Haryanka Dynasty (558BC-413BC)

 

Bimbisara (558BC - 492BC)

He was the founder of Haryanka dynasty. He conquered the throne by killing the last ruler of Magadha with his father Bhattiya’s help. He became founder of Haryanka dynasty at the age of 15 years. His Capital was Rajgriha, present day Rajgir in Bihar state.

His first wife was Kosaladevi, daughter of Sanjaya, king of Mahakosala. Sanjaya was cousin

 

brother of Shuddhodana, father of Gautama Buddha. His Second wife was Chellana, a Lichhavi princess, daughter of Chetaka who was brother of Trishala, the mother of Vardhamana Mahaveera. His Third wife was a princess and  daughter of chief of Madra

 

Expansion of Kingdom

His kingdom Magadha was big. His wife Kosaladevi brought Kashi state as dowry. He conquerred Anga by defeating its ruler Brahmadatta. His kingdom Magadha was a vast territory. His wife Kosaladevi brought Kashi state as dowry. He invaded Anga with a large army and conquerred it by defeating its ruler Brahmadatta

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He had met Buddha and Mahaveera personally during his reign as ruler of Magadha Empire. Since he observed the teachings of Buddha & Mahaveera, Buddhist and Jain scriptures recorded him as the believer of their religion.

 

In his final days he was imprisoned by his son to sit on the throne. According to Jain scriptures Bimbisara observed sallekhana in the prison and died. According to Buddhist legends he was in prison under strict conditions. Except the Queen no one was allowed to enter the prison. Kosaladevi brought food daily but was stopped by his cruel son.

Finally he was given poison mixed with food.

According to another legend,  his son came to free him on the day of birth of new prince, but by then Bimbisara had died without food and water.

 

Ajathashatru (492BC - 460BC)

He was son of Bimbisara. He imprisoned his father and became ruler of Magadha. Just after the death of his father, his mother Kosaladevi committed sati and her brother Prasenjit attacked on Magadha to seek revenge of his sister’s

fate. But was defeated by Ajathashatru. Prasenjit gave his daughter Vajira in marriage to Ajathashatru. 

He established a new city at Pataliputra, present day Patna in Bihar state. He had met Buddha when he was very young. Jain & Buddhist Scriptures claim him as the follower of their religion.

 

He had defeated Pradyota, the ruler of Avanthi during his initial years. He also attacked on Lichhavia and  Vajji  Kingdoms annexed both to Magadha Empire. As the tradition he was killed by his own son.

 

 Udayin (460BC - 444BC)

He was his father’s favourite son, who killed his father Ajathashatru and ascended the throne. He completely shifted capital from Rajgriha to Pataliputra. He had defeated Palaka, the ruler of Pradyota dynasty many times. But ultimately he was killed by Palaka in 444BC

 

After the death of Udayin, his son Anurudha ruled Magadha. Munda (Mahanandi) and Nagadarshaka (Nandivardhana) succeeded Anurudha one after the other killing their fathers.

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Ministers and Subjects were not happy with the administration of Nandivardhana and they supported Shishunaga, a military officer in the court of Magadha, to end the reign of cruel ruler.

Thus ended reigns of Haryanka rulers, killers of their Fathers.