The Haryanka dynasty is believed to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India, which succeeded the mythological Barhadratha dynasty. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha. Later, it was shifted to Pataliputra, near the present-day Patna in India during the reign of Udayin. Thus Bimbisara is considered as the main founder of the dynasty. According to the Buddhist text, the Mahavamsa, Bimbisara was anointed king by his father, Bhattiya, at the age of fifteen. This dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty.
Governance
The governance structure of Haryanka dynasty is mentioned in Buddhist texts. They mentiongramakas who headed villageassemblies and mahamatras who had executive, judicial and military functions.
Rulers
Bimbisara
Bimbisara reigned from 545-493 BCE. The extent of his kingdom is mentioned in Mahavagga. His advisors included Sona Kolivisa, Sumana, Koliya, Kumbhaghosaka and Jīvaka. He was given the title of Seniya. Both Jain and Buddhist text claim the king to be a follower of their respective religions. Uttaradhyayana Sutra mention him to be a follower of Mahavira, whereasSutta Nipata depict him and his wife, Khema, as a follower of Buddha. The latter further mentions him to have deputed Jīvaka to assist Buddha's Sangha. He also married Chellana and Kosala Devi, sister of Pasenadi. According to George Turnour and N.L. Dey, the name of the father of Bimbisara was Bhatiya or Bhattiya, but the Puranas refer him as Hemajit, Kshemajit, Kshetroja or Ksetrauja and the Tibetan texts mention him as Mahapadma.
Ajatashatru reigned from 493-462 BCE. He married Vajira, Kosala's princess. In some sources, Bimbisara was imprisoned and killed by his son and successor, Ajatashatru, under whose rule the dynasty reached its largest extent. Ajatashatru was contemporary with Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Ajatashatru fought a war againstVajji, ruled by the Lichhavis, and conquered the republic of Vaisali.
Udayin
Udayin or Udayabhadra is mentioned in Buddhist and Jain texts as the successor of Ajatashatru. Puranas however mention him as the fourth king after Darshaka.
Later rulers
Puranas mention Nandivardhana and Mahanandin as successors of Udayin. According to Buddhist tradition, Anurudhha, Munda and Nagadarshaka were his successors.
Decline
Haryanka dynasty was ultimately overthrown out of power by their Amatya, Shishunaga.
