# The Age of Reorganisation

## Overview
This chapter explores the historical period after the fall of the Maurya Empire, a time marked by political fragmentation, regional assertion, foreign invasions, and cultural transformation. Known as the 'Age of Reorganisation', it was characterized by new dynasties emerging across India, rich cultural exchange, and artistic and architectural developments. Students will learn about major dynasties, trade, language, religious inclusivity, and the spread of art forms.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Decline of the Maurya Empire and Rise of New Kingdoms
- After Emperor Ashoka, the Maurya Empire weakened.
- Puṣhyamitra Śhunga assassinated the last Maurya ruler around 185 BCE.
- Several smaller kingdoms emerged, such as the Śhungas, Sātavāhanas, Chedis, Cholas, Cheras, and Pāṇḍyas.
- Foreign invasions by Indo-Greeks, Śhakas (Indo-Scythians), and later Kuṣhāṇas reshaped the political landscape.

### 2. The Śhunga Dynasty
- Founded by Puṣhyamitra Śhunga, who performed the aśhvamedha yajña.
- Known for reviving Vedic traditions.
- Supported literature and early Buddhist art (e.g., Bharhut Stupa enhancements).
- Sanskrit was a prominent language during this period.

### 3. The Sātavāhanas
- Powerful rulers of the Deccan, also known as ‘Andhras’.
- Key cities: Amrāvatī and Pratiṣhṭhāna.
- Promoted trade—both inland and maritime, reaching Roman Empire.
- Issued coins showing ships and Brahmi inscriptions.
- Patronised Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedic faiths.
- Supported arts and architecture (e.g., Naneghat and Karla caves).
- Women, like Gautamī Bālāśhrī, played prominent roles in society.

### 4. The Chedis and King Khāravela
- Rose in Kalinga after Maurya decline.
- King Khāravela known as the monk-king or bhikṣhu-rāja.
- Supported Jainism and all schools of thought.
- Built Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves and recorded achievements in the Hāthīgumphā inscription.

### 5. The Southern Kingdoms: Cholas, Cheras, and Pāṇḍyas
- Remained independent during Mauryan rule.
- Engaged in trade, literature, and cultural development.
- Sangam Literature: poetic expressions of emotion, heroism, and generosity.
- Chola King Karikāla built the Grand Anicut (Kallaṇai) irrigation system.
- The epic *Silappadikāram* tells the tragic story of Kaṇṇagi.
- Cheras and Pāṇḍyas had extensive trade with Rome and issued coins.

### 6. Invasions and Cultural Confluence
- Indo-Greeks brought Greek influence but adopted Indian deities like Vāsudeva.
- Śhakas ruled after Indo-Greeks and introduced the Śhaka Samvat calendar (Indian national calendar).
- Kuṣhāṇas, especially King Kaṇiṣhka, promoted multiculturalism and trade.
- Art flourished:
- Gāndhāra School (Greco-Roman + Indian style, grey schist stone).
- Mathurā School (red sandstone, Indian deities, rounder forms).
- This period saw the rise of religious iconography and temple architecture.

### 7. Literature and Cultural Synthesis
- Sanskrit literature, including the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa, flourished.
- Artistic expression reflected peaceful co-existence and assimilation of diverse cultural and religious ideas.

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## New Terms and Their Meanings

| Term | Simple Definition |
|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Aśhvamedha yajña | A Vedic ritual where a horse roamed freely to claim lands for a king |
| Matrimonial alliance | Political relationship formed by marrying into another royal family |
| Brahmi script | Ancient Indian writing system used in early inscriptions |
| Rock-cut architecture | Buildings or sculptures carved directly into solid rock |
| Sangam literature | Old Tamil poetry collections about life, emotions, and values |
| Satrap | A governor left by Alexander in conquered areas |
| Indo-Greeks | Greeks who settled in India after Alexander's campaigns |
| Śhaka Samvat | Indian calendar system started in 78 CE, used as the national calendar |
| Gāndhāra School | Art style combining Greek and Indian features |
| Mathurā School | Indigenous Indian art style with red sandstone sculptures |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **Who founded the Śhunga dynasty?**
**Answer**: Puṣhyamitra Śhunga.
**Explanation**: He assassinated the last Maurya ruler and started the Śhunga dynasty.

2. **Which language was promoted during the Śhunga period?**
**Answer**: Sanskrit.
**Explanation**: It was widely used for philosophical and literary works like the Yoga Sūtras.

3. **What was the capital of the Pāṇḍya kingdom?**
**Answer**: Madurai.
**Explanation**: Madurai was a prominent city in south India and the capital of the Pāṇḍyas.

### Medium (2)

4. **How did the Sātavāhanas support religious communities?**
**Answer**: By granting tax-free land to Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain scholars.
**Explanation**: This helped religious learning and ensured peaceful coexistence.

5. **Why is Sangam literature important?**
**Answer**: It gives insight into early Tamil society, emotions, and values.
**Explanation**: Sangam poems depict love, heroism, and generosity, and are among the oldest Tamil writings.

### Difficult (3)

6. **What does the Hāthīgumphā inscription tell us about Khāravela?**
**Answer**: It details his achievements, victories, and religious tolerance.
**Explanation**: The inscription reflects his role as a ruler who supported all faiths.

7. **Describe a major difference between Gāndhāra and Mathurā art styles.**
**Answer**: Gāndhāra had Greco-Roman influence with grey schist; Mathurā was indigenous using red sandstone.
**Explanation**: Their material and artistic influences differed due to regional and cultural factors.

8. **Why was the Śhaka Samvat calendar significant?**
**Answer**: It was adopted as India’s national calendar in 1957.
**Explanation**: It represents an ancient system of timekeeping used by the Śhakas.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **How did Indo-Greek rule lead to cultural confluence in India?**
**Answer**: They adopted Indian deities and values, blending Greek and Indian cultures.
**Explanation**: Evidence includes coins with Indian gods and inscriptions praising Vāsudeva.

10. **What does the Grand Anicut (Kallaṇai) reveal about Chola governance?**
**Answer**: It shows investment in public infrastructure and irrigation.
**Explanation**: Built by Karikāla Chola, it enabled cultivation and economic growth in Tamil Nadu.

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