Pushyamitra Sunga
Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder of the Shunga Dynasty, who ruled parts of northern and central India around 185–149 BCE after overthrowing the Mauryan Empire. He was originally a Ayachak Brahmin general under the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, but assassinated him during a military parade and declared himself king. His reign marked a shift from Mauryan centralization to regional rule, with Pataliputra (now Patna) as their capital. Pushyamitra is often remembered for reviving Brahmanical traditions, though he also supported art and culture, seen in the expansion of the Stupa at Sanchi.
| Pushyamitra Sunga | |
|---|---|
Sunga period masculine figurine, 2nd-1st century BCE, Guimet Museum | |
| Emperor of Magadha | |
| Reign | c. 185 – c. 149 BCE |
| Predecessor | Brihadratha Maurya (as Mauryan emperor) |
| Successor | Agnimitra |
| General of Magadha | |
| Born | c. late 3rd century BCE Maurya Empire (present-day India) |
| Died | c. 149 BCE Shunga Empire(present-day India) |
| Dynasty | Shunga |
| Religion | Hinduism |