Brihadratha dynasty

History

Brihadratha

According to the Puranas, Brihadratha (also Maharatha) was the king of Magadha and the founder of the Brihadratha dynasty. According to the Mahabharata and the Purana, he was the eldest of the five sons of Uparichara Vasu, the Kuru king of Chedi, and his queen was Girika. The name 'Brihadratha' is found twice in the Rigveda (I.36.18, X.49.6); however, it is not indicated whether this refers to the father of Jarasandha.

Jarasandha

The Mahabharatha mentions that Jarasandha was the son of Brihadratha and the greatest ruler of the dynasty. According to Jai Samhita, 24 Brihadratha kings ruled for many years. The name of Jarasandha appears in the Puranas many times. Jarasandha was inimical to the Yadava and is mentioned as a villain in the Mahabharata.

As per the epic, Bhima with the help of Krishna killed Jarasandha. The site is mentioned as Girivraja in Mahabharata, and scholars have identified the place with modern Rajgir. Girivraja is also significantly noted in Mahabharata as the capital of Jarasandha.

Sahadeva

According to scripture, Sahadeva was the son of Jarasandha placed on the throne of Magadha by the Pandava after the assassination of Jarasandha. Sahadeva has fought the Kurukshetra War on the side of the Pandavas. According to the Puranas, he was killed in the Kurukshetra War by Shakuni, along with his cousin Jayadeva. He was succeeded by Somadhi.

Later rulers

Somadhi (or Somphi) was the son of Sahadeva and was placed on the throne of Magadha by the Pandavas after he agreed to be their subordinate.