The break-up of the Mauryan Empire resulted in the invasions of the Sakas, Scythians, Parthians, Indo-Greeks (Bactrian Greeks) and Kushanas from the north-west. In the south, the Satavahanas became independent after Asoka's death. In the north there were the Sungas and Kanvas before the emergence of the Gupta dynasty, and the Chedis (Kalinga) declared their independence. Though Magadha ceased to be the premier state of India, it continued to be a great centre of Buddhist culture.
1. Post-Mauryan India at a Glance
| Region | Powers |
|---|---|
| North | Sungas and Kanvas |
| South | Satavahanas (Andhras) |
| North-West | Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians and Kushanas |
2. Sources
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Inscriptions / Copper plates | Ayodhya Inscription of Dana Deva; Persepolis and Nakshi Rustam Inscriptions; Moga (Taxila copper plate); Junagadh/Girnar Inscription; Nasik Eulogy; Inscription of Darius I |
| Coins | Coins of the Satavahanas; coins of Kadphises II; Roman coins |
| Literary sources | Puranas; Gargi Samhita; Harshacharita of Banabhatta; Mahabhasya of Patanjali; Brihastkatha of Gunadhya; Madhyamika Sutra of Nagarjuna; Buddhacharita of Asvaghosha; Malavikagnimitra of Kalidasa |
| Foreign notice | Accounts of Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese Buddhist monk and traveller |