Magadha – UPSC World History Notes

Magadha, among the 16 great states of Ancient India, was prized for its fertile lands and influential position. It witnessed the rule of three dominant dynasties—the Haryanka, Shishunaga, and Nanda dynasties. The Magadha Empire thrived from around 684 BCE to 320 BCE.

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Rise of Magadha and its Dynasties

The Magadha Kingdom was an important ancient Indian kingdom in the northeast of India. It shaped the early history of India and influenced the rise of significant empires and religious movements.
Its origins date back to the Vedic period (around 1500-500 BCE) and it was one of the sixteen great kingdoms of ancient India.
Four ancient states (Mahajanapadas) – Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, and Vatsa – competed for dominance from the 6th century BCE to the 4th century BCE.
Magadha eventually emerged victorious, establishing its dominance and becoming the most powerful state in ancient India.
Modern-day Bihar is where Magadha was located.
Jarasandha, a descendant of Brihadratha, founded the Magadha empire, both of whom are mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Magadha Empire – Haryanka Dynasty (560 BCE – 413 BCE)

Bimbisara (558 BCE – 491 BCE)

Son of Bhattiya.
Ruled for 52 years as per Buddhist chronicles.
Bimbisara, the initial ruler of Magadha, initiated political marriages for strategic advantages. He married:
- Khema: Daughter of the king of Madra in Punjab.
- Mahakosala: Sister of Prasenjit of Kosala, receiving Kashi as dowry.
- Chellana: Princess of Lichchhavi.
The capital was Girivraja/Rajagriha (Rajgir), surrounded by five hills protected by stone walls.
First king with a standing army, bringing prominence to Magadha according to Jain texts.
Initially had a rivalry with Avanti king Pradyota but later became friends, even sending his physician to help him.
Known for conquests, notably that of Anga.
Implemented an effective administrative system with three types of officers: executive, military, and judicial.

Contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha, meeting Buddha seven years before his enlightenment.
Buddha visited his capital after achieving enlightenment, as promised earlier.
He was killed by his son Ajatshatru.

Ajatashatru (492 BCE – 460 BCE)

Son of Bimbisara and Chellana.
Killed his father to become ruler, causing Mahakosala’s death from shock.
Converted to Buddhism.
After Buddha’s death in 483 BCE, went to Kusinagara for a share of his relics, constructing numerous stupas around Rajgriha and organizing the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha.
- The first Buddhist Council was held immediately after Buddha’s death at a hall constructed by him outside Sattapani caves in Rajgir, presided over by Elder Mahakasyapa.
- Met his demise at the hands of his own son Udayin.
Victorious in wars against Kosala and Vaishali.
- Also, new weapons like Mahshilakantaka (catapult) and Rathamusala (chariot with blades).
Despite his mother being a Lichchhavi princess, he fought a 16-year war against Vaishali, eventually annexing it.
Focused on fortifying Rajgriha to defend against the ruler of Avanti, although the invasion didn’t happen during his lifetime.

Udayabhadra/Udayin (460 BCE – 444 BCE)

Son of Ajatasatru.
Established Pataliputra as the capital, moving it from Rajgir.
The last significant ruler of the Haryanka dynasty.
Constructed a fort at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers in Pataliputra, centralizing the Magadha Kingdom’s power from the Himalayas to the Chotanagpur hills.
Assassinated on the orders of Palaka, the king of Avanti.
Succeeded by three kings: Aniruddha, Manda, and Nagadasaka.
- Nagdasaka was the last ruler of the Haryanka Dynasty.

Magadha Empire – Shishunaga Dynasty (413 BCE- 345 BCE)

The Shishunaga dynasty followed the Haryanka dynasty, with Shishunaga overthrowing Nagadashaka.

Kalashoka succeeded Shishunaga, organizing the 2nd Buddhist council in Vaishali (383 B.C.).
Mahanandin served as the final king of the Shishunaga Dynasty.

Shishunaga

As per Sri Lankan chronicles, the people of Magadha rebelled against Nagadasaka’s rule and appointed Sisunaga, an amateur (minister), as the new king..
Shishunaga himself established the dynasty by taking over the Magadha throne from the Haryanka dynasty.
Formerly served as the viceroy of Kasi before becoming king of Magadha.
The capital was initially at Rajagriha. Eventually shifted to Vaishali during this period, laying the foundation for the Nanda dynasty’s rise.
Notably demolished the power of Avanti with capital at Ujjain, ending the century-long rivalry with Magadha and incorporating Avanti into the Magadha empire, which continued until the Mauryan rule’s end.

Kalashoka

Son of Sisunaga, also known as Kakavarna.
Moved the capital to Pataliputra.
Organized the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali in 383 BCE headed by Sabakami.
Assassinated in a palace revolution that led to the rise of the Nanda dynasty.

The Shishunaga dynasty’s end paved the way for the rise of the Nanda dynasty, eventually leading to the emergence of the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya. Nandivardhana was the last ruler of this dynasty, and their bitter end saw the king and his sons being killed, clearing the path for the Nanda dynasty.

Magadha Empire – Nanda Dynasty (345 BCE – 321 BCE)

The first non-Kshatriya dynasty, was initiated by Mahapadma Nanda who took the throne from Kalasoka.
According to Puranic, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions, there were nine Nanda kings, including Mahapadma Nanda’s eight sons known as the Navanandas or Nine Nandas.
Built on the legacies of the Haryanka and Shishunaga dynasties, the Nandas established the first significant empire in North India.
Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty. During his rule, Alexander invaded North-West India in 326 B.C. Chandragupta Maurya then established the Mauryan dynasty in 322-21 B.C.

Mahapadma Nanda

Known as the “first historical emperor of India“. (Chandragupta Maurya is the First Emperor of India)
He murdered Kalasoka to claim the throne.
His origins remain unclear.
- Puranas suggesting he was the son of the last Sisunaga king from a Sudra woman known as Sarvakshatrantak, Ugrasena, and Ekrat (the sole monarch).
- Jain texts and the Greek writer Curtius claim he was the son of a barber and a courtesan.
The Nandas were considered adharmika (not following the norms of Dharma), and were described as belonging to annatakula in Buddhist texts.
His reign lasted twenty-eight years, during which the empire expanded 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.
He expanded his territory south of the Vindhya range into the Deccan plateau.
Conquered multiple kingdoms
- addition of Kalinga to Magadha, symbolised by the acquisition of an image of Jina as a victory trophy
- Annexation of Panchalas, Haihayas, Asmakas, Kurus, Surasenas
- Acquisition of Kosala, which likely rebelled against him.
Referred to as “Sarva Kashtriyantaka” (destroyer of all Kshatriyas) and “Ekrat” (sole sovereign who destroyed all other ruling princes), also known as Ugrasena in Pali texts due to his large army.
- The Nandas maintained a vast army of 200,000 infantry, 60,000 cavalry, and 6000 war elephants, facilitated by an effective taxation system.

Dhana Nanda

Last ruler of the Nanda dynasty.
Referred to as Agrammes or Xandrames in Greek texts.
Alexander’s invasion during his reign was halted in North-Western India due to his army’s refusal to advance toward the Gangetic plains.
Inherited a vast empire and maintained a powerful army of 200,000 infantry, 20,000 cavalry, 3000 elephants, and 2000 chariots.
Considered one of the 8 or 9 sons of Mahapadma Nanda.
Credited with the invention of Nandopakramani, a specific measure.
Unpopular due to oppressive taxation and his Sudra origins, leading to numerous enemies.
Overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya, aided by Chanakya, who capitalised on public resentment, establishing the Mauryan Empire in Magadha.

Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya’s strategies and military campaigns resulted in the end of the Nanda dynasty around 322 BCE.

Why did Magadha emerge as the strongest of all Mahajanapadas?

1. Geographical factors

Magadha was situated in the Gangetic valley with fertile soil and ample rainfall.
Surrounded by the Ganga, Son, and Champa rivers, making it hard for enemies to attack.
Strategic positioning of both Rajgir and Pataliputra.
Old capital Rajgriha was protected by five easily defendable hills.

2.Economic factors

Abundance of copper and iron deposits.
Strategic control over trade routes.
- Both Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha passed through Magadha, leading to extensive trade. The Ganges River flowing through Magadha served as a major trade route.
Utilisation of a large population for agriculture, mining, city-building, and the army.
Economic dominance facilitated by the mastery over the Ganga and annexation of Champa.

3.Cultural factors

Diverse society integrating Aryan and non-Aryan cultures.
Emergence of Jainism and Buddhism promoting liberal traditions and philosophical change.
Society was less dominated by Brahmanas, with many kings having ‘low’ origins.
Republics in North-eastern India (Malla, Vajji) lacked centralization due to shared land ownership, while Vedic sacrifices led to waste in Monarchies of upper Ganga. Magadha in the mid Ganga plains faced no such constraints.

4.Political factors

Presence of powerful and ambitious rulers.
- A line of capable monarchs like Shishunaga, Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Mahapadma, and Chandragupta, supported by ministers and diplomats such as Vassakara, Kautilya, and Radha Gupta, led the Magadhan throne without interruption.
Strong standing armies and advanced weaponry due to iron availability.
Early utilisation of elephants in warfare.
Implementation of an effective administrative system by major kings.

FAQs –

1.What were the geographical advantages of the Magadha region in ancient India?

Answer: Magadha’s strategic location in the Gangetic valley, surrounded by the Ganga, Son, and Champa rivers, provided natural defence. Its fertile soil, adequate rainfall, and control over trade routes further bolstered its significance.

2.How did the emergence of Jainism and Buddhism impact Magadhan society?

Answer: Jainism and Buddhism led to a philosophical and cultural revolution, promoting liberal traditions and challenging Brahmana-dominated norms. They contributed to the unorthodox character of Magadhan society and fostered a diverse cultural landscape.

3.What factors contributed to the rise and dominance of the Magadha region in ancient India?

Answer: Magadha’s strong leadership with powerful and ambitious rulers, a robust standing army equipped with advanced weaponry like iron and elephants, and the establishment of an efficient administrative system all played key roles in its ascent and dominance.

4.How did Magadha’s control over trade and resources contribute to its economic hegemony?

Answer: Magadha’s advantageous access to abundant copper and iron deposits, strategic trade routes, a large population for various activities, and mastery over the Ganga and Champa rivers facilitated its economic dominance and prosperity in ancient India.

5.How did the political landscape of Magadha differ from other regions in ancient India?

Answer: Unlike some regions characterised by decentralised power structures, Magadha experienced centralised rule under a series of powerful monarchs. These rulers fostered strong administrative systems, enabling efficient governance and the consolidation of power in the region.

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