Haryanka Dynasty – Rise of Magadha

Rise of Magadha under the Haryanka Dynasty

• Among the 16 mahajanapadas, Kasi was initially powerful.
• However, Kosala became dominant later.
• A power struggle broke out between Magadha, Kosala, Vrijji and Avanti.
• Eventually Magadha emerged as the dominant mahajanapada and established the first Indian empire.
• The first known ruler of Magadha was Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty.
• He extended the territory of Magadhan Empire by matrimonial alliances and conquests.
• By marrying off his sister to Prasenajit, ruler of Kosala, he received Kasi as dowry.
• He also married the princesses of Lichchhavis and Madra.
• He maintained friendly relations with Avanti but annexed Anga by military might.
• Thus, Magadha became a powerful and prominent power.
• During his reign, Bimbisara patronised various religious sects and their leaders.
• He had an encounter with Buddha as well.
• His son Ajatashatru ascended the throne by killing his father.
• King Prasenajit immediately took back Kasi, which he had handed out as dowry to Bimbisara.
• This led to a military confrontation between Magadha and Kosala.
• The struggle lasted until Prasenajit was overthrown and died at Rajgriha, the capital of Magadha Empire.
• Kosala was then annexed to Magadha.
• Ajatashatru also fought and won the battle against the Lichchhavis.
• He defeated the Lichchhavis and the Mallas.
• Ajatashatru is also believed to have met Buddha in his lifetime.
• By the time Ajatashatru died in 461 BCE Magadha had become undisputedly the strongest power.
• The Haryanka dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty.
• Shishunaga, a viceroy of Benaras, deposed the last Haryanka king and ascended the throne.
• The Shishunagas ruled for fifty years before the throne was usurped by Mahapadma Nanda.