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Following the fall of the Gupta Empire, the early medieval era in Indian history, which lasted from the sixth to the thirteenth century CE, was a pivotal time characterized by significant political, social, and cultural changes. Regional kingdoms that shaped the political landscape included the GurjaraPratiharas, Palas, and Chandelas in the north and the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas, and Pandyas in the south.
These regional powers rose to prominence after the Gupta Empire collapsed, resulting in alliances, conflicts, and territorial dominance. Political unrest during the period was exacerbated by the Huns, Arabs, and Turks, among other foreign forces that invaded frequently.
Socially, the caste system became more rigid in the early medieval era, with Brahmins becoming more prominent. Women’s status decreased as a result of common practices like child marriage and Sati. But in the midst of these difficulties, social reform movements like the Sufi and Bhakti movements arose to question established conventions.
In terms of culture, new architectural and artistic forms emerged during this time. They built notable buildings, like the well-known temples and sculptures in Khajuraho and Mahabalipuram. Literary masterpieces in regional languages such as Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu flourished.
India’s early medieval era was marked by social upheavals, political division, and cultural developments. It was a time of both continuity and change, when regional kingdoms were established, social hierarchies were cemented, and literary and artistic flourishing was encouraged. The foundation for the later medieval era in Indian history was built during this era.
Transition of Early Medieval Era in North India
The centralized state structure of the Mauryan Empire was a defining feature in the North. Central authority did, however, noticeably wane over time.
After the introduction of the Land Grants System, a kind of feudalism developed. The region was further affected by foreign invasions, which made the centralization forces reevaluate their position.
At this time, a feudal system known as the Samanta System came into existence.
Trade with other countries developed significantly, influencing the economic dynamics of the region. But as the early medieval era went on, there was a fall in external trade, which indicated changes in regional relations and economic patterns.
Development in the Post-Mauryan Period
Political Developments
Persistent foreign invasions served as a catalyst for the start of contacts with the outside world during the post-Mauryan period. The Indo-Greeks, also called Yavanas or Bactrian Greeks, were the first invaders. Their presence is confirmed by coins discovered in different parts of the world, such as the Mirzakah Hoard in Afghanistan. These coins are notable for providing information about the Indo-Greek King Menander, whose importance is emphasized in the Buddhist text Milindapanho.
The Shakas, also called Scythians, invaded India after the Indo-Greeks. They came in two branches, the more notable being the western branch. Inscriptions like the one at Junagarh highlight the Kardemak family, which included the famous King Rudradaman, as one of the Shaka rulers.
The Parthians, also called Pahalvas, came to power one after the other. The Takht-e-Bahi inscription mentions Gondophernes as a prominent ruler.
Later, the Yu-chi tribe gave rise to the Kushanas, who formed a powerful kingdom that ruled over a sizable portion of the North and Northwest. As the progenitor of the Shaka dynasty, Kanishka (of the Kadphisus family) ruled over vast swathes of territory, including Central Asia, the Ganga Valley, and the Malva Valley.
During Kanishka’s reign, scholars like Ashvaghosha and Nagarjuna received notable support and the religion of Buddhism was promoted. His accomplishments included overseeing the Silk Route and promoting trade, commerce, and economic growth.
Similar to Ashoka, Kanishka is recognized as one of history’s greatest emperors and is credited with promoting Gandhar and Mathuran art. It is believed that the inscription at Rabatak, Afghanistan, attests to his greatness. On the other hand, the Kushana dynasty saw a reduction in authority following Kanishka.
Advancements in Trade and Commerce
- Trade and commerce expanded significantly during the post-Mauryan era.
- A number of foreign invasions served as the catalyst for this, increasing communication with the outside world and significantly boosting trade.
Religious Toleration
- A hallmark of the Post-Mauryan period was religious tolerance, as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism coexisted peacefully.
- Indian religions were also promoted by external influences.
Architectural Advancements
- During this time, sculpture saw significant advancements.
- Notably, architectural advancement was signaled by the construction of Chaityas and Viharas.
Literary Flourishing
- The Post-Mauryan period witnessed the development of Prakrit languages.
- Literary works such as Hala’s “Gatha Saptasati” and Gunadhya’s “Brihat Katha” contributed to the rich literary landscape.
Chaitya and Vihara Architecture:
- Rock-cut caves known as Chaityas and Viharas were notable architectural elements during this era.
- In Buddhism, viharas were the homes of monks, and chaityas were places of worship.
Satavahana Dominance in the Deccan
The Deccan region was ruled by the Satavahanas, who were called “Andhras” in Puranas.
The Satavahanas promoted trade and economic activity vigorously.
Key Sources
- Concrete proof is offered by archeological discoveries, such as the hoard of coins found in Karimnagar, Telangana.
- Including those at Nashik and Nanaghat, inscriptions provide important historical context.
- Literary sources provide extensive information about the Satavahanas, especially Prakrit texts such as Gathasaptasati.
- The Deccan region was primarily ruled by the Satavahanas, who established their capital in Pratishan, Maharashtra.
- Commemorative rulers of this kingdom include Satkarni I, Gautamiputra Satkarni, and Vasishthaputra Pulumayi. It was founded by Simuka.
The Significance of the Satavahanas
- As the first empire to be established in Peninsular India, the Satavahanas made history.
- They demonstrated their ability to protect their realm by successfully repelling foreign invasions.
- The Satavahanas adopted aspects of the Mauryan model and established a strong administration.
- With the help of Amatyas, the king possessed considerable authority, and the provinces and district administrations were well-run.
- The Satavahanas made significant contributions to the region’s religious and cultural landscape by actively promoting Brahmanism.
- There was the Varna system, which was a loose system of social stratification.
- During this time, instances of flexible profession changes were noted.
- There was a notable prevalence of a joint family system, and women enjoyed considerable respect. The Satavahana emperors prefixed their own names with the name of their mother.
- The Satavahana period is recognized for its remarkable economic prosperity, mainly attributed to its foreign trade.
- Prominent trading centers like Sopara, Kanheri, and Kalyan are indicated by the evidence.
- Prominent harbors such as Baroch and Kalyan served as hubs for trade, encompassing connections with the Roman Empire.
- Academics such as Pliny proposed that goods from India were being sold in Europe for much more than they were in India, thereby portraying trade as being advantageous to India.
- It was said that India was the “Sink of Bullions” that drained Rome.
- Coins made of silver, copper, lead, and potin, known as “Karsapana,” were in use and may have been used for trade.
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