Fall of Mauryas and Rise of Sunga & Kanva Dynasties
All three statements are correct. Brihadratha (Maurya) was killed by Pushyamitra Sunga, Devabhuti (Sunga) by Vasudeva Kanva, and the Kanvas were deposed by the Andhras.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2003
Evidence Source
Link ↗Consider the following statements:
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti, was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.Which of these statements is/are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2003, Paper I]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The political fragmentation of North India after the Mauryan collapse led to a series of short-lived dynasties (Sunga, Kanva) before regional powers rose.
Authentic Source Evidence
According to the Puranas and Harshacharita, Brihadratha was killed during a military parade. Later, the Kanva dynasty was indeed ended by the Satavahanas (referred to as Andhras).
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Why are the Sunga and Kanva dynasties often associated with a 'Brahmanical revival'?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The transition from Maurya to Sunga signifies a shift in state patronage from heterodox sects back to traditional Vedic rituals."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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