Haryanka dynasty

The Haryanka dynasty was the ruling dynasty of Magadha between 544 BC and 413 BC. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha. Later, it was shifted to Pataliputra, near present-day Patna in India during the reign of Udayin. Bimbisara is considered to be the founder of the dynasty.

Haryanka Dynasty
544 BCE–413 BCE
The approximate extent of the Haryanka dynasty and the Shaisunaga dynasty between the 6th and 5th century BCE.[2]
Capital	Rajagriha later Pataliputra
Common languages	Magadhi Prakrit Other Prakrits
Religion	Buddhism[3] Jainism[4][5]
Government	Monarchy
King
• 544-492 BCE	Bimbisara
• 492-460 BCE	Ajatashatru
• 460-444 BCE	Udayin
• 444-440 BCE	Anuruddha
• 440-437 BCE	Munda
• 437-413 BCE	Nāgadāsaka
History
• Established	544 BCE
• Disestablished	413 BCE
Preceded by Succeeded by Brihadratha dynasty Kosala Anga Vajjika League Shishunaga dynasty
Today part of	India

According to Buddhist text, the Mahavamsa, Bimbisara was appointed king by his father, Bhattiya, at the age of fifteen. This dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty.^[6]

Governance

The governance structure of Haryanka dynasty is mentioned in ancient texts. They mention gramakas (village headmen) who headed village assemblies and mahamatras (high-ranking officials) who had executive, judicial and military functions.^[7]

Historically, this period coincided with the Achaemenid conquest of the Indus Valley during the rule of Darius I from about 517/516 BCE.^[8]

Rulers

Bimbisara

Main article: Bimbisara

King Bimbisara of the Magadha Haryanka dynasty visits the Bamboo Garden (Venuvana) in Rajagriha; artwork from Sanchi.

Bimbisara reigned from 544 to 492 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.^[7]

Both Jain and Buddhist texts claim the king was a follower of their respective religions. Uttaradhyayana Sutra says he was a follower of Mahavira, whereas Sutta Nipata depicts him and his wife, Khema, as followers of Buddha. The latter further mentions he deputed Jīvaka to assist Buddha's Sangha.^[7] He also married Chellana and Kosala Devi, sister of Pasenadi.^[9]

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.^[10]

Ajatashatru

Main article: Ajatashatru

Ajatashatru of Magadha used catapults against the Licchavis.

Ajatashatru reigned from 493 to 462 BCE.^[7] He married Vajira, Kosala's princess.^[11]

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 the Vajjika League, ruled by the Lichhavis, and conquered them.^[11]

Udayin

Main article: Udayin

Udayin or Udayabhadra is mentioned in Buddhist and Jain texts as the successor of Ajatashatru. The Puranas, however, mention him as the fourth king after Darshaka.^[12]

Later rulers

Puranas mention Nandivardhana and Mahanandin as successors of Udayin. According to Buddhist tradition, Anurudhha, Munda and Nagadarshaka were his successors.^[12]

List of Rulers

• Bimbisara (544–492 BCE)
• Ajatashatru (492–460 BCE)
• Udayin (460–444 BCE)
• Anuruddha (444–440 BCE)
• Munda (440–437 BCE)
• Darshaka (437 BCE)
• Nāgadāsaka (437–413 BCE)

Decline

Haryanka dynasty was overthrown by their Amatya (minister), Shishunaga who then established Shaishunaga Dynasty.^[12]

See also

• Magadha-Vajji war
• Pradyota dynasty
• Avanti-Magadhan Wars