[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924) › c10.22 # The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c10.22 The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c10.22 - **Language:** English ### [c10.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c10.22) The first monarch about whom anything substantial is known is Bimbisāra, or Srēnika, the fifth of his line. He is credited with the building of New Rājagriha, the outer town to the north of the ring of hills encircling the ancient fort; and with the annexation of Anga, the small kingdom to the east, corresponding with the modern district of Bhāgalpur, and probably including Monghyr (Mungir).³ The annexation of Anga was the first step taken by the kingdom of Magadha in its advance to greatness and the position of supremacy which it attained in the following century ; so that Bimbisāra may be regarded as the real founder of the Magadhan imperial power. He strengthened his position by matrimonial alliances with the more powerful of the neighbouring states, taking one consort from the royal family of Kosala, and another from the influential Lichchhavi clan at Vaisālī.¹ The latter lady was the mother of Ajātasatru, also called Kūnika, or Kūniya, the son who was selected as heir-apparent and crown prince. If our authorities may be believed, the reign of Bimbisāra lasted for twenty-eight years ; and it is said that, towards its close, he resigned the royal power into the hands of his favourite son, and retired into private life. - [Previous: c10.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c10.21) - [Next: c10.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c10.23) - [Up: c10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c10) ## Linked texts (3) - [Vaiśālī](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.vaisali) - [Rājagṛha](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.rajagrha) - [Bhâgalpur](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.bhagalpur) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c10.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c10.22) · Pramāṇa