The Sunga Dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled from around 185 BCE to 73 BCE. It was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga after he assassinated the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha. The Sunga dynasty is known for its significant contributions to art, culture, and religion, particularly the revival of Hinduism and the patronage of Buddhist art.
Summary
The Sunga Dynasty was founded in 185 BCE by Pushyamitra Sunga after he assassinated the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha Maurya. The dynasty contributed to art, culture, and education, supporting renovations at Buddhist sites like Sanchi and Bharhut. Important works like Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram were created during this time. Pushyamitra also performed the Ashvamedha ritual to establish his authority. The dynasty faced challenges, including Indo-Greek invasions. It ended in 73 BCE with the assassination of the last ruler, Devabhuti, by Vasudeva Kanva, who started the Kanva Dynasty. The Sungas are remembered for preserving Indian culture and inspiring future rulers.
◾Explore: All Latest Posts on Indian History
Origin of Sunga Dynasty
The Sunga Dynasty was established in 185 BCE after the assassination of the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha Maurya, by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga. This marked the end of the Mauryan Empire and the beginning of the Sunga rule.
Assassination of Brihadratha Maurya by Pushyamitra Sunga
Pushyamitra Sunga, who was the Brahmin army chief of Brihadratha, assassinated the Mauryan emperor during a military parade.
According to historical accounts, Pushyamitra used the pretext of showing the strength of the Mauryan army to Brihadratha and then crushed him to death.
This act led to Pushyamitra declaring himself the new ruler and establishing the Sunga Dynasty.
Establishment of the Sunga Dynasty in 185 BCE
After the assassination of Brihadratha, Pushyamitra Sunga took control of the throne and established the Sunga Dynasty in 185 BCE.
The capital of the Sunga Empire was Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), and later emperors also held court at Besnagar (modern Vidisha) in eastern Malwa. Pushyamitra ruled for 36 years and was succeeded by his son, Agnimitra.
Sources of Information on the Sunga Dynasty
Several sources provide information about the Sunga Dynasty, including:
- Gargi-Samhita: A text that offers insights into the political and social aspects of the Sunga period.
- The Divyavadana: A Buddhist text that contains stories about the persecution of Buddhists by Pushyamitra Sunga.
- Patanjali’s Mahabhashya: A commentary on Panini’s grammar, which mentions the reign of Pushyamitra and his contributions to Sanskrit literature.
- Ashokavadana: A part of the Divyavadana, which narrates the alleged persecution of Buddhists by Pushyamitra.
- Yuga Purana: A Hindu text that describes historical events, including the invasion of the Indo-Greeks during the Sunga period.
These sources help historians and scholars understand the political, cultural, and religious developments during the Sunga Dynasty.
Important Rulers of the Sunga Dynasty
| Rulers of Sunga Dynasty | Reign |
| Pushyamitra Sunga | 185 – 149 BCE |
| Agnimitra | 149 – 141 BCE |
| Vasujyestha | 141 – 131 BCE |
| Vasumitra | 131 – 124 BCE |
| Bhadraka | 124 – 122 BCE |
| Pulindhaka | 122 – 119 BCE |
| Ghosha | 119 – 108 BCE |
| Vajramitra | 108 – 94 BCE |
| Bhagabadra | 94 – 83 BCE |
| Devabhuti | 83 – 73 BCE |
Pushyamitra Sunga
- Pushyamitra Shunga (or Pushpamitra Shunga) was the founder and first ruler of the Shunga Empire, which came after the Maurya Empire.
- He ruled around 185 BCE to 149 BCE.
- His original name was Pushpaka or Pushpamitra, and the confusion in names occurred due to mistakes in reading ancient manuscripts.
- Pushyamitra performed the Ashvamedha ritual, a ceremony to declare his authority as a ruler.
- Evidence of Shunga rule has been discovered in places like Ayodhya, as mentioned in the Dhanadeva–Ayodhya inscription.
- The Buddhist text Divyavadana claims his empire extended to Sakala (modern Sialkot, Pakistan) in the northwestern Punjab region.
- Some Buddhist sources accuse Pushyamitra of persecuting Buddhists, but modern scholars disagree with these claims.
- Pushyamitra Shunga faced challenges from Kharavela of Kalinga, who invaded North India.
- Despite being criticized in some texts, he supported Buddhist arts, as shown by the renovation of Buddhist monuments at Sanchi and Bharhut during his rule.
- Some Buddhist texts, like Ashokavadana (a part of the Divyavadana), claim that Pushyamitra persecuted Buddhists, but these claims are debated among scholars.
Agnimitra
- Agnimitra Shunga was the second emperor of the Shunga Dynasty, ruling northern and central India from 149 BCE to 141 BCE.
- He succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, as the ruler of the empire.
- Both the Vayu Purana and Brahmanda Purana state that his reign lasted for eight years.
- Kalidasa, in his play Malavikagnimitram, mentions that Agnimitra was from the Brahmin Baimbika family, but the Puranas identify him as part of the Shunga lineage.
- Before becoming emperor, he served as the viceroy (Goptri) of Vidisha during his father’s rule.
- Malavikagnimitram also describes a conflict between Agnimitra and Yajnasena, the ruler of Vidarbha, in which the Shungas emerged victorious.
- Agnimitra had three queen-consorts: Dharini (mother of Vasumitra, the fourth Shunga emperor), Iravati, and Malavika (a princess from Vidarbha).
- He was succeeded by his son, Vasujyestha, who ruled the Shunga Empire from 141 BCE to 131 BCE.
Vasumitra
- Vasumitra was the fourth emperor of the Shunga Dynasty, ruling from 131 BCE to 124 BCE.
- He was the son of Agnimitra and Empress Dharini, making him the half-brother of Vasujyestha, the previous ruler.
- Matsya Purana and Bana’s Harshacharita refer to him as Sumitra.
- The play Malavikagnimitram mentions that Vasumitra acted as the guardian of the sacrificial horse during Pushyamitra Shunga’s Ashvamedha ritual.
- He is noted for defeating the Yonas (Indo-Greeks) near the banks of the River Indus while protecting the sacrificial horse.
- Vasumitra was succeeded by Bhadraka in 124 BCE.
- He was also the stepson of Malavika, Agnimitra’s third wife.
Devabhuti
- Devabhuti (also known as Devbhomi) was the last emperor of the Shunga Dynasty, ruling from 83 BCE to 75 BCE.
- He ascended the throne after Bhagabhadra, who ruled from 94 BCE to 83 BCE.
- Devabhuti’s reign marked the decline of the Shunga Dynasty, with the emperors having little actual power and being controlled by their ministers.
- According to Bana’s Harshacharita, Devabhuti was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, who received help from a woman disguised as the empress.
- Devabhuti was known for his fondness for women and indulgence in sensual pleasures, which contributed to his downfall.
- After his assassination, the Kanva Dynasty was established by Vasudeva Kanva, marking the end of the Shunga rule.
Cultural Contributions of the Sunga Dynasty
- The Shunga Dynasty contributed significantly to art, philosophy, education, and other fields of learning.
- Buddhist stupas such as Sanchi and Bharhut were renovated and expanded during their reign.
- Sculptures of Yakshas and Yakshis, in standing positions, have been discovered from Gwalior and Mathura, showcasing the artistic achievements of the Shunga period.
- The Besnagar pillar inscription in Vidisha belongs to this era, written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
- Notable literary works from this period include:
- Yoga Sutras and Mahabhasya, composed by the sage Patanjali.
- The play Malavikagnimitram by Kalidasa romanticized the love story of Malavika and King Agnimitra against a backdrop of court intrigue.
- Despite debates on their religious policies, Buddhist activity survived in central India during the Shunga rule, as evidenced by architectural expansions at Sanchi and Bharhut.
Script of the Sunga Dynasty
The Sunga Dynasty used a version of the Brahmi script to write in Sanskrit. This script is believed to have been a link between the Mauryan script and the Kalinga Brahmi script.
Legacy
- The Shunga Empire significantly contributed to Indian culture, especially during a time of major developments in Hindu thought.
- The period is remembered for its role in enriching India’s spiritual traditions, which have provided insights into the world.
- The Shunga rulers established a tradition of royal patronage for learning and art, setting a precedent for future dynasties.
- This support ensured that Indian culture remained vibrant, creative, and enduring across centuries.
Greek Incursions and Military Conflicts during the Sunga Dynasty
- Greek incursions: Patanjali’s Mahabhasya mentions that there were Greek invasions during the Sunga rule.
- Yuga Purana: A Hindu text that talks about historical events, including the Indo-Greek attack on Pataliputra, the capital of the Sunga Empire.
- Conflict with Yajnasena: The Malavikagnimitra describes a battle between Pushyamitra Sunga and Yajnasena, the King of Vidarbha, where the Shungas won.
- Sacrifices for Pushyamitra: Patanjali mentions that sacrifices were performed to honor Pushyamitra and strengthen his rule.
- Vasumitra’s victory: The Malavikagnimitra tells the story of Prince Vasumitra defeating the Yavana army on the banks of the Sindhu (Indus) River.
- Sacrificial horse journey: Pushyamitra sent his grandson Vasumitra to escort the sacrificial horse across different areas before the Ashvamedha yajna.
- Completion of the sacrifice: Vasumitra returned victorious, allowing the Ashvamedha sacrifice to be completed successfully.
Decline of the Sunga Dynasty
- The Sunga Dynasty ended with the assassination of Devabhuti by Vasudeva Kanva, who founded the Kanva Dynasty.
- The Sungas played a crucial role in patronizing art and culture, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of ancient India.
FAQs about the Sunga Dynasty
The founder of the Sunga Dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga. He established the dynasty in 185 BCE after assassinating Brihadratha Maurya, the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty.
The last ruler of the Sunga Dynasty was Devabhuti. His reign ended when he was assassinated by his minister, Vasudeva Kanva, which led to the establishment of the Kanva dynasty.
The capital city of the Sunga Dynasty was Pataliputra (modern-day Patna). Later, some rulers also held court at Besnagar (modern Vidisha).
Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Sunga Dynasty, was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva. This event marked the end of the Sunga Dynasty and the beginning of the Kanva dynasty.
The love story of Agnimitra is depicted in the Sanskrit play “Malavikagnimitram” written by the famous poet Kalidasa. The play narrates the romance between Agnimitra, a Sunga ruler, and Malavika, the handmaiden of his queen.
The dynasty that came after the Sunga Dynasty was the Kanva Dynasty. It was established by Vasudeva Kanva, who assassinated the last Sunga ruler, Devabhuti, around 73 BCE.
Agnimitra was the son of Pushyamitra Sunga, the founder of the Sunga Dynasty.
Conclusion
The Sunga Dynasty holds a significant place in Indian history for its contributions to art, culture, and the preservation of ancient traditions during a transformative period. Despite the political challenges and controversies surrounding their rule, the dynasty’s support for education, literature, and architectural developments left a lasting legacy.
The cultural advancements during this era set a strong foundation for future dynasties, ensuring the continuity and vitality of Indian heritage. Though the dynasty ended with the rise of the Kanva rulers, the Sungas remain an essential chapter in the story of India’s rich and diverse history.
