Bimbisara was the founder of Haryak Dynasty

Who was the founder of Haryak Vansh? – Bimbisara

Bimbisara was the founder of the Haryak Vansh. Also, Bimbisara is considered as the real founder of the Magadha Empire. The capital of the Haryark Dynasty was Rajagriha. Later, it was moved to Pataliputra (Present Patna).

The Haryak dynasty or Haryanka Dynasty(from 544 BCE to 412 BCE) is considered to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha. It succeeded in the legendary Barhadara dynasty.

Bimbisara-Founder of the Haryak Vansh

Bimbisāra (c. 558 – c. 491 BC or during the late 5th century BC) also known as Seniya or Shrenika in the Jain histories was a King of Magadha (r. 543 – 492 BC or c. 400 BC). He was the founder of the Haryak Vansh (dynasty).  

Bimbisara was the son of Bhattiya. His expansion of the kingdom, especially his annexation of the kingdom of Anga to the east, is considered to have set the grounds for the later expansion of the Maurya Empire.

Bimbisara is also known for his cultural achievements. He was a great friend and protector of the Buddha. According to Hiuen Tsang, Bimbisara built the city of Rajgir (Rajagriha), famous in Buddhist writings (others connect the city’s foundation to his successor). He was succeeded on the throne by his son Ajatashatru.

Bimbisara ascended to the throne at the age of 15 in 543 BC. He established the Haryak Vansh laid the foundations of Magadha by strengthening a village, later it became the city of Pataliputra. Bimbisara’s first capital was at Girivraja (known as Rajagriha). 

Bimbisara began a military campaign against Anga, perhaps to revenge his father’s earlier defeat at the hands of its king, Brahmadatta. The campaign was successful, Anga was annexed, and prince Kunika (Ajatashatru) was appointed governor at Champa.

Bimbisara sent Jivaka, his physician, to Ujjain for medical treatment of Pradyota, the king of Avanti, from jaundice. Pukkusati, the king of Gandhara, sent Bimbisara an embassy.

The decline of the Haryak Dynasty

Nagadashak was the last ruler of the ‘Haryak dynasty’. His Amatya Shishunaga dated 412 BC took advantage of Nagadasak’s weakness. According to some historians, Shishunaga was the renunciation of his king Nagadashak. Thus the Hariyak dynasty came to an end and the ‘Shishunaga dynasty’ was established.

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