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.