Pushyamitra Shunga was an ancient Indian ruler who founded the Shunga Dynasty around 185 BCE after the fall of the Maurya Empire. He was a general in the Mauryan army and took power by assassinating the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha. His reign marked a significant shift in Indian history, emphasizing Brahmanical traditions and culture. Under Pushyamitra's rule, the Shunga Dynasty expanded its territory and strengthened its influence in northern India. He is known for his patronage of the arts and for promoting Hinduism, which contrasted with the earlier Buddhist dominance during the Mauryan period. His legacy includes the revival of Hindu practices and the construction of temples.