Chronology and Growth of Magadha
The most famous kingdoms of that period were Magadha, Avanti, Kosala and Vatsa, while the most important republican clans were the Mallas, the Vrijis, the Sakyas and the Moriyas. The ruling dynasties as well as the republican clans generally belonged to the Kshatriya class.
The kingdom of Magadha, which was traditionally founded several centuries before by a king named Brihadratha, was rapidly rising at this period under the rule of a new dynasty whose first important king was Bimbisara.
Bimbisara
Bimbisara began to reign about 519 B. C. and established his capital at Rajagriha.
He was a contemporary of Gautama and Mahavira, as well as of Pradyota, Prasenajit and Udayana, the rulers of Avanti, Kosala and Vatsa respectively.
He conquered the neighbouring territory of Anga and thereby laid the foundation of Magadhan imperialism.
Bimbisara reigned for 28 years according to the Puranic account.
Ajatasatru
Bimbisara was succeeded by his son, Ajatasatru, in 491 B. C.
The latter was an ambitious monarch and, according to Buddhist accounts, removed his father from the throne.
He waged many wars with Prasenajit, the aged king of Kosala. At last, the latter was constrained to conclude peace according to the terms of which he married his daughter to Ajatasatru, ceding the district of Kasi, which became an integral part of Magadha.
Ajatasatru defeated the Vrijis also, and annexed Videha to his dominions. Ajatasatru reigned for 25 years according to the Vayu Purana.
Darsaka
The son who succeeded Ajatasatru in 466 B. C., was Darsaka, according to the Puranas. Some scholars doubt his existence because the Jain and Buddhist writers do not know him Darsaka also reigned for 25 years according to the Vayu Purana.
Udayi
Darsaka was succeeded in 441 B. C, by Udayi, who was a famous monarch, being celebrated in Jain and Buddhist as well as Hindu works.
Udayi is credited by the Puranic and Jain 4 testimonies with the foundation of Kusumapura or Pataliputra, a city destined to become the capital of one of the greatest empires known in history.
The foundation of this city may be dated in the year 438 B. C, following the Puranic account, according to which this event took place in the fourth year of Udayi's reign.
Udayi died in 408 B. C., after a reign of 33 years.
After Udayi & before Nandas
These period between Death of Udayi and Chandragupta was 95yrs.
Some consider this as Nanada period but few puranas say Nanda's ruled for only 40 yrs.
The time gap between Udayi and Nanada's may be ruled by Udayi's son and grandson, who ruled after him, were named Nandivarddhana and Mahanandi respectively.
The Buddhists, however, call the son and grandson of Udayi as Anuruddhaka and Munda respectively.
Thus the grandson of Udayi remains as the last king of this line, in agreement with the Puranas.
The Ceylonese chronicles next place Sisunaga who was followed by his son, Kalasoka.
Later there were lot of controversies of destruction of the kingdom which were unknown.
Note: My next post will be of Nandas and their rule
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Swetha
Udne Ki Aasha
