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PRE MAURYAN EMPIRE

March 8, 2025
Posted by: Beauty Kumari

The Magadha Empire

Several powerful kingdoms, called Mahajanapadas, fought for dominance, but Magadha emerged as the strongest and became the center of a vast empire.

Haryanka Dynasty

Bimbisara was the first major ruler of Magadha.
He was a contemporary of Buddha and Mahavira (founders of Buddhism and Jainism).
He expanded Magadha through three main strategies:
1. Marriage Alliances – He married into powerful ruling families, such as the Kosala, Lichchavi, and Madra clans.
2. Friendship with Strong Rulers – He maintained friendly ties with powerful kings.
3. Conquering Weaker Neighbors – He fought and won battles to expand his empire.
His son, Ajatshatru, fought a war against Prasenjit (King of Kosala) over the territory of Kashi and won.
Ajatshatru also defeated his grandfather Chetak, the chief of Vaishali, after a long 16-year conflict.
Udayin, the successor of Ajatshatru, built a fort at Pataliputra, the future capital of Magadha.

Shishunaga Dynasty

Shishunaga succeeded the Haryanka rulers.
He defeated Avanti and made it a part of Magadha.
His son Kalashoka became the next ruler.

Nanda Dynasty

The Magadha Empire later came under the Nanda Dynasty.
Mahapadma Nanda was its most powerful ruler.
The Hathigumpha Inscription (from Kalinga) mentions that the Nandas conquered Kalinga.
Ancient Tamil literature (Sangam work Ahananuru) describes the enormous wealth of the Nandas.
Dhana Nanda, the last ruler, was arrogant and imposed heavy taxes, leading to public resentment.
Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Chanakya, overthrew the Nandas and founded the Mauryan Empire.
During this time, Alexander the Great invaded India.

Persian and Greek Invasions

Persian Invasions

Cyrus the Great (558–530 BCE)
- He was the first Persian ruler to invade India.
- He captured the Gandhara region, and Indian tribes west of the Indus River paid tribute to him.
Darius I (522–486 BCE)
- He conquered the Indus Valley in 518 BCE and annexed Punjab and Sindh.
- This region became the 20th province (Satrapy) of the Persian Empire, known for its rich population and fertility.
- Darius I also sent a naval expedition to explore the Indus River.
Xerxes (465–456 BCE)
- He used his Indian territory to strengthen his army.
- Indian soldiers fought for him in his wars against Greece.
- After his defeat in Greece, the Persians stopped expanding into India, though they still controlled parts of it.
- Darius III, the last Persian king, also recruited Indian soldiers but was later defeated by Alexander the Great.

Greek Invasion – Alexander the Great (326 BCE)

Northwest India had small kingdoms like Kamboja, Gandhara, and Madra, which frequently fought among themselves.
There was no powerful ruler like Magadha in this region.
The rich natural resources and political disunity attracted Alexander’s attention.

Alexander’s Campaign

Alexander of Macedonia defeated the Persian Empire and then advanced into India.
Greek historians, including Herodotus, described India as a land of great wealth, increasing Alexander’s desire to conquer it.
King Ambhi of Taxila surrendered without a fight.
King Porus of Jhelum (Battle of Hydaspes, 326 BCE):
- Porus resisted fiercely, but Alexander defeated him.
- However, Alexander was impressed by Porus’ bravery and allowed him to continue ruling under Greek control.
Alexander stayed in India for 19 months (326–325 BCE).
Before leaving, he placed Greek governors in charge of his conquests.
However, these territories were soon taken over by the Mauryan rulers after Alexander’s death.

Effects of Alexander’s Invasion

Political Unity in India – His invasion helped unite North India, leading to the rise of the Mauryan Empire.
End of Small Kingdoms – Many independent states disappeared, strengthening centralized rule.
Increased Trade and Contact – His conquest opened trade routes between India and Greece.
Spread of Greek Influence – Greek culture and ideas influenced Indian art, coinage, and architecture.