Description
The “Sunga Empire (70x100)” is a large-format educational map or poster that illustrates the historical expanse, cultural features, and significance of the Sunga (Shunga) dynasty, which ruled much of northern and central India from approximately 187 BCE to 75 BCE after the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
Physical Specifications
Size: 70 × 100 cm, ideal for classroom and history exhibit displays.
Material: Laminated on both sides with a 30-micron thick polyester film, multicolour printing on 80 GSM map litho paper, equipped with sturdy plastic rollers for convenient hanging.
Language Options: Available in English, Hindi, and Kannada; certified for accuracy by the Survey of India.
Content and Educational Features
The map depicts the territorial boundaries of the Sunga Empire, centered at Magadha with Pataliputra (modern Patna) as its capital, extending into central India, eastern Malwa, and as far as Ayodhya and Vidisha.
It marks key cities, administrative centers, and regions of Sunga control, as well as locations of major battles and neighboring states (Kalinga, Satavahanas, Indo-Greek kingdoms).
Important cultural sites are highlighted, including the Sanchi and Bharhut Stupas, significant for their architecture, stone railings, and sculpture from the Sunga period.
The chart includes historical notes about Sunga rulers such as Pushyamitra and Agnimitra, their resistance to Hellenistic invasions, patronage of Hinduism and Buddhist art, and flourishing culture and learning.
Visual cues may show the transition from Mauryan to post-Mauryan polities and the emergence of new regional kingdoms.
Historical Context
The Sunga dynasty played a vital role in maintaining political stability and royal patronage for culture after the Mauryan collapse, encouraging the revival of Brahmanical traditions and Sanskrit literature.
Sunga rule is closely associated with remarkable advances in visual art, especially early stone sculpture and terracotta figurines, and continued Buddhist architectural enrichment.
The empire fragmented into smaller states towards the end, shaping the landscape for classical age powers.
This wall chart is an essential educational resource for visualizing the post-Mauryan era, Sunga contributions to Indian culture, and historical geography during the second century BCE.