Hinglish

Indo-Greeks, Śhakas and Kuṣhāṇas

Class 7 Social Science · Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 6.5

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In the northwest, Greek satraps left by Alexander set up their own kingdoms and became the Indo-Greeks. After the Mauryas fell they took control of large areas, but they were deeply influenced by Indian culture. The Heliodorus pillar near Vidisha was raised by an Indo-Greek ambassador who praised Vāsudeva as "god of gods". Their coins in gold, silver, copper and nickel show kings on one side and Greek, or sometimes Indian, deities like Kṛiṣhṇa and Lakṣhmī on the other.

The Śhakas (Indo-Scythians) followed, ruling parts of the northwest and west from the late 2nd century BCE. The Śhaka Samvat calendar dates from this period; it is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar (79 from January to March) and was adopted as India's national calendar in 1957. Then the Kuṣhāṇas from Central Asia built an empire from Central Asia into north India. Kaṇiṣhka, their greatest king, called himself "great king, king of kings", and his coins show the Buddha on some and Śhiva on others. The Kuṣhāṇas controlled parts of the Silk Route, and trade with Asia and the West grew.

Two great schools of art flourished. The Gāndhāra style of western Punjab blended Greco-Roman features with Indian themes, carving Buddhas with realistic bodies and flowing robes in grey-black schist. The Mathurā style used red sandstone and was distinctly Indian, with fuller figures of Kubera, Lakṣhmī, Śhiva, the Buddha and yakṣhas. Despite conflicts, this age saw remarkable cultural exchange, with Indian themes dominant and Sanskrit literature, including the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa in their great forms, flourishing.

Explore: Gāndhāra or Mathurā?

  1. Sort each feature.

Remember

  • Indo-Greeks, Śhakas and Kuṣhāṇas came from outside but absorbed Indian culture; the Śhaka Samvat is our national calendar.
  • Kaṇiṣhka's coins honoured many faiths; the Gāndhāra and Mathurā schools blended and developed Indian art.

Quick check

The Śhaka Samvat is India's national calendar. In August 2026 CE, what Śhaka year is it?

  1. 1948
  2. 2104
  3. 1969
  4. 2026
Answer

1948. 2026 − 78 = 1948.

Think about it

Why would a foreign ruler put Indian gods on his coins?

One answer

To win the loyalty of his Indian subjects, show respect for their beliefs, and present himself as a ruler who belonged to the land.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.