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Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation

Introduction

The period after the decline of the Mauryan Empire is known as the Age of Reorganisation. During this time, many new kingdoms emerged across the Indian subcontinent. Political boundaries changed frequently as rulers competed for power. Despite political conflicts, trade, literature, art, architecture and culture flourished remarkably.

Why is it Called the Age of Reorganisation?

• The Mauryan Empire broke into several smaller kingdoms.
• New dynasties emerged in different regions.
• Political power shifted from one kingdom to another.
• Foreign invasions changed the political landscape.
• Regional powers reorganised territories and administrations.

Major Dynasties of the Period

• Shungas
• Satavahanas
• Chedis
• Cholas
• Cheras
• Pandyas
• Indo-Greeks
• Shakas
• Kushanas

The Shunga Dynasty

The Shunga Dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shunga after the fall of the Mauryan Empire around 185 BCE. The Shungas ruled parts of northern and central India.

Achievements of Pushyamitra Shunga

• Established the Shunga Dynasty.
• Protected the kingdom from invasions.
• Revived Vedic traditions and rituals.
• Performed the Ashvamedha Yajna.
• Encouraged literature and architecture.

Ashvamedha Yajna

Ashvamedha was a Vedic royal ritual performed to demonstrate a king's supremacy. A horse accompanied by soldiers was allowed to roam freely. Territories through which it passed accepted the ruler's authority or challenged him in battle.

Shunga Contributions to Art

• Development of Bharhut Stupa.
• Beautiful stone railings and carvings.
• Depictions of stories from Buddha's life.
• Early examples of Buddhist art.

The Satavahana Dynasty

The Satavahanas ruled large parts of the Deccan region from the 2nd century BCE onward. They are sometimes called the Andhras.

Important Capitals

• Amaravati
• Pratishthana (Paithan)

Economic Prosperity

• Agriculture flourished in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
• Strong internal and overseas trade.
• Trade with the Roman Empire.
• Collection of tolls and taxes from trade routes.
• Use of maritime trade routes.

Trade Goods

• Spices
• Textiles
• Sandalwood
• Ivory
• Pearls
• Luxury goods

Imports

• Glassware
• Perfumes
• Luxury products

Gautamiputra Satakarni

Gautamiputra Satakarni was one of the most famous Satavahana rulers. His name included his mother's name, Gautami Balashri.

Importance of Mother's Name

• Showed respect for women.
• Recognised the status of royal mothers.
• Highlighted maternal lineage.

Religion Under Satavahanas

• Followers of Vasudeva Krishna.
• Supported Vedic traditions.
• Patronised Buddhism.
• Supported Jain monks and scholars.
• Promoted religious harmony.

Satavahana Architecture

• Karla Caves
• Naneghat Caves
• Pitalkhora Caves

These monuments show excellent rock-cut architecture and artistic development.

The Chedi Dynasty

After the decline of the Mauryas, Kalinga emerged as a powerful kingdom under the Chedi Dynasty.

Kharavela

• Most famous ruler of the Chedis.
• Follower of Jain teachings.
• Known as Bhikshu-Raja (Monk-King).
• Respected all religious traditions.
• Worked for public welfare.

Achievements of Kharavela

• Military victories.
• Construction of public works.
• Support for monks and scholars.
• Protection of all religious sects.

Important Sources

• Hathigumpha Inscription
• Udayagiri Caves
• Khandagiri Caves

Rock-Cut Architecture

Rock-cut architecture refers to structures carved directly from natural rock. Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are excellent examples.

Kingdoms of South India

Three major kingdoms dominated South India during this period:

• Cholas
• Cheras
• Pandyas

Sangam Age

The period is known as the Sangam Age because of assemblies of poets called Sangams. The literature produced during this time is known as Sangam Literature.

Features of Sangam Literature

• Oldest literature of South India.
• Written mainly in Tamil.
• Describes social life and culture.
• Highlights heroism and generosity.
• Discusses love and emotions.

The Cholas

The Cholas were one of the most powerful dynasties of South India.

Karikala Chola

• Great Chola ruler.
• Defeated rival kingdoms.
• Strengthened administration.
• Encouraged agriculture.

Kallanai (Grand Anicut)

• Ancient irrigation structure.
• Built across the Kaveri River.
• Diverted water for irrigation.
• Still functional today.
• Supports agriculture in Tamil Nadu.

The Cheras

The Cheras ruled parts of present-day Kerala and western Tamil Nadu.

Capital

• Vanji (Karur)

Economic Activities

• Export of spices.
• Trade in timber.
• Export of ivory.
• Pearl trade.
• Trade with Rome and West Asia.

The Pandyas

The Pandyas ruled from Madurai and were among the most prosperous kingdoms of South India.

Features

• Strong administration.
• Important naval power.
• Active international trade.
• Famous for pearl fisheries.
• Promoted art and architecture.

Silappadikaram

Silappadikaram is one of the greatest Tamil epics.

Main Characters

• Kannagi
• Kovalan

Theme

• Justice
• Truth
• Dharma
• Moral responsibility of rulers

Indo-Greeks

The Indo-Greeks established kingdoms in north-western India after Alexander's campaigns.

Contributions

• Cultural exchange between India and Greece.
• Development of coinage.
• Spread of artistic traditions.
• Fusion of cultures.

Heliodorus Pillar

• Located near Vidisha.
• Built by Greek ambassador Heliodorus.
• Dedicated to Vasudeva Krishna.
• Evidence of cultural assimilation.

The Shakas

• Also called Indo-Scythians.
• Ruled parts of north-western India.
• Introduced the Shaka Era.
• Influenced Indian administration and culture.

The Kushanas

The Kushanas came from Central Asia and established a vast empire extending into northern India.

Kanishka

• Greatest Kushana ruler.
• Expanded the empire.
• Supported Buddhism.
• Patronised scholars and artists.
• Encouraged international trade.

The Silk Route

• Connected India with Central Asia, China and Europe.
• Promoted trade and cultural exchange.
• Passed through Kushana territories.

Gandhara School of Art

Features

• Developed in north-west India.
• Greek and Indian influence.
• Grey-black stone used.
• Realistic human figures.
• Detailed Buddha statues.

Mathura School of Art

Features

• Pure Indian artistic style.
• Used red sandstone.
• Depicted Hindu and Buddhist deities.
• Strong Indian cultural influence.

Comparison of Gandhara and Mathura Art

Gandhara School	Mathura School
Greek influence	Indian influence
Grey-black stone	Red sandstone
Realistic appearance	Traditional Indian style
Flowing robes	Simpler drapery

Important Personalities

• Pushyamitra Shunga
• Gautamiputra Satakarni
• Gautami Balashri
• Kharavela
• Karikala Chola
• Kanishka
• Heliodorus

Chapter Summary

The Age of Reorganisation was a period of political change and cultural growth. New kingdoms such as the Shungas, Satavahanas, Chedis, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas and Kushanas emerged after the Mauryan decline. Trade flourished through land and sea routes, while art, literature and architecture reached new heights. The period witnessed cultural assimilation, religious tolerance and the development of important artistic traditions such as Gandhara and Mathura art.