Post Mauryan Period
Published on 15 Oct 2025
The post-Mauryan period refers to the era that followed the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. It spans from approximately the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE and is characterized by significant political, cultural, and social changes across the subcontinent.
Post Mauryan Empires
Cultural and Religious Contribution of Kushana Dynasty
The Kushana Dynasty, which ruled a vast empire in Central and South Asia from the 1st to the 3rd century CE, made significant cultural and religious contributions. Originating from the region of Bactria, located in present-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the Kushanas expanded their empire across a vast territory that encompassed parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Cultural Contribution:
Greco-Buddhist Syncretism: The Kushanas facilitated a unique blend of Greek and Buddhist cultural elements, resulting in a syncretic art style.
Example: Greek influence can be observed in the sculptural depictions of Buddha and bodhisattvas, infused with Hellenistic artistic ideals and drapery techniques
Cultural Exchange along the Silk Road: The Kushana Empire's control over key sections of the Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange between East and West.
Example: It contributed to the cosmopolitan nature of Kushana society and influenced the artistic traditions of neighbouring regions.
Gandhara Art: The Kushanas played a pivotal role in the development of Gandhara art, which emerged in the region of Gandhara (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan).
Example: Gandhara art blended elements from Hellenistic, Persian, and Indian artistic traditions.
Coins: Kushan kings introduced gold and copper coins, a large number of them have survived till today.
Example: It was the Kushan emperor, Vima Kadaphises who introduced the first gold coins of India.
Religious Contributions:
Buddhist Patronage: The Kushanas played a crucial role in the transmission and spread of Gandhara Buddhism to various regions.
Example: Kanishka had the original Gandhari vernacular, or Prakrit Buddhist texts translated into the language of Sanskrit.
Influence on Mahayana Buddhism: The Kushana Empire played a significant role in the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism, a major branch of Buddhism, emphasizes compassion and the concept of the bodhisattva.
Example: Kanishka convened the fourth great Buddhist council in Kashmir, in 72A.D. promoting Mahayana Buddhism.
Religious Tolerance: The Kushana Empire exhibited a spirit of religious tolerance, allowing for the coexistence of various religious traditions within their realm.
Example: While Buddhism received significant support, other religious communities, such as Hindus, Jains, and Zoroastrians, also flourished during the Kushana period.
Administrative Contributions:
Administrative organisation: Kushan rulers accepted the prevalent Indian and Chinese concept of the divinity of kingship and borrowed the Achaemenid and subsequently Indo-Greek and Indo-Parthian system of appointing satraps as provincial governors, while the feudal lord (dandanayaka) was their own creation.
The Kushana Dynasty's cultural and religious contributions left a lasting impact on the artistic, religious, and intellectual landscapes of Central and South Asia. Their patronage of Buddhism, development of Gandhara art, architectural achievements, and facilitation of cultural exchange played a significant role in the cross-pollination of ideas and the development of regional identities in the region.
Support extended by Kushana to the development of Buddhism
Sponsorship of Buddhist Stupas and Viharas: The Kushanas sponsored the construction of Buddhist stupas and viharas (monastic dwellings). Stupas were monumental structures that housed relics of the Buddha or other important Buddhist figures.
Example: Shaji-ki-Dheri, the Great Stupa of Kanishka in present-day Afghanistan.
Support for Buddhist Scholars and Teachers: The Kushanas supported Buddhist scholars, teachers, and translators.
Example: Vasumitra who wrote Mahavibhasa was under patronage of Kanishka I.
Promotion of Buddhist Art: The Kushanas played a crucial role in the development and promotion of Buddhist art. They commissioned and supported the creation of magnificent Buddhist sculptures, reliefs, and murals.
Example: The Kushanas' patronage led to the emergence of distinctive art styles, such as the Gandhara and Mathura art.
Expansion of Buddhist Networks: The Kushana Empire's vast territory and control over key trade routes, including the Silk Road, facilitated the spread of Buddhism beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Example: Fourth Buddhist Council led to expansion of Buddhist influence into Central Asia, China, and other parts of Asia.
Significant contribution of Sunga Dynasty to Cultural and Social Development
The Sunga dynasty was established in 185 B.C.E., about 50 years after Ashoka’s death, when the king Brihadrata, the last of the Mauryan rulers, was assassinated by the then commander-in-chief of the Mauryan armed forces, Pushyamitra Sunga.
Religious and Philosophical Revival:
Revival and Patronage of Hinduism: They re-established Hindu religious practices and supported Brahmanical traditions, including the performance of Vedic rituals and the construction of Hindu temples.
Example: Pushyamitra Sunga performed Vedic sacrifices such as Ashvamedha, Rajasuya and Vajapeya.
Tolerance towards Buddhism and Jainism: The Sunga Dynasty displayed religious tolerance by allowing the coexistence of different religious traditions. While they revived and patronized Hinduism, they did not suppress other religions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
Example: Agnimitra renovated the stupa of Barhut and Sanchi.
Art and Architecture:
Promotion of Sculpture and Relief Carvings: They constructed several magnificent stupas, intricate carvings and depiction of stories from the life of the Buddha. There was an increase in the usage of human figures and symbols in art during this period.
Example: Barhut Stupa in present-day Madhya Pradesh,
Literary and Intellectual Pursuits:
Resurgence of Sanskrit Literature: Scholars composed Sanskrit texts, including plays, poetry, and philosophical treatises.
Example: Patanjali, a Sanskrit grammarian, was patronized by Pushyamitra Sunga.
The cultural and social contributions of the Sunga Dynasty played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of ancient India. Their revival of Hinduism, promotion of art and architecture, support for literature and intellectual pursuits all left a lasting impact on the cultural, religious, and social fabric of the time.