Bimbisara (546-494 BCE)
- Belonged to the Haryanka dynasty
Matrimonial alliances- which consolidated his position
- First was with the ruling family of Kosala. He married Kosaladevi, sister of Prasenajit
- He was given the Kasi region as dowry which yielded large revenue
- Second, married Chellana, a princess of the Licchavi family of Vaishali
- This matrimonial alliance secured for him the safety of the northern frontier and facilitated the expansion of Magadha northwards to the borders of Nepal
- Third- He also married Khema of the royal house of Madras in central Punjab
Expeditions- which added more territories to the Empire.
- He defeated Brahmadatta of Anga and annexed that kingdom. He maintained friendly relations with Avanti
- He had also efficiently reorganized the administration of his kingdom
- He was a contemporary of both Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. However, both religions claim him as their supporter and devotee. He seems to have made numerous gifts to the Buddhist Sanghas