Magadha Empire was the most powerful Mahajanapada among the sixteen Mahajanapadas of 684 BC. The beginning or development of imperialism in ancient India is attributed to Magadha.
Magadha Empire
Haryanka dynasty (544 BC – 412 BC)
Bimbisara (544 BC – 412 BC), the real founder of the importance of the Magadha Empire. His capital was Girivraj (Rajgriha).
Bimbisara strengthened his political position on the basis of matrimonial relations.
Bimbisara had sent his state doctor, Jeevak, for the treatment of Chandpradhot Mahasen, the ruler of the neighboring state of Avanti.
Bimbisara was captured by his son Ajatashatru (492 BC – 407 BC) and captured power.
Ajatashatru is also known as Puneet.
To defeat the women of Vajji Sangha in Ajatashatru, new weapons named Ratna Musal and Mahashilakantak were used.
During the reign of Ajatashatru, the first Buddhist council was organized in the Saptaparni cave of Rajagriha.
Ajatashatru's son Udayin (Udaybhadra) (460 BC - 444 BC) was the third important ruler of the 1st Haryanka dynasty, he founded Pataliputra (present-day Patna) and made it his capital.
Gupta Empire
Shishunaga dynasty (412 BC-344 BC )
Shishunaga, the commander of Haryanka dynasty, established the Shishunaga dynasty by capturing the power of Magadha. The capital of Magadha was Vaishali during the reign of this year's ruler Kalashoka (Kakavarna), where the second Buddhist council was held.
Nand dynasty (344 BC - 324 BC )
Mahapadmananda was the founder of the Nanda dynasty. He was said to be Sarvakshatratak i.e. the destroyer of all Kshatriyas. Mahapadmananda established the kingdom of Ekatra and assumed the title of Ekrat. Dhanananda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. Alexander invaded India during his reign.