THE MAGADHA EMPIRE

Period of Magadha Empire : 6th Century – 4th Century BC.
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 (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.

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.

Causes of Magadha’s Success

• Enjoyed advantageous geographical position, i.e., near richest iron deposits (thus effective weapons).
• The 2 capitals of Magadha, Rajgir and Patliputra, were situated at very strategic points.
• Fertile soil of the lower Ganga regions.
• First used elephants in wars.

Note: Archaeologically, 6th century BC marks the beginning of NBPW phase (Northern Black Polished Ware) which was very glossy, shinning type of pottery. This marked the beginning of Second Urbanization in India.