Notes Class 11 Chapter 9 History Maharashtra Board

Post Mauryan India

9.1 Shunga Empire

The Shunga Empire emerged after the decline of the Mauryan Empire, following internal conflicts and the assassination of the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha, by Pushyamitra Shunga.

Extent and Capitals

• Geographical Spread: The Shunga Empire extended from Magadha in the east to Siyalkot (Punjab) in the west, and from the Himalayas in the north to Vidarbha in the south.
• Capitals: The primary capital was Pataliputra, with Vidisha as a secondary capital established by Pushyamitra.

Pushyamitra Shunga

• Military Achievements: Pushyamitra was a valiant and ambitious ruler who strengthened his control over provinces like Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti. He reconquered lost Mauryan territories up to Siyalkot and repelled an attack by the Greek king Demetrius, as mentioned in Kalidasa’s play Malavikagnimitram.
• Ashwamedha Sacrifice: Pushyamitra performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice twice to assert his authority as a powerful king.
• Revival of Vedic Practices: He reinstated Vedic sacrificial systems, which had diminished during the Mauryan period.

Cultural Contributions

• Literature: Sanskrit literature flourished under the Shungas. Patanjali wrote Mahabhashya, a commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, to review changes in the Sanskrit language. The Manusmriti was composed during this period, and additions were made to the Mahabharata.
• Art and Architecture: The Shunga period saw significant advancements in sculptural art, with notable examples including the stupas at Sanchi and Bharhut, and the Garuda pillar at Besnagar. Sculptures depicted the lives of common people, broadening the scope of artistic expression.
• Religious Influence: The Garuda pillar at Besnagar, erected by Heliodorus, indicates the presence of Greek followers of Vaishnavism.

Decline

The last Shunga king, Devbhuti, was inefficient and was killed by his minister Vasudeva, who established the Kanva dynasty, as described in Banabhatta’s Harshacharita.

9.2 Rise of Satavahana Empire

The Satavahana dynasty rose to prominence in the Deccan after the Mauryan Empire’s disintegration, becoming a significant power in Maharashtra, Andhra, and Karnataka.

Origin and Expansion

Early Rule: The Satavahanas, possibly referred to as ‘Andhras’ or ‘Andhrabhrutyas’ in the Puranas, began their rule in regions like Nashik, Pune, and Aurangabad, later expanding across Maharashtra, Andhra, and Karnataka.

Capital: Paithan (Pratishthana) in Maharashtra was the capital.

Key Rulers:

1. Simuka: The first Satavahana king, mentioned in the Naneghat inscription.
2. Shri Satakarni, Hala, Gautamiputra Satakarni, Yajna Satakarni: Notable kings who contributed to the dynasty’s prominence.

Gautamiputra Satakarni’s Achievements:

• Defeated the Shaka Kshatrapas, including Nahapana, and restruck Nahapana’s coins with his emblem, indicating his dominance.
• Conquered Central India, Dakshinapatha, Avanti, Surashtra, and various republican states in Central India and Rajasthan.
• Earned titles like ‘Shakapahlavyavannisudan’ (destroyer of Shakas, Pallavas, and Greeks), ‘Satavahanakulayashahpratishthapankar’ (restorer of Satavahana glory), and ‘Trisamudratoyapitavahana’ (ruler whose horses drank from three seas), as per the Nashik inscription by his mother, Gautami Balashri.

Decline

• After Gautamiputra Satakarni, rulers like Vashishthiputra Pulumavi and Yajnashree Satakarni maintained the empire, but constant conflicts with the Shakas weakened the dynasty, leading to its decline.

9.3 Administrative System, Literature, Art, and Social Life

Administrative System

• Division: The Satavahana state was divided into small provinces, each managed by civil and military officials like Amatya, Mahabhoj, Mahasenapati, and Maharathi.
• Village Administration: The village (Grama) was the smallest administrative unit, serving as a source of revenue and soldier recruitment during wars.
• Economic Structure: Agriculture was the primary livelihood, supplemented by industries and trade. Guilds (shrenis) regulated trade and provided loans.

Trade and Industries

• Trade Centres: Pratishthana (Paithan), Tagar (Ter), Nashik, Karhatak (Karhad), Sopara, Kalyan, and Bhadoch emerged as prominent trade hubs.
• Indo-Roman Trade: Flourished during the Satavahana period, with goods like carnelian, cotton cloth, muslins, and sack cloth transported from Paithan and Tagar to Bhadoch, as mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
• Naneghat Trade Route: An ancient trade route connecting Junnar to the Konkan coast, with a cave containing Satavahana inscriptions and statues. Sopara and Kalyan were key ports for trade with Rome.
• Economic Indicators: Coins from archaeological sites and mentions of thirty fortified cities by Pliny highlight the robust trade network.

Literature

Royal Patronage: The Satavahanas supported learning and Prakrit literature.

Key Works:

• Gatha Saptashati: Compiled by King Hala, it contains 700 verses in Maharashtri Prakrit, depicting human nature, social life, and festivals. It reflects the connection between Maharashtri Prakrit and modern Marathi.
• Brihatkatha: Written by Gunadhya in Paishachi Prakrit.
• Katantra: A Sanskrit grammar treatise by Sarvavarma.

Significance: The encouragement of Prakrit literature strengthened regional linguistic identity.

Art and Architecture

Sculptural Style: The Satavahana period saw the emergence of a native Indian sculptural style, moving away from Persian and Greek influences.

Notable Examples:

• Sanchi Stupa No. 1: Its four gateways (Toranas) depict scenes from Buddha’s life.
• Rock-Cut Caves: Viharas and Chaityas at Bhaje, Nashik, and Karle, with the Karle Chaitya’s facade and sculptures being exemplary.
• Ajanta Caves: Caves 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13, with paintings in caves 9 and 10 being among India’s earliest.

Maritime Influence: Coins of Vashishthiputra Pulumavi with ship imagery indicate flourishing sea trade.

Social Life

Varna and Caste System: Society was organized into four varnas, with a rigid caste system. Intermixture of varnas (Varnasankara), guild exclusivity, and the inclusion of foreigners contributed to this rigidity.

Social Classes:

• First Class: High officials like Maharathi, Mahabhoja, and Mahasenapati.
• Second Class: Amatya, Mahamatra, traders, and guild heads.
• Third Class: Scribes, physicians, cultivators, goldsmiths, and perfume traders.
• Fourth Class: Carpenters, gardeners, blacksmiths, and fishermen.

Cultural Integration: Foreigners like Greeks, Pallavas, Shakas, and Kushanas were absorbed into the social structure, indicating societal flexibility.

Matronymics: Satavahana kings used their mothers’ names as prefixes (e.g., Gautamiputra, Vashishthiputra), a unique cultural practice.