Shaishunga Dynasty History: Founder, Rulers and Important Facts

History of Shishunaga dynasty and list of important facts:

History of Shishunaga Dynasty: Shishunaga Dynasty was an ancient dynasty of Indian history (Magadha State-South Bihar). The founder of this dynasty is considered to be Shishunaga, after whom the name of this dynasty was named Shishunaga dynasty. The reign of Shishunaga dynasty was followed by Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. The reign of the Shishunaga dynasty is from about 412 BC to the middle of 345 BC. The kings of the Shishunaga dynasty made Magadha the ancient capital of Girivraj or Rajgir and restored Vaishali (North Bihar).

Important facts about Shishunaga dynasty:

• The founder of the Shishunaga dynasty was the representative of Shishunaga.
• According to the Mahavansh, he was the son born to the prostitute wife of a Lichchavi king.
• According to the Puranas he was a Kshatriya.
• The Shishunaga dynasty is contemporary to the Buddha.
• The reign of Shishunaga dynasty was followed by Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.
• The reign of the Shishunaga dynasty is from about the fifth BC to the middle of the fourth century.
• The kings of the Shishunaga dynasty made Magadha the ancient capital of Girivraj or Rajgir and restored Vaishali (North Bihar).
• Shishunaga first conquered Magadha's strong rival kingdom Avanti against its ruler Avantivardhana and included it in his empire.
• Thus the extent of Magadha spread to the west of Malwa. Thereafter he merged Vatsa in Magadha.
• The merger of Vatsa and Avanti with Magadha opened the way for Pataliputra to trade routes from the western countries.
• The kings of this dynasty joined Girivraj or Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha and restored Vaishali (North Bihar).
• The reign of Shishunaga, like that of its predecessors, represents a phase in the history of the rapid expansion of the Magadha Empire.
• He won against Avantivardhan and included Avanti (central India) in his empire.
• The period of Shishunaga's son Kalashoka is mainly known for two important events - the meeting of the second 'Buddhist Council' at Vaishali and the transfer of the capital of Magadha to Pataliputra (modern Patna).
• The history of the decline of the Shishunaga dynasty is as vague as the history of Magadha before the Maurya dynasty.
• According to traditional sources, Kalashoka had 10 sons, but their details are not known.
• It is believed that Kalashoka (394 BC to 366 BC) was brutally murdered by Mahapadmananda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, and the rule of the Shishunaga dynasty came to an end.
  

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