The Ancient Glory of Bihar: Bihar has played an extremely important role in the historical and cultural map of India. The land here has not only been the birthplace of spiritual movements but also a political and educational center. Especially the Magadha, Maurya and Gupta empires gave a new direction to the history of India. Let us travel through this amazing heritage of ancient Bihar through this blog.
Origin and Expansion of the Magadha Empire
Magadha was the most powerful state among the Mahajanapadas of ancient India. Its capital was Rajgir (now Rajgir), which later moved to Pataliputra (now Patna). Magadha was founded by Bimbisar, who belonged to the Haryak dynasty. Bimbisar supported Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and was his contemporary.
Important Facts:
The strategic location of Magadha helped it expand its empire.
Being located between the Ganges and Son rivers, agriculture and trade flourished.
Rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru made Magadha a superpower.
Maurya Empire – From Chandragupta Maurya to Emperor Ashoka
The Maurya Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 321 BC. His guru Chanakya (Kautilya) taught him strategy, economics and politics. Chandragupta defeated Alexander’s commander Seleucus and expanded his empire to the west. Emperor Ashoka was the most famous ruler of this dynasty. After the Kalinga War, he adopted Buddhism and ruled based on the principles of “Dhamma”.
Important Works:
Ashoka preached peace and non-violence.
The pillars and inscriptions built by him can still be seen in India and Nepal.
The Maurya Empire extended from Afghanistan to Tamil Nadu.
Gupta Empire – Golden Age of India
The Gupta dynasty was founded by Shrigupta, but the work of converting it into a powerful empire was done by Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). This period is known as the Golden Age of India, because during this time there was amazing progress in art, literature, science and mathematics.
Main Features:
Aryabhatta discovered ‘zero’ in this period.
Kalidasa wrote great plays like ‘Abhigyan Shakuntalam’.
The administrative system was organized and proper.
Pataliputra – Capital of Ancient India
In ancient times, Pataliputra had the status of the capital of India. This place was the capital of all three empires – Magadha, Maurya and Gupta.
Geographical Feature:
Being located on the banks of the river Ganges, it was favorable for trade, water transport and security.
There were huge buildings, stupas, gardens and public halls here, which have also been mentioned by the Greek traveler Megasthenes in his book ‘Indica’.
Centers of Education and Knowledge – Takshila, Nalanda and Vikramshila.
Bihar was a major center of education and intellectual development in ancient times. Nalanda University (founded: 5th century) was the world’s first residential university, where students came from all over the world.
Highlights:
It had more than 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.
The library was so huge that it was called ‘Dharmaganj’.
Vikramshila University also became famous during the time of the Pala dynasty.
Land of Religious Revolution – Buddhist and Jain traditions
Bihar is the land where two great religions – Buddhism and Jainism – were born and flourished.
Buddhism:
Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodh Gaya tree in Gaya.
The first three assemblies of the Buddhist Sangha were also held in Bihar.
Jainism:
Lord Mahavira was born in Vaishali (Bihar).
Pavapuri, the place of his nirvana, is also located in Bihar.
Ancient Bihar in the eyes of foreign travellers
Foreign travellers who visited ancient India praised Bihar’s progress, culture and governance system. Megasthenes (from Greece) described the prosperity of Pataliputra during the Maurya period. Chinese travellers like Hiuen Tsang and Fa-Hien praised Nalanda University and Buddhist sites. From their accounts, we get a comprehensive knowledge of the life, administration and education of ancient Bihar.
Conclusion – Why is ancient Bihar proud?
Ancient Bihar was not just a landmass, but it was a centre of culture, knowledge and power. The emperors, saints, scientists and scholars who emerged from here influenced not only India but the world. Today when we talk of modern Bihar, we should not forget this glorious heritage of its roots – Magadha, Maurya and Gupta period. This past inspires us to reawaken our cultural identity and make Bihar a centre of knowledge and development once again.
Also Read: – Showoff Culture is Making People Poor
FaQ – The Ancient Glory of Bihar
1. Who founded the Magadh Empire?
The Magadh Empire was founded by Bimbisara in the 6th century BC.
2. After which war did Emperor Ashoka adopt Buddhism?
Emperor Ashoka adopted Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
3. Why is the Gupta period called the Golden Age of India?
Because during this period there was amazing progress in art, literature, science and mathematics.
4. What was the specialty of Nalanda University?
Nalanda was the world’s first residential university where 10,000 students studied.
5. Pataliputra has been the capital of which empires?
Pataliputra has been the capital of Magadha, Maurya and Gupta Empire.
✍️What will be the next part?
Tomorrow in this blog series we will learn about the legacy of Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, which reflect India’s glorious history in the field of education.
