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Now we&#39;ll study the rise of empires in Ancient India. So, firstly we will talk about Magadha empire.

The Magadha Empire encompasses the rule of three dynasties over time – Haryanka Dynasty, Shishunaga Dynasty, and Nanda Dynasty. The timeline of the Magadha Empire is estimated to be from 684 BCE to 320 BCE. The period from 6th to 4th centuries BC saw the struggle for Supremacy among four Mahajanapadas-Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti. The founder of Magadha was Jarasandh and Brihadratha. But the growth started under the Haryankas. Magadha embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya and parts of Shahabad and grew to be the leading state of the time.

Following are the causes for rising of Magadha:

<ol>
	<li>Magadha became prominent under the leadership of Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty.</li>
	<li>Advantageous geographical location with both Rajgriha and Pataliputra.</li>
	<li>Situated at strategic location.</li>
</ol>

Abundance of natural resources, such as iron enabled Magadha rulers to equip themselves with effective weapons. Use of elephants on a large scale in war. The alluvial soil of the Gangetic valley and sufficient rainfall were very conducive for agriculture. 

<h2>Haryanka Dynasty</h2>

The first important and powerful dynasty in Magadha was the Haryanka Dynasty. Originally founded in 566 BC by the grandfather of Bimbisara, but actual foundation was laid by Bimbisara.

Bimbisara: He was contemporary and follower of the Buddha. He was also said to be an admirer of Mahavira, who was also his contemporary. His capital was Girivraja/Rajagriha (Rajgir). The capital was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings of which were closed by stone walls on all sides. This made Rajagriha impregnable. He conquered Anga (East-Bihar) to gain control over trade routes with the Southern states. His capital was Rajgriha (Girivraja). He strengthened his position by a matrimonial alliance with the ruling families of Kosala, Vaishali and Madra. His capital was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings in which were closed by stone walls on all sides. This made Rajgir impregnable.

Ajatshatru: He was son of Bimbisara, killed his father and seized the throne. He annexed Vaishali and Kosala (annexed Vaishali with the help of a war engine, which was used to throw stones.) He convened the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha just after the death of Buddha in 483 BCE. Kosala was ruled by Prasenajit at that time. Buddha died during his reign. The ruler of Avanti tried to invade Magadha and to thwart this danger Ajatashatru began the fortification of Rajgriha. However, the invasion did not materialise during his lifetime.

Udayin: He is the son of Ajatasatru. Udayin’s reign is important because he built the fort upon the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Pataliputra. This was done because Patna lay in the centre of the Magadha Kingdom, which now extended from the Himalayas in the north to the hills of Chotanagpur in the south. He was killed at the behest of Palaka, the king of Avanti. Succeeded by three kings – Aniruddha, Manda and Nagadasaka. He founded the new capital at Pataliputra, situated at the confluence of the Ganga.

<h2>Shishunaga dynasty</h2>

According to Sri Lankan chronicles, the people of Magadha revolted during the reign of Nagadasaka and placed an Amatya (Minister) named Shishunaga as the king. The Shaishunaga dynasty lasted from 413 BCE to 345 BCE. 10 Founded by Minister Shishunaga. He was succeeded by Kalasoka (II Buddhist Council held during his period). Dynasty lasted for two generations only. Shaishunaga was the viceroy of Kasi before becoming king of Magadha. The capital was at Girivraja. The most important achievement of Shaishunaga was the destruction of the power of Avanti with its capital at Ujjain. This brought to an end the 100-year-old rivalry between Magadha and Avanti. Avanti became a part of the Magadha empire and continued to be so till the end of the Mauryan rule.

<h2>Nanda dynasty</h2>

This was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty and it lasted from 345 BCE to 321 BCE. The first ruler was Mahapadma Nanda who usurped the throne of Kalasoka. It is considered the 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 the reign of Dhana Nanda-the last ruler. Nandas were fabulously rich and enormously powerful. Maintained 200000 infantry, 60000 cavalry and 6000 war elephants. This is supposed to have checked Alexander’s army from advancing towards Magadha. The empire grew under his reign. It ran from the Kuru country in the north to the Godavari Valley in the south and from Magadha in the east to Narmada in the west. Also called Ugrasena in Pali texts because of his large army. 

Hope all your questions are clear. Stay tuned with us.

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