2018-04-18 Wed

Magadha was one of major powerful kingdom amongst the sixteen mahajanapadas of the ancient India. It was situated on the Indo-Gangetic Plains in the eastern India and spread over today’s modern state of Bihar. The meaning of the word Mahajanapada is ‘Great Countries’ or 'Great Republics'. In ancient times Magadha had played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Jainism.

The reference to the people of Magadha occurs in the Atharvaveda, where they are found listed along with the Angas, Gandharis and Mujavats. Magadha kingdom is also mentioned in epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and in various Puranas. In Mahabharata, Magadha was the mightiest kingdom in the country, stronger even than that of the Kurus.

Magadha Janapada punch marked coins are widely collected for its historicity and beauty.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction