The Brihadratha dynasty was one of the earliest ruling houses of ancient Magadha, playing a significant role in early Indian political and mythological traditions. According to the Puranas, Brihadratha was the founder of this dynasty and is described as a powerful ruler, often linked to the royal lineage of Chedi through his father Uparichara Vasu. His son Jarasandha emerged as the most famous king of the line, known for his rivalry with the Yadavas and his eventual defeat by Bhima with the support of Krishna in the Mahabharata. The dynasty continued through Sahadeva and Somadhi but eventually declined. Its last ruler, Ripunjaya, was overthrown, leading to the rise of the Pradyota dynasty around 682 BCE.

Gupta Empire: History & Administration

List of Brihadratha Dynasty Rulers (According to Vayu Purana)

The Brihadratha dynasty is regarded as one of the earliest dynasties of ancient Magadha, with its lineage primarily described in the Puranic texts, especially the Vayu Purana. The dynasty traditionally begins with Brihadratha and includes the legendary ruler Jarasandha, who is prominently mentioned in the Mahabharata. According to the Puranic tradition, this line of kings ruled Magadha for many centuries before the rise of the Pradyota dynasty. Below is the list of Brihadratha dynasty rulers and their estimated reign periods as mentioned in the Vayu Purana.

Rise of Buddhism and Jainism

Ruler	Reign (BCE)	Length of Reign (Estimated Years)
Brihadratha	1700–1680 BCE	20
Jarasandha	1680–1665 BCE	15
Sahadeva	1665–1661 BCE	4
Somadhi	1661–1603 BCE	58
Srutasravas	1603–1539 BCE	64
Ayutayus	1539–1503 BCE	36
Niramitra	1503–1463 BCE	40
Sukshatra	1463–1405 BCE	58
Brihatkarman	1405–1382 BCE	23
Senajit	1382–1332 BCE	50
Srutanjaya	1332–1292 BCE	40
Vipra	1292–1257 BCE	35
Suchi	1257–1199 BCE	60
Kshemya	1199–1171 BCE	26
Subrata	1171–1107 BCE	64
Dharma	1107–1043 BCE	64
Susuma	1043–970 BCE	73
Dridhasena	970–912 BCE	58
Sumati	912–879 BCE	33
Subala	879–857 BCE	22
Sunita	857–817 BCE	40
Satyajit	817–767 BCE	50
Viswajit	767–732 BCE	35
Ripunjaya	732–682 BCE	50

Vedic Period in India

The Brihadratha dynasty occupies an important place in the early historical and mythological traditions of ancient Magadha. Beginning with Brihadratha and reaching prominence under Jarasandha, the dynasty reflects a blend of legend and early political history preserved in the Puranas and the Mahabharata. These rulers are portrayed not only as powerful monarchs but also as key figures connected to epic events such as the conflict between the Pandavas and their rivals. Over time, the dynasty gradually weakened, and with the fall of Ripunjaya, Magadha entered a new phase under the Pradyota dynasty around 682 BCE. Thus, the Brihadratha line marks the foundational stage of Magadha’s rise in ancient Indian history.