Correct option is C
The correct answer is (c) Both I and II
Explanation:
After the decline of the Mauryan Empire (which ended around 185 BCE), two dynasties rose to power in eastern and central India:
1. The Sungas (c. 185 BCE – c. 73 BCE):
o Founded by Pushyamitra Sunga, who was a general of the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha.
o He assassinated Brihadratha and took over the throne.
o The Sungas ruled primarily in central and eastern India, including Magadha and parts of north-central India.
2. The Kanvas (c. 73 BCE – c. 28 BCE):
o The Kanva dynasty succeeded the Sungas.
o Founded by Vasudeva Kanva, who was originally a minister in the Sunga court.
o The Kanvas continued to rule over parts of eastern India, especially Magadha, until they were overthrown by local rulers or foreign invaders.
Thus, both dynasties played a key role in the post-Mauryan political scenario in eastern and central India.
Information Booster:
Sunga Dynasty:
- Pushyamitra Sunga is noted in historical texts like the Divyavadana and Puranas, and he was also associated with Brahmanical revival.
Agnimitra (149–141 BCE)
- Son of Pushyamitra.
- Known from Kalidasa’s Sanskrit play “Malvikagnimitra” — story of his romance with Princess Malvika of Vidarbha.
Later Shunga Rulers
- Vasumitra, Vajramitra, Bhagabhadra, and finally Devabhuti.
- Devabhuti was assassinated by Minister Vasudeva Kanva, ending the Shunga rule and beginning the Kanva Dynasty.
Kanva Dynasty:
Brahmin dynasty, considered descendants of Sage Saubhari.
Successors Vasudeva Kanva
- Vasudeva Kanva
- Bhumimitra – Coins found in Panchala kingdom bear his name.
- Narayana
- Susharman – Last king, killed by Balipuccha of the Andhra (Satavahana) Dynasty, ending Kanva rule.
Additional Knowledge:
- In northwestern India, during the same period, Indo-Greeks and later Shakas and Kushanas emerged.
- The Satavahanas rose in the Deccan and western India soon after the Mauryan decline.
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