The Haryankas

Being ambitious, Bimbasara expanded his territory through policy of matrimonial alliances and annexations.  The sister of Prasenjit bought him the land of Kosala, Chetaka's youngest daughter bought him the land of Vaisali.  Through his son Bhattiya, the Anga was conquered by killing Brahmadatta. Thus the territory of Bimbasara measured about 300 leagues which in turn equates to approximately 80,000 villages.  Bimbisara and the Prince Gautama were friends, Gautama had not attained the enlightenment when Bimbasara had visited him the first time.  On the other occasion after the enlightenment of Gautama, it is stated that Buddha was fed with Bimibasara's own hands. Bimbisara was put to death by his son Ajatasattu.

There are different accounts on the death of Bimbasara.  According to the Jain chronicle, Bimbasara decided to anoint Ajatasattu as his successor in preference to his other sons.  But the latter became impatient, imprisoned Bimbasara and ascended the throne in no time.  Ajatasattu is stated to have ruled from about 551 to 519 BC, the Haryanka dynasty reached its zenith during Ajatasattu's rule.  It was this time, the Vaishali was ruled by the Licchavis and war broke between Vaishali and Magadha due to the dispute of sharing the gems obtained through the mines bordering Vaishali and Magadha.  Though Ajatasattu finally won the war, sixteen year had lapsed which disturbed the economy and peace of Magadha.

The Mahavamsa states that Ajatasattu's son Udayabhadra succeeded Ajatasattu and ruled for the next sixteen years. He moved his capital to the bank of Ganges which was known as Pataliputra.  The succession was followed by Udayabhadra's son Anuruddha and his son Munda in the same family tradition by slaying the father.  Munda's son Nagadasaka slew his father and continued reigning through this dynasty of parricides'.  The citizens angered by the rule of Haryankas, revolted against Nagadasaka and anointed Shishunaga as the king.

Magadha embeds the districts of Patna and Gaya of the south Bihar.  The rivers of Ganges on the north, Son on the west, Champa on the east, the mountain Vindhya on the west embraced Magadha.  From the capital city of Girivrija, Haryanka dynasty ruled Magadha, but the history commences with the ascension of Bimbasara.  The earlier dynasty, the Brihadratas (founded by Jarasandha's father, the son of Vasu) ended when Pradyota asserted the throne of Avanti. The latter was a contemporary of the Buddha.