Post –Maury/ Pre - Gupta Period (185 BC 319 AD)

Native Successors of Mauryas

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

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

                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 .

                Pushyamitra was succeeded b yhis son Agnimitra , the hero of Kalidasa’s drama ‘Malvikagnimitra ‘

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

               During their rule there was a revival of Brahminical influence. The Bhagavata religion become important.

               Patenjali, author of the ‘Mahabhasya’ was born at Gonarda in Central India. Patanjali was the Priest pf 2 asvamedia Yajnas, Performed  by Pushymitra Sunga.

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

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

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