200 BC-AD 1

In around 185 BC the Mauryan Empire began to disintegrate, and a number of regional powers emerged in different parts of South Asia. In Bactria (northern Afghanistan) the Greek kingdoms established by Alexander the Great continued to flourish. They extended their influence southward during the 2nd century BC, taking Kabul and Begram. On the plains of the River Indus and its tributaries, the Indo-Greeks occupied Taxila and the surrounding region, known as Gandhāra.

Indo-Greek rule was interrupted by Scythian and Parthian incursions. These invaders eventually gained full control of the Afghanistan region and, pushing southward, ended Indo-Greek rule in the plains during the early 1st century AD.

In the area of modern India, the most important successor-states to the Mauryans in the north were the Śungas and Kanvas. In the Deccan, the early Satavāhanas were the dominant power.

Although the political system became decentralised, the economy prospered. The agricultural infrastructure expanded and there was significant trade, some of it with the Mediterranean world. Buddhism was widely supported by landowners and merchants who patronised new monastic buildings on a large scale. Many of the leading Indian kings supported Brahmanical orthodoxy – a traditional Hindu faith involving priests called brahmins. However, in Orissa the Jain faith – based on particular enlightened individuals – enjoyed direct royal support under King Khāravela.