Shaishunaga dynasty

Shaishunaga dynasty, ancient ruling family in the Indian kingdom of Magadha. The Shaishunaga line of kings followed the reigns of Bimbasara and Ajatashatru (both contemporaries of the Buddha). The line is generally placed immediately before the Nandas and is dated roughly from the mid-5th to the mid-4th century bce. Shisunaga, or Susunaga, the founder, was of obscure origin and may have initially served as Magadhan viceroy at Kashi (Varanasi). Gradually he came to be associated...