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.
