Rise of Magadha

magadha ajatashatru bimbisara nanda dynasty mahapadma nanda

Haryanka Dynasty (544 – 413 BC)

• Bimbisara was contemporary of both Buddha & Mahavira
• He also known as Seniya or Shrenika in the Jain histories.
• Bimbisara set up his capital at Rajgir (Known as Girivraja).
• Jivaka was his physician

• Ajatashatru also known as Kunika
• He killed his father and succeeded to the throne.
• Ajatashatru fought with Kosala and Vaishali (Lichhavis – destroyed it in 16 years) and won both war.

• He is the inventor of Rathamusala (Scythed chariot) and Mahshilakantaka (Catapult)

• He embraced Buddhism and led the foundation for 1st Budhhist council at Rajgir.

• Udayin was the succesor of Ajatashatru
• He founded new capital at Pataliputra.

magadha ajatashatru bimbisara nanda dynasty mahapadma nanda

• The people deposed him and made Shishunaga king in his place

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Shishunaga Dynasty (413 – 345 BC)

• Shishunagas temporary shifted the capital to Vaishali.
• He defeated Avanti and bought end to 100 year old rivalry
• Shishunagas again transferred the capital from Vaishali to Patliputra

• Kalasoka was succesor of Shishunaga

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Nanda Dynasty (345 – 321 BC)

• Mahapadma nanda was known as Ekarat (sole king who destroy others).
• He conquered Kalinga and bought image of Jina as trophy.
• Hathigumpha inscription of kharavela King (Kalinga) refers to conquest of Kalinga by Nandas.
• May be a part of Deccan was under his rule.

• Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of Nanda dynasty
• During his reign, Alexander invaded India but did not move ahead to east.
• Chandragupta Maurya & Kautilya overthrew Dhana Nanda as oppressive way of tax collection was already resented by people.

• Advantageous geographical position & rich iron ores of Rajgir
• Capital was in Rajgir, surrounded by 5 hills.
• Patliputra (Surrounded by Ganga, Gandhak, Son & Ghagra river  – True Jaladurga)
• 1st used elephants in war against enemies.