- Brihahrath & Jarasandha were original founders of Magadha in Mahabharata age
Bimbisar (554-492BC)
- founder of Haryanka Dynasty in Magadha
- consolidated position of Magadha thru military annexation and matrimonial policy
- later militarily annexed Anga Mahajanpada
- Anga placed under governorship of his sone, Ajatshatru
- Matrimonial alliance where Bimbisar married
- Chellana of Lichhavi (daughter of Lichhavi King Chetak)
- Mahakaushal Devi of Kashi (sister of Prasenjit)
- Khema from Madra (Punjab)
- no good relations with Avanti
- Avanti ruler Chandra Pradyota suffering from jaundice
- Bimbisar sent famous physician Jivak to cure Pradyota
- led to development of friendly relationship b/w Magadha with Avanti
- Bimbisar was contemporary of Buddha & played huge reverence to Buddha
- assisanated by Ajatshatru in 492BC
Ajatshatru (492-460BC)
- faced challenges from Kashi & Lichhavi
- thoroughly defeated Kashi ruler Prasenjit & agreed to a treaty whereby married daughter of Prasenjit
- completely destroyed Lichhavi capital Vaishali & in this war he used 2 innovative war engines
- Ratha Mausala: a chariot, revolving mace & sword attached
- Mahashilakantaka: flexible platform to catapult stones on the enemy
- Ajatshatru was contemporary of Buddha & and Ardent follower of Buddha
- after death of Buddha in 483BC, he convened the first Buddha council at Rajgriha
- decided to shift capital to Patliputra but death 😔
- succeeded by Udayin, who constructed the beautiful city of Patliputra
- last ruler of Haryanka Dynasty was killed by his minister Shishunaga who founded Shishunaga Dynasty in Magadha