Brihadratha dynasty

The Brihadratha dynasty (IAST: Bṛhadratha) was a legendary dynasty of the Magadha Empire, according to the Puranas, and was founded by Brihadratha. According to the Vishnu Purana, Magadha, mentioned in the Atharvaveda, was not only the most valuable kingdom in the Vedic period but was also the centre of civilization and power in India.

Puranic sources say that Brihadratha was the eldest son of Uparichara Vasu, who, according to the Ramayana, founded the Vasumati and Girivraja, the capital of the dynasty. However, archaeological evidence for the specific kings of the dynasty is lacking and they may be considered semi-legendary.

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 Puranas mention that Jarasandha was the son of Sambhava. The Mahabharatha states that Jarasandha was the son of Brihadratha and the greatest ruler of the dynasty. According to ancient texts, 24 Brihadratha kings ruled for many years. However, the Vayu Purana, Matsya Purana, and Vishnu Purana disagree regarding the Brihadratha period of rule. The astronomical works based on the Vishnu Purana state that the Brihadratha dynasty lasted for 1,000 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.

Bhima, with the help of Krishna, killed 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.

End of dynasty
The last of the Brihadratha dynasty was Ripunjaya, who was killed by a minister named Punika (Pulika). After the death of Ripunjaya, Punika placed his son Pradyota on the throne and founded the Pradyota dynasty in 682 BCE.