After the fall of Mauryas, which dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Shunga, a commander-in-chief who killed the last Mauryan?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) Shunga Dynasty
Explanation:
· The Shunga Dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Shunga around 185 BC.
· Pushyamitra was the Commander-in-Chief (Senapati) of the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha.
· He assassinated Brihadratha during a military parade and usurped the throne, marking the end of the Mauryan Empire.
· The dynasty ruled primarily over North India, with its capital at Pataliputra (and later Vidisha).
Information Booster:
· Revival of Brahmanism: Pushyamitra Shunga is historically noted for reviving Vedic sacrifices, including the Ashvamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice), after the Mauryan period which had heavily favored Buddhism.
· Cultural Contributions: The famous grammarian Patanjali, who wrote the Mahabhasya, was a contemporary of Pushyamitra Shunga.
· Art: Despite the Brahminical revival, Buddhist art flourished during this period, notably the construction of the stone railings (vedika) and gateways (torana) at the Bharhut Stupa.
Additional Knowledge (Incorrect Options):
Satavahana Dynasty (Option b)
· Founded by Simuka, this dynasty rose to power in the Deccan region (modern Maharashtra/Andhra Pradesh) after the decline of the Mauryas, but they were distinct from the immediate successor in the North.
Gupta Dynasty (Option c)
· This dynasty emerged much later, in the 3rd Century AD (founded by Sri Gupta), leading to the "Golden Age" of India. It did not immediately follow the Mauryas.
Kanva Dynasty (Option d)
· The Kanva Dynasty actually succeeded the Shunga Dynasty. It was founded by Vasudeva Kanva, who killed Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty, around 73 BC.