Haryanka Dynasty

  Haryanka Dynasty

Haryanka dynasty - (554 BC - 412 BC)

• Founder - Bimbisara (554 BC - 492 BC)
• Ajatashatru (492 BC - 460 BC)
• Udayin (460 - 440 BC)
• Last ruler - Nagadasak

Bimbisara - Bimbisara was the founder of Haryanka dynasty in Magadha. 

To increase his power and authority, followed the policy of matrimonial alliance where by he married Mahakosala Devi of Kashi, Chellana of Lichchhavi and Khema of Madra. 

Following the policy of military annaxation, he annexed Anga Mahajanapada and placed it under his son Ajatashatru.

He sent his famous physician 'Jivak' to Avanti to treat Chandrapradyot who was suffering from Jaundice. As such, a friendly relation developed between Avanti and Magadha.

Bimbisara was contemporary of Gautam Buddha and he respect Buddha a lot. He was also contemporary of Vardhman Mahavira.

Ajatashatru - He came to power after assassinating Bimbisra. After which his authority was challenged by Kashi and Lichchhavi ruler. He had to wage fight with Kashi and Lichchhavi. In the course of war, there was an agreement between Kashi ruler Prasenjit and Ajatashatru but not with Lichchhavi. Ajatashatru completely destroyed the capital of Lichchhavi, Vaishali. In this war against Lichchhavi, Ajatashatru used two innovative war engine - Rathamusala and Mahashilakantaka.

Rathmushala

Mahashilakantaka

Rathmushala - A revolving mace was attached to a chariot

Mahashilakantaka - It was a flexible platform to catapult stones on enemies.

Ajatashatru was also contemporary of Gautam Buddha and had huge respect for Buddha. In 483 BC, after the death of Buddha Ajatashatru convened First Buddhist council at Rajgriha.

Ajatashatru before his death decided to shift his capital from Rajgriha to Patliputra but before he can do so he died in 460 BC.

Ajatashatru was also known as 'Kunik'.

Udayin - The next successor Udayin constructed the beautiful city of Patliputra and made it capital of Magadha.

The last ruler of Haryanka dynasty was Nagadasak who was assassinated by one of his minister Shishunaga who established Shishunaga dynasty in Magadha.

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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

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