The Mighty Magadha! Part II

We have successfully reached 100 A.D in our journey from 3300 B.C to present. Now, let's find out what happened in India, Magadha Empire in particular, from 100 A.D to 600 A.D. Basically, after the fall of Ashoka- The Great, all the vassals who were under him gained independence. One such large piece of land which became independent was Andhra Kingdom. The independence was supposedly declared by its first King Simuka in 230 B.C(Ashoka's death: 232 B.C).

So, looking at the big picture. The following things happened in India after the fall of one great King, Ashoka:

1. We have Sunga's (Pushyamitra Sunga) who had taken over the throne of Magadha in the north-east India. Later it was taken over by Kanva kings and then by the Andhra or Sathavahanas Kings.
2. We have Sathavahanas who had declared themselves independent in the Deccan region.
3. We have Greco-bactrian and Greco-Indian kingdoms who took over the north western territories. These were soon conquered by the Sakas. Which were in turn conquered by the Kushans and so on.

Andhra Dynasty (230 B.C - 225 A.D)

Andhra or Satavahana Dynasty



• Founded by Dravidians, most of them being low castes(actually, they were twice-borns). They conquered the Deccan lands. It was ruled by wealthy Hindu Kings. However they did tolerate and respect other religions. The Andhras held a position of importance as early as the Mauryan period, since they are specifically mentioned by Asoka amongst the tribal people in his empire.

• Their rise to prominence was led by Simuka, who declared his independence from Mauryan rule in about 230 BC. According to the Puranas, the Satavahana king later  killed the last Kanva ruler of Magadha and presumably took possession of his kingdom. He then embarked on conquests of Malwa and Maharashtra, and annexed parts of western and central India. 

• An opinion has been put forward that the family originated in the west and extended its control to the east coast, finally giving its name, Andhra, to this region. Since the earliest inscriptions of the Satavahanas are found in the Western Deccan, this view may be correct.

• The earliest of the Satavahana kings to receive wide recognition was Satakarni-I, and this was due to his policy of military expansion in all directions. He is the Lord of the west who defied Kharavela of Kalinga (of the east) and against whom the latter campaigned. His conquests took him north from the Narmada into eastern Malwa, which at the time was being threatened by the Sakas and the Greeks. Satakarni-I gained control of the region of Sanchi, and an inscription there refers to him as Rajan Shri Satakarni. His next move was in the southern  direction and on conquering the Godavari valley he felt entitled to call himself Lord of the Southern Regions’ (Dakshina – pathapati). Satakarni-I also performed two Asvamedha sacrifices and one Rajasuya sacrifice. Satakarni-II, the next king, conquered Pataliputra and Kalinga. By this time, the Sakas and the Greeks had started to trouble the Satavahana Empire. 

• After the reign of Satakarni I, the Satavahanas were driven out of the western Deccan by the Sakas of the Kshaharata or Satraps clan. Coins and inscriptions of the Saka Chief Nahapana have been found around Nasik, indicating the Saka dominance in the area towards the close of the first century A.D. or the beginning of the second. But it must have been soon after this that the Satavahanas regained their western possessions, for the coins of Nahapana are often found over-struck by the name Gautamiputra Satakarni, the king who was responsible for re-establishing Satavahana power in this region by driving out the Shakas.

 
• Gautamiputra Satakarni (A.D. 78 -130) is said to have destroyed the power of the Sakas and the pride of the Khastriyas, promoted the interests of the twice-born(Dravidians) and stopped the mixing of the four varnas. His achievements are recorded in glowing terms in the Nasik prasasti by his mother Gautami Balasri. He ruled over a wide area extending from the Krishna in the south to Malwa and Saurashtra in the north and from Berar in the east to the Konkan in the west.

  

• His patronage to Brahmanism is revealed by the epithet ‘Ekabrahmana’. He was also the king to introduce coins with royal images in India. He was the last powerful king of the Satavahana Dynasty. Though other Satavahana kings are known to have reigned until about 200 AD, most of the empire broke away and the Pallavas, the Western Satraps, the Kadambas, and Ikshvakus had declared independence. 

• Buddhist and Brahminical literature found much encouragement from the Satavahana kings. While Buddhist architecture was not new to India, the Satavahana kings commissioned some extraordinary stupas (temples), including the renowned one at Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh. The Satavahana kings were Brahmins but they showed tolerance towards other faiths such as to Buddhism as well. Conse­quently, Buddhism too spread in this period. At many places, the Buddhist caves, chaityas and stupas were built. Almost all the caves in the south belonged to the Buddhists. 

• In this period the South was ruled over by the monarchies. King was the highest official of the Government and his office was hereditary. However, they did not assume high sounding titles. The Satavahana rulers did not believe in divine rights of a king and they carried administration in accor­dance with the directives of the Dharma Shastras and the social customs. The king himself led his armies in the battle-field and was commander-in-chief of his forces.There was also a council of ministers to aid and advise him for carrying out the administration properly. The king was the head of the Government as well as the protector to his people. The Satavahana kings regarded their subjects as their own children and always looked after their welfare(Something which sounds similar to Ashoka's motto: All people are my children).

• The Satavahana Empire was very vast. Their administrative system was feudal. They had divided their empire among a number of feudal chiefs who managed the land revenue system and looked after the administration.There were three grades of feudatories – the ‘Raja’, the ‘Mahabhoja’ and the ‘Maharathi or ‘Senapati”. The ‘Raja’ belonged to the highest grade. He had the right to impose taxes and to mint coins. 

• The kingdom was divided into provinces and ‘Janapadas’ for administrative efficiency. The high­est official in a province was ‘Amatya’ or minister. His office was not hereditary. Men of proven ability were appointed to this official. Each unit had several villages. A village was administered by a ‘Gramika’. There we several officials to help the king. Out of them, the most important were ‘Senapati, ‘Mahabhoja’, ‘Koshadhyaksha’, ‘Rajadoof, ‘Amatya’ etc. 

• There was also a special official called ‘Uparakshita’ who was charged with the duty of building caves etc., for the monks. The ‘bhikshus’ (monks) and Brahmanas were held in high esteem and they too observed and preached high standards of conduct. They were beyond the ordinary laws of the Government. 

• In this period, the local administration had its own importance. There were separate organization to look after the administration of the towns and the villages. The towns were administered by a body called the ‘Nagarsabha’ while in villages there were ‘Gram Sabhas’. These organizations carried their functions independently without any interference.

• The military administration of the Satavahanas was also quite efficient. Their army consisted of foot soldiers, cavalry and elephants. Foot soldiers or infantry was the backbone of the army and they formed the vanguard and were flanked on either side by horses and elephants. 

• The Satavahana society was divided into four classes. This division was based on economic activity and status. 
• The first class consisted of high officials and feudatory chief who ruled over provinces and districts. 
• The second class included petty officers like Amatyas Mahamatras and wealthy traders. 
• In the third class were the middle class peoples such as Vaidyas or physicians, writers, peasants, goldsmiths, perfumers etc.
• The fourth and the last class were constituted of the lowest vocations such as carpenters, blacksmiths, fishermen and gardeners. The smallest unit was the family in which the eldest living member com­manded the greatest respect. He was called the ‘Grihapati' and was obeyed by all the other members of the family.

• Women were honoured. They were given higher education and they took part in religious func­tions. Some of the rulers even added their mother’s name to their own name, such as Gautamiputra, Vashishthiputra, Pulumavi, Kaushakiputra etc.This practice itself reveals that the status of women was much high. Sometimes, women assumed guardianship of their minor sons and acted as their regents.

• The Satavahanas were Brahmanas. Therefore, Brahmansnism made rapid strides under their rule. The Brahmanas were accorded the highest place. Effort was also made to revice the Varna system. In their bid to exalt Brahmanism the Smritis declared that a ten years old Brahman would be more revered than a 100 years old Kshatriya. Mixed marriages were considered obnoxious though there are some instances of such marriages. Vashishthiputra Pulumavi himself married the daughter of the Saka ruler Rudradaman thus giving respectability to such marriages. In this period, inter marriages among the Hindus and foreign tribes of the Sakas, the parthians and the Greeks were freely consummated so that these foreigners were absorbed forever in the Hindu social order.

• Cotton was grown in this region as it had abundant black soil lands.

• Both internal and external to trade and industry. The external or foreign trade was carried through the famous ports of Supara, Broach and Kalyan. India had trade relations with countries like Arabia, Egypt and Rome. In the far eastern countries, Indian traders established their own settlements and preach Indian culture. They referred to these countries as ‘Swargabhoomi’ or paradise. India exported cotton, textiles, spices etc. India imported wine, glass and items of luxury. The inland trade was also prosperous. Travel between the north and south of India were much easy as the roads and transport were better. To encourage trade, the Satavahna kings made numerous coins of gold, silver, copper and bronze.

• Chaitya was a large hall with a number of columns. The Vihara had a central Hall. The viharas were meant as places of residence for the monks. At Nasik, there are three viharas carrying the inscriptions of Gautmiputra and Nahapana. The most famous of these monuments are the stupas. 

Amaravathi Stupa

Buddha's feet being worshiped

• Among them the Amravati Stupa and the Nagarjunakonda Stupa are most famous. The stupa was a large round structure built over some relic(bones or teeth or hair strands etc.,) of the Buddha.The Amravati Stupa measures 162 metres across the base and its height is 100 feet. Both these stupas are full of sculptures. The Nagarjunakonda town contains not only the Buddhist monuments but also some ancient Hindu brick temples. Many sculptures were made during this period. Most of the sculptures of this period depict scenes from the life of the Buddha. At Amravati, there is a beautiful scene showing Buddha’s feet being worshipped. The scene, showing Buddha preaching at Nagarjunakonda, is pervaded with serenity and calm. For more info: refer this.

Kushan Dynasty (30 A.D - 375 A.D)

• This dynasty hasn't ruled Magadha Empire. However it was built after defeating the kingdoms of Saka dynasty and Greco-Indians dynasty. Kingdoms of Saka dynasty and Greco-Indians dynasty originally belonged to the Magadha Empire(under Ashoka rule). Kanishka was their most celebrated ruler. Buddhism was their state religion.

• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir, under the patronage of King Kanishka about two hundred years after the third council. Five hundred monks led by Vasumitra revised the canon and established a definitive version.The Great Commentary on the Abhidharma is attributed to this council.

• For more info on the Kushans, watch.

Gupta Dynasty (320 A.D - 535 A.D)

• As time goes on, the foreign rulers, the once mighty Kushans started to weaken on the north-west part of India. At the same time, on the other hand we have on the north-east a new and a native Kingdom rising up again to build an empire that would create what is now called the Golden age of Indian History. 

• Founder of Gupta Dynasty is King Chandra Gupta I (Not to be confused with Chandragupta Maurya). Their clan is said to be descended from the foothills of the mongoloid regions(somewhere to the south of Himalayas). He then conquered Bihar and later married the daughter of the weakened king of Magadha. Thus assuming the power of Magadha and starting his rule from the capital city of Pataliputra.

• Chandra Gupta consolidated his portion of the kingdom and established his strong hold on the agricultural base. With agriculture the kingdom eventually becomes prosperous. Now to secure this portion of his Kingdom, he started his conquests towards the west(As it is better to beat before you are beaten by the enemies). He was succeeded by his son, Samudra Gupta.

• Chandra Gupta, father of Samudra Gupta neither had the time or enough resources to secure his Kingdom in the west. This task was taken over by his son. He conquered towards the West until the Jumna river. As a matter of fact, he conquered the lands in all directions. From west to east. North to south.

• After the Mauryas, it was the Guptas who were able to carry on such vast areas of land under their territory and rule for two or more generations.

• As with Mauryas, Guptas were also able to establish strong agricultural base on the north-east and profit-giving trade relations on the north-west.

• Samudra Gupta adopted the title, Maharajadiraja like the Iran rulers, Shahinshah. Before his kings were just called Maharaja or raja.

•  He revived the Hinduism being born in a Hindu family himself. Albeit that, he wasn't a fanatic. He tolerated and respected other religions in his Kingdom.

• He was succeeded by the Great King Chandra Gupta II. He is like the Ashoka of the Maurya Empire. The best thing that kept the Gupta empire going is the peaceful transition from father to the son and to his son and so on. Chandra Gupta II was indeed a worthy successor of his father. 

• As per the legend, Samudra Gupta had an elder son, Rama Gupta. Ramgupta was a coward. He married the woman, Dhruvaswamini who was engaged with his brother Chandragupta II by force. He also became the King of the Gupta empire, though his brother was declared as the future King of the Gupta empire after Samudragupta's death. According to traditional accounts, Ramagupta decided to expand his kingdom by attacking the Sakas in Gujarat. The campaign soon took a turn for the worse and the Gupta army was trapped. The Saka king, Rudrasimha III, demanded that Ramagupta hand over his wife Dhruvswamini in exchange for peace. The weak king was inclined to accept these terms, to the outrage of his wife and his brother Chandragupta. Using subterfuge, Chandragupta II went to the Saka camp, killed the Saka king and won the victory and also the esteem of the people and the queen. A short while later, Ramagupta was deposed and killed by his brother, who became Chandragupta II. Chandragupta II also married his erstwhile sister-in-law, Dhruvswamini.

• Chandra Gupta II held the title of 'Vikramaditya' (Sun of Valor). And he had access from sea to sea. He started the phenomenal type of trade that took place through the Indian ocean between India and Iraq, Egypt etc., This marks the rise of oceanic trade between India and Middle east.

• As with Ashokan stone inscriptions, Chandra Gupta had Iron pillar inscriptions installed with a huge eagle capital(like the Lion Capital of Ashoka). The long standing iron pillar with no visible clue of rust shows the advancement of Gupta rulers in terms of Metallurgy.

• He changed the capital from Pataliputra to Ayodhya to secure his Western territories. He made Ujjain as his second capital.

• Fa Hien, a buddhist monk, visited India in this period. Like in Ashokan times, not many Indians wrote about India as did the visitors/pilgrims from China or other countries. They describe India of being peaceful and prosperous; strong and efficient state rule and  having high standards of justice.

• The king commissioned nine men of letters, called the "nava-ratna" (literally, Nine Gems), to work in his court. Kalidasa had been the legendary Sanskrit laureate. Varahamihira had been a soothsayer of renown in his era, predicting the death of Vikramaditya’s son. Vetalbhatt had been a Maga Brahmin known for writing work of the sixteen stanza "Nīti-pradīpa" (literally, the lamp of conduct) in tribute to Vikramaditya. Nine Gems of his Cabinet:
• Kalidasa: Author of the great epic, ‘Abhigyaanashakuntala’, great poet, dramatist and the most prominent scholar of Sanskrit language.
• Amara-sinha: Author of ‘Sanskrit Amarkosh’ 
• Shapanaka: Prominent Astrologist who had achieved mastery in Astrology.
• Dhanvantri: A Doctor who had achieved mastery in the science of medicine; one who was an expert in diagnosis and one who could prescribe different treatments for a single disease.
• Varruchi: Expert Linguist and an expert in Grammar
• Varahamihira: Author of World famous epic, ‘Brhatsamhita’ and mastery in Astrology. 
• Ghatakpara: Expert in sculpture and architecture.
• Shanku: Expert in Geography (This name is even well known today in the field of geography)
• Vetalabhadra : Expert in black magic & tantric sciences

• He was succeeded by Kumara Gupta. He was a good king. His father has left him a great deal of Empire, a great army and most loyal officials. He was capable of ruling the empire with stability.

• Later they were attacked by the White Huns(nomads), so called nightmare of Europeans, which led to the fall of Gupta Empire. Although they conquered the Gupta Empire, being nomads they were not as good at administration or management as they were with military or warfare. This led to the rise of another great native King Harsha Vardhan who eliminated and kicked the Huns out completely.

King Harshavardhana (600 A.D - 647 A.D)

• Although king Harshavardhana or Harsha didn't factually belong to the Gupta dynasty, he was usually accounted to be a part of the Golden Age of India. Moreover, he rising up and becoming a King from Thaneshwar, punjab which was previously under the Gupta rule(Before White Huns invasion), made him more closer to the Gupta Dynasty. 

• Harsha was said to be succeeding his father as a king after the latter's death. When Harsha ascended to the throne he was a 16 year old boy. However he was said to have inherited a great deal of well groomed army and bureaucracy from his father. Also, it is said that the same army and bureaucracy of this kingdom served the Gupta's Empire and grew strong with them. With all this strength and support King Harsha was successful in defeating the already weakening White Huns. Thus he established his rule as a King. Capital city was Thaneshwar.

• So, from what we see, King Harsha inherited terrific army resources and wealthy treasury as well. Above that, his kingdom is based in east punjab which is supposedly one of the most prosperous regions in India(to this day). All this added to the treasure and power Harsha enjoyed. Consolidating all this in hand and after firm establishment of his base in east punjab he started conquering the neighborhood kingdoms.

• King Harsha is said to have conquered north east, north west and the central India barring the Deccan Plateau and the regions south to it. Reason behind it being that the Deccan plateau is a raised platform(by definition) and hence it has a greater defense strategy against attacking enemies. Additionally, it was said that Deccan plateau it not offer any material benefits to the rulers as with the north-east or the north-west regions especially in terms of population, crops, etc., He further changed the capital of his kingdom from Thaneshwar to Kannauj. Thus kannauj became his main capital while Thaneswar as his western capital for security reasons. He built the city of Kannauj as he wished with huge fortified walls and other big structures.

• Harsha ruled for about 41 years until he was killed by his own Hindu Minister Arjuna. Hsuan Tsung visited India during his 630-643 A.D. Hsuan Tsang was a Confucianist, Buddhist and came to India not just to learn about authentic Buddhism(as India was origin place of Buddhism) and for other religious reasons or pilgrimage. Hsuan Tsang came to India as an official envoy from the Tang dynasty of China. Hsuan Tsang was a great buddhist devotee and a great source of Indian history from his detailed views of India and King Harsha's Kingdom in particular. He included details of peaceful and prosperous India under Harsha's rule and he also writes about his distress over the Huns' destruction of Buddhist monuments in India.

• Hsuan Tsang pesuaded Harsha to convene a great debate between the two sects of Buddhism to find out which one is the true buddhist belief. This debate will be among the Theravada or Hinayana(Lesser vehicle) BuddhismVs Mahayana(Greater vehicle) Buddhism. Hsuan Tsang wanted the debate as he didn't want different sects fighting inside his much loved religion- Buddhism. In 643 A.D the debate saw a participation of 3000 in which Mahayana Buddhism wins the debate(Hsuan Tsang was on Mahayana side). Impressed by the debating power and his arguments King Harsha converted to Buddhism. This aggravated the Brahmins as they couldn't digest the fact that their king embraced Buddhism after about 300 years of rule by strong Hindu Kings(Guptas). They made a murder attempt on the king but failed. Hsuan Tsang while returning to China carried along huge bulk of Buddhist scriptures with him and spent rest of his life translating the scriptures in to Chinese.

• King Harsha then sent an ambassador to China to strengthen the relationships with the Tang dynasty. The Chinese Emperor Tai-Tsung reciprocated the same by sending his ambassador to India. During this period the China also was supposedly in a Golden Age under the Tang Dynasty.

• Following all that, King Harsha was assassinated by one of his minister, Arjuna who was part of the Hindu religious group plotting against Harsha. Arjuna then usurped the Kingdom and attacked the Chinese ambassador. This ambassador being a buddhist himself flew to the Nepal-tibet region and pleaded the buddhist kings to defend him. The Nepal-Tibet kings sent their armies and defeated Arjuna in the battle and took Arjuna as Prisoner of War and sent him along with the Chinese ambassador to the Chinese Emperor. 

This leads us to the fall of the Great Magadha Empire. After this period, India was ruled by multiple smaller kings and the entire country is disintegrated in to smaller kingdoms, until the next foreign invasion.

Next comes the big foreign invasion in India: The Delhi Sultanate.