Who was Ajatashatru?
Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. His father was King Bimbisara who was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. He forcefully took over the kingdom of Magadha from his father and imprisoned him.
Ajatashatru is remembered in history for his iron-fisted rule and his military conquests. Ajatashatru was also a patron of the arts and supported the growth of trade in his kingdom. There were significant social and political changes in ancient India during his reign.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Ajatashatru
- Died: 460 BCE or c. 380 BCE
- Reign: ? – c.492 BCE
- Predecessor: Bimbisara
- Successor: Udayabhadra
- Religion: Hindu
- Dynasty: Haryanka
- Spouse: Vajira, Padmavati, Dharini, Subhadra
- Father: Bimbisara
- Mother: Queen Kosala Devi
- Famous as: Second Haryanka Emperor
Early life and ascension to the throne
Ajatashatru was born in the ancient city of Magadha, located in modern-day Bihar, India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and his queen, Kosala Devi. Both of his parents belonged to the Haryanka dynasty, which ruled over Magadha for several centuries.
As a young prince, Ajatashatru received a thorough education in the art of war, politics, and diplomacy.
When Ajatashatru was in his early twenties, he ascended to the throne after his father’s death. Under his rule, Magadha grew in power and influence, and he became known as one of the most terrifying kings of ancient India.
The conquest of Vajji
The conquest of Vajji marked a significant victory for Ajatashatru, emerged his position as a powerful ruler. To defeat Vajji, Ajatashatru employed a combination of military tactics and political strategies. He first sent spies to gather information about Vajji’s military strength, political alliances, and economic resources. He then used this information to plan his attack.
Ajatashatru launched a surprise attack on Vajji, catching them off guard. He strategically placed his soldiers at key points along the Vajji border, blocking their supply routes and cutting off their communication lines. This forced the Vajji to surrender and accept Magadhan rule.
The assassination of his father Bimbisara
According to historical events, Ajatashatru’s ascension to the throne was not a peaceful one. It is said that he assassinated his own father, Bimbisara, in order to claim the throne for himself. Ajatashatru was jealous of his father’s popularity and feared that he would be overthrown if he did not act quickly. The assassination of Bimbisara was a brutal and violent act that shocked the people of Magadha.
The imprisonment of his own mother
The imprisonment of his own mother Queen Vaishali was one of the most controversial and shocking acts of Ajatashatru’s reign. Some believe that it was done due to political reasons, while others believe it was done due to personal reasons.
According to the historical accounts, Ajatashatru’s mother had sided with his enemy, King Devaka, during a war. This act of betrayal was seen as a threat to Ajatashatru’s rule and he took the step against his own mother.
Queen Vaishali was imprisoned in a wooden cabin and was kept under constant surveillance. She was not allowed to meet anyone. She was kept in isolation for years, until her death.
The changing nature of Ajatashatru’s rule
Ajatashatru, the king who ruled with an iron fist, had a unique and changing approach to his style of governance. Initially, he was known for his aggressive and violent tactics. This resulted in him being feared and disliked by his neighboring kingdoms. However, as he grew older, he started to adopt a more diplomatic approach, which earned him the respect of his people and made him a more effective ruler.
As a result, he initiated several social and economic reforms, which included building hospitals and schools, improving agriculture, and introducing a fairer tax system. These reforms helped to improve the lives of his subjects and made him a more popular ruler.