The great empire of the
Mauryan dynasty came to an end when Brithadratha, the last ruler of the illustrious dynasty, was killed by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief. Following the capture of the throne in 185 BC, Pushyamitra established the reign of the Sunga Dynasty.
The rule of the Sunga Dynasty however saw the loss of a political unity in India. The north-western regions of Rajasthan and Punjab, which were part of the erstwhile Mauryan Empire, came under the rule of foreign powers. The Sunga Dynasty extended from regions comprising the present day Punjab in the north to the regions on the banks of the Narmada River in the south. The reign of Pushyamitra, which extended up to 36 years, ended with his death in 151 BC. He was succeeded by his son Agnimitra. The new king ruled for eight years. He has been made immortal in a famous drama composed by Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights India has ever seen.
Historical evidence point out that, there were a total ten kings belonging to this dynasty. Sunga Dynasty came to an end following the murder of Devabhuti, the last ruler, by his minister Vasudeva Kanva around the year 73 BC. Vasudeva Kanva established the successive dynasty called the Kanva Dynasty.
[Source all india (131) 09-Feb-05]
