Magadha Empire

Magadha, which was one of the great dynasties, emerged as a major power under the Haryanka dynasty. The Haryanka dynasty was the third ruling dynasty of Magadha that succeeded the Pradyota and Brihadratha dynasties. Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and Udayin of this dynasty raised Magadha to political importance.

Bimbisara (BC 544 - 492)

Bimbisara was a contemporary of Buddha. He used all means to establish his supremacy over Magadha. Bimbisara expanded the boundaries of his kingdom through marriage alliances and invasions. He maintained a strong standing army. The greatest enemies of Magadha were Kosala and Avanti. Bimbisara established friendship with these two kingdoms and made them allies of Magadha. Bimbisara began the expansion of his empire by fighting the Anga kingdom. He conquered many neighboring kingdoms through successive wars. The first capital of Magadha was Rajgriha. Bimbisara ruled the country for 52 years. Ajatashatru was his successor.

Ajatashatru (BC 492 - 460)

Ajatashatru, the son of Bimbisara, seized power by assassinating his father. Ajatashatru also followed his father's policy of imperial expansion. He laid the foundation of the Magadhan Empire through constant attacks. Immediately after coming to power, Ajatashatru engaged in a long war with Kosala. Finally, he defeated the Kosala king and annexed that country to Magadha. He also captured Kashi. Vajji was Ajatashatru's next target. After a long struggle of sixteen years, he was able to capture Vajji. With this, Magadha established its supremacy over eastern India. Ajatashatru believed in Buddhism. Under his patronage, the first Buddhist council was convened near Rajgriha.

Udayin (BC 460 - 444)

After the death of Ajatashatru in 460 BC, his son Udayin became king. He was a Jain. He built a city called 'Kusumapuram' and a fort at Pataligrama at the confluence of the Ganges-Son rivers. Pataligrama later rose to become Pataliputra.

Shishunaga Dynasty

In 413 BC, Shishunaga, the viceroy of Benares, deposed the last Haryanka king. It was Shishunaga who finally defeated Magadha's enemy Avanti. He extended Magadha's power almost to Western India. It was during the reign of Shishunaga's son Kalashoka that the Second Buddhist Council was held (at Vaishali). Shishunaga Dynasty ruled Magadha for half a century. Finally, the Nandas came to power after expelling the Shishunagas.

Nanda Dynasty

The Nandas, who came to power by deposing the Shishunaga dynasty, were the most powerful rulers of Magadha. Mahapadmananda was the founder of the Nanda dynasty. There is also an opinion that the Nanda dynasty was founded by Ugrasena. The Nanda dynasty was the first of the innumerable non-Kshatriya dynasties that ruled in North India. The Puranas say that Mahapadmananda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, was the son of a Shudra woman. There is an opinion that he was the son of a barber. In any case, he was not a Kshatriya. Magadha became an empire during the Nanda dynasty. Mahapadmananda and his successors conquered many kingdoms such as Panchalam, Kashi, Kalinga, Ashmakam, Kuru, Malla and expanded the boundaries of Magadha. They defeated most of the contemporary kings. Magadha became the most powerful nation during the Nanda dynasty. Therefore, the Nandas are often described as the 'first imperial architects' of India.

Reasons for the success of Magadha

1. Political ambitions of the rulers - The rulers of Magadha, such as Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Mahapadmananda, etc., wanted to uphold the supremacy of their kingdom. They used all strategies and means to expand the empire.

2. Geographical location - The Ganges and Son rivers on the north-western borders of Magadha, the Vindhya mountain ranges on the south and the Champa river on the east created natural boundaries. This gave Magadha security. This geographical location also helped Magadha to control the Gangetic plains.

3. Natural resources - Magadha was a country rich in natural resources. There were many iron deposits near its first capital, Rajgriha. Therefore, they were able to make superior weapons using iron. None of Magadha's rivals were fortunate enough to have this. Magadha also had copper deposits. The timber needed for the construction of buildings in Magadha and the elephants needed for the army were available from the dense forests.

4. Agricultural progress - The fertile soil of the Ganges valley was suitable for agriculture. Agricultural implements made of iron also helped the growth of agriculture. These factors enabled the farmers to produce a variety of crops and produce agricultural surpluses. The rulers could appropriate the agricultural surpluses in the form of taxes.

5. Location of the capital cities - The two capitals of Magadha were located in strategic locations. The first capital, Rajgriha, was impregnable because it was surrounded by five hills. The second capital, Pataliputra, was located at the confluence of rivers such as the Ganges and the Son, so there were communication facilities to all parts. Pataliputra was a 'water fortress' that could not be easily captured.

6. Military elements - Magadha had some advantages in the military system. Magadha was a country that used elephants in large numbers in wars with neighboring countries. Magadha obtained sufficient elephants from the forests of eastern India. Elephants were used to destroy forts and advance through swampy areas.