Concept for Chronicles DLC/Mod - Grand Magadhan Campaign

Age of Empires II: DE II - Discussion
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DLC/Mod with 4 new Civs reusing the architectures - Magadhans, Avanti, Kalingans (Ancient Indian Architecture); Seleucids (Ancient Persian Architecture)

Grand Campaign for Magadhans

  • First Section focusing on expansion of Magadh and war with Avanti as Haryanka Dynasty and Nanda Dynasty.
  • Second Section focusing on war with Seleucids as Chandragupta and subsequent expansion in North-West India (Puru).
  • Third Section focusing on rebellion of Ashoka, consolidation of his empire and subsequent war with Kalinga.

Haryanka Dynasty

Bimbisāra (543-491 BCE)

  • In mid-Sixth Century BCE, Magadha came under the rule of Haryanka Dynasty led by King Bimbisāra (543-491 BCE)
  • Bimbisāra was the first king to have a standing army. Therefore literature mentioned him as Shrenik (or Seniya Bimbisāra). This was possible due to the agrarian fertility, river based trade and central position of Magadha allowing it to collect toll tax in long distance trade.
  • He strengthened Magadha by matrimonial alliances. He married Kosala Devi, sister of Prasenjit and gained Kāshi in dowry.
  • He married a princess of Vaishāli (Vajji). Bimbisāra annexed Anga and took revenge of defeat of his father.
  • Annexation of Anga gave Magadha the control of eastern branch of Uttarpath, lower course of Ganga River valley, access to ports of Bengal like Tāmralipti and trade routes towards Tibet and China.

Ajātshatru (490-460 BCE)

  • He was son of Bimbisāra, he expanded Magadha by military conquest.
  • Due to rise of Magadha, Vajji and Malla Janpada formed a confederacy.
  • Ajātshatru defeated and conquered both of them by creating differences in their ruling class.
  • Ajātshatru annexed Kosala by defeating Prasenjit.
  • Ajātshatru built a fort in village of Pātligrām and renamed it Patliputra (at the confluence of three rivers and surrounded by 3 hills)
  • Like Magadha, Avanti Mahājanpada was undergoing its own expansion and conquered Vatsa and Surashena Mahajanapada.

Udayin (460-430 BCE)

  • Udayin (son of Ajātshatru) transferred capital of Magadha from Rājagriha to Pātliputra.

Nāga Dynasty

  • Founded by Shishunāga who ended Haryankā Dynasty.
  • Shishunāga defeated Avanti and in process also conquered Chedi, Vatsa and Shursena.
  • Son of Shishunāga was Kālashok who patronized second Buddhist Council.

Nanda Dynasty

  • Mahāpadma Nanda ended Nāga Dynasty in 370s BCE. Perhaps he belonged to Shudra varna.
  • Mahāpadma conquered Kuru and Pancāl Mahājanpada.
  • Mahāpadma took high sounding titles like Ekrat (Sole Authority), Akhilbhuvanpati (Owner of Entire Land), Ugrasena (King with aggressive Army)
  • This indicates rising centralisation in administration which is achieved by rising revenue of state controlled by king
  • Last King of Nanda Dynasty was Dhana Nanda who further expanded Magadha by conquering Matsya Mahājanpada.
  • Alexander came to India during the reign of Dhana Nanda and it was perhaps the elephant based army of Dhana Nanda which discouraged Alexander to cross Sutlej River.
  • In Greek sources, Dhana Nanda is mentioned Agramese / Xandramese

Maurya Dynasty

  • According to DD Kosambi, Alexanderā€™s invasion of North West accelerated the Mauryan conquest of India. It defeated whatever strong kingdoms were left in Punjab.
  • Death of Alexander made it easy for Mauryans to expel Greeks from North-western India.
  • 321 BCE: A Brahmin named Chānakya and his disciple Chandragupta Maurya defeated Dhanananda and ended Nanda Dynasty. The sources for this event is a 7th / 8th Century CE Sanskrit play Mudrārakshas (ring of Amātyarākshas) written by Visākhdatt. Story describes how Chānakya has stolen ring of Rākshas (Prime Minister of Nanda Empire) and used it to forge documents and letters.

Chandragupta Maurya (321-298 BCE)

  • 320-310 BCE: Western Expansion of Mauryan Empire where Chandragupta conquered regions till Western Coast. In Junāgadh, he ordered his minister Pushyagupta to construct a lake - Sudarshan Lake.
  • 310-305 BC: North-western Expansion of Mauryan Empire where Chandragupta conquered majority of Gana Sangha till the Indus River.
  • 305 BC: Chandragupta defeated Seleucus in a battle fought near Indus. After this Chandragupta gained territories of Afghanistan Region and married daughter of Seleucus named Helenā in return Chandragupta gifted 500 War Elephants to Seleucus.
  • Seleucus sends his ambassador Megasthanes to Magadh in which he described Sandrokottus and his capital city Palibothrā. In 1785, William Jones (in Asiatic Society of Bengal) identified Sandrokottus as Chandragupta Maurya and Palibothrā is Pātliputra. This identification became the basis for history writing in India.
  • 298 BC: Inspired by a Jain Monk Bhadrabāhu, Chandragupta renounced the throne and became a Jain Monk. He migrated Southwards to Shravana Belagolā (Hāssan District, Karnataka). In Shravana Belagolā, Chandragupta committed Sallekhanā / Santhārā (Ritual suicide by Starvation).

Bindusāra (298-272 BC)

  • He was son of Chandragupta Maurya. In Greek sources he is mentioned as Amichocottus sounding similar to his title Amitraghatakam (Killer of Enemies). He had cordial relations with Seleucid King Antiochus.
  • Antiochus sent two ambassadors to his court - Deimachos and Dionysius. During his rule, a Greek traveller named Iambulus came to India and wrote about India. His accounts are also exaggerated and unbelievable like Ctesias.
  • Bindusāra launched the invasion in Deccan Region and conquered till lower Deccan. This Southern Invasion by Mauryan Empire is mentioned in Sangam Literature (Mauryans mentioned as Moriār).
    Bindusāra was follower of Ajivika sect and was disciple of an Ajivika Monk Pingalavatsa

Ashoka (268-232 BCE)

Mauryan Civil War (272-268 BCE)

  • 100 sons of Bindusāra fought a Civil War among themselves.
  • Ashoka won by killing all his brothers (Sushima was chosen by Bindusāra) except one Vishtashoka / Tissā.

Kalinga War (268-262 BCE)

  • After his coronation, Ashoka launched invasion of Kalinga and after a long war he conquered Kalinga.
  • According to Buddhist Literature, Ashokavadāna, Ashoka renounced warfare and violence after Kalinga War by adopting Buddhism. He even changed many of his policies.
  • Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka proves that although he changed his policies after Kalinga War, however he was already a Buddhist during his coronation.

Change in policies of Ashoka after Kalinga War

  • Chandashoka (Violent and Cruel Ashoka) to Dhammashoka (Moral and Righteous Ashoka)
  • Bherighosa (threatening neighbouring kingdoms by military power) to Dhammaghosa (conveying moral actions to neighbouring kingdoms) (Bheri - War Trumpet, Ghosa - Sound)
  • Digvijay (conquering neighbouring kingdoms) to Dhammavijay (moral victory over neighbouring kingdoms by making alliance)
  • Vihāryātrā (pleasure tours by Ashoka) to Dhammayātra (tours of Ashoka to pilgrimage centres of Buddhism).
  • Dhammamahāmātra (officers appointed by Ashoka to ensure that people live moral and righteous life)
  • Dhamma Prachāraka (ambassadors sent by Ashoka to spread Buddhism to neighbouring kingdoms). Example - He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitrā to Sri Lanka as Dhamma Prachāraka.
  • This change of policy by Ashoka is now identified as his Dhamma Policy.

Views on Ashokan Inscriptions and his Dhamma Policy

  • When Ashoka mentions Dhamma, is he talking about purely morality or about Buddhism? (Example - He is asking his people to follow Dhamma)
  • Ashokaā€™s emphasis on morality was purely his conviction for morality or it was a tool to consolidate and bring stability in empire.
  • Perhaps his morality is rooted in Buddhism

Although Buddhist Literature and Ashokan Inscriptions claim that he renounced violence, it is highly doubtful that Ashoka became absolutely Pacific -

  • According to Ashokavadāna, Ashoka killed 18000 Jains / Ajivika for a painting.
  • He even burnt a family alive for disrespecting Buddhism.
  • He expelled 60000 Buddhist Monks on the first day of Third Buddhist Council.
  • He kept the army intact.
  • In his separate edict, he threatened people of Kalinga that they will have to co-operate with authority.
  • Even his Dhammamahāmātra are sometimes considered as a tool of oppressive Morality.

Contact of Ashoka with Greek Kings

  • Five Greek Kings mentioned in Ashokan Inscriptions (Ashoka exchanged Embassies) - Antiochus, Ptolemy of Egypt, Māgus of Northern Egypt, Alexander and Antigonus - Greece and North of Macedonia
  • In Ashokan Inscriptions, distance between India and Greece is described exactly correct.
  • Ashoka ordered his Greek Minister Tushāra to add Canals in Sudarshan Lake.

Ashoka and non-Buddhist Sects

  • Ashoka donated group of four caves to monks of Ajivika sect. This cave complex is known as Barābar Caves (Jehānābad, Bihār).
  • According to Mahāyāna Literature, Ashoka was follower of Upagupta.
    According to Hīnayāna Literature, Ashoka was follower of Mogaliputta Tissā
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This guy is classic aoe story telling,rising from humble origins to create a lasting empire.

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Section I ā€“ Rise of Magadha

  1. Rajagriha Rising

    • Ruler: Bimbisāra

    • Objective: Unite Magadhaā€™s tribal chiefs and fortify Rajagriha.

    • Mechanic: Start with a village, persuade/defeat neutral tribes ā†’ gradual buildup.

  2. Marriage Diplomacy

    • Objective: Secure alliances through marriage with Kosala and Lichchhavis.

    • Mechanic: Escort missions + tribute collection to unlock alliances.

  3. Ajātshatruā€™s Coup

    • Objective: Seize power from your father (Bimbisāra) and rivals.

    • Mechanic: Small rebel army ā†’ stealth/conversion style mission (like Dracula 1).

  4. The Avanti War

    • Objective: Defeat King Pradyota of Avanti.

    • Mechanic: Siege warfare, Ajātshatruā€™s catapult towers scripted.

  5. Siege of Vaisali

    • Objective: Break the Vajji Confederacy (Gana-sanghas).

    • Mechanic: Multiple allied city-states to conquer (like Bari in Barbarossa campaign).

  6. The Nanda Supremacy

    • Ruler: Mahāpadma Nanda

    • Objective: Expand Magadha into Panjab & Deccan.

    • Mechanic: Large-scale conquest; resource-rich but multiple strong AIs.

Section II ā€“ Mauryan Dawn

  1. The Nanda Tyrant

    • Objective: Resist oppressive Nanda taxation ā†’ start rebellion.

    • Mechanic: Guerrilla warfare, low resources, recruit rebels from villages.

  2. With Chanakyaā€™s Guidance

    • Objective: Ally with Chanakya ā†’ secure training & coin to raise army.

    • Mechanic: Escort Chanakya across map; collect relics (symbolizing funding).

  3. March on Pataliputra

    • Objective: Overthrow Dhana Nanda in the capital.

    • Mechanic: Urban siege; walled mega-city like Tenochtitlan map.

  4. Battle for the Panjab

    • Objective: Capture northwestern territories from Greek satrapies.

    • Mechanic: Hybrid mission: ally with local tribes, defeat Seleucid garrisons.

  5. Clash with Seleucus

    • Objective: Defeat Seleucus I Nikatorā€™s invasion, then enforce treaty.

    • Mechanic: Survival defense ā†’ counterattack ā†’ diplomacy triggers.

  6. The Mauryan Empire Consolidated

    • Objective: Bring under control distant satraps and rebellions.

    • Mechanic: Multi-front conquest mission across vast India map.

Section III ā€“ Ashokaā€™s Trials

  1. Bindusāraā€™s Succession

    • Objective: Support Ashoka against rival princes after Bindusāraā€™s death.

    • Mechanic: Multi-prince AI enemies with different unit comps.

  2. The Revolt of Taxila

    • Objective: Suppress Taxila uprising.

    • Mechanic: Townsfolk constantly spawn rebels; must destroy rally points.

  3. Conquest of Kalinga

    • Objective: Invade and subjugate Kalinga.

    • Mechanic: Brutal warfare; fortified bases with elephants.

  4. The Price of Blood

    • Objective: After scripted massacre, rebuild empire through Dhamma.

    • Mechanic: Use monks to ā€œheal/convertā€ neutral villagers to restore order.

  5. Ashokaā€™s Envoys

    • Objective: Send envoys to Dravidians, Yavanas (Greeks), Tamils, Sri Lanka.

    • Mechanic: Non-military victory: exploration + tribute + relic placement.

  6. The Edict Pillars (Finale)

    • Objective: Build Edicts at scattered sites across the empire.

    • Mechanic: Resource management & defense while building monuments (like Bari).

    • Ending cinematic: Ashoka spreading peace, fade to ruins centuries later.

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These three seems awfully boring to end his story.Maybe mix things up with adding putting down rebellions while doing boring stuff.

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Perhaps the campaign can be stretched far a bit more to show the rise of Pushyamitra Shunga after Mauryas who tries to reverse everything Ashoka has done.

Shunga Dynasty (185-72 BCE)

  • According to Vishnu Purāna, after 136 years rule of Mauryans, Shunga ruled for 113 years and after them Kanva ruled for 45 years.

Pushyamitra Shunga (185-150s CE)

  • He was military general of last Mauryan King Brihadratha whom he assassinated.
  • He is mentioned in Ayodhyā Prashasti of Dhanadeva (later Shunga King) as Senāpati Pushp(y)amitra.
    Prashasti = An Eulogic (praiseful) inscription. | Charitta = An Eulogic biography (book).
  • Even in Mudrārākshas of Vishākhdutta, he is mentioned as Senāpati Pushyamitra.
  • Pushyamitra belonged to Brahmin Varna (according to Vishnupurāna) and was follower of Hinduism/Brahmanism. (Mauryans were followers of Shramanic Sects)
  • Pushyamitra transferred capital from Patliputra to Ayodhya (referred to as Sāket in Buddhist sources).
  • Vidishā was another capital of Shunga Dynasty. (In Bhārhut and Sānchi, Shunga is referred to Shugnā Dynasty.)
  • Shunga Dynasty used Sanskrit Language in their administration and inscriptions while Mauryans used Magadhan Prakrit Language.
  • Pushyamitra introduced Brahmanic Law codes in Justice System and Society.
  • According to Micheal Witzel, earliest compilations of Manusmriti were composed soon after Mauryan Age, perhaps under Pushyamitra Shunga.
  • Pushyamitra was contemporary and rival of Indo-Greek king Menāndar (Indian Sources call him Milinda). Menāndar was follower of Buddhism.
  • Coronation of Pushyamitra was conducted by a Sanskrit Scholar / Priest - Patanjali. Patanjali was author of a book of Sanskrit Grammar - Mahābhāshya.
  • According to Mahābhāsya, Pushyamitra conducted two Ashwamedha Yajna and in both the cases, horse was caught by Yavanas (Greeks) perhaps Menāndar. Pushyamitra sent his son Agnimitra in first case and Grandson Vāsumitra in second case to get back the horse.

Debate of Pushyamitra as persecutor of Buddhism or not?

Pushyamitra persecuted Buddhism

  • A Buddhist text named Divyavadāna (1st/2nd Century CE) narrates the events of Pushyamitra persecuting Buddhism.
  • Shunga Dynasty was rival of Indo-Greeks and Indo-Greeks were followers of Buddhism. This political rivalry may have resulted in religious persecutions.
  • In post Mauryan Age, Buddhism saw a relative decline in Magadha region. Persecutions by Shunga dynasty are considered as one of the main reasons of it.

Pushyamitra did not persecute Buddhism

  • Divyavadāna is a Buddhist text and it is obvious to present the patron of rival sect as a villain.
  • Divyavadāna mention Pushyamitra as last King of Mauryan dynasty who persecuted Buddhism to outshine the glory of Ashoka.
  • Divyavadāna did not mention the title of Senāpati for Pushyamitra. Therefore accounts of Divyavadāna are confusing.
  • During Early Shunga Dynasty Bhārhut prospered as the centre of Buddhist Art whereas during later Shunga Dynasty, Sānchi prospered as a centre to Buddhist Art.

The story can be further extended to show eventual decline of Magadha post Maurya-Shunga-Kanva and revenge of Mahameghavahana (Kalinga) under Kharavela in East and rise of Indo-Greeks under Demitrius/Menander in North West and rise of Satavahana in South. Although personally I think it will stretch the story arch too much. Also civs like Shakas, Indo-Greeks, Satavahanas, Kushanas, Parthians might require new civs. Maybe they can be ideas for subsequent expansion if you want to continue with the story arch.

Mahameghavahana

  • This dynasty ruled Kalinga in post Mauryan Age.
  • This dynasty belonged to Jainism as they have constructed Chaitya and Vihāra cave of Jainism in Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills (in Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
  • Total 117 Caves were built, however only 33 are discovered so far. (Hathi Gumphā, Rāni Gumphā, Jaya-Vijaya Gumphā, Pātālpuri Gumphā, Swarnapuri and Mankāpuri Gumphā etc.)
  • In Early Mediaeval Age and Medieval Age, monks of Eastern India migrated to Tibet.In cold regions they could not wander and therefore started living permanently in monasteries and called them Gompā (derived from Gumphā). Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism is Gompā.Hāthi Gumphā: Commissioned by Khāravela. First five lines of Inscription are devoted to Jainism.
  • In inscriptions he described his charities, efforts of social harmony, irrigation projects, tax exemptions for Brāhmins and Monks and his military victories like against Shri Satkarni (Satavāhanas) in Deccan, Sangam Kingdoms (in Southern India), his main claim was that he has defeated Magadha and took revenge of a past defeat of Kalinga.
  • He further claimed that he has brought back the idols of Jina (Jain TÄ«rthānkars) which Magadha had taken in that past war.
  • Like majority of Indian historical sources, Hāthigumphā inscriptions also have the drawback of no chronology, dating, chain of events, name of other kings.
  • The Style of Hāthigumphā inscriptions matches with Ashokan inscriptions like social harmony, tax exemptions etc.

Indo-Greeks

  • In mid-3rd Century BCE, Greeks of Bactria and Parthians of Iran revolted against Seleucid Empire.
  • In late 3rd Century BCE (206 BCE), Greeks of Bactria gained independence from Seleucid Empire.
  • These Greeks of Bactria are now identified as Indo-Greeks or Indo-Bactrians.
  • During the conflicts against Indo-Greeks, the army of Seleucid Empire entered Mauryan Territories and found no Mauryan Army in the region.

Demitrius (200 BCE - 184 BCE)

  • His father was Euthydemus (Euthydemid Dynasty), enemy of Diodotus II.
  • He ruled from his capital Kapisā and entered India during the decline of Mauryan Empire.
  • He conquered some parts of North-western India. On his coins, he is shown wearing the helmet of Elephant indicating his Victory over India.
  • After Demitrius many Greek clans and Strategeos (military commanders) entered India and conquered various parts of North Western India..

Menāndar / Milinda (160s-130s BCE)

  • He ruled from his capital Sagala (Sialkot).
  • He conquered a large part of Northern India till Yamuna River (Mathura).
  • From Mathura as base, he launched regular invasions to Ganga-Yamuna Plains. These plains were ruled by Shunga Dynasty.
  • He was contemporary of Pushyamitra, Agnimitra, Vāsumitra
  • Menāndar was follower of Buddhism and his dialogues with Buddhist Monk Nāgasena are recorded in a Gāndhāri Prakrit (later Sri Lankan Pāli) Language book named Milindapānho (Questions of Milinda)
  • Story of Nāgasena and Chariot - Buddhist philosophy of Shunyavāda.
  • During his rule, Buddhism started reaching Afghanistan and Central Asia which is considered as the beginning of spread of Buddhism.
  • The ideas of Indian Philosophies reached in Western Asia and Europe during the reign of Indo Greeks.
  • King Antialcidas sent his ambassador named Heliodorus to Vidishā (113 or 110 BCE). In Vidishā, Heliodorus constructed a pillar - Heliodorus Pillar. (Earliest Inscriptional mention of Bhāgavat Sect of Hinduism).
  • In first Century BCE, Indo-Greeks started declining from West, they were defeated by Scythians whereas from East by various Gana Sangha like Adumbara, Arjunayāna, Yaudheya etc.

Strato III (-10 AD)

  • He was last known Indo-Greek King to rule any Indian territory.
  • Indo-Greeks will get replaced by Shaka/Scythians (Central Asian Group). Later Shakas would then get subjugated by Kushans and work as their Satrapies.

Sātavāhana

  • Sātavāhanas began as subordinates of Mauryan Empire.
  • Ashokan Inscriptions mentions Āndhras as a tribal kingdom in Mauryan Empire.
  • Purāna mentions Sātavāhanas as Āndhras and the name of Āndhra kings in Purāna matches with name of Sātavāhana kings in Inscriptions.
  • Many terms of Sātavāhana administration are similar to Mauryan administration.
  • Sātavāhanas had a tribal background which was egalitarian in nature. (Land is not private property and family is the basis of society). Making it difficult for Dynasty to rule. Therefore Sātavāhanas invited Brāhmins from North who raised the status of Dynasty by various elaborate royal rituals.
  • Sātavāhana kings adopted Brāhmana Varna and took the title of Ekbrāhman (Brahman with no equal) and depicted themselves on coins as Brahmins.
  • During Sātavāhana rule, northern religions started reaching Deccan - Hinduism, Jainism etc.
  • Spread of Northern religions led to the spread of formal education in Deccan. Educational institutions were called Ghatikā. (Ghatak means branch).
  • During Sātavāhana rule, northern religions started percolating towards Southern India (Sangam Kingdoms)
  • During Sātavāhana rule, features of northern urbanisation started reaching Deccan region. Example - Planned Towns, Baked Bricks, Script, Metallic Currency (Coins), Soak pits and Terracotta Ring wells.
  • Sātavāhanas established a developed state in Deccan. However, majority of Deccan region was still tribal. This resulted in regular conflicts between tribal regions and expanding states. Therefore majority administration of Sātavāhana Empire was military administration.
  • Sātavāhana Empire controlled both the coastlines of India and had active presence in the Naval Trade of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea (many Sātavāhana coins have Boat or Ship depicted on them).
  • Over the control of Arabian Sea trade and Western territories (Narmadā-Tāpi Region), Sātavāhanas and Western Satraps fought a series of conflicts known as Sāka-Sātavāhana Wars (1st Century CE - 2nd Century CE). The discovery of Monsoon in 1st Century CE, greatly intensified Arabian Sea trade fueling this rivalry.
  • To settle Brahmins and Monks in Deccan, Sātavāhanas invited them and gave them land grants. (Tax free land with promise of no state Interference) This was the beginning of land grants in India which later resulted in a phenomena known as Feudalism (Sāmantavāda)

Political History of Sātavāhana

Simuka (3rd - 2nd Century BCE)

  • He was founder of Sātavāhana dynasty. He claimed sovereignty after decline of Mauryans.
  • According to Purānic Literature, he defeated and ended Kanva Dynasty in 1st Century BCE.
  • During his rule, Sātavāhanas had a small territory in Upper Godavari region.
  • Majority of early Sātavāhana coins are found in and around Pratisthān

Shri Satkarni (1st Century BCE)

  • His wife Queen Nāganikā/Nayanikā commissioned his Inscriptions - Nāneghāt PrashastÄ«. In this she described, how Shri Satkarni converted a small kingdom of Sātavāhanas into a large Empire controlling both the coastlines of India.
  • Shri Satkarni is mentioned in Hāthigumphā Inscriptions of Khāravela.
  • He must have been an illustrious king as many later Sātavāhana kings took the titles of his name.

Gautamiputra Satkarni (1st Century CE)

  • His mother named Gautami commissioned his Inscription - Nāshik Prashasti
  • Gautamiputra was contemporary and rival of Western Satrap King Nehapāna. Gautamiputra defeated Nehapāna and took the title of Kshaharātāntaka comparing himself with Parashurām (as Western Satrap King were Kshatriya)
  • He minted counterstruck coins of Nehpāna.

Vashishthiputra Pulumayi (90-120 CE)

Vashishthiputra Satkarni (120-150 CE)

  • According to Junāgadh PrashastÄ« of Rudradaman, he was contemporary, rival and son in law of Rudradaman.
  • Rudradaman defeated him, conquered the western territories but left him alive.

Shri Yajna Satkarni (150-180 CE)

  • He decisively defeated Western Satrap King Ishvardatta and ended Shāka-Sātavāhana Wars.
  • Although Sātavāhanas won this conflict. However more than one century of warfare drained them accelerating their decline.
  • Sri Yajna donated a hill to a Buddhist Monk Nāgārjuna. Therefore this hill is named Nāgārjunkondā (Palnādu District).
  • In 20th Century a dam was built on Krishna River surrounding this hill. This dam is named Nāgārjun Sāgar Dam.
  • Shri Yajna was last strong Sātavāhana King.
  • Sātavāhana Empire declined by 3rd Century CE and fragmented into various small kingdoms (Abhira, Vakataka, Pallava, Chutu, Ikshavaku)

Kushān Empire

  • Kushāns were natives of Western China and were part of Yuechi Tribe
  • In 2nd Century BCE, Kushans were defeated by Xiongnu and were pushed Westwards. For next two centuries, Kushāns lived in Central Asia and pushed Scythians southwards. In Central Asia, Kushāns were known as Guishuang, later pronounced as Kushān. (Likewise Gandhāra became Kandhara).
  • In 1st Century CE, Kushans moved southwards and conquered Afghanistan and Indus Region by defeating Parthian Empire.
  • By Mid-1st Century CE, Kushans conquered a large part of Northern and Western India by defeating and subordinating Scythians. Scythians ruled as Satraps of Kushāns.
  • In Ancient Indian Literature, Kushāns are mentioned as Tushāra. Kushāns were heavily influenced by Indo-Greek and Persian culture along with Indian culture.

Political History of Kushān Empire

Kujulā Kādphises (1st Century CE)

  • He brought Kushāns in India by defeating Pārthian Empire
  • He ruled from his capital Kapisā (Kābul)
  • He adopted Shaivism as on some of his coins, a bull is depicted and Nandi is written on it.

Vīmā Takht (Late 1st Century CE)

Vīmā Kādphises (90-120 CE)

  • He further expanded Kushan Empire and conquered till Mathura region.
  • Statues of VÄ«mā Kādphises and his ancestors are found in Devakula Mound of Mathurā. Devakula worship is worship of ancestors.
  • He was follower of Shaivism as on many of his coins Shiva is depicted.

Kanishka (120-150 CE)

  • He further expanded Kushān Empire in all directions.
  • Under him Kushan Empire reached its territorial peak and controlled regions of Central India, Eastern India, Western China, Central Asia and Balochistan Region.
  • Kushāns ruled from three capitals - Kapisā (Kābul), Pushkalāvati (Peshāwar), Mathurā.
  • His Eastern Expansion is proved by Bālabodhisattva Statue found near Sārnāth.
  • According to Buddhist Literature, Kanishka made a peace treaty with Patliputra City and gained begging bowl of Buddha and a Sanskrit poet named Ashwaghosha.
  • His Central Asian victories are mentioned in Rabātak Inscriptions found in Afghanistan.
  • His Western Chinese Territories are mentioned in Chinese literature of Hān Dynasty.
  • Their control of Balochistan and naval trade of Persian Gulf was main source of conflict between Kushan Empire and Parthian Empire.
  • Kanishka was follower of Saravastivāda Buddhism later Mahāyāna Buddhism. In Taxilā, Kanishka built a large StÅ«pa (Mankiala Stupa). The inscription on their StÅ«pa is also a source of Kushān history. (Kaniskaā€™s Casket is also found in Taxilā)
  • Kanishka made great efforts to spread Buddhism. During his rule, Buddhism spread in Central Asia and towards China. This is known as Silk Road spread of Buddhism.

Hope they donā€™t forget to display artificial cranial deformation among the Kushans. 11

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Magadhans can be a very interesting tech tree as they can pretty much have all the unit lines available except the xbow unit.UU can be a chariot archer as there is meele chariot already.As per a greek record magadh did not have stone walls but a wooden wall and a huge moat around the city so no stone walls for them and maybe an upgrade for palasaid?obviously elephant archers will replace ca.

7

Their unique units can be Mahashilakantaka (Big Stone Thrower) and Rathamusala (Scythed Chariot)

Most Magadhan structures had Stone Base but Wooden Top. They very likely filled up the space between wood with Earth just like the Early Slavs did. So it was much stronger than a normal pallisade. City of Kushinara depicted in Sculptures show very tall fortified walls.

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8

This could be a treb replacemnet unit.

Unique upgrade to chariot line?

9

It would be a great way to introduce the aesthetic of Indian chariots as an alternative to the Persian or Greek versions currently featured in Chronicles.

Yes or an unique Onager upgrade perhaps.

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10

The War Chariot already is a Scythen Chariot so they could just get that since itā€™s a regional unit. The name could still be used for a UT though.

They should also available to the Seleucides.

Similar here. Not sure if a unique Onager would be a good unit. Maybe also just a UT. They could be the Koreans of Chronicles maybe.