Haryanka Dynasty (544 BC- 413BC) and Coins

The Magadha Janapada was located roughly in the area of the present state of Bihar. Prior to the Mauryas, the accepted chronology of dynasties that ruled were, Haryanka dynasty (545-413 BC), The Shishunaga dynasty (413- 345 BC), and the Nanda dynasty (345-323 BC). 

                       

25-Mashakas, 5th century BC, Haryanka.
             

The Haryanka Dynasty (544 BC- 413 BC) was the first ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha (present-day Rajgir). Later, it shifted to Pataliputra, near the present-day Patna during the reign of Udayin. Bimbisara is considered as the founder of the dynasty. He was contemporary with Gautam Buddha (563 BC - 483 BC) and Mahavira Vardhamana (599 BC - 527 BC). 

During the reign of Bimbisara, the Indian subcontinent was divided into 16 Mahajanapadas.

                        

The approximate extent of the Haryanka dynasty between the 6th and 5th century BCE.

According to Buddhist text, Mahavamsa, Bimbisara was appointed king by his father, Bhattiya, at the age of fifteen. This dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty. Historically, this period coincided with the Achaemenid conquest of the Indus Valley, during the rule of Darius I, from about 517/516 BC. 

Bimbisara reigned from 544 to 492 BC. The extent of his kingdom is mentioned in Mahavagga. He was given the title of Seniya. Both Jain and Buddhist texts claim the king was a follower of their respective religions.  of Buddha Uttaradhyayana Sutra says he was a follower of Mahavira, whereas Sutta Nipata depicts him and his wife, Khema, as followers.

                       

King Bimbisara visits the Bamboo Garden (Venuvana) in Rajagriha artwork from Sanchi.

  

The list of rulers after Bimbisara include Ajatashatru, (492-460 BC), Udayin (460-444 BC), Anuruddha (444-440 BC), Munda, (440-437 BC), Darshaka (437 BC), Nagadasaka (437-413 BC).   

Magadha's earliest coins were dumpy silver 35-mashaka pieces of roughly 7.6 gm, that featured a single 6-arm symbol punch. They seem to have been soon superseded by 25-mashka pieces of roughly 5.5 gm, on thinner, more spread flans, but the same 6-arm symbol punch in the center, but three additional punches were added around the central punch. This group was issued by the Haryankas. The silver punch-marked Karsapana of Ajatashatru was a royal issue bearing five marks and weighing fifty-four grains, the Vedic weight called Karsha equal to 16 mashas. This period included the time during which the Buddha came to Magadha, where he attained enlightenment in Gaya, and where he preached for most of the remainder of his lifetime. The Magadh king Bhimbisara offered his throne to the Buddha but was turned down.  

                     

25-Mashakas, 5th century BC, Magadha, silver, weight 5.4 gm, central 6-arm punch, surrounded by three other punches, uniface. 

                        

25-Mashakas, 5th century BCE, Magadha, silver, weighing 5.3 grams, featuring a central six-arm symbol punch, encircled by three additional punches, uniface. 

                         

25-Mashakas, 5th century BCE, Magadha, silver, weighing 5.3 grams, featuring a central six-armed punch, encircled by three additional punches, uniface.

                         

25-Mashakas, 5th century BCE, silver, Magadha, weighing 4.7 gm, featuring a central six-armed punch, encircled by three additional punches, uniface.

Haryanka Dynasty.