University:
Monmouth University
Course:
HS-283 | The Civilizations of Asia (India, China, Japan)
Academic year:

2022
Views:

397

Pages:

1
Author:

Hallie Randolph

5. MAGADHA EMPIRE 6th Century – 4th Century BC • Magadha embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya parts of Shahabad and grew to be the leading state of the time. HARYANKA DYNASTY • Originally founded in 566 BC by the Grandfather of Bimbisara. But actuaIly founded by Bimbisara. Bimbisara’s son was Ajatshatru. BIMBISARA, 544 BC – 492 BC • Contemporary of Buddha. • He conquered Anga (E. Bihar). • His capital was Rajgir (Girivraja). • He strengthened his position by matrimonial alliance with the ruling families of Kosala, Vaishali and Madra. • His capital was surrounded by 5 hills. AJATSHATRU, 492 BC - 460 BC • Son of Bimbisara, killed his father, first and last historical man, who killed his father. • Annexed Vaishali and Kosala. Vaishali with the help of a war engine, which was used to throw stones like catapults. Also possessed a chariot to which a mace was attached thus facilitation mass killing. Kosala was ruled by Prasenjit at that time also called Pitrighata. • Buddha died during his reign, arranged the first Buddhist council. UDAYIN 460-444 BC • He founded the new capital at Patliputra situated at the confluence of the Ganga and soan. SHISHUNAGA DYNASTY • Founded by a minister Shishunaga. He was succeeded by Kalasoka (2nd Buddhist council). Dynasty lasted for two generations only. • Greatest achievement was the destruction of power of Avanti. NANDA DYNASTY • It is considered first of the non-Kshatriya dynasties. • Founder was Mahapadma Nanda. He added Kalinga to his empire. He claimed to be the Ekarat, 14 • • • • • • • • • • • • the sole sovereign who destroyed all the other ruling princes. Alexander attacked India during the reign of Dhana-Nanda 326 BC. Nandas were fabulously rich and enormously powerful. CAUSES OF MAGADHA’S SUCCESS Geographical Advantages • Fertile land. • Much agriculture – Much revenue – Income bigger. • Elephant – used in war at first time. • Iron are available in close proximity. Iron was used in Magadh at first time. Strategic capitals – Rajgriha and Patliputra (Rajgir was first also called Ginivraja). Patliputra – It is situated at Sangam of three river named Ganga, Gandhak, Son. Political advantages. • Ambitious kings. The name of 16 Mahajanapads were first time known from there. Buddhist Book – “Angutra Nikaya” ALEXANDER INVASION Alexander (356 BC – 326 BC) was the son of Phillip of Macedon (Greece) who invaded India in 326 BC. At that time NW India was split up into a number of small independent states like Taxila, Punjab (Kingdom of Porus), Gandhara etc. Except Porus who fought the famous Battle of Hydaspes on the bank of Jhelum. Alexander was with Navel force (Navy). His admiral was Nearchus. He wrote about the geography of India. Alexander joined hand with Ambhi the king of Taxila to defeat King Porus. Greek/Mosedoins/Helenistic are same Alexander returned to his country after handing other wining India to Selecus Necater.