Page 1
The Age of
Reorganization
Page 2
The Age of
Reorganization
Introduction
The period after the Maurya Empire (around 185 BCE to 3rd century CE) is called the Age of Reorganisation because many new kingdoms formed as
the Maurya Empire broke apart.
Prominent Dynasties of India during Reorganisation
Political Reorganization
These kingdoms competed to become powerful, reshaping India's
map and people's lives.
Foreign Invasions
The northwest became weak, allowing foreign invaders like the Indo-
Greeks, shakas, and Kushanas to enter.
Cultural Fusion
This era saw a mix of cultures, creating new styles in art,
architecture, and literature.
Governance
Rulers valued fairness, supported all schools of thought, and
encouraged trade and culture.
Page 3
The Age of
Reorganization
Introduction
The period after the Maurya Empire (around 185 BCE to 3rd century CE) is called the Age of Reorganisation because many new kingdoms formed as
the Maurya Empire broke apart.
Prominent Dynasties of India during Reorganisation
Political Reorganization
These kingdoms competed to become powerful, reshaping India's
map and people's lives.
Foreign Invasions
The northwest became weak, allowing foreign invaders like the Indo-
Greeks, shakas, and Kushanas to enter.
Cultural Fusion
This era saw a mix of cultures, creating new styles in art,
architecture, and literature.
Governance
Rulers valued fairness, supported all schools of thought, and
encouraged trade and culture.
Surge of the Shungas
In 185 BCE, Pushyamitra Shunga, a Maurya commander, killed the last
Maurya emperor and started the Shunga dynasty.
King Rama Performing Ashwamedha Yajna
Shunga Empire
The Shunga Empire ruled
parts of north and central
India but was smaller than
the Maurya Empire.
Ashvamedha Yajna
Pushyamitra performed the
ashvamedha yajna, a Vedic
ritual where a horse roamed
freely, claiming
unchallenged lands for the
king or leading to battles if
stopped.
Foreign Relations
He protected the empire from invaders and built friendly ties with
the Greeks after some battles.
Page 4
The Age of
Reorganization
Introduction
The period after the Maurya Empire (around 185 BCE to 3rd century CE) is called the Age of Reorganisation because many new kingdoms formed as
the Maurya Empire broke apart.
Prominent Dynasties of India during Reorganisation
Political Reorganization
These kingdoms competed to become powerful, reshaping India's
map and people's lives.
Foreign Invasions
The northwest became weak, allowing foreign invaders like the Indo-
Greeks, shakas, and Kushanas to enter.
Cultural Fusion
This era saw a mix of cultures, creating new styles in art,
architecture, and literature.
Governance
Rulers valued fairness, supported all schools of thought, and
encouraged trade and culture.
Surge of the Shungas
In 185 BCE, Pushyamitra Shunga, a Maurya commander, killed the last
Maurya emperor and started the Shunga dynasty.
King Rama Performing Ashwamedha Yajna
Shunga Empire
The Shunga Empire ruled
parts of north and central
India but was smaller than
the Maurya Empire.
Ashvamedha Yajna
Pushyamitra performed the
ashvamedha yajna, a Vedic
ritual where a horse roamed
freely, claiming
unchallenged lands for the
king or leading to battles if
stopped.
Foreign Relations
He protected the empire from invaders and built friendly ties with
the Greeks after some battles.
Shunga Dynasty Legacy
Political Timeline
The Shunga Empire
lasted about a
century before
declining.
Religious
Practices
Vedic rituals
became popular
again, but Buddhist,
Jain, and other
beliefs continued to
grow.
Language &
Literature
Sanskrit became a
key language for
philosophy and
literature, with
works like
Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras compiled
during this time.
Cultural
Patronage
The Shungas
supported literature,
art, and
architecture.
Page 5
The Age of
Reorganization
Introduction
The period after the Maurya Empire (around 185 BCE to 3rd century CE) is called the Age of Reorganisation because many new kingdoms formed as
the Maurya Empire broke apart.
Prominent Dynasties of India during Reorganisation
Political Reorganization
These kingdoms competed to become powerful, reshaping India's
map and people's lives.
Foreign Invasions
The northwest became weak, allowing foreign invaders like the Indo-
Greeks, shakas, and Kushanas to enter.
Cultural Fusion
This era saw a mix of cultures, creating new styles in art,
architecture, and literature.
Governance
Rulers valued fairness, supported all schools of thought, and
encouraged trade and culture.
Surge of the Shungas
In 185 BCE, Pushyamitra Shunga, a Maurya commander, killed the last
Maurya emperor and started the Shunga dynasty.
King Rama Performing Ashwamedha Yajna
Shunga Empire
The Shunga Empire ruled
parts of north and central
India but was smaller than
the Maurya Empire.
Ashvamedha Yajna
Pushyamitra performed the
ashvamedha yajna, a Vedic
ritual where a horse roamed
freely, claiming
unchallenged lands for the
king or leading to battles if
stopped.
Foreign Relations
He protected the empire from invaders and built friendly ties with
the Greeks after some battles.
Shunga Dynasty Legacy
Political Timeline
The Shunga Empire
lasted about a
century before
declining.
Religious
Practices
Vedic rituals
became popular
again, but Buddhist,
Jain, and other
beliefs continued to
grow.
Language &
Literature
Sanskrit became a
key language for
philosophy and
literature, with
works like
Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras compiled
during this time.
Cultural
Patronage
The Shungas
supported literature,
art, and
architecture.
Some Shunga Contribution to Art
The Shungas added beautiful carvings to the Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, originally built during Ashoka's time.
The stupa's railings and reliefs show stories from the Buddha's life, among the earliest Buddhist art.
Carvings include Lakshmi, singers, dancers, and elephants holding the wheel of dharma.
Shunga Contribution to Art
Pillars with Greek
Warriors
Showing cultural mixing
between Indian and Greek
artistic traditions
Terracotta Figures
Detailed representations of
men, women, and royal
families with intricate hair
ornaments
Ornamental Crafts
Bronze bangles with gold
coating, ivory combs, and
necklace beads
Craftsmanship
These artworks show daily
life, clothing, jewellery, and
the skill of Shunga
craftsmen
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