Sixth century B.C.E. – Political Condition

The ruler of Magadha, Ajatashatru (492-460 BC) killed his father Bimbisara, the founder of Haryanka dynasty and sat on the throne. He was also killed by his son Udayin (different from the king Udayan of Vatsa) for the same reason.

Vaishali was the principle republic of Vajji confederacy. The ruler of this place were Lichchivi. From the time of Bimbisara, there was estrangement in the Magadha and Vajji Confederations, which turned into conffict during the time of Ajatshatru. It is known from Nirayavali sutra that at that time Chetak was chief of Lichchivi. He prepared and united front of 9 Lichchivis, 9 Mallas and 18 Ganrajayas (of Kashi-Koshala) against the king of Magadha. As per Bhagavati Sutta, Ajatshatru was winner of all of them. He defeated Lichchivis and annexted the Vajjis to the Magadha.

According to Matsya Puranas, king of Magadha, Sisunaga annexed Avanti (Malwa) in his empire by defeating Nandivardhan.

After Shishunaga dynasty, the Nanda dynasty started ruling Magadha. Mahapadmananda or Ugrasen was the founder of Nanda dynasty. He was also called as Sarvakshatrantaka and Aparoparashurama in Puranas.

After Shishunaga dynasty, the Nanda dynasty started ruling Magadha. Mahapadmananda or Ugrasen was the founder of Nanda dynasty. He was also called as Sarvakshatrantaka and Aparoparashurama in Puranas.

In 6th century BC Varanasi was the capital of Kashi Mahajanapada. It was received as dowry by Haryanka dynasty king Bimbisara when he married Mahakoshala, the sister of Koshala king Prasenjit. during the period of Ajatashatru, Prasenjit married his daughter Vajira with him and acdepted his suzerainty over Kashi. Later on when Shishunag made Vaishali his capital, he appointed his son as deputy-king of Varanasi. Hence, it is not very clear from given options that who made Varanasi his second capital.

dNanda dynasty of Magadha was founded after the end of shishunaga dynasty. There were 9 kings in Nanda dynasty- (1) Ugrasen, called Mahapadma in Puranas (2) Panduk (3) Pandugati (4) Bhootpal (5) Rastrapal (6) Govishanak (7) Dashasiddhak (8) Kaivart (9) Dhanananda. During last years of Nanda dynasty, people became turbulent because of extortion and imposing heavy taxes on small items. By taking advantage of this, Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya killed Dhananand and established Maurya Empire.

Kharvel was the most important emperor of Chedi dynasty of Kalinga. His Hathigumpha inscription is the major source of information about his reign. The engraving of canals in Kalinga by King Mahapadmananda is encrypted in this inscription. It is also the first inscription which tells about the engraving of canals. it mentions the donation of villages to Jain monks. This inscription also mentions that Kharvel defeated the three states Chola, Chera, and Pandyas of the south.

The sequence of these dynasties are as follows:-
Haryanka dynasty 544 BC - 412 BC
Nanda dynasy 344 BC - 321 BC
Mauryan dynasty 321 BC - 184 BC
Sunga dynasty 184 BC - 75 BC

The famous historical physician Jivaka, contemporary of Lord Buddha, was related to the court of Bimbisara. Bimbisara had sent Jivaka to the state of Avanti's king Chandapradyota for medicianal service.