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Chronology of Ancient Indian Dynasties (I)
Timeline of Ancient Indian Empires
India is a vast country and was ruled by various dynasties in different periods. The rulers were of Indian origin or came from other parts of the world, especially from west or north. They settled here forever instead of returning to their homeland outside India.
This is a chronology of important dynasties of ancient India. In part one, I have given timeline of dynasties from Gangatic plain and Northern India. The timeline covers 700 BC to 1200 AD period.
For the timeline of ancient dynasties from Deccan and South India, please see part II of this article.
Shishunaga Dynasty 413 BCE–345 BCE
Shishunaga dynasty was one of the oldest dynasties of ancient India. The capital city of Shishunaga empire was Rajgrahi, which was later migrated to Patliputra, i.e. present day Patna, Bihar.
Shishunaga was the founder of this dynasty. (413-395 BCE). Mahanandi (367-345 BCE) was another famous ruler of this dynasty.
The rulers of this dynasty were follower of Jainism and Buddhism.
Nanda Dynasty 345 to 321 BCE
Nanda Dynasty was another pre-Mauryan famous dynasty of ancient India. The Capital of Nanda Empire was Pataliputra. The Nanda kings were mighty, powerful and they ruled a vast area of India.
Mahapadma Nand (345-329 BCE) and Dhananand (329-321 BCE) were most famous kings of this dynasty.
Jainism was the major religion followed by the Kings and their subjects.
Mauryan Dynasty 322 to 185 BCE
Chandragupt Maurya Founded this dynasty by defeating Dhananand, the Nanda King..BCE). The capital of Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra and after division of the empire, Ujjain became another capital.
Apart from Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusar, Ashok, Samprati and Brihadratha were the famous emperors of Mauryan Dynasty. They were followers of either Jainism or Ajivika or Buddhism.
Shunga Dynasty 185 to 75 BCE
Shunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shung. He was General of Brihadratha, the last King of Mauryan Dynasty. He killed Brihadratha and became the ruler to Magadhan Empire.
Pataliputra and Vidisha were Capitals of Shunga Dynasty.
Pushyamitra Shung (185-151 BCE) and Devabhuti (83-75 BCE) were notable Kings of this dynasty. Their religion was Vedic and they also supported Jainism
Mahameghavahan Dynasty 250 BCE to 400 CE
Mahameghavahan was founder of Mahameghavahan Dynasty. His Capital was Singhpura in Kalinga region, which is present day Orissa.
7 Kings of this dynasty ruled a major part of ancient India. Mahameghavahana, Chetraja and Kharvel were most famous Kings of this dynasty. This dynasty sported and followed Jainism.
Kushanas 30 CE to 375 CE
Kushan Dynasty was founded by Heraios.
Some of the notable rulers of this dynasty were: TKujula Kadphises (CE 30 to CE 80), Vima Taktu or Sadashkana (CE 80 to CE 95), Vima Kadphises (CE 95 to CE 127), Kanishka I (CE127 to 140), Vāsishka (CE 140 to CE160), Huvishka (CE160 to CE 190), Vasudeva I (CE 190 CE 230)
Their Capitals were at the cities of: Bagram, Peshawar, Taxila and Mathura.
Kshatrapas (Western Kshatrapas) 35 CE to 405 CE
The Kshatraps ruled Western part of India. Their Capital were the cities of Ozone and Barygaza
Abhiraka, Rudrasimha and Nahapan were notable rulers of this dynasty.
Gupta Dynasty 320 CE to 600 CE
Sri Gupta founded Gupta Dynasty in 320 CE.
Apart from Sri Gupta, other famous rulers of this dynasty were: Chandragupta I, Samudra Gupta, Ramgupta, Chandragupta II, Vikramaditya, Kumargupta and Skandgupta
The Capital of Gupta Empire was Patliputra.
Chahman Dynasty (Chauhans) 7th Century CE to 14th Century CE
Capital: Ajmer, Ranthambore
Famous Rulers of this Dynasty were: Prithviraj Chauhan, Guga, Hammir Dev Chahan, Kanhad and Dev Sonigara
Shaivism and Jainism were major religions of the rulers and their subjects.
Parmars 800CE to 1327 CE
Parmar Dynasty was founded by Upendra. 25 Kings of this Dynasty ruled Western region of India. Their Capital was at Dhar
Some of the notable rulers of this dynasty were: Upendra (800-818), Siyaka (818-843), Siyaka II (948-974), Vakpatiraja II (974-995), Sindhuraja (995-1010), Bhoja I (1010-1055), Udayaditya (1068-1087), Narvarmandeva (1094-1134) and Yashovarman (1134-1142)
Like many other rulers, Shaivism and Jainism were the major religions of this dynasty.
Pala Dynasty (900CE to 100 CE)
Pala Dynasty was founded by Brahma Pala (900-920 CE).
Notable rulers of this Dynasty were: Brahma Pala (900-920), Ratna Pala (920-960), Indra Pala (960-990), Go Pala (990-1015), Harsha Pala (1015-1035), Dharma Pala (1035-1060), Jaya Pala (1075-1100)
Their Capital was at Durjaya (Guwahati)
Chandelas 10th Century CE to 13th Century CE
Founder: Nannuka
Famous Rulers: Nannuka, Vidyadhar and Keerat Pal Singh
Religions: Shaivism, Jainism
Senas (1070CE-1230 CE)
Sena Dynasty was founded by Hemanta Sen at Nabadwip.
Famous Rulers of this Dynasty were: Hemanta Sen (1070–1096 AD), Vijay Sen (1096–1159 AD), Ballal Sen (1159–1179 AD), Lakshman Sen (1179–1206 AD), Vishwarup Sen (1206–1225 AD)
They followed Hinduism (Shaivism).
History Hubs
- Ancient India Timeline 7000 B.C.E. to 550 C.E.
Chronology of Ancient Indian History 6000 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. - The Religion of Mauryan Emperors
Magadh or Bihar was a great land of activities for Jainism and Buddhism. Jainism and Buddhism were two dominant religions of ancient India. Both the religions were related to ancient Shramanic tradition, distinct from Vedic tradition. The Great Gauta - Christianity in India: Early History
A brief history of Christianity in India. Christianity entered in India 52AD and was well established by 2nd Century AD. Interesting fact is that Christianity was established in India before Europe. - King Shivaji: The Great Warrior of India (Part I)
Shivaji was a great Maratha warrior of Medieval India who fought against the mighty Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughal Emperor. Here is an introduction to Shivaji's conflicts with Bijapur Sultanate. - Queen Abbakka of Tulunadu and Her Wars against Portuguese Invaders
Abbakka was a Queen from coastal Karnataka in India, who defeated Portuguese Army again and again, and restrained them from their further invasion outside Goa. This is Abbakka's short biography
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