The Post-Mauryan period in India (circa 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE) was a time of significant political and cultural change. Following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, various regional powers emerged, including the Shungas and the Kushanas. While the Shungas held sway over much of north-central India, the Kushanas established a vast empire that extended into northwestern India and beyond. Bengal, strategically located in the eastern part of the subcontinent, experienced the influence of both these powers, albeit in varying degrees.
The Shungas and Bengal:
The Shunga dynasty, founded by Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE after overthrowing the last Mauryan ruler, had its core territories in the Gangetic plains. While their direct control over Bengal is debated, their influence is evident in the archaeological and literary sources.
Limited Political Control: The Shungas likely exerted indirect control over parts of Bengal, possibly through alliances with local rulers or through brief periods of direct administration. Inscriptions and coins from this period are scarce in Bengal, suggesting that their rule was not as deeply entrenched as in their heartland.
Cultural Influence: Despite limited political control, the Shungas significantly impacted Bengal's cultural landscape. The revival of Brahmanical traditions under their patronage is evident in the archaeological remains of the period. Terracotta figurines depicting Brahmanical deities and scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have been found in Bengal, suggesting a resurgence of these faiths.
Trade and Commerce: The Shungas fostered trade and commerce, which indirectly benefited Bengal. Their control over the Gangetic plains facilitated trade routes connecting Bengal with other parts of India, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange.
The Kushanas and Bengal:
The Kushanas, a Central Asian dynasty, rose to prominence in the 1st century CE. Their empire, under rulers like Kanishka, extended from Central Asia to northwestern India, including parts of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. While their direct control over Bengal is uncertain, their influence was felt through trade and cultural interactions.
Trade Networks: The Kushanas controlled vital trade routes, including the Silk Road, which connected India with Central Asia and China. Bengal, with its strategic location on the Bay of Bengal, became an important node in this vast trade network. This led to the influx of foreign goods and ideas, enriching Bengal's cultural milieu.
Buddhist Patronage: The Kushanas were great patrons of Buddhism, and their reign saw the flourishing of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. Bengal, with its strong Buddhist traditions, witnessed a renewed vibrancy during this period. Monasteries like those at Paharpur and Mainamati thrived, attracting monks and scholars from across the Buddhist world.
Artistic Influence: The Kushana artistic style, characterized by its Hellenistic and Gandharan influences, is discernible in some of the sculptures and terracotta art found in Bengal. This suggests artistic exchange and cultural diffusion between Bengal and the Kushana heartland.