The Rise of Magadha: The successive reigns of four powerful dynasties in a row made the rise of Magadha possible. Those four dynasties are- (1) Harshanka dynasty, (2) Shishunaga dynasty, (3) Nanda dynasty and (4) Maurya dynasty.
Shishunaga, the founder of the Shaishunaga dynasty after the coup riseing of Magadha, is particularly noteworthy. He followed in the footsteps of Bhimsa and Ajatashatru and kept the policy of expansion of the kingdom of Magadha intact. At his hands Avanti Raja Pradyot was defeated and Avanti became part of Magadha.
Mahapadma Nanda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, gave the greatest spread of the Magadha dynasty. According to the Puranas, he defeated all the Kshatriyas (Panchal, Kalinga, Kashi, Ashmak, Kuru, Suren, Mathila, etc.) and established a vast empire. He conquered Kuntal (Mysore) in South India. According to some historians (such as Radhakumud Mukherjee) he was the first emperor of northern India. It is said that the army of the Greek hero Alexander did not want to enter India for fear of his might. The rise of Magadha took full shape in the hands of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty.
The rising of Magadha was made possible by leaving behind the other Sixteen Mahajanapadas for several reasons.
(1) The coups of four powerful dynasties in a row and heroic warriors like Bhimsa, Ajatashatru, Shishunaga, Mahapadma Nanda, and Chandragupta Maurya did not appear in any other Mahajanapada.
(2) No other Mahajanapada was as rich in natural resources as Magadha. Magadha had no equal in mineral resources, especially in the production of iron, as it produced abundant grain. Weapons were made just as iron was used to make plows, sickles, etc.
(3) The geographical location of Magadha was instrumental in his coup. Its two capitals, Rajagriha and Pataliputra, were protected by nature, making it virtually impossible for an external enemy to capture them.
(4) A strong population emerged in Magadha from the combination of Aryan and non-Aryan cultures.
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Haryanka Dynasty in Ancient India History
The real founder of the Magadha Empire was Bhimsa, the best king of the Harshanka dynasty. He conquered neighboring states. He married Kaushal Devi, the princess of Kaushal, and got Kashi as dowry. He paved the way for the dominance of Magadha in northern Bihar by marrying Chellana, the Licchabi princess of Vaishali. He also showed skill as a ruler. He established the capital at Giribraj and named it Rajgriha (now Rajgir). He was killed by his son Ajatashatru. Koshalraj Prosenjit was angry at Ajatashatru for killing his sister Koshal Devi in her husband's show. But he was defeated by Ajatashatru and married his daughter Bhajira to Ajatashatru. Brigio also comes under the enemy. He shifted his capital to Pataliputra.
Sisunaga Dynasty in Ancient Indian History
Shishunaga, the founder of the Shaishunaga dynasty after the coup riseing of Magadha, is particularly noteworthy. He followed in the footsteps of Bhimsa and Ajatashatru and kept the policy of expansion of the kingdom of Magadha intact. At his hands Avanti Raja Pradyot was defeated and Avanti became part of Magadha.
Nanda Dynasty Ancient Indian History
Mahapadma Nanda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, gave the greatest spread of the Magadha dynasty. According to the Puranas, he defeated all the Kshatriyas (Panchal, Kalinga, Kashi, Ashmak, Kuru, Suren, Mathila, etc.) and established a vast empire. He conquered Kuntal (Mysore) in South India. According to some historians (such as Radhakumud Mukherjee) he was the first emperor of northern India. It is said that the army of the Greek hero Alexander did not want to enter India for fear of his might. The rise of Magadha took full shape in the hands of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty.
Main Causes for The Rise of Magadha in Ancient Indian History
The rising of Magadha was made possible by leaving behind the other Sixteen Mahajanapadas for several reasons.
(1) The coups of four powerful dynasties in a row and heroic warriors like Bhimsa, Ajatashatru, Shishunaga, Mahapadma Nanda, and Chandragupta Maurya did not appear in any other Mahajanapada.
(2) No other Mahajanapada was as rich in natural resources as Magadha. Magadha had no equal in mineral resources, especially in the production of iron, as it produced abundant grain. Weapons were made just as iron was used to make plows, sickles, etc.
(3) The geographical location of Magadha was instrumental in his coup. Its two capitals, Rajagriha and Pataliputra, were protected by nature, making it virtually impossible for an external enemy to capture them.
(4) A strong population emerged in Magadha from the combination of Aryan and non-Aryan cultures.
See Also
Lesson 16 (Sixteen) Mahajanapadas and Their Capitals in English
Aryans Civilization || The Origin and History of the Aryans of Ancient India
Reference
A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India
"Political History of Ancient India" Book by Calcutta: University of Calcutta.
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