Textbook
Our Pasts I, II & III (Classes 6–8)
The simplest possible start: short, illustrated and the base of countless exam questions.
Shakya
Gana-sangha (republic)
Level 3
c. 600–480 BCE
The Buddha's clan; destroyed by Vidudabha of Kosala.
- Capital
- Kapilavastu
- Region
- Gangetic Plain
- Duration
- 120 years
- Main period
- Mahajanapadas
Approximate extent.
Key events
| Year | Event | Place |
|---|---|---|
| c. 563 BCE | Birth of Siddhartha Gautama at Lumbini Traditional date; debated (c. 563 or c. 480 BCE). |
Lumbini |
Personalities
📚 Recommended reading on the Shakya
Textbook
Themes in Indian History, Parts I–III (Class 12)
Source-based chapters on Harappa, Vijayanagara, the Mughal court and 1857 — essential for UPSC.
Textbook
An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I (Class 11)
The standard base for art and architecture questions — stupas, temples and sculpture.
Textbook
India's Ancient Past
The expanded version of the classic old-NCERT ancient India text; clear and exam-friendly.
We may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See all recommended books →
Contemporaries
Powers that coexisted with the Shakya for a significant part of its history. The bar shows when, within its own span.
Magadha ★
East · c. 700–321 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Kuru
North · c. 1,200–350 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Gandhara
Northwest · c. 1,200–518 BCE
Overlap: 82 years
Panchala
Gangetic Plain · c. 1,100–350 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Kosala
Gangetic Plain · c. 1,100–460 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Matsya
West · c. 1,100–350 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Kashi
Gangetic Plain · c. 1,000–500 BCE
Overlap: 100 years
Chedi
Central · c. 1,000–300 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Vatsa
Gangetic Plain · c. 1,000–400 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Avanti
Central · c. 1,000–345 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Surasena
North · c. 800–350 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Kamboja
Northwest · c. 800–330 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Anga
East · c. 700–540 BCE
Overlap: 60 years
Assaka / Asmaka
Deccan · c. 700–350 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Kalinga
East · c. 700–261 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Vajji / Vrijji Confederacy
East · c. 600–468 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Malla
Gangetic Plain · c. 600–400 BCE
Overlap: 120 years
Achaemenid Gandhara & Hindush
Northwest · c. 518–330 BCE
Overlap: 38 years