Ultimate Guide to Magadh Empire History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

History of Bihar-1

Here is a detailed explanation of Ancient Bihar – Magadh Empire, covering each dynasty and the capital Pataliputra:

Ancient Bihar – The Magadh Empire

1. Haryanka Dynasty (c. 6th century BCE – c. 413 BCE)

Founder: Bimbisara
Capital: Rajagriha (later shifted to Pataliputra)
Significance:
- Bimbisara expanded Magadha through marriage alliances and conquests.
- He was a contemporary of both Gautama Buddha and Mahavira.
- His son, Ajatashatru, was an ambitious ruler who strengthened the empire militarily and politically.
- Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra for strategic reasons.
Legacy:
- Start of large-scale empire-building in India.
- Close association with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.

2. Shishunaga Dynasty (c. 413 BCE – c. 345 BCE)

Founder: Shishunaga (a minister who overthrew the Haryankas)
Capital: Initially Rajagriha, later shifted permanently to Pataliputra
Achievements:
- Re-consolidation of Magadha after internal revolts.
- Expansion of the empire into the Avanti region.
Notable Ruler: Kalashoka (son of Shishunaga) who conducted the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali.

3. Nanda Dynasty (c. 345 BCE – 321 BCE)

Founder: Mahapadma Nanda (possibly of non-Kshatriya origin)
Capital: Pataliputra
Significance:
- First empire in India with centralized administration and vast revenue.
- Maintained a large standing army.
- Expanded Magadha westward, reportedly up to Punjab.
Fall:
- The last ruler Dhana Nanda was unpopular and overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya, with help from Chanakya (Kautilya).

4. Maurya Dynasty (321 BCE – 185 BCE)

Founder: Chandragupta Maurya
Mentor/Minister: Chanakya (Kautilya) – author of Arthashastra
Capital: Pataliputra
Major Rulers:
- Chandragupta Maurya: United northern India, defeated the Greek satraps left by Alexander.
- Bindusara: Consolidated empire further south to the Deccan.
- Ashoka the Great:
  - Grandson of Chandragupta.
  - After the bloody Kalinga War, adopted Buddhism and promoted peace and dharma.
  - Sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
  - Rock Edicts and Pillar Edicts are key sources of ancient Indian history.
Decline:
- Began after Ashoka’s death.
- Weak successors and administrative breakdown led to the rise of regional kingdoms.

5. Pataliputra – Capital of Magadha

Modern Name: Patna (Bihar)
Importance:
- Strategic location near the confluence of Ganga, Son, and Gandak rivers.
- Flourished as a center of administration, trade, and learning.
- Described by Megasthenes (Greek ambassador) in Indica as a prosperous, well-fortified city.
Cultural Significance:
- Hosted Buddhist councils.
- Hub for scholars, including Chanakya, Panini, and later Aryabhata.