Geographical factors

# Magadha was located on the upper and lower parts of the Gangetic valley.
# It was located on the mainland route between west and east India.
# The area had fertile soil. It also received enough rainfall.
# Magadha was encircled by rivers on three sides, the Ganga, Son an

Nanda Dynasty
This was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty and it lasted from 345 BCE to 321 BCE. The first ruler was Mahapadma Nanda who usurped the throne of Kalasoka.

About Mahapadma Nanda:

# He is called the “first historical emperor of India.” (Chandragupta Maurya is the First Emperor of

Sisunaga Dynasty: 
According to Sri Lankan chronicles, the people of Magadha revolted during the reign of Nagadasaka and placed an amatya (minister) named Sisunaga as the king. Sisunaga dynasty lasted from 413 BCE to 345 BCE.

Sisunaga

# Was the viceroy of Kasi before becoming king of Magadha.

Udayabhadra/Udayin (460 BCE – 444 BCE)

# Son of Ajatasatru.
# Shifted the capital to Pataliputra (Patna).
# Last of the major Haryanka rulers.
# Udayin’s reign is important because he built the fort upon the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Son at Pataliputra. This was done because Patna

Here is the information about Ajatasatru::

# Son of Bimbisara and Chellana.
# He killed his father and became ruler.
# Embraced Buddhism.
# He convened the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha just after the death of Buddha in 483 BCE. Read more on Buddhist Councils here.
# Won wars against Ko

Here is the information about Bimbisara::
# Son of Bhattiya.
# According to Buddhist chronicles, Bimbisara ruled for 52 years (544 BCE – 492 BCE).
# Contemporary and follower of the Buddha. Was also said to be an admirer of Mahavira, who was also his contemporary.
# He Had his capital at Giriv

The Magadha Empire encompasses the rule of three dynasties over time – Haryanka Dynasty, Shishunaga Dynasty, and Nanda Dynasty. The timeline of the Magadha Empire is estimated to be from 684 BCE to 320 BCE.

Rise of Magadha Notes for UPSC Exam
The four Mahajanapadas – Magadha, Kosala, Avanti