reference of Anga occurs in Atharvaveda, where it finds
with the first group of Aryan people. According to Mahabharta and
Harivansham, formerly Champa known as “Malini”.

According to Digha Nikaya and Mahaprinirvana Sutra “it was a very

flourishing city and referred as one of six principal cities viz,
Rajagriha, Sravasti, Saket, Kaushami and Banaras”. Other important
cities of Anga were Assapura and Bhadrika.
According to Digha Nikaya “the urban planning of this city was made
by great Architect Mahagovind”. Buddhayana dharma Sutra groups
the Angas, with people of mixed origin and Mahabharata mentions
Anga prince as a Mlechchha or a barbarian. The Vidhura Pandita
Jatak describes Rajgriha (Capital of Magadh) as the city of Anga.
Mahabharta refers that “a sacrifice performed by the king of Anga
at the mountain Vishnupada (at Gaya).” Brahmadatta was the king
of Anga but around middle of 6 century B.C. Haryanka dynasty king
Bimbisara of Magadha region, killed him and captured Anga region.
Bimibisara made it headquarters and his son Ajatashatru ruled over
it. Therefore, Anga became an integral part of growing Magadha
Empire.

2. MAGADHA:- .
Magadha was one of the most prominent and prosperous
Mahajanpadas. The core of the kingdom corresponded the South
portion of Bihar specially Patna, Gaya district, major part of the
Ganga river, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and conquest region of Licchavi
and Anga Mahajanpadas. It Capital was Rajagriha or Girivajra
(modern Rajgir) but later on its Capital converted into Patliputra
(modern Patna). The alluvial plains of this region and its proximity to
the iron rich areas helped the kingdom to develop good quality
weapons and support the agrarian economy. During Buddha’s
period, its boundary included the Anga. The other name of this city
was Magadhpura, Brihadrathpura, Vasumati, Kushagrapura and
Bimbisarpuri. It was an active centre of Jainism. The first Buddhist
council was held at Rajgriha in the Vaibhara hills during the time of
Haryanka king Ajatshatru.
From starting to end of Ancient period Magadh ruled by many of
strongest dynasties viz: 1. Haryanka dynasty 2. Shishunaga dynasty
3. Nanda dynasty 4. Maurya dynasty 5. Shunga dynasty
6. Kanva dynasty.

3. KASHI:-
Modern Varanasi and its suburb area were known as Kashi
Mahajanapada. The capital of Kashi Was Varanasi. The city was
bounded by river Varuna from the North and Asi from the South,
Which named it Varanasi. The Jatakas of Buddhist period speak of
long rivalry of Kashi and Kosala And Anga and Magadh.
Brahmadatta was its strongest king, who won Kosala but later on
Kosala King, Kansa won Kashi and incorporated it into Kosala.
Matsya Purana and Muslim writer Alberuni read Kashi as Kausika
and Kaushaka respectively. According to Sonnanda Jataka, “Magadh,
Anga and Kosala were under the possession of Kashi.” According to
Jatakas the
Dimension of this city was three hundred league.

4. KOSALA:-
Kosala was an Ancient Aryan kingdom, corresponded to the region
of Oudh. Its Capital was Savathi (Sravasti) which was about 60 miles
north of modern Ayodhya and at the border of Gonda And Behraich
district of Sahet-Mahet region. Kosala was located in the North-West
of Magadh Region. It was beleaguered by river Ganga from the
South, Gandak (Narayani) from the East and Himalayana Mountain
from the North. It finds mention as the centre of Vedic dharma. Its
kings Allied with the Devatas Kula (origin), which were against to
Asura, Raksha. Ikshvakuvansha (Raghuvansha) dynasty was the
longest continuous dynasty of this region. Historically, Lord Rama
Was the king of this dynasty. In Buddha’s period, Kosala divided into
two regions viz; North Kosala, which Capital was Saket and South
Kosala, which Capital was Saravasti. During the era Of Mahavira and
Buddha, this kingdom ruled by the famous king Prasenjit and
followed by his son Vidudab. Prasenjit’s sister married to Haryanka
dyanasty king Bimbsara, wherein a part of Kashi Gave as dowry.
Kosala merged into Magadhan Empire when Vidudab was its ruler.

5. MALLA:-
Malla Mahajanapada was situated in modern Devariya region of
gorkhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Malla was a republican city, which
known as “Gana”. It was divided into two confederation parts, Which
were its Capital also. First One is Malla of Kushinara (modern Kasia,
Gorakhpur) and the Second Malla of Pava (modern Padrauna), both
are very vital in the history of Buddhism and Jainism. Buddha and
Mahavira took their nirvana respectively. In Manusmriti, Mallas are
Mentioned as Vratya Kshatriya, which called as Vasishthas
(Vasetthas) in Mahaparinirvana sutra. Earlier, Mallas had monarchic
form of government but later they switched into one Sangha
(republic), which members called themselves Rajas. According to
Kush Jatak, Okkkas was the king of Malla but later this Janapada
turned into republican state. In Buddha’s time, Mallas formed an
alliance with the Licchavis for their self-defense but the Magadhan
Empire annexed their dominions.

6. Vajji or Vriji:-
Vajji Mahajanpada was also one of the principal republican
Mahajanapada. The territory of the Vajji Mahajanapada was located
on the North of the Ganga River and extended up to terrain region
of Nepal and major parts of Northern Bihar was come under Vajjis.
The Vajji clan had included by eight confederated clans wherein four
were most important viz, the Vajjis, the Licchhavis of Vaishali, the
Videhas of Mithila and the Jnatrikas of Kundgram but the identity of
other four clans are not certain. However, historically, it reckons that
the Ugra, the Bhoga, the Kaurava and the Ikshvakus were associated
with the Vajjis. The Capital of this Mahajanapada was Vaishali,
which
was very significant. Other important cities of this Janapada were
Kundapura or Kundagrama (a suburb of Vaishali), Bhoganagara and
Hatthigama.

7. Chedi:-
The Chedis, Chetis, Chetiyas had two distinct settlement, of which
one was in the mountains of Nepal and the other was related to the
Bundelkhand, Ruhelkhand, Bareily and Badaun district of Uttar
Pradesh. Its Capital was Suktimati or Sotthivati. According to the
Rigveda the Chedis were an Ancient people of India. Sisupala, who
was an ally of Jarasandh of Magadh and Duryodhan of Kuru, ruled
the Chedi kingdom. According to Hathigumpha Inscription of
Kharvela “A branch of Chedis founded as a royal dynasty in the
kingdom Kalinga.”

8 .KURU:-
The Purana traces the origin of Kuru from the Puru-Bharta family.
Aitareya Brahmana locates the Kuru in Madhyadesha and refers the
Uttarakurus as living beyond the Himalayas. The country of the Kurus
roughly corresponded to modern Haryana specially Kurukshetra,
Thaneshwar district of Delhi and Merrut and Ahichatra district of
Uttar Pradseh. According to Jatakas its Capital was Indrapratha
(modern Delhi). The Atharvaveda refers Parikshita as the king of
Kuru. According to later Vedic literatures, Kuru was associated with
the Panchalas. According to Buddhist text Sumangavilasini “the
people of Kururastra came from the Uttarakuru.” Vayu Purana
mentions that Kuru, (the son of Samvarsana of Puru lineage) was the
eponymous ancestor of the Kuru and the founder of Kururastra
(Kurukshetra).
The Kurus had matrimonial relationship with Yadavas, the Bhojas
and the Panchalas. According To Astadhyayi of Panini, Kuru was one
of the most powerful Janpadas and Hastinapur was its Capital.
Arthashatra of Kautilya (4 th century B.C.) also attests the Kuru as the
Rajashabdopajivin Constitution (monarchic government).

9. PANCHALA :-
The Panchala occupied the place to the East of the Kurus. It roughly
corresponded to the region of Modern Badaun, Farrukhabad district
of Uttar Pradesh. The Janpadas was divided into two regions, First,
Uttar or north Panchala which Capital was Ahichatra or Chatravati
(modern Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh) and second, Dakini or South
Panchala which Capital was Kampilya or Kampil (modern
Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh). Kannauj or Kanyakubj was the famous
city of Panchala. The Shaunaka and Taittriya Vedic schools were
located in the area of Panchala. The great Indian epic Mahabharata
explains that Draupadi was the princess of Panchala, who’s another
name was Panchali.

10. VATSA :-
The Vatsya, Vamas or Vachchas were stated an offshoot of the Kurus.
The Vatsa Or Vamsa country corresponded with the territory of
modern Allahabad of Uttar Pradesh. Its Capital was Kausambi.
According to Vishnupurana, the king of Hastinapur, “Nikshu”
After washing away of Hastinapur in the flood settled his second
Capital at Kausambi. Kausambi was most important and prosperous
city. A large number of millionaire merchants were resided there. In
sixth century B.C., Udayana was the ruler of the Vatsa. Yet, Udayana
was opposed to Buddhism but later he became a lay follower of
Buddha and made Buddhism the state religion.

11. MATSYA :-
The country of Matsya or Machcha tribe lay to the South of Kurus
and West of Yamuna. It corresponded to the region of Jaipur, alwar
and Bhartpur in Rajasthan. The Capital of Matsya was Virat Nagar
(Vairat) and its king was Virata. In Pali literature, Matsya was
associated with Sursenas. King Sujata ruled over both, the Chedis and
Matsyas. Thus, it proves that any time the Chedi kingdom was the
part of Matsya Mahajanapada.

12. SURASENA :- The country of the Surasena lay to the East Matsya
and West of Yamuna. It corresponded to the Mathura or Brij region
of Uttar Pradesh. Its Capital was Mathura. Avantipur the king of
surasena, was the first chief disciple of Buddha. According to
Majjhima Nikaya, Avantiputra was the son of Avanti’s king
Pradhyota’s daughter. The Ashtadhyayi of Panini referred the
Andhaka and Vrishnis people of Matura. The Vrishnis, Andhakas and
other allied tribes of the Yadavas, formed a Sangha, which sangha-
pramukhya (president) was vasudeva (Krishna). The Surasena
kingdom had lost its independence after annexation by Magadhan
Empire.

13. AVANTI :-
Avanti (modern Malya) was an important kingdom of central-
western India. It corresponded to the region of Malva, Nimar and
North-Western region of Madhya Pradesh. Vetravati River divided
Avanti into North and South region. Ujjain was the Capital of North
Avanti and Mahisati (Mahishamati) was the Capital of South Avanti.
Both Mahisati and Ujjain stood on the South high road called
Dakshinapatha extending from Rajagriha to Pratishthana (modern
Paithan). According to Pali literature Pradhotya was the king of
Avati. Ujjain was very rich in iron industry. Avanti later became part
of Magadhan Empire.

14. ASSAKA / ASMAKA:-

The country of Assaka or the Asmaka was located in Dakshinapatha
or Southern India. In buddha’s Time, Assaka was located on the bank
of the river Godavari (South of Vindhyan range). The Capital Of the
Assaka was Potana or Patil, which corresponds to Paudanya of
Mahabharata. According to Cullakalinga Jataka Asmaka king Arun
defeated the king of Kalinga. The Godavari River Separated the
country of the Assakas from the mulakas. It was the only
Mahajanapada situated to The South of Vindhayan ranges and was
in Dakshinapath. The Buddhist text Mahagovinda Suttanta Mentions
about a ruler of Assaka, Brahmadatta who ruled from Potana. Later
the people spread Southward to territory of the Rshtrakua Empire.

15. GANDHARA:-
Gandhara region roughly corresponded to modern Pakistan area of
Peshawar and Rawalpindi. Its Capital was Taxila. According to
Ramayana, Taksh, who was the son of Bharat, established Taxila.
Another name of Taxila was Pushkalvati (Charsadda). In sixth century
B.C., it was the main trade And educational centre. Its king was
Pukkusati or Puskarsarini, who had sent an advisory Committee in
the court (darbar) of Haryanka dynasty king Bimbisar of Magadh
region. In Buddhist Jataka we found Chandahara as another name of
Gandhara. In Ancient time, Taxila University was A renowned centre
of learning. The great genius of grammar, Panini and great diplomat
Kautilya Was the scholars of this university.

16. KAMBOJA:-
Kamboja Mahajanpada was also located in the Uttarapath. In
Ancient literature, the Kamboja were Associated with the Darada,
Bahlika, Hindukush, South-Western Kashmir and Kapisha. The
Capital of Kamboja was Rajpura (modern Rajori) or Hatak (in South-
West of Kashmir). It was the Neighbor state of Gandhara region.
Earlier, in Kamboja, had monarchist system but later it Converted
into democratic. Kautilaya mentioned Kambojas as
Vartashastropajivi community Means the community, which
sustenance by agriculture, trade and arms.

Rise of Magadh from the Haryaka to the

Nanda dynasty
In ancient India, there were many kingdoms, but the Magadha
Empire was the biggest, most advanced, wealthy and most
developed one.
TABLE OF CONTENT
• Magadha Empire Kings
• Sisunaga Dynasty
• Nanda Dynasty
Around 600 BC, Northern parts of India were divided into 16
small kingdoms known as “Mahajanapadas”. Avanti, Anga,
Magadha, Vatsa, Kasi, Kosala, Saurasena, Panchala, Kuru,
Matsya, Chedi, Gandhara, Kamboj, Asmaka, Vijji and Malla
are the Mahajanapadas. But among the Mahajanapadas
Magadha Empire rose as a developed and became a
superpower. The Magadha Empire was influential in every
aspect, especially in the military, political domain and
economically. King Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty was
the founder of the Magadha Empire. Magadha is situated in
the southern Bihar region. There were a lot of kings who
ruled over the Magadha empire of different dynasties, which
are mentioned below.

Magadha Empire Kings

• Bimbisara
Bimbisara is from the Harnyak dynasty. Bimbisara was the
son of Bhattiya. He ruled for fifty-two years, from 544BC to
492BC. He was the contemporary of Gautam Buddha and
Mahavira Jain. His capital is at Girivraja or Rajagriha.
Bimbisara was the first ruler to have an excellent standing
army. Magadha emerged as a superpower among the
Mahajanapadas in the reign of Bimbisara. He started the
tradition of marital relationships for political benefits. He did
follow the path of war, expansion and conquest. Bimbisara
defeated Anga several times. His administration, army,
economy and judicial system were strong and effective.
• Ajatasatru
Ajatasatru was the son of Bimbisara. He killed his father,
Bimbisara and became the ruler of Magadha. He was a
follower of Buddhism. He ruled between 492BC and 460 BC.
During his time, the 1st Buddhist council was convened in
his capital Rajgriha. It took Ajatashatru sixteen years to win
over Mahajanapada Vishali and add to his kingdom. He used
advanced war techniques and war machines for the mass
killing of enemies on the battlefield.

• Udayabhadra or udayin
Udayin was the son of Ajatasatru. Udayin was the first king
to shift his capital to Pataliputra. He was one of the last
rulers of the Harnyak dynasty. After him, three kings,
Aniruddha, Nagadasaka and Manda, came to the throne, and
they were not so strong, so the Harnyak dynasty faced its
downfall.

Sisunaga Dynasty
A revolt had happened by the people of Magadha, and the
people of the Magadha Empire overthrew Nagadaska, and his
minister Sisunaga became the king.
Sisunaga

Sisunaga was the minister of Mahajanapada Kasi before

becoming King of the Magadha Empire. The capital of
Sisunaga was at Rajagriha. He became the king in 413 BC.
Sisunaga defeated Avanti along with its capital Ujjain and
destroyed it completely. He ended the hundred year rivalry
between the Magadha kingdom and the Avanti kingdom.
Kalasoka

Kalasoka was the son of Sisunaga, he is also known as king

Kakavarna. Kalasoka again shifted his capital to pataliputra.
During his time, he hosted the second Buddhist council
meeting in Vaishali.
Nanda Dynasty
Nandas are the 1st non-Kshatriya dynasty in the Magadha
Empire.
• Mahapadma Nanda

Mahapadmananda killed Kalasoka to become king of the

Magadha Empire in 345 BC. The Nandas were considered
adharmika means they did not follow any dharma or religion.
Mahapadma Nanda ruled for 28 years. Magadha Empire
expanded under him, Kuru Mahajanapada from north to
Godavari river in south and Magadha from east to Narmada
river in west direction. He also invaded the Kalinga
Kingdom. He was also known as Ugrasena because he had a
huge army. The Nandas were very rich and cruel in nature. In
Mahapadma Nanda’s army, there were 2 lakh foot soldiers,
sixty thousand cavalries, and more than six thousand
elephant soldiers. During his time, the taxes were too high.
• Dhana Nanda

Dhana Nanda was the son of Mahapadma Nanda. Dhana

Nanda was the last king of the Nanda dynasty. Dhana Nanda
is also known as agrammes in Greek inscriptions.
Dhanananda got a huge Magadha empire from his father.
Dhana Nanda had a vast army of 2 lakhs infantry, 20
thousand cavalry, 3 thousand elephant riders and two
thousand chariot men. Dhana Nanda introduced
Nandopakramani, a measuring system. He was a harsh ruler,
and his taxes were also very high, so the people of Magadha
were in trouble during his time.
Finally, Chandragupta Maurya overthrew Dhana Nanda with
the help of Kautilya(Chanakya) and founded the Mauryan
Empire.
Reasons for Growth and Rise of Magadha Empire
1.There are many reasons for the growth and rise of
the Magadha Empire. The first one is the
Geographical reason. Magadha area was located
on the banks of perennial rivers like the Ganga, the
Ghagra, the Kosi, the Gandak and the son. Due to
the availability of waters, fertile alluvial soil, and a
good amount of rainfall, agriculture can be done in
a vast area.
2. The other is Economic reasons. The Magadha area
had a large reserve of metals like iron and copper.
This allowed the economic growth of the Magadha
empire.
3. The other reason is Political reasons. Magadha had
so many ambitions and powerful kings. They also
have good administrations overall.
4. Another reason is the Military reason. Magadha
emperors had a powerful army, using advanced
machinery and weaponry on the battlefield.

Unit -2 Achaemenion Invasions of

India
The northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent had
witnessed a series of lethal invasions. The Greeks, and
central Asian tribes like Huns, Parthians, Arabs, and Turks
all invaded India from the northwestern region.
The list of these invaders might never end. But we will shed
light on that part of Indian history that witnessed the rise
of the Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire) and their
invasion of the Indian Subcontinent.

The Persian invasion changed the history of the

northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. For
nearly 200 years the Persians ruled the northwestern part of
India and brought many changes both culturally and
economically.

They recruited Indian troops and even generated revenue

from the Indian territories which enriched their empire for
many years.

Cyrus
The Persians invaded India around the late 6th Century
BCE. This invasion led to the Cyrus (Khrush)/Cyrus the Great
(r-558-530). This man found the Achaemenid Empire and is
considered the greatest king of this empire.

He ruled the region of Media/Medes (region of modern-day

Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, and Kermanshah), Babylon, and
Persis. His empire is believed to have touched the
northwestern portion of the Indian subcontinent.
During this time Indian frontiers were not strong enough
as most of the kingdoms often fought each other which
weakened the stability of the region.

The small and vulnerable kingdoms of Gandhara, Kamboja,

and Madra were the prominent kingdoms of the
northwestern region during this time.

Classical Greek scholars like Arrian, Stabo, and

Herodotus suggested had the Persian king i.e. Cyrus had
attacked the regions of Seistan and part of Gandhara.

He is also believed to have conquered the region west of

the Indus River.

However, scholars like Megasthenes and Nearchus

suggested that Cyrus could not conquer any of the Indian
Territory. Furthermore, it is also believed that Cyrus’s first
invasion resulted in a massive failure due to the inhospitable
conditions of the desert of the Baluchistan region, while in
the second he gained some success and acquired Kabul
valley.

Darius (522-486BCE)
The successors of Cyrus had gained some success in the
eastern expansion. Darius fully conquered the region
of Punjab and Sindh in the year 518 CE. He also subjugated
Gandhara which was an important center of commerce and
culture.
Furthermore, Darius then marched towards Sindh also
known as Hiddus region. Some historians also suggest that
the Persians came as far as Jhelum but it is highly doubtful.

The inscription of king Darius mentioned his conquests of

Indian frontiers. For example, the famous Behistun
inscription mentioned that Gandhara became part of the
Persian Empire during his reign.

Persian Empire and its conquests of the Northwestern portion of the

Indian subcontinent

Also, the Naqsh e Rostam inscription had mentioned Punjab

as a part of Darius’s Empire. Later Darius also sent a naval
expedition under the leadership of Scylax/Skylas. The main
motive behind this naval expedition was to explore the
region beyond the Sindhu River.

He also divided his empire into 28 Satrapy for better

administration and the Indian region became its
20th Satrapy. It is also true that the Indian region was the
wealthiest and most fertile region of the Persian Empire.

It generated one-third of the total revenue of the Persian

Empire.

Xerxes (465-456 BCE)

During the time of Xerxes, the Indians were recruited into
the Persian army. The Persians had given special names to
the Indian troops namely Gandharians (those troops who
were recruited from Gandhara) and Indians (the troops
who were recruited from the region east of Sindhu River).

The Indian contingent of the Persian Empire fought many

battles on European soil. The battle of Thermopylae, and the
Boeotian wars are some campaigns in which Indian troops
fought.

Later when Alexander invaded Persia the Indian troops of

the Persian army also fought against the former at the
battle of Gaugamela.

The Indians carried weapons like bows, spears, and swords.

The Indians also supplied chariots, cavalry, and horses to
the Persians.

Impact of the Persian Invasion

It is believed that the Persians ruled the Indian territories
till 330 BC. Due to this both Persia and India came very close
culturally.

One impact of Persian influence which can be seen on the

North West region of the Indian sub-continent was the
popularization of the Kharoshti Script.

The Kharoshti Script is written from right to left just like

the Arabic. Also, Mauryan art was also inspired by Persian art
for example the monolithic pillars of Ashoka.
 Alexander’s Invasion in India

Alexander, the son of Philip of Macedonia, is considered to

have been one of the great conquerors of history. At the
age of twenty, he was crowned monarch in 335 BC. With a
large army gathered and the desire to control the entire
world as his motivation, Alexander set out on his
expeditions in 334 BC. India’s grandeur captured
Alexander’s attention. Before Alexander’s invasion of
northwest India, there were additional minor kings there,
such as Ambhi of Taxila and Porus of the Jhelum area
(Hydaspes).

Ambhi acquiesced in Alexander’s authority, but Porus

fought bravely but in vain. The Hydaspes War featured a
duel between Alexander and Porus. Once Alexander’s
troops arrived at the Chenab River, they occupied the
kingdoms between Ravi and Chenab. However, his
soldiers broke ranks and declined to cross the Beas River
after that.

After years of battle, they were exhausted. In 326 BC,

Alexander was forced to flee. Alexander visited Babylon in
323 BC. Following his passing in 321 BC, the Greek
Kingdom fell. Four of Alexander’s generals were sent to
various parts of northwest India. Eudamas was
Alexander’s penultimate soldier in India

IMPACT
Because Alexander Invasion of India was a relatively
insignificant event in Indian history, it had little long-
term influence on that society. Alexander’s invasion of
India made it comparatively easy for Chandragupta to
rule the numerous kingdoms and combative tribes of
Punjab. It helped move Indian unity forward. By
destroying the warlike tribes and small states, Alexander
cleared the way for the establishment of a strong empire.

Alexander’s conquest opened up four new channels,

which gave India a direct line of communication with the
European countries. The discovery of these routes
increased commerce as well. Alexander’s conquest
influenced the course of Indian history. Modern Indian
society has been widely covered in writings by Greek
authors like Megasthenes and others. The Indians
learned how to make magnificent statues and money
from the Greeks. The Gandhara School of Art was greatly
influenced by Greek sculpture. However, a number of
Greeks turned to Hinduism, and the Indians had a big
impact on philosophy.
EFFECT
Alexander’s invasion gave rise to the first occasion when
ancient Europe and ancient India came into direct
contact. The establishment of direct contact between
India and Greece in a number of fields was the invasion’s
most important result. Four different land and sea routes
were made possible thanks to Alexander’s effort. It paved
the path for Greek craftsmen and traders.

The first time that ancient Europe and ancient India came
into touch was as a result of Alexander’s invasion. The
invasion’s most significant outcome was the beginning
of direct interaction between Greece and India in several
areas. Alexander’s efforts made it feasible for four
distinct land and sea routes. It opened doors for Greek
merchants and artisans.

Alexander’s scholars have thus left behind useful

geographic records. They have also left clearly dated
records of the campaign of Alexander, enabling Indian
chronology to be built on a definite foundation for
subsequent events. We learn valuable details about
social and economic circumstances from Alexander’s
scholars. They provide information on northwest India’s
sati system and its beautiful breed of oxen.
His conquest opened the door for the Maurya Empire to
grow there. Chandragupta Maurya watched Alexander’s
army at work and learned some information that enabled
him to defeat the Nandas, according to historians.

CONCLUSION

Alexander spent about two years in India. There have

been a number of cultural interactions between Greece
and India. In particular during the Maurya era, his
invasion quickened the pace of governmental unification
in northern India. Following his invasion, direct
communication was made between India and Greece.
Following the invasion, the northwest region of India was
ruled by a number of Indo-Greek rulers. This made the
influence of Greece on Indian art evident, particularly in
the Gandhara School of Art.

Unit - 3 Mauryan Dynasty

Origin
The preceders to Mauryans, the Nanda dynasty, was overthrown by
Chandragupta Maurya in 321/324 BCE. He established the
Mauryan Dynasty with the help of his minister Kautilya, popularly
known as Chanakya.

Different sources belonging to different religious denominations

offer a variety of legends about the rise of rulers of the Mauryan
Dynasty. All sources except Buddhist sources describe Mauryan
Empire rulers as of low origin.

• According to Dhundiraja, a commentator on the Vishnu Purana,

Chandragupta was a Nanda scion and the offspring of hunter's
daughter Mura and the Nanda monarch Sarvarthasiddhi.
• On similar lines, Jaina author Hemachandra's Parishishtaparvan
attributed Chandragupta as the grandson of the clan leader of
peacock-tamers (mayura poshakas). Sandrocottus (also known as
Chandragupta) is emphatically denied royal ancestry in the Greek
narratives of Justin and Plutarch.
• But Buddhist sources such as the Digha Nikaya, Mahavamsa, and
Divyavadana attribute the origin of Mauryan Empire rulers to the
Moriyas, a khattiya (Kshatriya) clan that reigned at Pipphalivana
and is denoted by the word Kshatriya in Pali. Most probably, his
noble birth was highlighted in order to justify his royal assent.

Chandragupta Maurya
• Chandragupta Maurya is credited as being the Mauryan Empire’s
founder. He first established himself in the north-west and then
moved towards Magadha.
• An agreement between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus
Nikator is mentioned in Greek sources. Seleucus granted
 Chandragupta some significant territory in accordance with the
provisions of this treaty.
• It is stated that in return, Chandragupta gave Seleucus 500 war
elephants.
• The pact also recognised the wide freedom of inter-marrying
between Greeks and Indians.
• The only definite reference to Chandragupta Maurya is in the
2nd century CE Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman, which
mentions the building of a water reservoir called Sudarshana
lake at the time of Chandragupta.
• Some sources even suggest a connection between Chandragupta
Maurya and Jainism. For example, a few inscriptions in Shravan
Belgola Hills mention the suffix ‘Chandra’.
• It is also postulated that the founder of the Mauryan empire
Chandragupta committed sallekhana.
• The rule of Chandragupta is said to have lasted close to 24 years.

Bindusara
• Bindusara succeeded his father Chandragupta and reigned from
297 to 273 BCE.
• The Mahabhashya calls Chandragupta's successor Amitraghata,
which is a literary term for "an enemy-slayer."
• On the other hand, he was referred to as Amitrokhates or
Alitrokhates in Greek records.
• With reference to Bindusara, the sources of Buddhism are largely
mute.
• The king may have favoured the Ajivikas based on a legend
about an Ajivika fortune teller foretelling the greatness of his son
Ashoka in the future.
• His diplomatic dealings with kingdoms in the west are
mentioned in Greek sources.
 • Strabo records that the Syrian monarch Antiochus sent an
ambassador by the name of Deimachus to his court.

Ashoka
• After Bindusara's passing in 273 BCE, there was a four-year
succession dispute.
• Ashoka is considered the most important of all the Mauryan
Empire rulers.
• Bindusara wanted his son Susima to replace him, but Ashoka had
the support of his father's ministers, according to the
Divyavadana. Further, Ashoka killed 99 of his brothers to acquire
the throne of the Mauryan Empire.
• According to the Ashokavadana, a queen by the name of
Subhadrangi who was a Brahmana of Champa was Ashoka's
mother. She was kept away from the monarch by a palace plot.
• Eventually, she gave birth to a boy. She cried out, "I am now
without grief (a-soka)," and that is where the infant is said to
have gotten his name.
• Ashoka inherited a vast empire from his father Bindusara. But
the only area not under his ambit was Kalinga.
• After a ferocious campaign commanded by Ashoka, Kalinga was
finally subdued by the Mauryans in 260 BCE.
• Thousands of people were slain during the campaign, and many
more were taken prisoner. King Ashoka expressed grief about
the widespread destruction.
• Consequently, in his 13th Rock Edict, Ashoka talks about
Dhammavijaya over military victory and bloodshed.
• After the victory in the Kalinga War, the sound of the Dhamma
(dhammaghosha) officially took the place of the war drum
(bherighosha).
 • His curiosity about Buddhism and his conversion process were
both motivated by his regret about the Kalinga War.
• Ashoka also undertook a number of reforms in the
administration of the Mauryan Empire and served as an example
of future Mauryan Empire rulers.
• Another interesting feature of Ashoka’s reign was his inscriptions
and rock edicts, which provide a great deal on the administration
of the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka’s thoughts on Dhamma and
Mauryan society.
• Due to Ashoka's close ties to Buddhism, Buddhist literature
discusses him extensively. Ashoka is portrayed in these works as
a great, ideal ruler, and the descriptions of his reign and
personality are neither objective nor impartial.

The Decline of the Empire

The first empire in the history of the Indian subcontinent was
founded during the Maurya era. A vast empire demanded
innovative government tactics.

The complex administrative structure established by the Mauryas

became the core framework for subsequent policies. Ashoka is
famous for giving up all military aspirations and embracing his
spiritual side by accepting Dhamma-Vijaya over military victory.
He made the decision to advance the Dhamma in order to
consolidate his far-flung heterogeneous empire into a single
framework. But the later Mauryan Empire rulers were inefficient to
carry on the legacy of their ancestors.

Unit - 4 Post Mauryan period

Sunga Dynasty
 • The Sunga Dynasty ruled East India from 185 BCE to 73 BCE.
• This dynasty succeeded the Mauryas in the Magadha region.
• The major reasons for the decline of the Mauryan Empire were
the death of Ashoka, Foreign invasions in North West, Regional
powers such as Kalinga became independent.
• Sunga belonged to the Brahmin family of the Bharadvaja clan.
• They held the viceroyship of the Ujjain region during Mauryan
rule.
• The Sunga empire included Ganga valley up to Narmada River,
Parts of Northern India, and Vidisha.
• The capital of the Sunga dynasty in the initial period was
Pataliputra.
• Later the capital was changed to Vidisha.
• The major cities of the Sunga Dynasty included Ujjain, Saket,
Sanchi, Mathura, and Kapilavastu.
• The information about the Sunga dynasty can be found in Gargi
Samhita, Patanjali’s Mahabhasya, Divyavadana, Kalidasa’s
Malavikagnimitram, and Bana’s Harshacharita.

Important Rulers
Pushyamitra Sunga
• The founder of the Sunga Dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga.He
was a Brahmin and army chief under Brihadratha, the last
Mauryan King.
• After defeating Brihadratha in an internal revolt, Pushyamitra
established Sunga Empire in 180 BC with its capital at
Pataliputra.
• Pushyamitra encountered attacks from Greek kings Menander
and Demetrius and emerged victorious in the battles.
 • The details of these battles are found in Gargi Samhita and
Malavikagnimitram.
• He also defeated Kharavela, Kalinga king in a battle.
• Pushyamitra also conquered the Vidarbha region.
• Divyavandana’s book describes Pushyamitra as the destroyer of
Buddhist monasteries and their places of worship.
• Pushyamitra Sunga was a follower of Buddhism. Although some
historians portray him as anti-Buddhist, there is no authoritative
evidence to the claims made.
• He renovated Buddhist stupas at Sanchi and Barhut and also
built a stone gateway at Sanchi.
• He was known to perform Vedic sacrifices like Vajapeya and
Rajasuya. Also, as per the Ayodhya inscription of Dhanadeva, he
performed Ashvamedha or horse sacrifice.
• Patanjali, a Sanskrit grammarian, was patronized by Pushyamitra
Sunga.
• Puranas state that Pushyamitra Sunga’s reign lasted for 36 years.

Agnimitra
• Agnimitra was the son of Pushyamitra Sunga.
• He ruled the Sunga Empire from 149 BC to 141 BC.
• By the time Agnimitra succeeded to the throne, the Vidarbha
region broke away from the Sunga empire and became
independent.
• He is mentioned in Kalidasa’s most acclaimed poem
Malavikagnimitram.
• After Agnimitra, his son Sujyeshta and his son Vasumitra
succeeded to the throne.

Later Rulers
• The details of Vasumitra successors are not known.
• Historians came up with different names such as Andhraka,
Vajramitra, Ghosha, and Pulindaka, etc.
• Heliodorus, the Greek ambassador stayed at the court of King
Bhagavat.
• Bhagavat was identified with Kasipurra Bhagabhadra of Vidisha
pillar inscription.
• Devabhuti was the last known Sunga King. As per Bhanabhatta,
he was killed by his minister, Vasudeva Kanva.

Satavahana Dynasty
Origin
The dynasty’s origins are unknown, but their first king, according
to the Puranas, overthrew the Kanva dynasty.
The Satavahanas established peace in the Deccan region and
resisted foreign invaders in the post-Maurya era. Their conflicts
with the Saka Western Satraps, in particular, lasted a long time.
Gautamiputra Satakarni and his successor Vasisthiputra
Pulamavi led the dynasty to its pinnacle. By the early third
century CE, the kingdom had disintegrated into smaller states.
Simuka is mentioned as the first king in a list of royals discovered
at Naneghat in a Satavahanas inscription, and he is referred to as
such. According to numerous Puranas, the dynasty’s first
monarch reigned for 23 years.
According to the Puranas, the first Andhra ruler ended the reign
of the Kanva monarchs.

Rulers
Simuka
• Simuka founded the Satavahana Dynasty and is credited with
destroying the Shunga Power. He accomplished this with the
help of the Rathikas and Bhojakas.
• He reigned for approximately 23 years before being beheaded by
his brother Kanha, who succeeded him.
• Kanha was the Satavahana Dynasty’s second ruler. He expanded
the empire southward. Satkarni-I, Simuka’s son, succeeded him.
• *For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Simuka-Rulers of
Satavahana Dynasty.

Satakarni I (70-60 BC)

• Satakarni-I, also known as Sri Satkarni, was a great ruler among
the Early Satavahanas and the son of Simuka.
• His queen’s name was Naganika, and he was known as the Lord
of Dakshinpatha. Kanha expanded his empire to the south, to
the Malwa and Narmada valleys.
• He performed the Ashvamedha and Rajsuya Yajnas.
• *For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Satakarni I (70-60
BC)-Rulers of Satavahana Dynasty.

Hala
• Hala, the 17th King of the Satavahana line, was another great
Satavahana king. He had compiled the “Gatha saptasati” or Gaha
Sattasai, which was primarily a love text.
• He is also mentioned in the Lilavati text. These rulers were only
minor rulers who were subject to Kanvas’ suzerainty.
• The Satavahanas’ expansion was checked shortly after Satakarni
II.
• The Shakas drove them south, and the western Deccan was
taken over by Shaka King Nahapana.

Gautamiputra Satakarni(106 – 130 AD )

• Gautamiputra Satkarni, known as the Destroyer of Shaka,
Pahalava, and Yavana Power, resurrected Satavahana’s lost
power. Gautamiputra Satkarni is known to have recovered the
Satvahans completely and sharply. His mother Gautami
mentioned his accomplishments in the Nasik Inscription.
• His empire spanned Eastern and Western Malwa, the Narmada
Valley, Vidarbha, Western Rajputana, Saurastra, and even
Kalinga.
• Gautamiputra is described in Nasik Prasasti as the ruler of the
Aparanta, Anupa, Saurashtra, Kukura,Akara, and Avanti. In the
south, his reign extended all the way to Kanchi. He took the titles
of Raja-raja and Maharaja.
• The Puranic inscription names other Satavahanas after
Gautamiputra Satkarni, including Pulumayi, Sri Satkarni, Shiva
Sri, Shivaskanda Satkarni, Madhariptra Sakasena, and Sri Yajna
Satkarni.

Vashishthiputra Pulumayi (c. 130 – 154 CE)

• Vasishthiputra Pulumavi, the successor of Gautamiputra
Satakarni, expanded the Satavahana Empire’s borders. His coins
can be found all over south India.
• Yagnashri Satakarni was another famous ruler who issued coins
with a ship motif, indicating the importance of overseas trade
during his reign.
 • Vashishti Putra Pulumayi’s inscriptions and coins have been
discovered in Andhra Pradesh.
• According to the inscriptions in Junagadh, he married
Rudradaman I’s daughter.
• Because of eastern engagements, the Shaka-Kshatrapas were
able to reclaim a few territories and lands.

Yajna Sri Satakarni (c. 165 – 194 CE)

• Yajna Sri Satakarni, also known as Gautamiputra Yajna Sri, was a
Satavahana dynasty Indian ruler. He was Vashishtiputra
Satakarni’s brother.
• He is regarded as the Satavahana dynasty’s final great king. He
reclaimed some of the territory lost to the Shakas (Western
Satraps) during the reign of Vashishtiputra Satakarni.
• He defeated the Western Satraps and took back their southern
territories in western and central India.
• After Yajna Sri Satakarni, the Satavahana began to decline, while
the Western Satraps prospered for another two centuries.

Unit – V Foreign Dynasties

Greeks
Northern India was split into several kingdoms after the
decline of the Mauryas. The Sungas came to power in about
185 BC in the Magadha region. After sungas kanvas came to
power but he was later defeated by the Satavahanas originally
from the Deccan. The central Asia and Northwest powers
were constantly attacken Northwest India. In 180 Bc the Indo-
Greek or the Graeco-Indian Kingdom was established, when
the Graeco-Bactrian king Demetrius invaded the Indian
subcontinent.

The initial presence of Greeks in India

1. Alexander general Seleucus Nicator, founded the Seleucid

Empire after Alexander invaded the northwest part of the
subcontinent.
2. After the war between the Seleucus and Chandragupta
Maurya, he surrendered most parts to the west of the
Indus, including the Hindu Kush, today's Afghanistan, and
Balochistan to the Mauryan King.
3. After the war megasthenes were sent to reside at
Maurya’s court. Deimachus and Dionysius were the other
residents at Mauryan court.
4. In the Mauryan Empire, Greek communities lived in the
north-western part as evident from Ashoka’s edicts.
5. Mauryas take care of foreigners like Yavanas and
Persians.
6. Greeks were called Yavans and Yonas in ancient Indian
sources

Greek Kingdom
1. In between the 2nd century BC to the origin of the first
century AD, the Indo-greek kingdom was ruled by over 30
Hellenistic kings in the northwest and north India.
 2. In 180 BC Graeco-Bactrian king Demetrius attacked India.
He occupied southern Afghanistan and parts of Punjab.
3. The greek kings understood Indian culture and became
political entities with a mix of Indian culture and greek
culture.
4. The Indo- greek kingdoms were under the euthydemus
rule for about 25 years.
5. Many coins of this period were found under the earth and
most of the information we get about this period is from
these coins carrying Indian and Greek inscriptions on
them. Most of the coins found contain Indian deities.
6. After the death of Demetrius the civil wars among the
many Bactrian kings facilitated the independent kingdom
of Apollodorus I, Apollodorus was the first proper Indo-
Greek king.
7. Gandhara and western Punjab were also covered in his
kingdom.
8. There are many Kings in Indo-Greek where Buddhists and
Buddhism were expanded under Greek kings rule.
9. Greek kings apply their most of the influence is mostly
seen in art and sculpture, particularly the Gandhara
school of art.

Menander I (Reign: 155 or 150 BC – 130 BC)

1. Minedra, Minadra, or Milinda were the other names of
Menander I Soter.
2. He was the first king of Bactria. His kingdom extended
from Ravi river in the east to Kabul river valley in the west
 and from Swat valley in the north to Arachosia(Helmand
in Afghanistan).
3. He went as far as Rajasthan and Pataliputra.
4. Menander I was converted to Buddhis and patronized the
faith.
5. His son Strato I succeeded Menander I and he died in
130BC.
6. In 100 BC the Milinda Panha records a dialogue between
Buddhists and the Milinda sage Nagasena.
7. This script is available in the Pali version now, but this is
originally written in Sanskrit. In the end, Milinda accepts
Buddhism and converts.

The Decline of the Kingdom

• The ultimate Indo-Greek king was Strato II. He governed
the Punjab region till 55 BC, some states until 10 AD.
• Their rule terminated with the incursions of the Indo-
Scythians (Sakas).
• It is considered that the Greek people continued for
several centuries more in India under the Indo-Parthians
and the Kushans.

Saka Dynasty
Origin
• The succession of King Chashtana marks the beginning of
the Saka Era. The Saka Era spans 11 to 52 years.
• This information was obtained from King Chashtana's
inscriptions.
• Scythians (also known as Sakas in Indian literature) were
nomadic pastoral nomads from Iran.
• In the second century BC, central Asian nomadic tribes
and tribes from the Chinese area entered the Scythian-
inhabited territory of modern-day Kazakhstan.
• This encouraged the Scythians to migrate to Bactria and
Parthia.
• They marched towards India after conquering the
Parthian monarch. Indo-Scythians are Scythians who
moved to India.
• The Sakas possessed a greater Indian dominion than the
Indo-Greeks.
• Maues/Moga (1st century BC) was the first Saka monarch
of India, establishing Saka dominance in Gandhara and
the Indus Valley.
• The Indo-Scythians consolidated their control over
northwestern India, defeating the Indo-Greeks and other
local kingdoms. The Kushan Empire, either Kujula
Kadphises or Kanishka, appears to have subdued the
Indo-Scythians.
• Nonetheless, the Saka continued to reign as satrapies,
constituting the Northern and Western Satraps.
• The Indo-Scythians appear to have been Buddhists, and
many of their customs appear to have maintained those of
the Indo-Greeks.
 • After the Satavahana monarch Gautamiputra
Satakarni conquered the Indo-Scythians in the 2nd
century CE, the Saka kings' influence began to wane.

Rulers
Maues (Reign 98/50 BC – 60/57 BC)
• The first Indo-Scythian monarch was Maues, also known
as Moga.
• He was the ruler of Gandhara (present Pakistan and
Afghanistan).
• He attempted but failed to attack the Indo-Greek
provinces.
• Sirkap was his capital (Punjab, Pakistan).
• Many Maues coins have been discovered. They include
Buddhist and Hindu symbols. Greek and Kharoshti were
the languages used on these coins.
• By conquering Hippostratos, his son Azes I gained control
of the remaining Indo-Greek lands.

Chashtana (Reign 78 AD – 130 AD)

• He reigned over Ujjain as a Saka monarch of the Western
Kshatrapas (Satraps) dynasty.
• The Saka Era is thought to have begun with his ascent to
power in 78 AD.
• Ptolemy calls him "Tiasthenes" or "Testenes."
• He founded the Bhadramukhas, one of the two great Saka
Kshatrapa kingdoms in northwest India.
 • The other dynasty was the Kshaharatas, who featured
King Nahapana (who was defeated by Satavahana king
Gautamiputra Satakarni).

Rudradaman I (Reign 130 AD – 150 AD)

• He is regarded as the greatest Saka ruler. He is a
descendant of the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• He was Chastana's grandchild. His domain encompassed
the Konkan, Narmada valley, Kathiawar, and other
portions of Gujarat and Malwa.
• He was in charge of repairing Sudarshana Lake in
Kathiawar.
• He turned to Hinduism after marrying a Hindu woman.
• In addition, he published the first extended inscription in
chaste Sanskrit.
• After becoming king, he acquired the title Makakshatrapa.
• He had marital ties with the Satavahanas. His son-in-law
was Vashishtiputra Satakarni. He did, however, fight in
countless conflicts alongside them.
• He reclaimed most of the regions previously held by
Nahapana via conquests.
• He was an advocate for Sanskrit literature and cultural
arts.
• During Rudradaman's reign, the Greek
writer Yavaneshwara lived in India and translated the
Yavanajataka from Greek to Sanskrit.
Decline
• After their defeat at the hands of Satavahana Emperor
Gautamiputra Satakarni, the Saka Empire began to
decline.
• The Sakas ruled northwest India and Pakistan until the
death of Azes II (12 BC), when the territory was taken
over by the Kushanas.
• Their dominion in western India ended in the 4th century
AD, when the last Western Satrap
Saka monarch, Rudrasimha III, was defeated by
Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty.

Kushana Dynasty
Origin
• The Kushans were one of the broad parts of Yuezhi, the
first people who were described as nomadic pastoralists
in the history of china. They used to live in western
China’s Gansu during the First millennium BC.
• After a major victory of Xiongnu, they split into two
groups in 176 B.C. and started migrating to northern
Afghanistan, and most of them settled in ancient Bactria.
• The Yuezhi transformed themselves into a powerful group
across South and Central Asia by embracing the cultural
values of many linguistic and ethnic groups.
• In the second century B.C.E., they took control of Bactria
by defeating its people in wars. They divided Bactria into
 five states, one of which was known as the Kushans or
Guishuang.
• A hundred years later, the chief of Kushans merged all
other four states into the Kushana Empire. After defeating
Parthians and Sakas, they moved towards east India.

Kujula Kadphises [30 – 80 C.E.]

• He was the first Yuezhi who founded Kushana Empire
after the partition of the Yuezhi group. His son Vima Taktu
Kadphises or Sadashkana succeeded him.
• He expanded and made the Kushan empire affluent into
northwest India by trading with Romans. He issued coins
that exhibit the figures of many Dharmas including God
Shiva.

Kanishka Kadphises [127 C. – 150 C.E.]

• He was the son of Vima Taktu Kadphises and the
successor of his father for the Kushana Empire. And the
Kushana Dynasty was acknowledged as the great power
of its time under his rule.
• He developed Mahayana, Gandhara, and Mathura to
spread great teachings of Buddhism among people of
that time.
• The main Capitals were Purusapura and Kapisa. The
house in which he used to live was known as Kushan
Shahs.
• Afghanistan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Magadha
(excluding smaller parts), Malwa, Banaras, minor parts of
 Bengal, Khotan, Kashgar, Yarkand, Gandhara, Peshawar,
Oudh, Mathura, Southern Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and
Some parts of Sindh Province and Parthia was also under
his kingdom.
• Kanishka’s native language is not known, though Kushan
used the eastern Iranian language to communicate with
local communities during his reign.
• The coins issued in his period exhibit the figures of Greek
had by some other countries deities, but later on, he was
depicted as a man in the long coat on those coins. His
gold coins represented Buddha.
• He also administered the fourth Buddhist Council at
Kuldanvana in Kashmir, presided by Vasumitra and
Ashwaghosa who were among the top scholars during
Kanishka’s rule. These things give an indication that he
was a devotee of Lord Buddha.

Decline
• Vasudeva was the last king of Kushan who died in 232
A.D.
• After his death, the Sasanian dynasty rose to power in
Iran and North India and Kushan rule declined gradually.

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