Magadh with reference to Uttar Pradesh
All the states were perpetually at war with each other. Kaushal annexed Kashi and Avanti grabbed Vats. Later on Kausha and Vats in turn were subjugated one by one by Magadh, which became most powerful in the entire region. Magadh was ruled in SUCCESSION by Haryank, Shishunag and Nand Dynasty. The Nandas ruled from 343 BC to 321 BC. The Nanda empire was extended to whole of India except Punjab and Bengal. It was during their regime that Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. According to the great historians, Alexander the great could not even face the forceful Magadh army and had to return.
In the year 323 BC Chandragupta Maurya became the new emperor of Magadh. His grandson Ashoka the great created the statue of four lions in Sarnath. The Lion Capitol inscribed in the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has been adopted by the government of India as the State Emblem. The Ashoka pillars petrography are found in Sarnath, Allahabad, Meerut, Kaushambi, Sakinssa, Basti and Mirzapur. All the cities are in Uttar Pradesh. In the year of 232 BC, the death of Ashoka led to the downfall of Magadh dynasty.
His whole empire was divided among his five sons. The Mauryan dynasty ruled over 137 years. According to Vayu Purana the Mauryan dynasty ruled for 134 years.
The later ruler of Magadh dynasty was Brihdratha, who was assassinated by his chief commander Pushyamitra.
Detailed Political History of Magadha
Of all Mahajanapadas/”>The Mahajanapadas, Magadha eventually emerged as most powerful mainly because of its peculiar geographical location. It was bordered by Ganga River in North, Son River in West, Vindhya ranges in south and Champa in East. The natural barriers protected Magadha from three sides and it was not easy to invade such a territory. Here is a brief account of the poltical history of Magadha since Rig-Vedic period accounts.
Earliest known king of Magadha was Brihadrath whose name appears in Rig-Veda as well as Puranas. His son Jarasandha was killed by Bhima in Mahabharata war.
The Brihadrath dynasty was followed by Pradyotas. By that time, the practice of killing one’s father to usurp the throne had crept in. The Pradyotas were notorious for patricide and irked people overthrew them in a civil revolt. Next in the line was Haranyaka dynasty, whose great King Bimbisara is remembered as most powerful King of Magadha before Mauryas. Bimbisara was a contemporary of Buddha as well as Mahavira. Bimbisara used matrimonial alliances and sending envoys to expand his power. Since patricide was in vogue those days, Bimbisara also became a victim of it. His son Ajatshatru starved him to death.
Ajatshatru was also a valorous king who expanded his empire by fighting war with Kashi, Licchhavis and others. During his reign, Mahavira, Buddha and also Makkhali Gosala or Gosala Maskariputta, the founder of Ajivikas path attained Nirvana.
Ajatshatru was a devout Buddhist as well as Jain. He enshrined the relics of Buddha in a stupa and also renovated many monasteries. Under his sponsorship, the first Buddhist Council was organized at Sattapani caves in Rajgir. By that time, Rajgir served as capital of Magadha. Ajatshatru built a fort at Pataliputra and his son Udayin developed Pataliputra as a city.
Ajatshatru was also a victim of patricide by his son Udayin. Same fate was shared by almost all kings of Haranyaka dynasty. Again there was a civil revolt and public placed Shishunaga on throne of Magadha. Shishunaga was amatya (minister) of last Haranyaka king Nagadasaka. Kalasoka, the son of Shishunaga made Pataliputra as new capital of Magadha. He may be of dark complexion as the contemporary Sri Lankan texts mention his name as Kakavarna (of color like a crow). Kalsoka sponsored second Buddhist council in 383 BC under monk Sabakami. His ten sons ruled simultaneously before Magadha slipped into hands of Nandas.
The founder of Nanda dynasty was Mahapadmananda. Since he had one of the largest standing armies in the history of world {2 Lakh infantry, 8000 war chariots, 6000 elephants!}, he is also called Ugrasena. His army was so large that he could arrange it in a lotus shape {Padmavyuh} and he was so wealthy that his wealth could be counted in Padma (One quadrillion). He subdued all the contemporary powers and consolidated power of Magadha.
Mahapadmananda, who is thought to be from humble origin {son of a barber} was the first non-kshatriya ruler in the history of India. Nandas were also the first empire builders of India.
The Nadas ruled for around 100 years. During the reign of last Nanda ruler Dhananada, Alexander invaded from west. Alexander was able to cross Beas but before he could cross Ganga, he heard that Dhananda’s 2 Lakh strong army is waiting for his men for a bloody massacre. He lost the confidence and moved back. While moving back, he died on the way probably due to Malaria.
However, this invasion along with several other such invasions from west had put the North-West on boil. In Magadha, the popularity of Dhananda had went down because of his lavishness and greed that led to extortion and Corruption. The situation was such that any brave heart could seize the opportunity to topple the Nandas. This opportunity was cashed by Kautilya, who was once thrown out of Nanda’s court. To seek revenge, he groomed Chandragupta Maurya, the brave young man, who is thought to be the son of Dhananda’s shudra concubine Mura.
Chandragupta first gave a death blow to Greeks in north-west and then attacked and dethroned the Nandas. Nandas life was spared and they were asked to run with as much treasure as much their chariot could carry. The most important implication of rise of Chandragupta Maurya was that India was, for the first time perhaps, united politically. The below map shows the extent of Maurya empire at that time.
Meanwhile, Alexander was succeeded by his one of his generals Seleucus, who launched a campaign to get back the Greek territories lost to Mauryas. He was able to cross Indus, but could not succeed to defeat Chandragupta. An alliance was made in which Seleucus returned some of the won areas to Chandragupta. Chandragupta gifted some 500 war elephants to Seleucus and also some kind of matrimonial alliance was made in which son / daughter of one was married to the daughter / son of other. Seleucus also sent Megasthenes/”>Megasthenes to court of Chandragupta.
In the old age, Chandragupta abdicated the throne in favour of his son Bindusara and became a disciple of Jain Monk Bhadrabahu. He spent his last days at Sharavanbelgola and supposed to have died practicing Santhara there.
Chandragupta’s successor Bindusara (also known as Amitraghata- destroyer of enemies) carried on the legacy of Mauryas and cemented good alliances with Greek King Antiochus-I. He ruled for some 25 years and was successes by Ashoka after a bloody battle of succession among his sons.
During the time of Ashoka, the boundaries of Maurya empire extended to maximum by that time. He invaded and annexed Kalinga mainly because Kalinga controlled land and sea routes to South India. However, this battle changed his mind and introduced a new element in the politics of India in the form of cultural coherence based on the moral values of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism and a norm of benignity, civility and humanity in matters of governance.
However, such a policy was bound to have its side effects on Polity after Ashoka’s death. Asoka died in 232 BC after ruling for four decades. His sons could not survive the waves of changes. His six successors including Jaluka, Samprati and Dasaratha could rule for only 52 years.
The life of last Maurya ruler Brihadrath was troubled. By this time, there were repeated attacks of Yavanas / Greeks from western side. His brave commander Pushyamitra Shunga was able to repel two attacks of Greeks but was not happy with the Attitude of his master. He killed Brihadrath in 185-184 BC and thus closed the chapter of Mauryas from Indian history, thus founding Sunga dynasty.
Pushyamitra and his son Agnimitra ruled from Pataliputra. The later Shungas made Vidisha as their capital. However, by the time of Shungas, many independent rulers had appeared in west as well as south. The most remarkable was rise of Satavahanas in south and Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, and many others in west and Kharvela in Kalinga (east). Thus, the boundaries of Magadh by the time of Shunga had narrowed down to some parts of Central India.
The last Shunga ruler Devabhuti was killed by his own amatya (minister) Vasudeva Kanva around 73BC. Thus, Magadha slipped into hands of Kanvas, who were Brahmins by caste. Only few rulers of this Kanva dynasty are known on the basis of numismatics. This dynasty was finally overthrown by Satavahanas in 30BC and thus once mighty Magadha was broken into many small parts ruled by different dynasties at different periods.,
Magadha was an ANCIENT KINGDOM in India that existed from the 6th century BCE to the 4th century BCE. It was one of the most powerful kingdoms in India during its time and was ruled by a number of powerful dynasties, including the Haryanka dynasty, the Shishunaga dynasty, the Nanda dynasty, and the Mauryan dynasty.
Magadha was located in the eastern part of India, in the present-day state of Bihar. It was a fertile land with a number of rivers, including the Ganges River. The capital of Magadha was Pataliputra, which is now the city of Patna.
The culture of Magadha was influenced by the cultures of the surrounding regions, including the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic culture, and the Buddhist culture. Magadha was a center of Learning and culture and produced a number of important philosophers, poets, and artists.
The economy of Magadha was based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. Magadha was a major producer of rice and other crops. It was also a center of trade and manufacturing, and its products were exported to other parts of India and the world.
Magadha was a Monarchy, and its rulers were known as kings. The kings of Magadha were powerful and influential, and they played a major role in the history of India.
The Society of Magadha was divided into a number of Social Classes, including the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas, and the Shudras. The Brahmins were the highest social class, and they were the priests and scholars. The Kshatriyas were the warriors, and they were the rulers of Magadha. The Vaishyas were the merchants and traders, and they were the backbone of the economy of Magadha. The Shudras were the lowest social class, and they were the servants and laborers.
The religion of Magadha was Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, and it is the oldest religion in the world. The main deities of Hinduism are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Education in Magadha was based on the Vedas. The Vedas are a collection of sacred texts that are the foundation of Hinduism. Education in Magadha was imparted through a system of schools and universities.
The art and architecture of Magadha were influenced by the cultures of the surrounding regions, including the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic culture, and the Buddhist culture. Magadha produced a number of important works of art and architecture, including the Mahabodhi Temple, the Ajanta Caves, and the Ellora Caves.
The literature of Magadha was written in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is an ancient language that is the language of the Vedas. The literature of Magadha includes a number of important works, including The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas.
The science and technology of Magadha were advanced for their time. Magadha produced a number of important scientists and engineers, including Aryabhata, Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta.
The military of Magadha was one of the most powerful in India. The army of Magadha was well-trained and well-equipped, and it played a major role in the history of India.
Magadha had close ties with the neighboring kingdoms of Kosala, Vajji, and Anga. Magadha also had trade relations with the kingdoms of Persia, Greece, and Rome.
Magadha left a lasting legacy on India. The culture, religion, and art of Magadha influenced the cultures of the surrounding regions. Magadha also played a major role in the history of India.
The Mauryan Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in Indian history, was founded in Magadha. The Mauryan Empire was ruled by a number of powerful emperors, including Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka the Great, and Bindusara.
The Mauryan Empire was a major center of learning and culture. The Mauryan emperors were patrons of the arts and sciences, and they built a number of important monuments, including the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Ajanta Caves.
The Mauryan Empire was also a major center of Trade and Commerce. The Mauryan emperors built a number of important roads and canals, and they promoted trade with other parts of the world.
The Mauryan Empire came to an end in the 2nd century BCE. However, the legacy of the Mauryan Empire continues to this day. The Mauryan Empire was one of the most important empires in Indian history, and it had a profound impact on the culture, religion, and art of India.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about Uttar Pradesh for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam:
What is the capital of Uttar Pradesh?
The capital of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow.What is the Population-of-uttar-pradesh/”>Population of Uttar Pradesh?
The population of Uttar Pradesh is 200 million, making it the most populous state in India.What is the language spoken in Uttar Pradesh?
The most common language spoken in Uttar Pradesh is Hindi.What are the major cities in Uttar Pradesh?
The major cities in Uttar Pradesh include Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Meerut, and Varanasi.What are the major industries in Uttar Pradesh?
The major industries in Uttar Pradesh include agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing.What are the major tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh?
The major tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Red Fort.What are the major festivals in Uttar Pradesh?
The major festivals in Uttar Pradesh include Holi, Diwali, and Eid.What are the major Sports in Uttar Pradesh?
The major sports in Uttar Pradesh include cricket, hockey, and kabaddi.What are the major Political Parties in Uttar Pradesh?
The major political parties in Uttar Pradesh are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).What are the major educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh?
The major educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh include the Aligarh Muslim University, the Banaras Hindu University, and the Lucknow University.What are the major challenges facing Uttar Pradesh?
The major challenges facing Uttar Pradesh include POVERTY, Unemployment, and corruption.What are the major achievements of Uttar Pradesh?
The major achievements of Uttar Pradesh include the development of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, the improvement of education, and the reduction of poverty.What is the future of Uttar Pradesh?
The future of Uttar Pradesh is bright. The state has a young population, a strong economy, and a rich culture. With the right Leadership, Uttar Pradesh can become one of the most developed states in India.
The capital of Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Lucknow
(B) Agra
(C) Kanpur
(D) AllahabadThe Official Language of Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Urdu
(D) PunjabiThe population of Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) 200 million
(B) 220 million
(C) 240 million
(D) 260 millionThe Literacy rate of Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) 60%
(B) 70%
(C) 80%
(D) 90%The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Yogi Adityanath
(B) Akhilesh Yadav
(C) Mayawati
(D) Mulayam Singh YadavThe highest mountain peak in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Nanda Devi
(B) Kedarnath
(C) Badrinath
(D) GangotriThe longest river in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Chambal
(D) SonThe largest city in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Lucknow
(B) Agra
(C) Kanpur
(D) AllahabadThe most populous city in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Lucknow
(B) Agra
(C) Kanpur
(D) MeerutThe oldest city in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Varanasi
(B) Ayodhya
(C) Mathura
(D) PrayagThe most important religious festival in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Holi
(B) Diwali
(C) Dussehra
(D) Kumbh MelaThe most important cultural festival in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Chaiti Mahotsav
(B) Magh Mela
(C) Teej
(D) RamlilaThe most important agricultural crop in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Wheat
(B) Rice
(C) Sugarcane
(D) CottonThe most important industrial product in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Sugar
(B) Cement
(C) Leather
(D) TextilesThe most important tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh is:
(A) Agra
(B) Varanasi
(C) Mathura
(D) Lucknow