Unveiling Ancient Wisdom: Sunga Dynasty

By Cdr Alok Mohan and Dr Mehta Vasishtha Dev Mohan

The Sunga dynasty, also known as the Pushyamitra Sunga dynasty, was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled from approximately 185 BCE to 73 BCE. Their reign marked a significant period in Indian history, primarily known for its role in the post-Mauryan era.
Key points about the Sunga dynasty:
A. Founder: The dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga, who was a general in the Mauryan Empire. He is known for overthrowing the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, and establishing the Sunga dynasty.
B. Mauryan Empire, which had been a dominant force in India for several centuries. Pushyamitra Sunga's coup against Brihadratha was often linked to his Brahminical leanings, as he was a patron of Brahmin scholars and is believed to have promoted Brahminical traditions over Buddhist ones.
B. Hinduism, which had been somewhat overshadowed by Buddhism during the Mauryan era. Pushyamitra Sunga is believed to have been responsible for the reestablishment of Hindu practices, including the patronage of Brahmins and the performance of Vedic rituals.
C. Art and Architecture: The Sunga period also saw notable advancements in art and architecture. Some of the earliest known stone railings and gateways of Buddhist stupas, adorned with intricate carvings, belong to this period. These architectural elements laid the foundation for the later development of Buddhist art in India.
D. Territories: The Sunga dynasty's rule extended over a significant part of northern and central India, although their control was not as extensive as that of the Mauryas.
E. End of the Dynasty: The Sunga dynasty ruled for about 112 years before eventually declining in power. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti, faced invasions from the Indo-Greek ruler Demetrius II around 73 BCE, leading to the dynasty's downfall.
The Sunga dynasty's significance lies in its role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of ancient India. While they promoted Hinduism and Brahminical traditions, they also continued to support Buddhism and Jainism, fostering an environment of religious tolerance. Their contributions to art and architecture, particularly in the context of Buddhist monuments, left a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of India

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CKZKXP78
• ISBN13: 9798864043851
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.0" x 8.0"