Post-Mauryan North-Western Frontier Dynasties

A study of the Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, and Kushanas who reshaped the political landscape of North-Western India after the Mauryan decline.

Syllabus Core Study Notes (Deep-Dive)

Master the key concepts and dimensions of this topic.

1. Core Study Notes

Geography

  • Bactria (Central Asia)
  • Taxila/Gandhara region
  • Mathura as a southern hub

Personalities

  • Menander I (Milinda)
  • Rudradaman I (Junagadh Inscription)
  • Kanishka (Council IV)

Dynasty Breakdown

  • Indo-Greeks: Introduced Hellenistic art (Gandhara school) and gold coinage.
  • Shakas (Scythians): Known for 'Satrap' administration system.
  • Kushanas: The Yueh-chi tribe, patrons of Buddhism (Mahayana) and Silk Road trade.
Indo-Greeks -> Shakas -> Parthians -> Kushanas

The Chronological Framework

Click on any period card below to view its key archaeological characteristics, tool types, and major Indian sites.

Practice Zone: 50 Questions

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