Haryanka dynasty

The Haryanka dynasty is believed to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India, which succeeded the mythological Barhadratha dynasty. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha. Later, it was shifted to Pataliputra, near the present-day Patna in India during the reign of Udayin. Thus Bimbisara is considered as the main founder of the dynasty.

Haryanka dynasty

Middle of 6th century BCE–413 BCE
The approximate extent of the Haryanka dynasty between the 6th and 5th century BCE.
CapitalRajagriha
later Pataliputra
Common languagesSanskrit
Magadhi Prakrit
Other Prakrits
Religion
Jainism
Buddhism
Hinduism[1]
GovernmentMonarchy
• 544-492 BCE
Bimbisara
• 492-460 BCE
Ajatashatru
• 460-440 BCE
Udayin
• 
Anuruddha
• 
Munda
• 437-413 BCE
Nāgadāsaka
History 
• Established
Middle of 6th century BCE
• Disestablished
413 BCE
Preceded by		Succeeded by
Pradyota dynasty
Kosala
Vedic period
Shishunaga dynasty
Today part ofIndia

According to the Buddhist text, the Mahavamsa, Bimbisara was anointed king by his father, Bhattiya, at the age of fifteen.[2]

This dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty.

Governance

The governance structure of Haryanka dynasty is mentioned in Buddhist texts. They mention gramakas (village headmen) who headed village assemblies and mahamatras (high-ranking officials) who had executive, judicial and military functions.[3]

Rulers

Bimbisara
Main article: Bimbisara
King Bimbisara of the Magadhan Haryanka dynasty visits the Bamboo Garden (Venuvana) in Rajagriha; artwork from Sanchi.

Bimbisara reigned from 545-493 BCE. The extent of his kingdom is mentioned in Mahavagga. His advisors included Sona Kolivisa, Sumana (flower gatherer), Koliya (minister), Kumbhaghosaka (treasurer) and Jīvaka (physician). He was given the title of Seniya.[3]

Both Jain and Buddhist text claim the king to be a follower of their respective religions. Uttaradhyayana Sutra mention him to be a follower of Mahavira, whereas Sutta Nipata depict him and his wife, Khema, as a follower of Buddha. The latter further mentions him to have deputed Jīvaka to assist Buddha's Sangha.[3] He also married Chellana and Kosala Devi, sister of Pasenadi.[4]

According to George Turnour and N.L. Dey, the name of the father of Bimbisara was Bhatiya or Bhattiya, but the Puranas refer him as Hemajit, Kshemajit, Kshetroja or Ksetrauja and the Tibetan texts mention him as Mahapadma.[5]

Ajatashatru
Main article: Ajatashatru
Ajatashatru of Magadha used catapults against the Licchavis.

Ajatashatru reigned from 493-462 BCE.[3] He married Vajira, Kosala's princess.[6]

In some sources, Bimbisara was imprisoned and killed by his son and successor, Ajatashatru, under whose rule the dynasty reached its largest extent. Ajatashatru was contemporary with Mahavira (599–527 BCE) and Gautama Buddha (563–483 BCE). Ajatashatru fought a war against Vajji, ruled by the Lichhavis, and conquered the republic of Vaisali.[6]

Udayin
Main article: Udayin

Udayin or Udayabhadra is mentioned in Buddhist and Jain texts as the successor of Ajatashatru. Puranas however mention him as the fourth king after Darshaka.[7]

Later rulers

Puranas mention Nandivardhana and Mahanandin as successors of Udayin. According to Buddhist tradition, Anurudhha, Munda and Nagadarshaka were his successors.[7]

Decline

Haryanka dynasty was ultimately overthrown out of power by their Amatya (minister), Shishunaga.[7]

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See also

References

Citations
  1. Rao 2012, p. 92.
  2. Raychaudhuri 1972, pp. 97
  3. Upinder Singh 2016, p. 270.
  4. Upinder Singh 2016, pp. 270-271.
  5. Raychaudhuri 1972, p. 105ff
  6. Upinder Singh 2016, p. 271.
  7. Upinder Singh 2016, p. 273.

Sources
  • Raychaudhuri, H.C. (1972), Political History of Ancient India, Calcutta: University of Calcutta
  • Bhargava, P.L., The origins of the Nanda (PDF)
  • Singh, Upinder (2016), A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century, Pearson, ISBN 978-81-317-1677-9
  • Rao, B .V. (2012), World history from early times to A D 2000, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd, ISBN 9788120731882
Preceded by
Pradyota dynasty		 Haryanka dynasty
middle of 6th century –425 BCE		 Succeeded by
Shishunaga dynasty
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