Pradyota Dynasty (541BC-403BC)

It was an ancient dynasty ruled for around 140 years succeeding Jarasandha's Brihadratha Dynasty. It is considered one of the oldest of Indian Dynasties. It was was the first dynasty after the fall of Mahajanapada States.

 

Punika was a minister under King  Ripunjaya of Brihadratha dynasty, who was a descendant of Jarasandha. Punika was placed as care taker of Avanthi province.When the King  arrived in Avanthi for a visit, Punika killed his master and secured a province for his own son.

 

Pradyota (541BC-518BC)

was son of Punika and the founder of Pradyota Dynasty. He founded the dynasty in 541BC and his capital was Avanthi. He was contemporary and very good friend of Magadha ruler Bimbisara. Bimbisara had sent his royal physician Jivika from Magadha to Avanthi when Pradyota was very ill.

​

Pradyota had marital relationship with many Mahajanapada states namely Taxila, Kosambi, Surasena and Mathura. His wife and chief queen Gopalamata was a devotee of Buddha and she constructed a Stupa at Avanthi on request from her guru Mahakatyayana.

​

He was defeated by Ajathashatru when he tried to conquer Magadha.He ruled for 23 years and was a follower of Jainism. Gopala and Palaka were his sons.

​

Palaka (518BC-484BC)

He was eldest son of Pradyota and ascended the throne after his father’s death. Coincidentally he became king on the day of Jain Tirthankar Mahaveera’s death. He conquered Kosambi by killing its ruler Udayin.

The Successor rulers of the dynasty are...

​

Visakhayapa (484BC - 444BC)

Ajaka / Aryaka (444BC - 423BC)

​

Varttivardhana / Nandi Vardhana (423BC - 403BC) :

He was son of Aryaka and last ruler of the dyansty. He was killed in a military expedition by Shishunaga ruler and Avanthi Kingdom was annexed to Magadha Empire.