The last Shunga ruler was killed by his minister in which century?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. 1st century BC.
The last Shunga ruler, Devabhuti, was assassinated by his powerful minister Vasudeva Kanva in the 1st century BCE. This marked the end of the Shunga dynasty, which had been established by Pushyamitra Shunga after overthrowing the Mauryan Empire. Vasudeva, who belonged to the Kanva lineage, founded the Kanva dynasty following the assassination. The transition reflected the common historical trend of internal conspiracies and palace coups that led to dynastic changes in ancient India. The Kanva dynasty ruled parts of central India after the fall of the Shungas but was eventually overthrown by the Satavahanas. Thus, the Shunga rule, which began in the 2nd century BCE, came to an end in the 1st century BCE through internal betrayal.