Haryanka Empire (684-413 BC)

By Bharat Choudhary -
Established by Bimbisara, Haryanka dynasty was the ruling dynasty of Magadha Empire, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas of ancient India.
Maximum Geo-Political Expansion of Haryanka Dynasty
:: Notable Rulers of Haryanka Dynasty ::
1. Bimbisara (544-492 BC)

  • Bimbisara converted the Magadha kingdom into an empire by conquering and annexing Anga mahajanapada and establishing matrimonial relations with Koshalas (Mahakoshala, sister of Prasenjeet), Lichchhavis of Vaishali (Chellana, daughter of Chetak, who was brother of Trishla, mother of Mahavira), Vaidehi (princess of Videha) and Madris (princess Kshema).
  • His other names found are
    • Jain literature - 'Shrenik'
    • Matsaya Purana - 'Kshetrojas'
  • His capital was Girivraja (Rajgriha).
  • He was contemporary of 24th Jain Tirthankara Mahaveer and follower of Gautam Buddha.
  • He sent Jivak to Ujjain for medical treatment of Jaundice of king Pradyata, king of Avanti.
  • According to Buddhist literature, Bimbisara was killed by his own son Ajatashatru. He was a victim of patricide.
2. Ajatashatru (492-460 BC)
  • Ajatashatru (AKA 'Kunik'), was the most powerful ruler of Haryanka dynasty.
  • He followed aggressive policies of 'Conquest and Expansion'.
  • He conquered the Lichhavis of the republic of Vaishali.
  • Against Liichchhavis he used two secret weapons: 
    • Rathamusala: a scythed chariot, with a musala (mace or blade) attached at both sides of it. 
    • Mahshilakantaka: An engine kind of equipment which ejected big stones.  
  • He also defeated the king of Kosala.
  • According to 'Mahavamsa', Ajatashatru built 'Dhatu-Chaityas' around the capital.
  • During the times of Ajatshatru Buddha attained Nirvana (8th year of his reign).
  • Makkhali Gosala or Gosala Maskariputta, the founder of Ajivikas path also attained Nirvana during his time.
  • He arranged first Buddhist council at Sattapanni caves (Saptaparniguha) at Rajgriha in 483 BC under the chairmanship of Mahakashyapa.
    • In this council Buddha's sayings (Suttas) and the monastic discipline or rules (Vinaya) were preserved.
    • 'Suttas' were recited by Ananda and the 'Vinaya' was recited by Upali.
3. Udayin / Udayabhadra (460-444 BC)
  • Udayin laid the foundation of the new capital at Pataliputra situated at the confluence of the two rivers, the Ganges and the Son.
Other Successors (444-413 BC):
  • Buddhist literature gives an account of three successors, sons of Udayin: 
    • Aniruddha
    • Mundaka
    • Nagdashaka
  • Udayin's successors were weak rulers, thus the Haryanka dynasty came to an end and the Sisunaga dynasty came to power.
Bibliography:

1. Ancient India: A Historic Outline by D. N. Jha
2. History and Culture of Ancient India by K. C. Shrivastava
3. Early India by Romila Thapar

 ADVT: Click Here To Download 'Ancient Indian History Maps' App from Google Play Store.

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