1. Reign of Pushyamitra Shunga (185–149 BCE)

• Founder of the Sunga dynasty after killing Brihadratha Maurya.
• Former Senapati (general) of the Mauryan army.
• Established control over Magadha and North India.
• Performed two Ashvamedha Yajnas to legitimize his rule.
• Promoted Brahmanism and Vedic traditions.
• Faced and repelled Indo-Greek (Yavana) invasions.
• Strengthened the military and central authority.
• Patronized early Sunga art and architecture.
• Buddhist persecution attributed to him is historically debated.

2. Reign of Agnimitra (149–141 BCE)

• Son and successor of Pushyamitra Shunga.
• Governed from Vidisha before becoming king.
• Known from the Sanskrit play Malavikagnimitram by Kalidasa.
• Maintained stability in the empire.
• Continued Brahmanical traditions.
• Strengthened regional administration.

3. Later Sunga Rulers (141–73 BCE)

• The empire gradually became weak and fragmented.
• Rise of regional powers and autonomy of governors.
• Continued patronage of art and architecture.
• The Bharhut Stupa and Sanchi Stupa expansion occurred during this period.
• King Bhagabhadra is associated with the famous Heliodorus pillar (Garuda pillar).
• The Greek ambassador Heliodorus embraced Vaishnavism.
• Increasing foreign interactions (Indo-Greeks).
• Decline in central authority.

4. Reign of Devabhuti (73 BCE)

• The last ruler of the Sunga dynasty.
• Known for weak and indulgent rule.
• Assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva.
• Marked the end of the Sunga dynasty.