Who was the last ruler of the Sunga Dynasty?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: (3) Devabhuti
Explanation –
The last ruler of the Shunga dynasty was Devabhuti (also referred to as 'Devabhumi'). The Shunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shunga around 185 BCE, following his assassination of the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha. Devabhuti was the ninth or tenth ruler of this dynasty. He was considered a weak ruler. According to the historian Banabhatta's Harshacharita and the Puranas, Devabhuti was assassinated by his own minister (Amatya), Vasudeva Kanva, sometime between 73 and 75 BCE. With Devabhuti's death, the Shunga dynasty came to an end, and the rule of the Kanva dynasty was established over Magadha.
The Shunga period was significant from the perspective of art and culture. It was during this era that the railings (Vedika) of the Sanchi Stupa were constructed, and the 'Heliodorus Pillar' was erected in Vidisha.
Additional Points –
Pushyamitra Shunga: The founder and first king of the Shunga dynasty. He performed two Ashwamedha Yajnas (horse sacrifices).
Agnimitra: Pushyamitra's son and successor. He is the protagonist of Kalidasa's play, Malavikagnimitram.
Vasudeva: The founder of the Kanva dynasty, who seized power after assassinating Devabhuti.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers –
Question: In the court of which Shunga dynasty ruler did the Greek ambassador Heliodorus arrive?
Answer: Bhagabhadra (Kashiputra Bhagabhadra).
Question: To which dynasty did the protagonist of Kalidasa's famous work, Malavikagnimitram, belong?
Answer: The Shunga dynasty (Agnimitra).