What happened after Mauryas?
- The Mauryan Empire collapsed about 2200 years ago.
- In its place (and elsewhere) rose several new kingdoms.
- In the north-west, and in parts of north India, kings known as the Indo-Greeks ruled for about 100 years.
- They were followed by a Central Asian people known as the Shakas, who set up kingdoms in the north-west, north and western India.
- Some of these kingdoms lasted for about 500 years, till the Shakas were defeated by the Gupta kings.
- The Shakas in turn were followed by the Kushanas (about 2000 years ago).
- In the north, and in parts of central India, a general of the Mauryas, named Pushyamitra Shunga, set up a kingdom.
- The Shungas were followed by another dynasty, known as the Kanvas, and by rulers from other families till the establishment of the Gupta empire about 1700 years ago.
- The Shakas who ruled over parts of western India fought several battles with the Satavahanas, who ruled over western and parts of central India.
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- Around 1700 years ago, a new ruling family, known as the Vakatakas, became powerful in central and western India.
- In South India, the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas ruled between 2200 and 1800 years ago.
- About 1500 years ago, there were two large kingdoms, those of the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
- There were other changes that were taking place, in which ordinary men and women, played a major role.
- These included the spread of agriculture and the growth of new towns, craft production and trade.
- Traders explored land routes within the subcontinent and outside, and sea routes to West Asia, East Africa and South East Asia were also opened up.
- Many new buildings were built , including the earliest temples and stupas.
- Books were written and scientific discoveries were made.
Source: NCERT
