Great Dynasties of India: Rulers & Empires

Haryanka Dynasty (c. 544 BCE - 413 BCE)

The Haryanka dynasty was one of the earliest and most powerful dynasties to rule the ancient kingdom of Magadha. They laid the groundwork for the future Mauryan Empire.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Bimbisara	c. 544-492 BCE	The true founder of the Magadhan empire, he expanded his territory through strategic matrimonial alliances and conquests. He was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha and was known for his efficient administrative system.
Ajatashatru	c. 492-460 BCE	Known for his aggressive expansionist policies, he conquered the powerful kingdom of Kosala and the Lichchhavis of Vaishali. He is also credited with convening the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha.
Udayin	c. 460-444 BCE	He is primarily known for shifting the capital of Magadha from Rajagriha to the strategically located Pataliputra, at the confluence of the Ganges and Son rivers.
Aniruddha, Munda, and Nagadasaka	c. 444-413 BCE	These were the weaker successors of Udayin, and their reigns were marked by internal strife and discontent, which eventually led to the rise of the Shishunaga dynasty.

Shishunaga Dynasty (c. 413 BCE - 345 BCE)

The Shishunaga dynasty succeeded the Haryankas and continued the expansion of the Magadhan empire, playing a crucial role in the political landscape of ancient India.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Shishunaga	c. 413-395 BCE	He was the viceroy of Kashi before becoming king. His most significant achievement was the destruction of the Pradyota dynasty of Avanti, which ended a long-standing rivalry.
Kalashoka (Kakavarna)	c. 395-367 BCE	His reign is most notable for hosting the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali. He also transferred the capital of Magadha to Pataliputra.
Successors of Kalashoka	c. 367-345 BCE	The Puranas mention Nandivardhana as the most prominent among the ten sons who succeeded Kalashoka. However, their rule was short-lived and marked by a decline in the dynasty's power.

Nanda Dynasty (c. 345 BCE - 321 BCE)

The Nanda dynasty, though short-lived, is significant for being the first non-Kshatriya ruling dynasty in ancient India and for its immense wealth and military power.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Mahapadma Nanda	c. 345-329 BCE	Known as the "destroyer of all Kshatriyas," he was a powerful and ambitious ruler who overthrew the Shishunaga dynasty. He is often considered the first empire builder of India. He is also credited with the construction of the Nanda canal in Kalinga.
Dhana Nanda	c. 329-321 BCE	The last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, he was known for his immense wealth but was unpopular due to his oppressive taxation policies. He was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya, with the assistance of Chanakya.

Maurya Dynasty (c. 322 BCE - 185 BCE)

The Mauryan Empire was the first major empire in the history of India, unifying the subcontinent under a single administrative unit and leaving a lasting legacy.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Chandragupta Maurya	c. 322-298 BCE	The founder of the Mauryan Empire, he defeated the last Nanda ruler and the Greek satrap Seleucus Nicator. His administration was guided by the political treatise, Arthashastra, attributed to his mentor Chanakya.
Bindusara	c. 298-272 BCE	Known as "Amitraghata" (slayer of foes), he maintained the vast empire he inherited and expanded it southwards. He had diplomatic ties with the Hellenic world.
Ashoka the Great	c. 268-232 BCE	After the brutal Kalinga War, Ashoka converted to Buddhism and propagated the concept of 'Dhamma' (piety). His edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks across the empire, are a primary source of information about his reign. He convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra.
Later Mauryans	c. 232-185 BCE	The successors of Ashoka, including Dasharatha, Samprati, Shalishuka, Devavarman, Shatadhanvan, and Brihadratha, were weaker rulers who could not hold the vast empire together. The last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.

Sunga Dynasty (c. 185 BCE - 73 BCE)

The Sunga dynasty succeeded the Mauryans and is known for the revival of Brahmanical influence and the flourishing of art and literature.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Pushyamitra Sunga	c. 185-149 BCE	The founder of the dynasty, he performed the Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) to assert his sovereignty. He is also said to have persecuted Buddhists.
Agnimitra	c. 149-141 BCE	The hero of Kalidasa's play, "Malavikagnimitram," his reign saw the continued influence of the Sunga dynasty.
Vasujyeshtha, Vasumitra, and others	c. 141-83 BCE	These were later Sunga rulers who witnessed the gradual decline of the empire.
Devabhuti	c. 83-73 BCE	The last Sunga king, he was overthrown by his minister Vasudeva Kanva.

Kanva Dynasty (c. 73 BCE - 28 BCE)

The Kanva dynasty had a brief and relatively insignificant reign, ruling over a much-diminished Magadhan kingdom.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Vasudeva	c. 73-64 BCE	The founder of the Kanva dynasty.
Bhumimitra	c. 64-50 BCE
Narayana	c. 50-38 BCE
Susharman	c. 38-28 BCE	The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty, he was overthrown by the Satavahanas.

Satavahana Dynasty (c. 1st century BCE - 3rd century CE)

The Satavahanas were a powerful dynasty that ruled over a large part of the Deccan for an extended period, acting as a bridge between the north and the south.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Simuka	c. 1st century BCE	The founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
Satakarni I	c. 1st century BCE	A powerful early ruler who performed the Ashvamedha Yajna and expanded the empire.
Gautamiputra Satakarni	c. 106-130 CE	Considered the greatest of the Satavahana rulers, he defeated the Western Satraps and revived the glory of the dynasty. The Nashik Prashasti, inscribed by his mother Gautami Balashri, details his achievements.
Vasisthiputra Pulumavi	c. 130-154 CE	He further expanded the empire and patronized trade and maritime activities.
Yajna Sri Satakarni	c. 165-194 CE	The last great ruler of the dynasty, he was known for his love of trade and navigation, as depicted on his coins.
Later Satavahanas	Post 194 CE	The successors of Yajna Sri Satakarni were weak, and the empire gradually disintegrated.

Gupta Dynasty (c. 320 CE - 550 CE)

The Gupta period is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India" due to the remarkable achievements in the fields of science, art, literature, and philosophy.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Sri Gupta & Ghatotkacha	c. 240-319 CE	Early founders of the Gupta line of rulers.
Chandragupta I	c. 319-335 CE	The first to be called 'Maharajadhiraja' (king of kings), he laid the foundation of the Gupta empire. The Gupta era is considered to have started with his accession.
Samudragupta	c. 335-380 CE	Known as the "Napoleon of India" for his extensive military conquests. The Allahabad Pillar inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by his court poet Harisena, provides a detailed account of his campaigns.
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)	c. 380-415 CE	His reign is considered the zenith of the Gupta empire. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien visited India during his rule. His court was adorned by the 'Navaratnas' (nine gems). He issued the first silver coins of the Gupta dynasty.
Kumaragupta I	c. 415-455 CE	He performed the Ashvamedha Yajna and is credited with the foundation of the Nalanda Mahavihara.
Skandagupta	c. 455-467 CE	He successfully repelled the invasion of the Hunas (Hephthalites).
Later Guptas	c. 467-550 CE	The successors of Skandagupta were weak and faced internal rebellions and external invasions, leading to the decline of the empire.

Chalukya Dynasty of Badami (c. 543 CE - 753 CE)

The Chalukyas of Badami were a powerful dynasty that ruled over a large part of southern and central India, known for their contributions to art and architecture.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Pulakeshin I	543-566 CE	The founder of the dynasty, he established his capital at Vatapi (Badami).
Kirtivarman I	566-597 CE
Mangalesha	597-609 CE
Pulakeshin II	609-642 CE	The greatest ruler of the dynasty, he defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada. The Aihole inscription, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, details his achievements. He was defeated and killed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I.
Vikramaditya I	655-680 CE
Kirtivarman II	746-753 CE	The last ruler of the dynasty, he was overthrown by Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Pallava Dynasty (c. 275 CE - 897 CE)

The Pallavas were a prominent power in the southern part of India, known for their patronage of Dravidian art and architecture.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Simhavishnu	c. 575-600 CE	He is considered the real founder of the Pallava dynasty.
Mahendravarman I	c. 600-630 CE	A great patron of art and architecture, he introduced the rock-cut temple architecture. He authored the Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasana.
Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)	c. 630-668 CE	The greatest Pallava ruler, he defeated and killed Pulakeshin II and captured Vatapi. He founded the city of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited Kanchipuram during his reign.
Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)	c. 700-728 CE	His reign was marked by peace and prosperity. He built the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram and the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
Aparajitavarman	c. 880-897 CE	The last Pallava king, he was defeated by the Chola king Aditya I.

Rashtrakuta Dynasty (c. 753 CE - 982 CE)

The Rashtrakutas were a dominant power in the Deccan, known for their military prowess and their contributions to art and literature.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Dantidurga	735-756 CE	The founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, he overthrew the Chalukyas of Badami.
Krishna I	756-774 CE	He is credited with the construction of the magnificent rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora.
Govinda III	793-814 CE	He was one of the greatest Rashtrakuta rulers, who extended his empire from the Himalayas in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
Amoghavarsha I (Nripatunga)	814-878 CE	He was a great patron of literature and is credited with writing Kavirajamarga, the earliest extant work on poetics in Kannada. He built the new capital city of Manyakheta.
Krishna III	939-967 CE	The last great Rashtrakuta ruler, he defeated the Cholas at the Battle of Takkolam.

Chola Dynasty (c. 850 CE - 1279 CE)

The Imperial Cholas were a powerful dynasty that ruled over a large part of southern India and are known for their maritime activities, their efficient administrative system, and their magnificent temples.

Ruler	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Vijayalaya Chola	850-871 CE	The founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty, he captured Tanjore from the Muttaraiyars.
Aditya I	871-907 CE	He defeated the Pallava king Aparajita and annexed his territories.
Rajaraja I (Arumolivarman)	985-1014 CE	The greatest Chola ruler, he was a brilliant military commander and an able administrator. He built the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur. He also conducted a land survey and reorganized the administrative divisions.
Rajendra I (Gangaikondachola)	1014-1044 CE	He was an even greater conqueror than his father. He led a successful naval expedition to the Srivijaya kingdom (in present-day Indonesia). He also marched up to the Ganges and assumed the title of 'Gangaikondachola'. He built a new capital called Gangaikondacholapuram.
Kulottunga I	1070-1122 CE	He united the Chola and the Eastern Chalukya kingdoms. He promoted trade and commerce.
Rajendra Chola III	1246-1279 CE	The last ruler of the Chola dynasty. The empire declined and was eventually replaced by the Pandyas and the Hoysalas.

Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE - 1526 CE)

The Delhi Sultanate was a series of five dynasties that ruled over a large part of the Indian subcontinent from Delhi.

Ruler / Dynasty	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Slave)	1206-1210	Founder of the Slave dynasty. Started the construction of the Qutub Minar.
Iltutmish (Slave)	1211-1236	Consolidated the Delhi Sultanate. Introduced the silver tanka and copper jital. Organized the Iqta system.
Razia Sultana (Slave)	1236-1240	The only female Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
Ghiyas-ud-din Balban (Slave)	1266-1287	Strengthened the power of the Sultan. Introduced the practice of Sijda and Paibos.
Ala-ud-din Khilji (Khilji)	1296-1316	A powerful and ambitious ruler. Known for his military campaigns in the Deccan and his economic reforms, including market control policies.
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (Tughlaq)	1325-1351	Known for his ambitious and often controversial projects, such as the transfer of the capital to Daulatabad and the introduction of token currency.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq (Tughlaq)	1351-1388	Known for his administrative and public welfare activities.
Ibrahim Lodi (Lodi)	1517-1526	The last ruler of the Lodi dynasty, he was defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat.

Mughal Dynasty (1526 CE - 1857 CE)

The Mughal Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in the history of India, known for its centralized administration, architectural marvels, and rich cultural heritage.

Emperor	Reign	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Babur	1526-1530	Founder of the Mughal Empire. Won the First Battle of Panipat (1526) against Ibrahim Lodi.
Humayun	1530-1540 & 1555-1556	His reign was interrupted by Sher Shah Suri.
Akbar the Great	1556-1605	The greatest Mughal emperor. He was a great administrator, military commander, and a patron of art and architecture. He promulgated the policy of 'Sulh-i-Kul' (universal peace) and the religious path of 'Din-i-Ilahi'.
Jahangir	1605-1627	His reign was marked by the influence of his wife, Nur Jahan. He was a great patron of painting.
Shah Jahan	1628-1658	His reign is considered the golden age of Mughal architecture. He built the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the Jama Masjid.
Aurangzeb (Alamgir I)	1658-1707	The last of the great Mughals. He expanded the empire to its greatest extent. His orthodox religious policies and long Deccan wars weakened the empire.
Later Mughals	1707-1857	The successors of Aurangzeb were weak rulers who witnessed the gradual decline and disintegration of the Mughal Empire. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was exiled by the British after the Revolt of 1857.

Maratha Empire (c. 1674 CE - 1818 CE)

The Maratha Empire was a powerful Hindu state that dominated a large part of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century.

Ruler/Peshwa	Period	Key Achievements and Important Facts
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj	1674-1680	The founder of the Maratha Empire. He was a brilliant military strategist and an able administrator. He established a strong and efficient administration with the 'Ashtapradhan' (council of eight ministers).
Sambhaji Maharaj & Rajaram Maharaj	1681-1700	Sons of Shivaji who continued the struggle against the Mughals.
Shahu Maharaj	1707-1749	His reign saw the rise of the Peshwas (prime ministers) as the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire.
Peshwa Baji Rao I	1720-1740	A brilliant military tactician, he expanded the Maratha empire northwards and is said to have never lost a battle.
Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb)	1740-1761	The Maratha empire reached its zenith during his reign. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a major setback for the Marathas.
Later Peshwas	1761-1818	The Maratha power declined after the Third Battle of Panipat and they were eventually defeated by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Dynasties of India

Ancient Indian Dynasties