Shungas | CUET PG History | Notes

The Shunga Dynasty came into power after the decline of the Mauryan Empire in around 185 BCE. The Shunga Empire included territories from the river Ganga up to the Narmada Valley, Vidisha, and parts of Northern India. Initially, the capital of the empire was Patliputra but later it was shifted to Vidisha. 

Shunga Dynasty: Background

• The Shunga 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. 
• Shunga 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 Shunga dynasty can be found in Gargi Samhita, Patanjali’s Mahabhasya, Divyavadana, Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram, and Bana’s Harshacharita. 
• Important Rulers