Bimbisara is considered the main founder of which dynasty of Magadha?

Bimbisara (ruled about 544-492 BCE) was the most important early ruler of Magadha and is regarded as the real founder of the Haryanka dynasty and of Magadha's greatness. He was a contemporary and follower of the Buddha, and is also mentioned with respect in Jain texts.

Bimbisara expanded Magadha's power through three main methods:

Matrimonial alliances: he married Kosala Devi, sister of King Prasenajit of Kosala, who brought Kashi as dowry; Chellana, a Lichchhavi princess from Vaishali; and Khema, a princess from Madra in Punjab. These marriages gave him prestige and helped expand his kingdom.

Conquest: he annexed Anga, with its capital Champa, which was an important centre of trade.

Diplomacy: he maintained friendly relations with other kingdoms, such as Avanti; he sent his royal physician Jivaka to treat King Pradyota of Avanti.

His capital was Rajagriha (Rajgir), surrounded by five hills, which made it a strong natural fort.

Bimbisara was killed (or imprisoned and starved, according to tradition) by his ambitious son Ajatashatru (ruled about 492-460 BCE), who expanded Magadha further by defeating Kosala and the Vajji confederacy. Ajatashatru built a fort at Pataligrama, which grew into Pataliputra. The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha during his reign. His son Udayin shifted the capital to Pataliputra.

The Haryankas were followed by the Shishunaga dynasty, founded by Shishunaga, who annexed Avanti. Kalashoka, his son, held the Second Buddhist Council. The Nandas came next; Mahapadma Nanda is called the first empire-builder of India. Finally, Chandragupta Maurya overthrew Dhana Nanda and founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The Shishunaga dynasty followed the Haryankas.
• ✗The Nanda dynasty was founded by Mahapadma Nanda.
• ✗The Maurya dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya.