Study Guide · Chapter 6
Post-Mauryan North & Central India
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| Power | Approx. dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-Greek kingdoms | c. 180 BCE–10 CE | Northwest India; Menander I (Milinda) is the best-known ruler, subject of the Buddhist philosophical text Milinda Panha (dialogue with the monk Nagasena) |
| Indo-Scythians (Shakas) & Indo-Parthians | c. 1st c. BCE–1st c. CE | Northwest & western India; the Shaka era (78 CE), begun by Kanishka, is still used alongside the Gregorian calendar in India's national calendar |
| Kushan Empire | c. 30–375 CE | Kanishka (peak ruler, capital Purushapura/Peshawar) — great patron of Buddhism, convened the Fourth Buddhist Council (Kashmir), under whom Mahayana Buddhism crystallised; the Gandhara (Greco-Buddhist, northwest) and Mathura (indigenous) schools of art flourish under Kushan patronage; extensive Silk Route trade linking Rome, Central Asia, and India |
| Satavahana dynasty | c. 230 BCE–220 CE | Deccan's first major indigenous power (capital Pratishthana/Paithan); patronised Prakrit language and Buddhist cave architecture; controlled key trade routes linking the Deccan to Rome (Roman gold coins found in hoards); notable ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni |
This roughly four-century "in-between" period is frequently underweighted by students but regularly supplies 2-3 prelims questions each cycle — particularly on the Shaka era's continued official use and Kanishka's Buddhist council.
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