Q. Evaluate the role of Bimbisara in the rise of Magadha. [MPPSC-2019]
Ans:
The political fight among many mahajanapadas led ultimately to one of them namely Magadh to emerge as the most powerful state and the centre of a vast empire.
Magadha came into prominence under the leadership of Bimbisara ( ruled for 52 years from 544 BC to 492 BC) of the Haryanka dynasty and a contemporary of the Buddha. He began the policy of conquest and aggression which ended with the Kalinga war of Ashoka. ©crackingcivilservices.com
The role of Bimbisara in the rise of Magadha:
- He pursued a three-pronged policy:
- matrimonial alliances
- e.g. with Kosala, Lichchavi and Madra
- friendship with strong rulers
- e.g. with Avanti.
- conquest of weak neighbours to expand the empire.
- e.g. conquering Anga.
- matrimonial alliances
- Under the policy of matrimonial alliances,
- he married the sister of Prasenjit, the king of Kosala.
- She brought in dowry the territory of Kashi, which yielded a revenue of 1,00,000 coins.
- The control over Kasi and friendship with Prasenajit allowed Magadh to concentrate on other areas.
- His other wives were daughters of the chiefs of Lichchavi and Madra (middle Punjab) respectively.
- Marriage relations with the different princely families lent enormous diplomatic prestige and paved the way for the expansion of Magadha westward and north-ward.
- he married the sister of Prasenjit, the king of Kosala.
- He also conquered Anga by defeating its ruler Brahmadatta.
- It was placed under the viceroyalty of his son Ajatashatru at Champa.
- Anga and specially its capital Champa were important for the inland and maritime trade.
- Thus, Kashi and conquest of Anga became the launching pad for the expansion of Magadh.
- Magadha’s most serious rival was Avanti with its capital at ujjain.
- Its king, Chanda Pradyota Mahasena, fought Bimbisara, but eventually the two thought it wise to make up.
- Later, when Pradyota was afflicted by jaundice, at the Avanti king’s request, Bim bisara sent the royal physician jivaka to Ujjain.
- Bimbisara is also said to have received an embassy and a letter from the ruler of Gandhara with which Pradyota had fought unsuccessfully.
- Therefore, through his conquests and diplomacy, Bimbisara made Magadha the dominant state in the sixth century.
- The earliest capital of Magadha was at Rajgir. which was called Girivraja at that time. It was surrounded by five hills, the openings in which were closed by stone walls on all sides, which made it impregnable.
According to the Buddhist chronicles. Bimbisara ruled for fifty two years. roughly from 544 to 492 BC. He was succeeded by his son Ajatashatru (492-60 BC). Ajatashatru killed his father and seized the throne for himself. His reign saw the high watermark of the Bimbisara dynasty.
To conclude, Bimbisara laid a strong foundation for the rise of Magadha kingdom over which his succeeding rulers could build the first great empire of India. ©crackingcivilservices.com
