Sunga Dynasty

Sunga Dynasty came after Mauryan Dynasty. Established by Pushymitra Sunga Commander – in Chief in Briharidata.

Sunga Dynasty Period – 185 BC-73 BC

• Capital – Vidisha(M.P)
• Sunga Dynasty was established by Pushymitra Sunga, a Brahmin Commander – in – chief of last Mauryan https://iqmaths.in/general-knowledge/maurya-empire/ ruler Briharidata in 185 BC.
• Pushymitra Sunga was a staunch adhernt of orthodox Hinduism. However, the great Budhhist stupa at Bharhut(M.P) was built during the reign of Sungas.
• Pushyamitra was succeeded by his son Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s drama Malvikaagnimitra.
• After Agnimitra, a series of weak rulers such as Vasumitra, Vajramitra , Bhagabhadra, Devabhuti, followed, leading to the decline of Sunga Dynasty.
• During their rule Their was a revival of Brahnmical Influence. The Bhagvata religion become important.
• Patanjali author of the ‘Mahabhasya’, was born at Gonarda in Central India. Patanjali was the preist of 2 Asvamedha Yajnas, Perfomed by Pushymitra Sunga.
• In Arts, the Bharhut stupa is the most famous monument of the Sunga Dynasty.
• The fine gateway railing which suurounds, the sanchi stupa, built by Ashoka https://iqmaths.in/general-knowledge/ashoka-indian-emperor/ constructed during Sunga Period.
• other examples of Sunga Art : Vihar, Chaitya and stupa of Bhaja(poona), Amaravati stupa, Nasika Chaitya etc.