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The Sunga Empire, also known as the Shunga Empire, emerged as a prominent Magadha dynasty following the decline of the Mauryan Empire. Spanning from appr

oximately 185 to 73 B.C.E, this empire exerted control over North-central and Eastern India, as well as parts of northwest India (present-day Pakistan). Pataliputra served as the capital of the Sungas, although their rulers, including Bhagabhadra, also held a court in Vidisa (modern Besnagar in Eastern Malwa). 

1-Balustrade-holding Yaksa, Madhya Pradesh, Sunga period (2nd-1st century B.C.E.). Musee Guimet.
2-Yaksa Reliefs. Bharhut, second-century B.C.E. 3-Vedika pillar with Greek warrior. Bharhut, Madhya Pradesh, Sunga Period, c. 100-80B.C.E. Reddish brown sandstone.Indian Museum, Calcutta (drawing).

Sunga Empire

The empire's history is marked by significant warfare against both foreign and indigenous powers, although several kings actively supported Buddhism. Additionally, the Mathura School of Art and the contributions of Patanjali played a prominent role in shaping the cultural landscape of North India during this period. Ultimately, the Sunga Empire was succeeded by the Kanva dynasty.

India's Response to Alexander the Great and the Flourishing of spiritual traditions

The establishment of large, centralized kingdoms in India can be attributed in large part to the invasion of Alexander the Great in 326 BCE. After the fall of the Maurya Empire, the responsibility of protecting India from invasions and ensuring stable rule fell on the Shunga dynasty, which ruled for the next century. This era was characterized by warfare, yet the Shungas also used diplomatic means to maintain control.

In addition, important religious developments occurred during this period, with Patanjali's synthesis of yoga traditions laying the foundation for one of the Hindu "darshan" (schools of thought) that continues to influence people around the world. Additionally, the Bhagavad Gita was composed around 150–100 BCE. marked an important milestone in Hindu scriptures. As rulers aligned themselves with Hinduism, Buddhism gradually moved out of India.

However, the early support of the Shunga Empire may have facilitated the growth of Buddhism long enough for its followers to spread its teachings to more receptive regions. The Shunga Empire played an important role in patronizing Indian culture at a time when important developments in Hindu philosophy were unfolding, contributing to the richness of India's spiritual traditions that provided profound insights to the world at large.

Origins: The Rise and Succession of the Sunga Dynasty

The Sunga dynasty, which played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of ancient India, emerged in 185 B.C.E, approximately half a century after the demise of Ashoka. The dynasty's establishment came about when Brhadrata, the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire, was assassinated by Pusyamitra Sunga, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Mauryan armed forces. Pusyamitra Sunga then ascended the throne and became the king of Magadha and its surrounding regions.

Expansion and Territories:

Under the reign of Pushyamitra Sunga, the kingdom expanded its dominion, encompassing territories extending from Narmada in the south to Jalandhar and Sialkot in the northwestern regions (Punjab), as well as the central Indian city of Ujjain. However, during this time, the Indo-Greeks gained control over the Kabul Valley and much of Punjab, while the Deccan region fell under the rule of the Satavahanas.

Succession and Decline:

After a prosperous rule of 36 years (187-151 B.C.E), Pushyamitra passed away, leaving the throne to his son, Agnimitra. Agnimitra gained fame as the protagonist of a renowned play written by the celebrated Indian playwright, Kalidasa. At the time of the play, Agnimitra held the position of viceroy in Vidisha. Over time, the power of the Sunga dynasty gradually diminished, and it is believed that there were a total of ten Sunga kings.

Succession and the Kanva Dynasty:

Around 73 B.C.E., the Sunga dynasty was succeeded by the Kanva dynasty, marking the end of their rule and the transition of power in the region.

Buddhism and Brahmanism: Competing Spiritual Traditions

In the post-Mauryan era, the Sunga dynasty witnessed a complex relationship between Buddhism and Brahmanism, both vying for influence in the political and spiritual realms of the Gangetic plains. Pusyamitra Sunga, the first Brahmin king, is often associated with the persecution of Buddhists and the resurgence of Brahmanism, which prompted Buddhism to spread to regions like Kashmir, Gandhara, and Bactria. However, historical doubts remain regarding the extent of Pusyamitra's active persecution of Buddhists.

Persecution and Cultural Contributions:

According to the Ashokavadana, Pusyamitra led an army to the Kukkutarama with the intention of destroying Buddhism. He allegedly destroyed the Sangharama (monastic complex), killed the monks, and moved on. However, later Sunga kings were viewed as more tolerant of Buddhism, and they were credited with contributing to the construction of the stupa at Bharhut.

Brahmanism and Buddhism:

Brahmanism and Buddhism competed for followers and influence in the Gangetic plains. While Buddhism thrived under the patronage of the Bactrian kings, Brahmanism maintained its hold on both the political and spiritual spheres. Buddhism attracted a large lay following due to its lack of priests or rigid class divisions, whereas Brahmanism upheld the priestly class and offered limited spiritual opportunities for non-Brahmans. During this period, Patanjali emerged as an alternative spiritual teacher, promoting the practice of Yoga and devotion that was accessible to people of all classes and castes. The Bhagavata Gita, which some date to this era, became a favored text of the Bhakti tradition and challenged the elitist nature of Brahmanism.

Spread and Tolerance:

It is believed that the Sunga dynasty extended Hinduism into Afghanistan, leading to the decline of Buddhism in the region. However, it is important to note that the Bhagavata Gita, associated with this period, espoused a tolerant view of religious diversity. It acknowledged different paths and names for God as valid alternatives leading to the same ultimate goal. This perspective recognized that while there is only one Ultimate Reality, it manifests in various ways, each revealing different aspects or qualities of the same Reality.

Sunga bronze coin

The Wars of the Sungas: Conflict and Conquest

The period of the Sunga Empire was marked by extensive warfare and conflicts with various regional powers. They engaged in wars with the Kalingas, Satavahanas, Indo-Greeks, and potentially the Panchalas and Mathuras, shaping the history of this era.

Indo-Greek Campaigns:

Significant among the Sunga Empire's military endeavors were their conflicts with the Indo-Greek Kingdom. Starting around 180 B.C.E., the Greco-Bactrian ruler Demetrius conquered the Kabul Valley and is believed to have made advances into the trans-Indus region. Indo-Greek King Menander is credited with either leading or participating in a campaign to Pataliputra alongside other Indian kings. However, historical records provide limited details about the nature and success of this campaign, leaving the outcome of these wars uncertain.

Interpretations from Hindu Texts:

Some interpretations of the Mahabharata and Yuga Purana have sought to shed light on these events. The Anushasanaparava of the Mahabharata mentions that the city of Mathura was jointly controlled by the Yavanas (Indo-Greeks) and the Kambojas. Additionally, the Yuga Purana, a Hindu text presenting historical events as prophecies, recounts an Indo-Greek attack on the grand capital city of Pataliputra. The city is described by Megasthenes as a magnificent fortified city with 570 towers and 64 gates. Megasthenes also mentions the eventual destruction of the city's walls.

The Ravages of War:

According to the Yuga Purana, the Indo-Greeks, along with the Panchalas and Mathuras, approached Saketa and ultimately reached Kusumadhvaja (also known as Pataliputra). Upon breaching the city's celebrated mud walls, disorder ensued throughout the realm, leading to significant upheaval.

The Sunga Empire's history was marred by ongoing wars and conflicts, notably with the Indo-Greek Kingdom. While the exact outcomes of these campaigns remain uncertain, interpretations from Hindu texts offer insights into the joint control of Mathura and the destructive impact of Indo-Greek attacks on Pataliputra, one of India's greatest cities. These wars played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of the Sunga period.

Pushyamitra Sunga: Expansion and Diplomatic Relations

Pushyamitra Sunga, the ruler of the Sunga Empire, undertook significant territorial expansion and diplomatic efforts during his reign. The inscriptions and scriptures provide insights into his achievements, including the performance of Ashvamedha Yagnas, the extension of Sunga influence to Jalandhar and Sialkot, and the regained control of Mathura.

Territorial Expansion:

Records indicate that Pushyamitra Sunga conducted two Ashvamedha Yagnas, a significant Vedic ritual symbolizing territorial conquest and authority. The Sunga imperial inscriptions suggest that their dominion extended as far as Jalandhar in northwestern India. The Divyavadhana scriptures mention that Sunga rule even reached Sialkot in Punjab. Furthermore, Mathura, if lost, was later regained by the Sungas around 100 B.C.E. Other indigenous rulers like the Arjunayanas and Yaudheyas, as evident from their coinage, also celebrated military victories during this period. The Trigartas, Audumbaras, and Kunindas began minting their own coins in the first century B.C.E., asserting their autonomy.

Sunga kings and their respective reigns:

King	Reign
Pusyamitra Sunga	185-149 B.C.E.
Agnimitra	149-141 B.C.E.
Vasujyeshtha	141-131 B.C.E.
Vasumitra	131-124 B.C.E.
Andhraka	124-122 B.C.E.
Pulindaka	122-119 B.C.E.
Ghosha	Unknown
Vajramitra	Unknown
Bhagabhadra	Unknown
Devabhuti	83-73 B.C.E.

Battles and Diplomatic Relations:

The accounts of battles between the Greeks and the Sungas in Northwestern India are recounted in Kalidasa's play, Mālavikāgnimitram. The play describes a conflict between Greek cavalrymen and Vasumitra, Pushyamitra's grandson, on the Indus River. The Indians emerged victorious, and Pushyamitra successfully completed the Ashvamedha Yagna. However, due to limited historical records, much uncertainty remains regarding these events.

Diplomatic Reconciliation:

Despite the conflicts, there appears to have been a reconciliation and establishment of diplomatic relations between the Indo-Greeks and the Sungas. Around 110 B.C.E., the Greek ambassador Heliodorus was dispatched from the court of Indo-Greek King Antialcidas to the court of Sunga King Bhagabhadra. The Heliodorus pillar, an inscription, commemorates this diplomatic mission and signifies the normalized diplomatic relations between the two realms. The pillar is located at Vidisha in central India.

Pushyamitra Sunga's reign was marked by territorial expansion, military engagements, and diplomatic efforts. While the specifics of battles and territorial control remain uncertain, inscriptions and scriptures provide glimpses into the Sunga Empire's reach and their engagements with the Indo-Greeks. The diplomatic exchange recorded in the Heliodorus pillar highlights the efforts toward reconciliation and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Indo-Greeks and the Sungas.

Cultural Contributions of the Sunga Dynasty

The Sunga dynasty made significant cultural contributions during their reign, with advancements in art, education, philosophy, and religious tolerance. Notable works, such as Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and Mahabhasya, emerged during this period. The Mathura School of Art flourished, and Buddhist activity persisted in certain regions. The Sunga dynasty's patronage of Indian culture left a lasting legacy that influenced subsequent dynasties.

Art and Literature:

The Sunga period witnessed remarkable progress in art and literature. Patanjali, a renowned scholar, composed the Yoga Sutras and Mahabhasya, influential texts that continue to shape philosophical and yogic traditions. The celebrated playwright Kalidasa's work, Malavikaagnimitra, composed during the later Gupta period, referenced the Sungas, portraying courtly intrigue and the love between Malavika and King Agnimitra. The rise of the Mathura school of Art, known for its indigenous style, paralleled the Hellenistic Gandhara school in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Buddhist Activity and Tolerance:

Despite debates about the religious policies of the Sunga dynasty, Buddhism managed to survive and even flourish in central India during their reign. Architectural expansions at the stupas of Sanchi and Barhut, initiated under King Ashoka, suggest Buddhist activity during the Sunga period. The reasons for these works remain uncertain, possibly indicating a degree of tolerance from the Sungas or a weak control over these regions.

Script and Legacy:

The Sungas used a variant of Brahmi script to write Sanskrit, serving as an intermediary between the earlier Maurya and later Kalinga Brahmi scripts. The dynasty's legacy lies in its patronage of Indian culture, particularly during a time of significant developments in Hindu thought.

The Sungas established a tradition of royal sponsorship of learning and art, which continued under subsequent dynasties. Their support ensured the vitality and creativity of Indian culture, contributing to the richness of the world's spiritual tradition.

The Sunga dynasty's cultural contributions were diverse and impactful. Their patronage of art, literature, philosophy, and education fostered significant developments during their reign. Notable works like Patanjali's texts and Kalidasa's play showcased the intellectual and artistic achievements of the time.

The survival of Buddhism and architectural expansions at sacred sites further highlight the dynasty's cultural influence. The Sungas' legacy as promoters of Indian culture paved the way for future dynasties, ensuring the continued growth and vibrancy of the country's artistic and intellectual traditions.