The Pradyota dynasty was succeeded by Haryanka dynasty.The characteristic feature of this dynasty was the development and emergence of two great religions,Buddhism and Jainism. King Bimbisara was the prominent ruler of this dynasty,though his son Ajatshatru,Udai Bhadra ,Anirudha,Munda and Nagadasaka were also rulers of this dynasty.But our discussion will be principally based on King Bimbisara and King Ajatshatru.

King Bimbisara defeated Brahamdatta and acquired Anga pradesh.According to Buddhist scriptures,he was the great disciple of Lord Buddha.He attained  a form of enlightenment called Sotapannahood.Sotappana is a Pali word which means that "a man who obliterates first three restrictions of the mind attains Sotapannahood."This is said to be the first phase of the four phases of enlightenment.King Bimbisara was the shrewd politician and administrator. He used marriage alliances  politics to strengthen his kingdom.It will be interesting to know that Ambpali had a son with King Bimbisara named Vimala Kondanna. He devoted his life in patronizing the growth of Buddhism.He married to Kosala Devi which brought him Kashi as dowry and later on he married to Lichchavi princess Chellana.His third wife was Kshema (daughter of the chief of Madra region of Punjab).Silava and Surasena were also his wives.

King Bimbisara built many structures in typical Buddhist style.Art,Architecture, Ayurveda and Education flourished during his reign.Famous Ayurvedacharya Jivaka and great structuralist Mahagovind were present during his reign.Mahagovind built so many beautiful palaces, garden during his reign  .King Bimbisara was the great king who laid the foundation stone of real powerful Magadha Empire.The administration and governance of King Bimbisara was very efficient and sound.Bimbisara donated Veluvana Park to Lord Buddha.King Bimbisara believed in the teachings of Lord Buddha that "to grow rich and loose religion is not the true gain,but a man who possess power,wealth and religion enjoys them in discretion with wisdom is the great master. A kind man who makes good uses of wealth is a great treasurer.Charity is rich in returns and is the greatest wealth,though it scatters,it brings no repentance.In Veluvana,Lord Buddha spent three successive rainy  seasons there and three other rainy seasons later.This park was the royal garden and called Bamboo Grove.

King Bimbisara is also known for his cultural interests and built the city of Rajagriha.It will be very important to note that his annexation of the Anga in the East laid the foundation for the expansion of Maurya Empire.He was murdered by his son Ajatshatru on the advice of Devadatta to obtain power.During the reign of King Bimbisara following were evident.,

(1)The Hill of Vultures or Gridhakuta:-Lord Buddha returned after his enlightenment and converted King Bimbisara into Buddhist order.

(2)Amarvana or Jivaka's Mango garden:-This was the dispensary of physician Jivaka who dressed the wounds of Lord Buddha.Jivaka was the personal physician of Lord Buddha.He performed so many surgical operations like brain surgery of King Bhojas. He was the cele -brated yogi and a doctor in the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda.

(3) On the Vaibhavagiri Hills,there are five temples and in the valley the remains of the palaces of King Bimbisara can be seen.

(4) The administration was divided into judicial,executive and military functions.

(5) The Swarn Bhandar:-It is the twin rock cut caves and said to be the treasury of King 

  Bimbisara.Still,it is intact.

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