Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin general in the Mauryan army, assassinated the last Mauryan emperor Brihadratha in around 185 BCE and founded the Shunga dynasty. This marked the end of the Mauryan Empire and the beginning of Shunga rule, which lasted until approximately 73 BCE. Pushyamitra was a patron of Brahmanism and performed two horse sacrifice rituals (Ashvamedha).

Qutb-ud-din Aibak founded the Slave Dynasty (also known as the Mamluk Dynasty) in 1206 after the death of his master Muhammad Ghori. He was a slave of Turkic origin who rose to become a general and then the first Sultan of Delhi. The Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) was the first of the five dynasties that constituted the Delhi Sultanate, and it ruled northern India for nearly a century.

The Saka Era began in 78 AD and is associated with the Kushan emperor Kanishka (or his predecessor Vima Kadphises). While the era was named after the Shakas (Scythians) who had invaded northwestern India earlier, it was Kanishka who formally adopted this calendar system for official inscriptions and coinage. The Saka Era is still used today as the official calendar of India (Saka Samvat) and is the basis for the Indian National Calendar.

Akhenaten (Akhnaton) of Egypt was famous for his religious revolution, promoting monotheism (worship of Aten). Similarly, Asoka underwent a religious transformation after the Kalinga war, embracing Buddhism and non-violence (dhamma). Both rulers shifted from traditional state policies to religious/ethical governance, though their contexts differed significantly.

Chandragupta Maurya is credited with establishing the first organized road network in the Mauryan Empire, including the famous Grand Trunk Road from Taxila to Pataliputra. While Ashoka later expanded and improved this system with trees, wells, and milestones, Chandragupta initiated the infrastructure development.

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, abdicated his throne towards the end of his life, converted to Jainism, and traveled to Shravanabelagola where he practiced Sallekhana, a ritual fasting to death.

Ashoka appointed a Yavana (Greek/Ionian) officer named Tushaspha to govern the rich province of Gandhara (northwestern frontier). This is evidenced by his edicts and historical records. The Mauryas maintained good relations with Seleucus, and Greek officers were employed in administration, especially in border regions with Greek populations.

Pushyagupta (or Pushyagupta) was the Mauryan governor appointed to rule over Saurashtra (western Gujarat) under Chandragupta Maurya's reign. This region was important for trade and maritime activity. Pushyagupta is mentioned in historical accounts as one of Chandragupta's trusted regional administrators.

The Tibetan Buddhist historian Taranatha (1575-1634) wrote in his 'History of Buddhism in India' that Bindusara conquered territories 'between the two seas' (likely referring to the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, indicating peninsular India). While earlier historians like the Mahavamsa author may have noted Bindusara's southern conquests, Taranatha is specifically credited with this geographic description.

Kunala (or Kunala) was Ashoka's son who governed the western part of the empire (including Taxila region) after Ashoka's reign. According to Buddhist and Jain traditions, Kunala was initially heir apparent but was blinded due to court intrigue. He later served as governor in the western provinces before the empire's decline.

Bindusara, Ashoka's father and Chandragupta's successor, is credited with expanding Mauryan control into the Deccan region. Historical sources like the Mahavamsa note that Bindusara conquered several southern kingdoms ('all except the land of the Cholas, Pandyas, and Keralas'). This established Mauryan presence beyond the Vindhya ranges into peninsular India.

Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), the author of Arthashastra and advisor to Chandragupta, advocated that in emergencies (war, famine, calamity), the king could appropriate funds from temple treasuries. The Arthashastra explicitly discusses the doctrine of 'apad-dharma' (duty in times of emergency) which permits extraordinary measures including using religious wealth for state welfare.

Samprati (Samprathy), grandson of Ashoka, was a devout Jain and is known for spreading Jainism. He built numerous Jain temples and is credited with being a great patron of Jainism, unlike Ashoka who converted to Buddhism.

Avantivarman founded the Utpala Dynasty in Kashmir in 855 CE. He was a patron of arts and literature, and his reign is considered a golden period of Kashmir. He built the famous Avantipura city and temples.