Cheti/Chedi dynasty: the history of Kalinga, after the death of Ashoka, is shrouded in obscurity. A new dynasty known as Cheti/Chedi rose in the region in the 1st century. The main source of information about Kharavela is his famous seventeen line Hathigumpha inscription in a cave in Udayagiri hill near Bhubaneswar in Odisha. Kharavela was the 3rd king of Kalinga. He was the third king of the Maha Meghavahana dynasty. He was responsible for the propagation of Jainism in East India and many successful campaigns against Magadha, anga and modern Tamil nadu. He restored the power of Kalinga after it had been devastated in a war with the Mauryan king Ashoka.
The Indo-Greeks: 2nd century BC: the most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander (Milinda). He had his capital at Sakala in Punjab, (modern Pakistan). He was converted to Buddhism by Nagarjuna or Nagasena. The Indo-Greek was the first rulers in India to issue gold coins that could be attributed to kings.
The Sakas: 1st century BC to 4th century CE: the Sakas or the Indo-Scythians replaced the Indo-Greeks in India. The most famous Saka ruler in India was Rudradaman. He, besides being famous for his military conquests, is also known for public works. He repaired the Sudarshan Lake of the Mauryan period and patronized the Sanskrit language. Vikramaditya, the king of Ujjain fought effectively against the Sakas in 58 BC.
The Parthia’s: 1st century BC to 1st century AD: Indo-Parthian rulers were a group of ancient kings from central Asia, who ruled parts of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, during or slightly before the 1st century AD. The most famous Parthian king was Gondophernes in whose reign Saint Thomas the Apostle came to the west coast of India.
The Kushanas: 1st century AD to 3rd century AD: the Kushan Empire was originally formed in the early 1st century AD under Kujula Kadphises. The second king of the dynasty was Kadhises II/Vima Kadphises who issued gold coins. The second Kushana dynasty was founded by Kanishka. All kings of this dynasty expanded the Kushana power over upper India. their capitals were at Peshawar (Purushapura) and Mathura. The rule of Kanishka, the fifth Kushan king, flourished for about 13 years from AD 127. He is also known as second Ashoka. He started and era in 78 AD, known as Saka era, now used by the Government of India. Kanishka is renowned in Buddhist tradition for having convened the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalavan in Kashmir. The Kushanas controlled the famous silk route, from China to Iran and Central and Central Asia. It was a source of great income to them. They were the first one to issue gold coins on a large scale.
The Sangam Period (1st-3rd century AD): three early kingdoms were the Cholas, the Pandya and the Cheras. The emblem of the Cheras was the bow and their capital was at Vanjji/Karayur. Their main ports were Muziris and Tondi. The first ruler was Udayingeral and the most famous was Senguttuvan or Red Chera. The Emblem of the Cholas was the tiger. Their inland capital was Urainaur and the coastal capital was Kaveripattinam the main port. Elara was the first ruler and Karikala was the most famous one. The Pandyas had fish as their emblem. Their inland capital was Madurai and Korkai/Colchoi was their coastal capital. It was famous for pearls. Mudukudumi was the first ruler and Nedujeliyam was the most famous ruler.
Gupta Dynasty (319-344 AD): the Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from approximately 320 AD to 550 AD and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. The dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta who ruled from 240 AD-280 AD. This period is called the Golden Age of India and was marked by extensive inventions and discoveries. His son and successor Ghatotkacha ruled probably from 280-319 AD.
Chandragupta I (319-334 AD): Chandragupta was married to Kumaradevi, a Lichchhavi princess- the main power in Magadha. With the alliance of the Lichchhavis, Chandragupta set about expanding his power, conquering much of Magadha, prayaga and Saketa. He established a realm stretching from the Ganges River to prayaga (modern Allahabad) by 321 AD. He assumed the imperial title of Maharajadhiraja.
Samudragupta (335-375 AD): Samudragupta succeeded his father in 335 AD and ruled for about 45 years until his death in 380 AD. He gave himself the titles King of Kings and World Monarch. Historian Vincent Smith described him as the ‘Indian napoleon’. He performed Ashwamedha yajna (horse sacrifice) to underline the importance of his conquest.
Chandragupta II (375-415 AD): After Samudragupta’s death his elder son, Ramagupta, took over the throne. He was a coward and surrendered his queen Dhruvswamini to the Saka ruler of the western Kshatrapas, Rudrasimha III after a defeat from him. Chandragupta II changes the plan and himself goes to Rudrasimha III disguised as the queen. He then assassinates Rudrasimha III and his brother Ramagupta. Dhruvswamini is then married to Chandragupta II. Chandragupta II married a Naga princess Kuberanaga. His daughter from Naga queen was married to the powerful Vakataka dynasty ruler Rudrasena II (380-385 AD).
Kumaragupta I (415-455 AD): like his father and predecessor, Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta was an able ruler. He retained, intact the vast empire, which extended from Bengal to Kathiawar and from the Himalayas to the Narmada. He ruled efficiently for nearly forty years. He founded Nalanda Mahavihara which developed into a great centre of learning. He took the title of Mahendraditya.
Skandagupta (455-467 AD): Skandagupta, son and successor of Kumaragupta is generally considered to be the last of the great Gupta rulers. He assumed the titles of Vikramaditya and Kramadity. He defeated the Pushyamitra threat, but then was faced with invading ‘white Huns’, known in India as the Sveta Huna, from the north west. The decline of the empire began soon after his death.
Vardhan Dynasty (550-647 AD): Pushyabhuti: Prabhakara Vardhana, the ruler of Thaneshwar (now a small town in modern day Haryana), who belonged to the Pushyabhuti family, extended his control over neighboring states. The Pushyabhuti were the feudatories of the Guptas, but had assumed independence after the Hun invasion. He was the first king of the Vardhana dynasty with his capita at Thaneshwar. After Prabhakar Vardhana’s death in 605 AD, his eldest son, Rajyavardhana ascended the throne. Harshavardhana was Rajya Vardhana's younger brother.
Harshavardhana (606-647 AD): after the murder of his brother, Harshvardhan, also known as Shiladitya, ascended the throne in 606 AD from this year started the Harsha Era. Though quite a young man when he came to power, Harsha proved himself a great conqueror and an able administrator. After his accession, Harsha united the two kingdoms of Thaneshwar and Kannauj and transferred his capital from Thaneshwar to Kannauj. Harsha’s ambition of extending his power to the Deccan and southern India were stopped by the great chalukya emperor of south India Pulakeshin II, the Chalukya king of Vatapi on the banks of the river Narmada in 620 AD. According to the Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang, who visited his kingdom in 636 AD, mentions two most celebrated events of Harsha reign: the Kannauj assembly held to honor Hiuen Tsang, which was reputedly attended by 20 kings and thousands of pilgrimags and the prayag Assembly (643-644 AD). Harsha died in the year 647 AD, apparently without any heirs, his empire died with him. The kingdom was usurped by Arunashwa, a chief minister in Harsha’s court.
Chalukyas of Vatapi/Badami (543-755 AD): the vakataka power was followed by the Chalukyas of Vatapi or Badami. They had their capital at Vatapi/Badami, in bijapur in Karnatka. Pulakesin II halted the southward march of Harsha by defeating him on the banks of the river Narmada. Pallava king Narasimhavarman, in 642 AD by attacked and occupied Badami temporarily. It is presumed Pulakesin II died fighting. In 757 AD, Chalukyas were overthrown by their feudatories, the Rashtrakutas.
Pallavas of Kanchi (575-897AD): Pallava dynasty, also the tondaiyar dynasty of Tondai Nadu, was a ruling dynasty of south India. Pallava king, Narasimhavarman (630-668) defeated Chalukyas and occupied Vatapi in 642 AD and also assumed the title of Vatapikonda, I.e. the conqueror of Vatapi. The Pallavas were instrumental in spreading Indian culture in South-East Asia. Pallava influence was evident in Cambodia till 8th century AD. The Pallava type of Shikhara is found in the temples of Cambodia, Java and Annam.
The Indo-Greeks: 2nd century BC: the most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander (Milinda). He had his capital at Sakala in Punjab, (modern Pakistan). He was converted to Buddhism by Nagarjuna or Nagasena. The Indo-Greek was the first rulers in India to issue gold coins that could be attributed to kings.
The Sakas: 1st century BC to 4th century CE: the Sakas or the Indo-Scythians replaced the Indo-Greeks in India. The most famous Saka ruler in India was Rudradaman. He, besides being famous for his military conquests, is also known for public works. He repaired the Sudarshan Lake of the Mauryan period and patronized the Sanskrit language. Vikramaditya, the king of Ujjain fought effectively against the Sakas in 58 BC.
The Parthia’s: 1st century BC to 1st century AD: Indo-Parthian rulers were a group of ancient kings from central Asia, who ruled parts of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, during or slightly before the 1st century AD. The most famous Parthian king was Gondophernes in whose reign Saint Thomas the Apostle came to the west coast of India.
The Kushanas: 1st century AD to 3rd century AD: the Kushan Empire was originally formed in the early 1st century AD under Kujula Kadphises. The second king of the dynasty was Kadhises II/Vima Kadphises who issued gold coins. The second Kushana dynasty was founded by Kanishka. All kings of this dynasty expanded the Kushana power over upper India. their capitals were at Peshawar (Purushapura) and Mathura. The rule of Kanishka, the fifth Kushan king, flourished for about 13 years from AD 127. He is also known as second Ashoka. He started and era in 78 AD, known as Saka era, now used by the Government of India. Kanishka is renowned in Buddhist tradition for having convened the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalavan in Kashmir. The Kushanas controlled the famous silk route, from China to Iran and Central and Central Asia. It was a source of great income to them. They were the first one to issue gold coins on a large scale.
The Sangam Period (1st-3rd century AD): three early kingdoms were the Cholas, the Pandya and the Cheras. The emblem of the Cheras was the bow and their capital was at Vanjji/Karayur. Their main ports were Muziris and Tondi. The first ruler was Udayingeral and the most famous was Senguttuvan or Red Chera. The Emblem of the Cholas was the tiger. Their inland capital was Urainaur and the coastal capital was Kaveripattinam the main port. Elara was the first ruler and Karikala was the most famous one. The Pandyas had fish as their emblem. Their inland capital was Madurai and Korkai/Colchoi was their coastal capital. It was famous for pearls. Mudukudumi was the first ruler and Nedujeliyam was the most famous ruler.
Gupta Dynasty (319-344 AD): the Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from approximately 320 AD to 550 AD and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. The dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta who ruled from 240 AD-280 AD. This period is called the Golden Age of India and was marked by extensive inventions and discoveries. His son and successor Ghatotkacha ruled probably from 280-319 AD.
Chandragupta I (319-334 AD): Chandragupta was married to Kumaradevi, a Lichchhavi princess- the main power in Magadha. With the alliance of the Lichchhavis, Chandragupta set about expanding his power, conquering much of Magadha, prayaga and Saketa. He established a realm stretching from the Ganges River to prayaga (modern Allahabad) by 321 AD. He assumed the imperial title of Maharajadhiraja.
Samudragupta (335-375 AD): Samudragupta succeeded his father in 335 AD and ruled for about 45 years until his death in 380 AD. He gave himself the titles King of Kings and World Monarch. Historian Vincent Smith described him as the ‘Indian napoleon’. He performed Ashwamedha yajna (horse sacrifice) to underline the importance of his conquest.
Chandragupta II (375-415 AD): After Samudragupta’s death his elder son, Ramagupta, took over the throne. He was a coward and surrendered his queen Dhruvswamini to the Saka ruler of the western Kshatrapas, Rudrasimha III after a defeat from him. Chandragupta II changes the plan and himself goes to Rudrasimha III disguised as the queen. He then assassinates Rudrasimha III and his brother Ramagupta. Dhruvswamini is then married to Chandragupta II. Chandragupta II married a Naga princess Kuberanaga. His daughter from Naga queen was married to the powerful Vakataka dynasty ruler Rudrasena II (380-385 AD).
Kumaragupta I (415-455 AD): like his father and predecessor, Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta was an able ruler. He retained, intact the vast empire, which extended from Bengal to Kathiawar and from the Himalayas to the Narmada. He ruled efficiently for nearly forty years. He founded Nalanda Mahavihara which developed into a great centre of learning. He took the title of Mahendraditya.
Skandagupta (455-467 AD): Skandagupta, son and successor of Kumaragupta is generally considered to be the last of the great Gupta rulers. He assumed the titles of Vikramaditya and Kramadity. He defeated the Pushyamitra threat, but then was faced with invading ‘white Huns’, known in India as the Sveta Huna, from the north west. The decline of the empire began soon after his death.
Vardhan Dynasty (550-647 AD): Pushyabhuti: Prabhakara Vardhana, the ruler of Thaneshwar (now a small town in modern day Haryana), who belonged to the Pushyabhuti family, extended his control over neighboring states. The Pushyabhuti were the feudatories of the Guptas, but had assumed independence after the Hun invasion. He was the first king of the Vardhana dynasty with his capita at Thaneshwar. After Prabhakar Vardhana’s death in 605 AD, his eldest son, Rajyavardhana ascended the throne. Harshavardhana was Rajya Vardhana's younger brother.
Harshavardhana (606-647 AD): after the murder of his brother, Harshvardhan, also known as Shiladitya, ascended the throne in 606 AD from this year started the Harsha Era. Though quite a young man when he came to power, Harsha proved himself a great conqueror and an able administrator. After his accession, Harsha united the two kingdoms of Thaneshwar and Kannauj and transferred his capital from Thaneshwar to Kannauj. Harsha’s ambition of extending his power to the Deccan and southern India were stopped by the great chalukya emperor of south India Pulakeshin II, the Chalukya king of Vatapi on the banks of the river Narmada in 620 AD. According to the Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang, who visited his kingdom in 636 AD, mentions two most celebrated events of Harsha reign: the Kannauj assembly held to honor Hiuen Tsang, which was reputedly attended by 20 kings and thousands of pilgrimags and the prayag Assembly (643-644 AD). Harsha died in the year 647 AD, apparently without any heirs, his empire died with him. The kingdom was usurped by Arunashwa, a chief minister in Harsha’s court.
Chalukyas of Vatapi/Badami (543-755 AD): the vakataka power was followed by the Chalukyas of Vatapi or Badami. They had their capital at Vatapi/Badami, in bijapur in Karnatka. Pulakesin II halted the southward march of Harsha by defeating him on the banks of the river Narmada. Pallava king Narasimhavarman, in 642 AD by attacked and occupied Badami temporarily. It is presumed Pulakesin II died fighting. In 757 AD, Chalukyas were overthrown by their feudatories, the Rashtrakutas.
Pallavas of Kanchi (575-897AD): Pallava dynasty, also the tondaiyar dynasty of Tondai Nadu, was a ruling dynasty of south India. Pallava king, Narasimhavarman (630-668) defeated Chalukyas and occupied Vatapi in 642 AD and also assumed the title of Vatapikonda, I.e. the conqueror of Vatapi. The Pallavas were instrumental in spreading Indian culture in South-East Asia. Pallava influence was evident in Cambodia till 8th century AD. The Pallava type of Shikhara is found in the temples of Cambodia, Java and Annam.
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