CHAPTER 4 - MAGADHA EMPIRE

MAGADHA EMPIRE

• The ascendancy of several influential dynasties marked the rise of the Magadha Empire in ancient India.

Brihadratha Dynasty

• Brihadratha was the founder of Brihadratha dynasty and first to rule over Magadha. Details of Brihadratha are mentioned in Mahabharat & Purans.
• According to this, he was the eldest of the five sons of Vasu, the Kuru king of Chedi, and his queen Girika. Even the Rig Veda mentions the name Brihadratha.
• King Jarasandha was most influencal king of Brihadratha family
• King Jarasandha was succeced by his son Sahadeva, who was killed in Mahabharat war.
• Ripunjaya, last king of Brihadratha dynasty was killed by his minister Pulika.

Pradyota Dynasty

• Pulika was founder of Pradyota dynasty.

Haryanka Dynasty

• Bimbisara: (544 - 492 BC)
• Founder of Haryanka Dynasty: Bimbisara 
• Bimbisara conquered Anga 
• 1st marriage: Daughter of King of Koshala, Mahakoshala & Sister of Prasenjit, brought Kasi as dowry.
• 2nd marriage: Lichhavi Princess Chelena (mother of Ajatashatru)
• 3rd marriage: daughter of Madra Clan (Punjab).
• Ajatashatru (492 - 460 BC)
• King Prasenjit took back Kashi during period of Ajatasatru but lossed by 16 yr war with Ajatasatru.
• Ajatasatru met Buddha. Buddha gained mahaprinirvana (483 BC) during his lifetime.he arranged first Buddhist council. 
• Udayin (460 - 444 BC)
• He made fort at Pataliputra near Ganga & Son river. Made Pataliputra as Capital.
• Aniruddha (444 - 440 BC)
• Munda (440 - 437 BC)
• Nagdasaka (437 - 413 BC)

Military weapons of Haryanaka dynasty

• Catapult (Mahasilakantaka)
• Chariots for mass killing (Rathamushala)

Sisunga Dynasty (413 BC)

• Sisunga founded Sisunga dynasty. He was amatya of Nagdasaka, but later he killed him and annexed his throne.
• Kalasoka/Kakavarin shifted its capital to Vaishali.
• Kalasoka arranged 2nd Buddhist council at Vaishali.
• Avanti (Ujjain) merged into Magadha during Sisunga dynasty.
• Mahanandin was last emperor of Sisunga dynasty.

Nanda Dynasty 

• Mahapadma Nanda: Founder of Nanda Dynasty
• First emperor builder of India and known as Ekrat. & Sarvakahetrantaka (uprooter of kshetriya)
• He added Kalinga to Magadha and brought an image of Jina as a victory trophy.
• He also auired Kosala.
• Hatigumpha in Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar made have inscriptions about Mahapadma Nanda.
• Dhana Nanda
• Last king of Nanda Dynasty.
• Have a vast army.
• Known as Agrammes or Xandrames.
• Nandapakramoni (measurement unit)
• Alexander invaded north-west during his time (327 - 325 BC)
• He was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.