Pre-Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Dynasties of Bihar

Bihar has been a cradle of ancient Indian civilization, witnessing the rise of multiple dynasties that shaped its political, cultural, and religious landscape.

Pre-Mauryan Dynasties under Magadha

1. Brihadratha Dynasty

• Founder: Brihadratha, eldest son of Vasu, Kuru king of Chedi, mentioned in the Rigveda.
• Famous ruler: Jarasandha, known for expanding the kingdom through matrimonial alliances (e.g., with Kosala).
• Capital: Girivraja (Rajgir).
• Significance: Marked the beginning of organized Magadha rule.
• Succession: Replaced by the Pradyota dynasty.

2. Haryanka Dynasty (544–412 B.C.)

• Bimbisara: Contemporary of Buddha; established Rajgir as capital; known for diplomacy and military strength.
• Ajatashatru: Ascended the throne after killing his father; presided over the first Buddhist council (483 B.C.) at Rajgir.
• Udayin: Founded Patliputra as the new capital, consolidating Magadha’s power.

3. Shishunaga Dynasty (412–344 B.C.)

• Founder: Shishunaga, formerly viceroy of Banaras.
• Capitals: Rajgir and Vaishali.
• Significant ruler: Kalasoka, patron of the second Buddhist council (383 B.C.); shifted capital to Patliputra permanently.

4. Nanda Dynasty (344–322 B.C.)

• Founder: Mahapadma Nanda, overthrew last Shishunaga ruler Nandivardhana.
• Legacy: Known for immense wealth; last ruler, Dhana Nanda, was contemporary of Alexander the Great.

Mauryan Dynasty (322–185 B.C.)

• Founder: Chandragupta Maurya, guided by Chanakya (Kautilya).
• Key achievements: Defeated Seleucus Nikator; administration divided into provinces with governors; council of 30 members for governance.

• Notable rulers:

• Bindusara: Known as Amitrochates by Greeks; maintained diplomatic ties with other empires.
• Ashoka: Famous for the Kalinga War (261 B.C.), embraced Buddhism, convened the third Buddhist council (250 B.C.), spread Dharma across India.

Sunga Dynasty

• Founder: Pushyamitra Sunga, commander of Mauryan forces, overthrew the last Mauryan ruler.
• Achievements: Performed two Ashwamedha Yagyas; his son Agnimitra is celebrated in Kalidasa’s plays.

Gupta Empire

• Founder: Sri Gupta.
• Golden Age: Known for significant progress in arts, literature, science, and administration.
• Notable rulers:

• Chandragupta I: First to use the title Maharajadhiraja; married Licchavi princess Kumaradevi.
• Samudragupta: Called the “Napoleon of India”; patron of arts and Buddhism.
• Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya): Expanded empire through diplomacy and matrimonial alliances; Navaratna scholars in court; visited by Chinese traveler Fa-Hien.
• Kumaragupta: Established Nalanda University.
• Skandagupta: Last major ruler before the empire declined.

Pala Empire (8th–12th Century A.D.)

• Founder: Gopala, elected democratically.
• Achievements: Promoted Mahayana Buddhism; established Odantipur Mahavihara and Vikramshila University; Dharmapala captured Kannauj and took the title Uttarapatha Swamin; constructed temples and promoted education.

Conclusion

From the Brihadratha Dynasty to the Pala Empire, Bihar was a significant center of political power, religion, and culture. The region contributed immensely to Buddhism, Jainism, administration, and education, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.