Post Mauryan Period: Central India

The Mauryan Empire was succeeded by the Sunga monarchy, an ancient Indian monarchy.
It existed from around 185 BCE until 73 BCE.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the dynasty after the fall of the Mauryans.
They were Brahmins, and the Bhagavata religion grew in importance.
The capital of the Shunga empire was Pataliputra (modern Patna), and later the Shungas conducted court in Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh).
Pushyamitra Sunga is often associated with the revival of Brahmanism and a patronage of Brahmanical traditions. He is said to have performed the Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice), a ritual associated with Hindu kingship.
The Sunga Dynasty had a complex relationship with Buddhism. While Pushyamitra Sunga is sometimes depicted as hostile towards Buddhism, some later Sunga rulers were more tolerant and even patronised Buddhist institutions.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras & Mahabhasya were composed in this period.
The Stupa at Sanchi was enlarged and the Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh was constructed.

The Kanva dynasty reigned from 72 to 28 BCE.
Vasudeva Kanva, a minister in the previous Shunga dynasty, is credited with founding the dynasty.
After the fall of the Mauryan Empire in the second century BCE, the Shunga dynasty had ruled over much of northern and central India.

The Kanva Dynasty was founded by Vasudeva, a minister in the court of the last Shunga ruler, Devabhuti. Vasudeva overthrew Devabhuti and established the Kanva rule.
Kanva Rulers:
- The Kanva Dynasty had four rulers: Vasudeva, Bhumimitra, Narayana, and Susharman.
- They ruled for a short period of about 45 years.
Extent of Rule:
- The Kanva Dynasty primarily ruled over the region of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) and its immediate surrounding areas.
- Their influence was relatively limited compared to the preceding Mauryan and Sunga dynasties.
Decline:
- The Kanva Dynasty ended when it was overthrown by the rising Satavahana Dynasty, marking the end of their rule in 28 BCE.
Cultural and Historical Impact:
- The Kanvas did not have as much influence on Indian culture, religion, or politics as the Mauryans or Shungas. Their brief rule is often considered a transitional period between major dynasties.
- Despite their short reign, the Kanva Dynasty is important in the historical continuity of ancient Indian kingdoms.