Major Dynasties (Maurya to Chola)

Key Points at a Glance

1. 1

   Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in 185 BCE after killing the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha during a military review.

2. 2

   Gautamiputra Shatakarni restored Satavahana prestige by defeating the Western Kshatrapa Nahapana and overstriking his silver coins.

3. 3

   Kanishka I is linked with the beginning of the Shaka era in 78 CE and the Kushan high phase across northwest India and Central Asia.

4. 4

   Samudragupta's Prayag Prashasti presents him as conqueror, donor and cultured monarch through Aryavarta, southern and frontier campaigns.

5. 5

   Harshavardhana's southern advance was checked by Pulakeshin II at the Narmada, confirming the Deccan limit of his power.

6. 6

   The tripartite struggle centred on Kannauj and involved the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas from the late eighth century.

7. 7

   The Uttiramerur inscriptions of 919 and 921 CE describe Chola local governance through Sabha, Kudavolai and Variyam committees.

8. 8

   The Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 broke Chauhan supremacy and opened the path to Turkish rule at Delhi.