The Haryanka dynasty, an early ruling house in ancient India, existed in the Magadha region around the 6th century BCE. The dynasty, founded by King Bimbisara, played a key role in shaping the political landscape of Magadha. Known for his strategic alliances and territorial expansion, Bimbisara established Magadha as a major power in northern India.
Bimbisara’s reign saw progress in governance, urban development, and diplomacy. He established friendly relations with contemporary states and promoted trade and cultural exchange. The rule of the dynasty laid the foundation for the following influential dynasties in the history of Magadha.
However, historical records of the Haryanka dynasty are limited, and much of what is known comes from later accounts and inscriptions. However, the legacy of the Haryanka dynasty contributed to the political consolidation and growth of Magadha and paved the way for future significant dynasties in the history of the region.
Haryanka Dynasty
Historical Facts | Haryanka Dynasty |
Duration | Approx. 6th century to 412 BCE |
Capital | Girivraja Pura (Rajgir) |
Founding Ruler | Bimbisara |
Prominent Rulers | Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Udayin |
Major Achievements | Expansion of Magadha, establishment of Rajgir as the capital, and strengthening of Magadha’s political power |
Decline | Declined after the reign of Udayin |
Successor | sisunaga dynasty |
Introduction
The Haryanka Dynasty succeeded the Pradyota and Brihadratha dynasties. The Haryanka dynasty was the third ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha. It was later moved to Pataliputra, near present-day Patna in India, during the reign of Udajin. Bimbisara is considered the main founder of the dynasty.
First Dynasty of Magadha
The Magadha Empire is considered to be the first Indian empire. It was in power from 544 BC to 322 BC. At the time of the Buddha, there were sixteen great states known as the Mahajanapadas. The place where Jana puts his foot and dwells is called Janapadas. They are the empires, monarchies, and dynasties of the Indian subcontinent during the Vedic period. The Magadh Empire expanded into three dynasties. The organizers of Magadha were Jarasandha and Brihadratha; however, it improved during the Haryankas, expanded under the Sisungas and Nandas, and peaked under the Mauryas. The Haryanka dynasty was the first powerful and vibrant dynasty of Magadha.
Rise of the Haryanka Dynasty
The exact origin of the Haryanka dynasty is shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts in various historical texts. According to Jain texts, the Haryanka dynasty was founded after a civil revolt that uprooted Varttivarddhana, who was the last ruler of the dynasty in 544 BC by Bimbisara.
Rulers of Haryanka Dynasty
The kings of the Haryanka dynasty are –
(1) King Bimbisara
Bimbisara ruled from 544 to 492 BC. The extent of his kingdom is mentioned in the Mahavagga. His advisors included Sona Kolivisa, Sumana (flower gatherer), Koliya (minister), Kumbhaghosaka (treasurer), and Jīvaka (physician). He was given the title of Seniya. Both Jain scriptures and Buddhist scriptures claim that the king was a follower of their respective religions. The Uttaradhyayana Sutra says he was a follower of Mahavira, while the Sutta Nipata portrays him and his wife Khema as followers of Gautam Buddha. The latter further mentions that he commissioned Jīvaka to help the Buddha Sangha. He also married Chellana and Kosala Devi, sister of Pasenadi. According to George Turnour and N.L. Dey, Bimbisara’s father’s name was Bhatiya of Bhatia but Puranas refer to him as Hemajit, Kshemajit, Kshetroja, or Ksetrauja and Tibetan texts mention him as Mahapadma.
(2) King Ajatashatru
Ajatashatru ruled from 493 to 462 BC. He married Vajira, the princess of Kosala. In some sources, Bimbisara was imprisoned and killed by his son and successor Ajatashatra, under whose reign the dynasty reached its greatest extent. Ajatashatru was a contemporary of Mahavira (599–527 BC) and Gautama Buddha (563–483 BC). Ajatashatru waged war against the Vajjika League, dominated by the Lichhavis, and conquered them.
(3) King Udayabhadra or Udayin
Udayin or Udayabhadra is mentioned in Buddhist and Jain texts as the successor of Ajatashatru. However, the Puranas list him as the fourth king after Darshak.
(4) King Aniruddha
Aniruddha, or ‘Anuruddha’ was the son of Udayin, the ruler of the Haryanka dynasty. According to Buddhist texts, Udayin had three sons – ‘Aniruddha’, ‘Mandaka’ and ‘Nagadasaka’. According to Sinhalese historical legends, Aniruddha ascended the throne of Magadha immediately after Udajin.
(5) King Mandaka
Mandaka was the son of Udajin, the ruler of the Haryanka dynasty. According to Buddhist texts, Udayin had three sons – ‘Aniruddha’, ‘Mandaka’ and ‘Nagadasaka’.
(6) Nagadasaka
According to Buddhist texts, Udayana had three sons, Aniruddha, Mandaka and Nagadashaka. The sons of Ud ruled. The last king was Nagdasaka. Which was very luxurious and weak. Because of laxity in governance, widespread discontent spread among the people. After the kingdom revolted, its commander, Sisunaga, became the king. Thus, the end of the Haryanka dynasty and the establishment of the Shishunaga dynasty in 412 BC. happened in
List of rulers
- (i) Bimbisara (544–492 BC)
- (ii) Ajatashatru (492–460 BCE)
- (iii) Udayin (460–444 BCE)
- (iv) Anuruddha (444–440 BCE)
- (v) Munda (440–437 BCE)
- (vi) Nagadasaka (437–412 BCE)
Ruling Structure of the Haryanka Dynasty
The ruling structure of the Haryanka dynasty is mentioned in ancient texts. They mention Gramakas (village leaders) who headed village assemblies and Mahamatras (high officials) who held executive, judicial, and military functions. Historically, this period coincided with the Achaemenid conquest of the Indus Valley during the reign of Darius I in about 517/516 BC.
Fall of Haryanka Dynasty
According to Buddhist texts, Udayin had three sons – ‘Aniruddha’, ‘Mandaka’ and ‘Nagadasaka’. These three sons of Udaya ruled. Nagdasaka was the last king of the Haryanka dynasty. Nagdasaka’s son Shishunaga died in 412 BC. He removed them and established the ‘Shishunaga Dynasty’. According to some historians, Shishunaga was the amatya of his king Nagdasaka. As Nagdašak proved to be very luxurious and weak, widespread discontent spread among the people due to the laxity of the system of governance. At the same time, after the rebellion of the kingdom, Amatya Shishunaga took the throne and became the king. This ended the Haryanka dynasty and established the Shishunaga dynasty.
Conclusion
In ancient India, Magadha was an important geographical place. Lush land, abundant rainfall, rich cultural heritage, and various other economic considerations attracted kings around the world to establish dynasties. The Haryanka dynasty was one of the most prosperous dynasties of Magadha and its rulers made history during their reign. The various regulations and administrations observed by the Haryanka emperors revealed a great depth of intellect and thus ushered in a new era of innovative approaches that were later adopted by the future rulers of India.
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(FAQ) Questions and Answers about Haryanka Dynasty
Q-1. Who were the Haryankas?
Ans. The Haryanka dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled in the Magadha region of present-day Bihar, India. It is believed to be the first ruling dynasty of Magadha.
Q-2. When did the Haryanka dynasty rule?
Ans. The Haryanka dynasty is believed to have ruled around the 6th century BCE. The exact dates are not well documented, but it is considered one of the earliest historical dynasties in India.
Q-3. Who was the founder of the Haryanka dynasty?
Ans. The Haryanka dynasty is said to have been founded by King Bimbisara, who is known for being an early patron of Gautama Buddha. He is an important figure in early Indian history.
Q-4. What are some key achievements of the Haryanka dynasty?
Ans. The Haryanka dynasty played a significant role in the political and cultural development of the Magadha region. They were known for promoting trade, urbanization, and the spread of Buddhism.
Q-5. Who succeeded Bimbisara in the Haryanka dynasty?
Ans: After Bimbisara, his son Ajatashatru succeeded him. Ajatashatru is known for expanding the kingdom’s territory and for his role in the early history of Buddhism.
Q-6. What happened to the Haryanka dynasty?
Ans: The Haryanka dynasty was eventually succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty, which marked a transition in the history of Magadha. This eventually led to the rise of the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.
Q-7. What is the significance of the Haryanka dynasty in Indian history?
Ans. The Haryanka dynasty is significant as one of the early ruling dynasties in the Magadha region. It laid the foundation for the later Maurya Empire, which became one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India.
Q-8. Are there any famous archaeological sites associated with the Haryanka dynasty?
Ans. While there are no specific archaeological sites directly associated with the Haryanka dynasty, the Magadha region has a rich historical and archaeological heritage, including sites related to Buddhism and early Indian history.