What is pushyamitra shunga?

Pushyamitra Shunga

Pushyamitra Shunga (reigned c. 185 – c. 149 BCE) was the founder and first ruler of the Shunga%20Dynasty of India. He was a Senapati (general) in the Mauryan Empire. In 185 BCE, he assassinated the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha Maurya, during a military parade and established his own dynasty, which ruled for about 112 years.

Pushyamitra is described in the Puranas as belonging to the Baimbika family. Buddhist sources, such as the Ashokavadana, portray him as a persecutor of Buddhists, alleging that he destroyed stupas and monasteries and massacred monks. However, some historians debate the veracity and extent of this persecution. Other sources suggest a more tolerant approach towards Buddhism or even patronage.

His reign is marked by the revival of Brahmanical Hinduism, which had seemingly declined under the influence of Mauryan rulers like Ashoka who favored Buddhism. He is known to have performed Ashvamedha sacrifices, which were a symbol of imperial power and sovereignty. These sacrifices were supposedly conducted by the famous grammarian Patanjali.

He faced challenges from foreign invasions, most notably from the Indo-Greeks. He successfully defended his kingdom against these incursions, particularly under the leadership of the Indo-Greek king Menander%20I.

His dynasty played a vital role in preserving and promoting Indian culture, art, and philosophy, especially in the face of foreign threats. The Shunga%20art style, characterized by its intricate carvings and depictions of religious and secular scenes, flourished under his rule and that of his successors.