The last ruler of the Shunga dynasty was:

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (B) Devabhuti

Explanation:

• The last ruler of the Shunga dynasty was Devabhuti.
• He was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, which marked the end of the Shunga dynasty around 73 BCE.
• Devabhuti was considered a weak and pleasure-seeking ruler, which enabled Vasudeva to seize power easily and establish the Kanva dynasty.

Information Booster:

• The Shunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE after he killed Brihadratha Maurya, the last Mauryan ruler.
• Devabhuti’s death in 73 BCE led to the rise of the Kanva dynasty, which ruled until 28 BCE.
• The Shunga period is significant for promoting Hinduism, resisting Indo-Greek invasions, and supporting art and culture, especially in Sanchi.
• The Heliodorus pillar was erected during the Shunga reign (under Bhagabhadra), showing early Indo-Greek diplomacy.
• The Shunga dynasty helped preserve the Brahmanical tradition against rising heterodox sects like Buddhism and Jainism.

Additional Information (Why other options are incorrect):

• (A) Agnimitra: He was the second ruler of the Shunga dynasty and the son of Pushyamitra Shunga, not the last ruler.
• (C) Vasumitra: A later king in the dynasty, known for military success, especially against Indo-Greek invasions, but not the final ruler.
• (D) Bhagabhadra: Known from the Heliodorus pillar inscription at Vidisha, he ruled before Devabhuti and was not the last Shunga king.