Extent
of Magadha Empire : Magadha
embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya & parts of Shahabad & grew
to be the leading state of the time.
Haryanka
Dynasty : Originally
founded in 566 BC by the grandfather of Bimbisara, but actual foundation by
Bimbisara.
King
Bimbisara of Magadha (544 BC – 492 BC):
•
Contemporary of Buddha.
•
He conquered Anga (E.Bihar) to gain control over trade route with the southern
states.
•
His capital was Rajgir (Girivraja). He strengthened his position by matrimonial
alliance with the ruling families of Kosala, Vaishali, and Madra (3 wives).
•
His capital was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings in which were closed by
stone walls on all sides. This made Rajgir impregnable.
Ajatshatru
History (492 BC – 460 BC):
•
Son of Bimbisara killed his father & seized the throne.
•
Annexed Vaishali and Kosala (annexed Vaishali with the help of a war engine,
which was used to throw stones like catapults. Also possessed a chariot to
which a mace was attached, thus facilitating mass killings). Kosala was ruled
by Prasenajit at that time.
•
Buddha died during his reign; arranged the first Buddhist Council.
History
of Udayin (460 – 444 BC): He founded the new capital at Pataliputra, situated
at the confluence of the Ganga & Son.
Shishunaga
Dynasty :
•
Founded by a minister Shishunaga. He was succeeded by Kalasoka (II Buddhist
council). Dynasty lasted for two generations only.
•
Greatest achievement was the destruction of power of Avanti.
Nanda
Dynasty:
•
It is considered first of the non-Kshatriya dynasties.
•
Founder was Mahapadma Nanda. He added Kalinga to his empire. He claimed to be
the ekarat, the sole sovereign who destroyed all the other ruling princes.
•
Alexander attacked India in their reign. Dhana Nanda was there at that time.
•
Nandas were fabulously rich & enormously powerful. Maintained 200,000
infantry, 60,000 cavalry & 6,000 war elephants. This is supposed to have
checked Alexander’s army from advancing towards Magadha.
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