Period from decline of the Maurya empire to the rise of the Gupta empire is called the later Mauryan period. During this period, no big empire could establish itself but this period is important from historical point of view because during this period cultural relations developed between India and Central Asia and foreigners assimilated themselves into Indian culture.
During the later Mauryan period, no dypasty had its control all over India. Several regional and local dynasties / empires ruled over different parts of India.
The rulers who ruled India during this era were -Foreign rulers, and Indian rulers. This was the period when on the one hand Mauryans’ centralized empire was disintegrating (declining) and foreign dynasties were invading India regularly. On the other hand several Indian dynasties were struggling for their survival.
During this period, foreigners like Greek, Shakas, Hunas and Kuşhanas entered into India from its North – West side. With the passage of time these foreigners became a part of India, their cultures assimilated into Indian culture and got merged into the mainstream. Due to this cultural exchange between foreigners and Indians, the foreigners adopted Indian customs and traditions, their cultures and religions became a part of Indian culture, and they ultimately became Indian.
