Ancient Bihar: Magadha, Mauryas and Guptas

Ancient history of Bihar is the heart of the Bihar GK paper. Learn the dynasties in sequence, the capitals and one major event for each.

Rise of Magadha

Magadha was the most powerful of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. Its first capital was Rajgir (Rajagriha); later the capital moved to Pataliputra (modern Patna).

• Haryanka dynasty: Bimbisara and his son Ajatashatru expanded Magadha; Udayin founded Pataliputra.
• Shishunaga dynasty followed, and then the Nanda dynasty, which created a vast empire.

Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nandas around 321 BCE with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya). His grandson Ashoka became a Buddhist after the Kalinga war and spread Dhamma. The Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra during Ashoka's reign.

Gupta period

The Gupta rulers made Pataliputra a centre of art and learning. Nalanda was developed as a great centre of education during this period and flourished for centuries.

Religion and learning in Bihar

• Buddhism: Siddhartha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya; the Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali.
• Jainism: Mahavira was born in the Vaishali region and attained nirvana at Pawapuri.
• Universities: Nalanda, Vikramshila (founded by the Pala king Dharmapala) and Odantapuri.

Important sites

Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya) and Nalanda Mahavihara are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rajgir, Vaishali and Kesaria are major Buddhist sites.

Next: famous places, festivals and art of Bihar.