Rise & Growth of Magadha Empire
Period of Magadha Empire: 6th Century – 4th Century BC.
The extent of the 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.
His capital was Rajgir (Girivraja)
His capital was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings in which were closed by stone walls on all sides. This made Rajgir
Ajatshatru History (492 BC – 460 BC):.
- Son of Bimbisara killed his father & seized the throne.
- Buddha died during his reign; arranged the first Buddhist Council.
- History of Udayin (460 – 444 BC): He founded the new capital at Pataliputra, situated at the confluence of the Ganga & Son.
Shishunaga Dynasty:
- Founded by minister Shishunaga. He was succeeded by Kalasoka (II Buddhist council).
- Dynasty lasted for two generations only.
- The greatest achievement was the destruction of the power of Avanti.
Nanda Dynasty:
- Founder was Mahapadma Nanda.
- Alexander attacked India in their reign. Dhana Nanda was there at that time.
Alexander’s Invasion of India
- Alexander (356 BC – 323 BC) was the son of Philip of Macedonia (Greece) who invaded India in 326 BC.
- At that time NW India was split up into a number of small independent states like Taxila, Punjab (kingdom of Porus), Gandhara, etc.
- Except for Porus who fought the famous battle of Hydaspes (on the banks of Jhelum) with Alexander, all other kings submitted meekly.
- Except for Porus who fought the famous battle of Hydaspes (on the banks of Jhelum) with Alexander, all other kings submitted meekly.
- When Alexander reached Beas, his soldiers refused to go further, so he was forced to retreat.
- To mark the farthest point of his advance, he erected 12 huge stone altars on the northern bank of Beas. Remained in India for 19 months & died in 323 BC at Babylon.
