Notes: Early States | Social Studies & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

The period from 6th to 4th centuries BC saw the struggle for supermacy among four  Mahajanapadas Magadha, Kosala Vatsa and Avanti. The founder of Magadha was  Jarasandha and Brihadratha. But the growth started under the Haryankas.  Magadha embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya and parts of Shahabad and  grew to be the leading state of that time.

Magadha Empire

Magadha rose to prominence within a span of two hundred years due to its strategic geographical location and the efficient governance of its ambitious rulers.

Haryanka Dynasty

Bimbisar

• Bimbisar, the first powerful ruler of the Haryanka dynasty, was a contemporary of Buddha.
• He expanded his empire by conquering Anga (East Bihar) to control the trade route with Southern states.
• His capital was Rajgriha (Girivraja), surrounded by five hills, making it impregnable.
• He strengthened his position through matrimonial alliances with ruling families.

Ajatashatru (492-460 BC)

• Son of Bimbisara, he seized the throne by killing his father.
• He annexed Vaishali and Kosala, the latter with the help of a war engine.
• Under his reign, the first Buddhist Council was arranged, coinciding with Buddha's death.

Udayin

• Succeeded Ajatashatru as ruler and was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty.
• Established the new capital at Pataliputra, shifting it from Rajgriha.

Shishunaga Dynasty

• Founded by the minister Shishunaga and succeeded by Kalasoka.
• Notable for destroying the Prodyota dynasty of Avanti.

Nanda Dynasty

• Considered the first non-Kshatriya dynasty, founded by Mahapadma Nanda.
• Expanded the empire to include Kalinga and claimed sole sovereignty.
• Under Dhanananda, the last ruler, Alexander the Great invaded India.
• Known for their immense wealth and military might, which deterred Alexander's advance towards Magadha.
• The Nanda Dynasty ended around 322-321 BC, succeeded by the Mauryans with Chandragupta as founder.