Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation
After the Mauryas, India's map changed again and again. In this chapter we meet the Śhungas, the seafaring Sātavāhanas, Khāravela of Kalinga, the Cholas, Cheras and Pāṇḍyas of the Sangam Age, and the Indo-Greeks, Śhakas and Kuṣhāṇas, and see how wars, alliances, trade and art wove many cultures into one tapestry.
In this chapter you will
- explain why this period is called the Age of Reorganisation
- describe the Śhungas, Sātavāhanas and Chedis
- describe the southern kingdoms and Sangam literature
- explain how outside dynasties blended with Indian culture
Topics
- A New Map: The Śhungas NCERT 6.1
After about 185 BCE the Maurya Empire broke into many competing kingdoms: the Age of Reorganisation.
- The Sātavāhanas NCERT 6.2
The Sātavāhanas ruled the Deccan, farmed the Krishna–Godavari basin and traded by sea as far as Rome.
- The Chedis of Kalinga NCERT 6.3
Kalinga rose again under the Chedis; Khāravela was a Jain monk-king who respected all sects.
- Kingdoms and Life in the South NCERT 6.4
The Cholas, Cheras and Pāṇḍyas ruled the south in the Sangam Age, known from the oldest Tamil poetry.
- Indo-Greeks, Śhakas and Kuṣhāṇas NCERT 6.5
Indo-Greeks, Śhakas and Kuṣhāṇas came from outside but absorbed Indian culture; the Śhaka Samvat is our national calendar.
Key words
- Matrimonial alliance
- an alliance sealed by a royal marriage
- Aśhvamedha yajña
- a Vedic horse ritual to claim supremacy
- Sangam literature
- the oldest Tamil poetry
- Rock-cut architecture
- buildings carved out of solid rock
- Śhaka Samvat
- India's national calendar, 78 years behind the Gregorian
- Gāndhāra style
- art blending Greco-Roman and Indian features
- Mathurā style
- Indian-style sculpture in red sandstone
Summary
- After 185 BCE many kingdoms rose and competed; the Śhungas revived Vedic rituals and patronised art.
- The Sātavāhanas traded by sea; Khāravela of Kalinga respected all sects.
- The Cholas, Cheras and Pāṇḍyas flourished in the Sangam Age; Karikāla built the Grand Anicut.
- Indo-Greeks, Śhakas and Kuṣhāṇas blended into Indian culture; Gāndhāra and Mathurā art flourished.