Magadh : a kingdom which finds mention from the Vedic to the Puranic texts [see SABCL 3:190-91 & 8:41, 52, 57]. Magadha is believed to have been ruled in 7th century BC by Shaisha-naga. His fifth successor was Bimbisāra who ruled during the time of Buddha & Mahāvira. Bimbisāra honoured them both while extending his kingdom by conquering Aṇga (q.v.) now Bhagalpur & entering into matrimonial relations with Koshala & Vaishāli but his son Ajātashatru conquered them both & built a fortress around which his descendent built the historical city of Pātaliputra & made it his capital. This dynasty was overthrown by Mahāpadma Nanda c.362 BC, who extended his empire from Kalinga (Odishā) on the east to the bank of Beas in Punjab. The arrogance & debauchery of Mahāpadma’s successors led to the overthrow of the Nandas in c.322 BC. However the practice of the ideals of Buddhism & Jainism inevitably brought in a decline in the military prowess & organisation & the rule of the Maurya dynasty ended with Bŗihadratha, who was killed in c.185 BC. The Gupta dynasty, that succeeded the Mauryan, restored Magadha’s power earned respect even from the southern states as far down as Kānchipūram. The present Magadha comprises of Patna & Gaya districts of Bihar (corruption of Vihāra, land of Buddhist & Jain vihāras).
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