Indian Rulers
Pushyamitra Shunga
the Brahmin Usurper
Pushyamitra Shunga was an Indian emperor active in the 2nd c. BC during the Post-Maurya period from the state of Shunga. Died of natural causes.
Historical Note
Brahmin general who founded the Shunga dynasty by regicide. Restored Vedic ritual and the Ashvamedha horse-sacrifice. Persecuted Buddhists, say the Buddhist sources — patronized Patanjali, say the grammarians. Reigned 36 years.