Page 24 - General Knowledge

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 2019

MAURYAN EMPIRE (322-185 BC)

 Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya,
who was the author of Arthashastra.
 Chandragupta Maurya defeated King Dhanananda and captured Kingdom Magadha and
stated Pataliputra (now as Patna) as the capital.
 At that time, the Maurya empire was the largest empire.
 Seleucus I sent ambassador namely Megasthenes, who was the author of Indika to
Chandragupta Maurya‘s court.
 With the help of his son Bindusara he succeeded and Bindusara extended their empire to
southern regions.
 After that, Bindusara followed his son, Asoka (ruled 272-232 BC).
 Asoka proved himself as one of the best kings in world history.
 After the brutal war against Kalinga (261 BC), he converted to Buddhism.
 Brihadratha was the last emperor of the Mauryan Empire.

POST- MAURYAN AGE

Sunga Dynasty (185 -71 BC)
 Founder – Pushyamitra Sunga.
 He was the commander-in-chief of the last Mauryan king Brihadratha.
 Malavikagnimitram, Kalidasa‘s drama tells about Pushyamitra‘s son Agnimitra and
Malavika‘s love story.
 Devabhuti – Last king of Sunga dynasty.

Kanva Dynasty (72 BC – 27 BC)
 Founder – Vasudeva Kanva in 72 BC
 He ruled after defeating the last Sunga ruler.
 Ruled for a period for 45 years.
 Rulers of Kanva dynasty – Vasudeva, Bhumimitra, Narayana and Susuman.
Cheta Dynasty of Kalinga
 Founder- Maha Meghavahana.
 Hatigumbha inscription of Kharavela gives details about the Chedis of Kalinga.
 Kharavela – follower of Jainism.
Satavahana Dynasty (235 – 100 BC)
 After Mauryans, most powerful ruling dynasty.
 Also known as Andhras.
 Gautamiputra Satakarni – important ruler.
 Satavahanas were Brahmanas.
 Chaitya – Two common structures of Satavahanas and monastery called Vihara.
 Prakrit – official language.
 Issued lead coins.
Indo Greeks
 They were the first to invade India.
 Menander –famous Indo-Greek ruler.
 They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
 Menander was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (Buddhist Monk).

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