Post Mauryan India
Short Questions
1. Who founded the Shunga Empire?
Answer: Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga Empire after assassinating Brihadratha, the last Mauryan emperor.
2. What was the primary capital of the Shunga Empire?
Answer: Pataliputra was the primary capital of the Shunga Empire.
3. Which Greek king’s attack was repelled by Pushyamitra Shunga?
Answer: Pushyamitra Shunga repelled the attack of the Greek king Demetrius.
4. What is the significance of the Garuda pillar at Besnagar?
Answer: The Garuda pillar at Besnagar indicates the presence of Greek followers of Vaishnavism.
5. Who wrote the Mahabhashya during the Shunga period?
Answer: Patanjali wrote the Mahabhashya, a commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi.
6. Which text was composed during the Shunga period?
Answer: The Manusmriti was composed during the Shunga period.
7. Who established the Kanva dynasty?
Answer: Vasudeva established the Kanva dynasty by killing the last Shunga king, Devbhuti.
8. What was the capital of the Satavahana Empire?
Answer: Paithan (Pratishthana) was the capital of the Satavahana Empire.
9. Who was the first Satavahana king mentioned in the Naneghat inscription?
Answer: Simuka was the first Satavahana king mentioned in the Naneghat inscription.
10. Which Satavahana king defeated the Shaka Kshatrapa Nahapana?
Answer: Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Shaka Kshatrapa Nahapana.
11. What is the Gatha Saptashati?
Answer: The Gatha Saptashati is a collection of 700 Maharashtri Prakrit verses compiled by Satavahana king Hala.
12. Which Satavahana king compiled the Gatha Saptashati?
Answer: Hala, the seventeenth Satavahana king, compiled the Gatha Saptashati.
13. What was the smallest administrative unit under the Satavahanas?
Answer: The village (Grama) was the smallest administrative unit under the Satavahanas.
14. Which trade route connected Junnar to the Konkan coast?
Answer: The Naneghat trade route connected Junnar to the Konkan coast.
15. Which Ajanta caves belong to the Satavahana period?
Answer: Ajanta caves 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 belong to the Satavahana period.
Long Questions
1. What were the major military achievements of Pushyamitra Shunga?
Answer: Pushyamitra Shunga strengthened his rule over provinces like Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti, and reconquered lost Mauryan territories up to Siyalkot. He courageously repelled an attack by the Greek king Demetrius, as mentioned in Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram. Additionally, he performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice twice to proclaim his power.
2. How did the Shunga period contribute to art and architecture?
Answer: The Shunga period saw advancements in sculptural art, with stupas at Sanchi and Bharhut showcasing intricate designs. The Garuda pillar at Besnagar is a notable example of architectural excellence. Sculptures depicted the lives of common people, broadening the scope of artistic expression.
3. What role did Gautamiputra Satakarni play in the Satavahana Empire’s expansion?
Answer: Gautamiputra Satakarni revitalized the Satavahana Empire by defeating the Shaka Kshatrapa Nahapana and restruck his coins with his emblem. He conquered Central India, Dakshinapatha, Avanti, Surashtra, and various republican states. His victories earned him titles like ‘Trisamudratoyapitavahana’, signifying his extensive dominion.
4. How was the administrative system organized under the Satavahanas?
Answer: The Satavahana state was divided into small provinces, each managed by civil officials like Amatya and Mahabhoj, and military officials like Mahasenapati and Maharathi. The village (Grama) was the smallest administrative unit, contributing revenue and soldiers during wars. Guilds (shrenis) regulated trade, supporting the administrative framework.
5. Why did trade flourish during the Satavahana period?
Answer: Trade flourished due to the establishment of trade centres like Pratishthana, Tagar, and Sopara, and the growth of Indo-Roman trade. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea highlights the export of carnelian and textiles from Paithan and Tagar. The Naneghat trade route and ports like Sopara facilitated commerce with Rome.
6. What was the significance of the Gatha Saptashati in Satavahana literature?
Answer: The Gatha Saptashati, compiled by King Hala, is a collection of 700 Maharashtri Prakrit verses depicting human emotions and social life. It reflects the linguistic connection between Maharashtri Prakrit and modern Marathi. The text highlights the Satavahanas’ patronage of Prakrit literature, enriching regional culture.
7. How did the Satavahana period influence art and architecture?
Answer: The Satavahana period saw the emergence of a native Indian sculptural style, evident in the Sanchi Stupa’s gateways and rock-cut caves at Bhaje, Nashik, and Karle. The Karle Chaitya’s facade and sculptures are exemplary works. Ajanta caves 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13, with early paintings, also belong to this period.
8. What factors contributed to the rigidity of the caste system during the Satavahana period?
Answer: The caste system became rigid due to the intermixture of varnas (Varnasankara), which created social complexities. The exclusivity of guilds restricted social mobility, and the need to integrate foreigners like Greeks and Shakas reinforced caste distinctions. These factors led to a more stratified social structure.
9. What was the role of the Naneghat trade route in the Satavahana economy?
Answer: The Naneghat trade route connected Junnar to the Konkan coast, facilitating trade between the Deccan and ports like Sopara and Kalyan. Satavahana inscriptions and statues in the Naneghat cave highlight its economic significance. Facilities like inns and a toll-collection jar supported traders, boosting commerce.
10. How did the Satavahana society accommodate foreigners?
Answer: Satavahana society was flexible enough to absorb foreigners like Greeks, Pallavas, Shakas, and Kushanas into its social structure. This integration occurred despite political invasions, which brought social and cultural changes. The ability to include foreigners reflects the adaptability of the contemporary social system.
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