Shunga Dynasty And Cultural Revival

Exam-Oriented Q&A

Q1: Who founded the Shunga dynasty?
Pushyamitra Shunga, a Mauryan general, overthrew Brihadratha Maurya around 185 BCE.

Q2: What artistic site showcases Shunga narrative reliefs?
The Bharhut stupa railings display deep-relief Jataka and Vedic scenes.

Q3: Name one Sanskrit text tradition revived under the Shungas.
Commentaries on the Ṛgveda and Yajurveda received renewed support.

Q4: How did Shunga patronage affect Buddhist monuments?
Rather than destroy them, Shunga rulers refurbished and expanded sites like Sanchi.

Q5: In what way did the Shunga era influence later Indian art?
It bridged Mauryan realism with Gupta idealism, shaping temple sculpture and architecture.