Why was the post-Maurya era also known as the era of reorganisation?
The post-Maurya era is known as the era of reorganisation because after the disintegration of the Maurya empire around 185 BCE, many new kingdoms emerged across the subcontinent.
The existing regions were being reorganised into new kingdoms that were constantly competing to become powerful. The political map of India changed significantly during this period as earlier tributary kingdoms under Mauryan overlordship became independent.
Foreign invaders like the Indo-Greeks, Śhakas, and Kuṣhāṇas entered through the northwest frontier and established their rule.
This period saw both internal conflicts and external invasions leading to a fundamental reorganisation of political powers, accompanied by remarkable cultural exchange, development of art and architecture, and flourishing trade activities.
Explanation
The chapter explains that after the last Maurya emperor was assassinated around 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief Puṣhyamitra Śhunga, the empire broke up. Many new kingdoms emerged, often from earlier tributary kingdoms. Scholars call this the 'age of reorganisation' because existing regions were being reorganised into new kingdoms constantly competing for power. The chapter describes how the political landscape transformed with dynasties from within the subcontinent (Śhungas, Chedis, Sātavāhanas, Cholas, Cheras, Pānḍyas) and from outside (Indo-Greeks, Śhakas, Kuṣhāṇas) establishing their presence.
Solution Steps
The Maurya empire disintegrated around 185 BCE, leading to the emergence of many new kingdoms across the subcontinent
Existing regions were reorganised into new kingdoms that competed for power, while earlier tributary kingdoms became independent
Foreign invaders including the Indo-Greeks, Śhakas, and Kuṣhāṇas entered through the northwest frontier and established their rule
The period witnessed both internal conflicts and external invasions, along with cultural exchange, artistic development, and flourishing trade