Pushyamitra Sunga

Pushyamitra Sunga: Pushyamitra Sunga, originally a Brahmin general in the Mauryan army, became the ruler of India by overthrowing Brihadratha, the last Mauryan king. The event took place in 185 BCE (some accounts suggest 186 BCE), when, during a military parade, Pushyamitra assassinated the Mauryan king and established himself as the ruler of the newly formed Sunga dynasty. This marked the end of the Mauryan Empire and the beginning of a new era in Indian history.

Background and Motive Behind the Coup: Pushyamitra’s rise to power is seen by some historians as an internal revolt against the weakening Mauryan dynasty. The decline of the Mauryas in the years following Ashoka’s death, coupled with the loss of central authority, created the perfect conditions for a military coup. Some scholars also believe that Pushyamitra’s actions were motivated by a Brahminical reaction against the Mauryan Empire’s support of Buddhism, especially under Ashoka, who had promoted Buddhism as the state religion. The Brahmin class, which felt sidelined during the Mauryan rule, may have seen this as an opportunity to regain political and religious dominance.

Pushyamitra’s Rule and Achievements:

• Capital and Military Successes: Pushyamitra Sunga chose Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) as his capital, which was also the heart of the Mauryan Empire. He successfully defended his empire from external threats, notably from two Greek kings, Menander and Demetrius, who attempted to invade India after the fall of the Mauryas. He also repelled an invasion from Kharavela, the Kalinga king, who had expanded his power in eastern India. Pushyamitra expanded his kingdom and notably conquered the region of Vidarbha, which was an important strategic region in the Deccan.

• Religious and Cultural Patronage: Despite accusations from some sources that Pushyamitra persecuted Buddhists and destroyed Buddhist stupas, there is no conclusive historical evidence to support these claims. In fact, Pushyamitra played an important role in promoting Hinduism during his reign, notably through the renovation of stupas at Sanchi and Barhut. He is also credited with commissioning the famous stone gateway at Sanchi, which is an iconic representation of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. Under his patronage, many important Vedic sacrifices were performed, including the Ashvamedha, Rajasuya, and Vajapeya, which were aimed at consolidating his rule and enhancing his legitimacy.

• Patron of Learning: Pushyamitra is also remembered for his patronage of learning and scholarship. He supported the famous Sanskrit grammarian Patanjali, whose work on grammar and Sanskrit literature laid the foundation for future linguistic studies in ancient India. This was also the time when Sanskrit became a dominant language of literature and administration.

• Duration of Reign and Death: According to historical texts, Pushyamitra ruled for around 36 years, with his death occurring around 151 BCE. His reign left a lasting imprint on the political, religious, and cultural landscape of India.

Agnimitra – The Successor: After Pushyamitra’s death, his son Agnimitra ascended the throne and ruled from approximately 149 BCE to 141 BCE. However, during Agnimitra’s reign, the region of Vidarbha broke away from the Sunga Empire, which was a sign of weakening control. Agnimitra is best known as the protagonist of the famous Sanskrit drama “Malavikagnimitram” written by the great poet Kalidasa. This work provides valuable insights into the courtly life of the time and the character of Agnimitra.

• Succession: Agnimitra was succeeded by his son Vasumitra, although his reign was short-lived, and his successors did not leave a lasting impact. The line of succession after Agnimitra is unclear, with several names such as Andhraka, Pulindaka, Vajramitra, and Ghosha being mentioned in various texts.

Decline and Fall of the Sunga Dynasty: The Sunga dynasty began to decline after Agnimitra’s rule. The last known ruler of the Sunga dynasty was Devabhuti, who was a weak and ineffective king. During his reign, internal instability and external pressures from rival kingdoms made the dynasty vulnerable. Around 73 BCE, Devabhuti was assassinated by his own minister, Vasudeva Kanva, who then took control of the throne and founded the Kanva dynasty. The Kanva dynasty ruled over Magadha from 73 BCE to 28 BCE, marking the end of the Sunga era.

Legacy of the Sunga Dynasty: The Sunga period had a significant impact on the political, social, and cultural development of ancient India:

• Revival of Hinduism: The Sunga dynasty is credited with the revival of Hinduism as the dominant religion in India. The Sungas are often seen as staunch followers of Brahminism, and their reign marked a revitalization of Vedic traditions and the strengthening of the caste system, particularly the Brahmin class.

• Social Integration: During the Sunga period, there was an increasing integration of various foreign communities into Indian society, resulting in the emergence of mixed castes. This period also saw the cultural assimilation of foreign influences, particularly from Greek and Central Asian invaders.

• Patronage of Sanskrit and Literature: The Sunga rulers provided immense patronage to Sanskrit as the language of culture, administration, and literature. Many significant works in Sanskrit, including religious texts and literary compositions, were produced during this period. This contributed to the continued growth of Sanskrit literature, which played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of India.

• Art and Architecture: The Sunga period is marked by an important growth in art and architecture. The renovation and construction of stupas, such as those at Sanchi and Barhut, as well as the introduction of human figures and religious symbolism in art, reflected the changing religious and cultural dynamics of the time. The stone sculptures at Sanchi are some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and Hindu gods.

Conclusion: The Sunga dynasty, although short-lived, was a period of significant political, cultural, and religious transformation in India. Pushyamitra Sunga’s rise to power marked the end of the Mauryan Empire and the beginning of a new era in Indian history. His support for Hinduism, Sanskrit, and art had a lasting influence on the development of Indian civilization. Despite the internal turmoil and decline of the dynasty after his death, the cultural and religious changes initiated during the Sunga period had a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent.