Ajatashatru – The king of Magadha

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.

Depicting Ajatashatru, from Sanchi

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