Indian History is a significant topic in both UPSC Civil Services Exam syllabus. A considerable share of the questions has asked from this segment in the previous year. The Dynasties has great historical importance in history. It has remarked the beginning of an era.
This list will give an insight into the Dynasties of Ancient India and will help you to cover the entire important dynasties in ancient India.
The list of major dynasties that existed in India
The following are the major dynasties in Indian history
Haryanka Dynasty: Middle of 6th century BCE–413 BCE
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Bimbisara |
| Capital | Rajgir (Girivraja) |
| Important Kings | Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and Udayin |
| Important events | The capital shifted to Pataliputra, The 1st Buddhist Council |
Shishunaga Dynasty: 413 BCE–345 BCE
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Shishunaga |
| Capital | (Girivraja) |
| Important Kings | Shishunaga and Kakavarna Kalasoka |
| Important events | Destruction of Avanti and the 2nd Buddhist Council |
Nanda Dynasty- 345 BCE–322 BCE
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Mahapadma Nanda |
| Capital | Pataliputra |
| Important Kings | Mahapadma Nanda, Dhana Nanda |
| Important events | Alexander invaded India |
Mauryan Dynasty: 322 BCE–185 BCE
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Chandragupta Maurya |
| Capital | Pataliputra |
| Important Kings | Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, Ashoka |
| Important events | defeated the invasion led by Seleucus Nikator, a 3rd Buddhist council |
Indo-Scythians Kingdom (The Shaka): 150 BCE–400 CE
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Maues alias Moga |
| Capital | Sigal
Taxila Mathura |
| Important Kings | Rudradaman, Vikramaditya |
| Important events | Repaired Sudarsan Lake, Junagarh inscription |
The Kushans/ Yeuchi: 30–375
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Yuezhi |
| Capital | Bamiyan
Peshawar Taxila Mathura |
| Important Kings | Kanishka |
| Important events | Issued gold coins, 4th Buddhist council |
The Sunga dynasty: 185 BC- 75 BC
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Pushyamitra Sunga |
| Capital | Pataliputra |
| Important Kings | Agnimitra, Bhagabhadra and Devbhuti |
| Important events | Issued gold coins, 4th Buddhist council |
The Kanva dynasty: 75 BC- 30 BC
PlaceMagadha
| Founder | Vasudeva |
| Capital | Pataliputra |
| Important Kings | Vasudeva, Bhumimitra, Narayana and Susharman |
| Important events | — |
The Satavahanas- 1st century BCE–2nd century CE
PlaceDeccan region
| Founder | Simuka |
| Capital | Pratishthana
Amaravati |
| Important Kings | Gautamiputra Satakarni |
| Important events | Issued coins made up of lead, copper, and bronze |
Ikshvaku dynasty
PlaceFrom Kosala kingdom to the banks of  Sarayu river
| Founder | Ikshavaku |
| Capital | Saketa
Ayodhya |
| Important Kings | Kusha, Nala II |
| Important events | Executed the Manusmriti |
The Chola Dynasty: 300s BCE–1279 CE
PlaceNortheast of Pandya Kingdom
| Founder | Vijayalaya |
| Capital | Poompuhar, Urayur, Tiruvarur,
Pazhaiyaarai, Thanjavur Gangaikonda Cholapuram |
| Important Kings | Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Rajadhiraja Chola, Virarajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I |
| Important events | Annexed Sri Lanka |
The Pandyan Dynasty: at least 4th century BCE–1345 AD
PlaceTamil Nadu and Southern region
| Founder | — |
| Capital | Korkai
Madurai Tenkasi Tirunelveli |
| Important Kings | Nedujadaiyan |
| Important events | Trade with roman empire and sent embassies to Emperor Augustus |
The Chera Dynasty: 3rd century BCE–12th century CE
PlaceKongunadu and some parts of Present Kerala
| Founder | Vanavaramban |
| Capital | Mahodayapuram
Quilon Karuvur |
| Important Kings | Perumchottu Uthiyan Cheralathan, Cheraman Kudako  Ilancheral Irumporai |
| Important events | Foreign trade |
The Pallava Dynasty: 275 CE–897 CE
PlaceSouth Indian region and some parts of Sri Lanka
| Founder | Bappadevan |
| Capital | Kanchipuram |
| Important Kings | Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I |
| Important events | Visit of Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang |
Chalukya Dynasty: 543–753
PlaceSouth Indian region and central India
| Founder | Pulakesi I |
| Capital | Badami |
| Important Kings | Pulakesin II, Vikramaditya II |
| Important events | Art and architecture flourished in South India |
Also Read:
| Legacy and decline of the Gupta Empire |
| Pallavas: Society and architecture |
| Mauryan Administration |
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