Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, the Shunga (or Sanga) dynasty, founded by Pushyamitra Shunga, succeeded them in Magadha.

During the early Vedic period, the basic political unit was the tribe, which was known as the Jana. The king was referred to as the Janasya Gopa.

The Purohita (chief priest) was the most important official after the king during the Rig Vedic period, as he provided spiritual guidance and performed rituals for the king's success.

Cattle (cows) were the most important form of wealth in the pastoral Rig Vedic society. The word for war, 'gavishti', literally means 'search for cows'.

The head of the family (kula) during the Rig Vedic period was known as the Kulapa.

The Arthashastra, written by Chanakya, and the Edicts of Ashoka are the most significant primary sources for understanding the administration and society of the Mauryan Empire.

Narasimhavarman I, a Pallava ruler, is credited with the construction of the rock-cut temples and the development of the city of Mahabalipuram.

The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art flourished significantly during the reign of the Kushan emperor Kanishka, who was a great patron of Buddhism and the arts.

The three major ancient Tamil dynasties of South India were the Cheras, the Cholas, and the Pandyas.

Samudra Gupta is famously referred to as the 'Napoleon of India' by historian A.V. Smith due to his extensive military conquests.

Pulakesin I is considered the founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami, establishing his capital at Vatapi.

In the Mauryan administration under Ashoka, the Rajukas were officials appointed to administer justice and oversee the welfare of the people in rural areas.

Samudragupta, a ruler of the Gupta Empire, is often referred to as the 'Napoleon of India' by historians due to his extensive military conquests.

The temples at ‘Khajuraho’ were built by the Chandelas. The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone. The Pallavas didn't use mortar and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons.