Ajatashatru was a powerful ruler of the Haryanka Dynasty of Magadha. He expanded Magadha’s territory through wars with neighboring kingdoms and strengthened its position as the dominant power in North India. He was also an important figure in the early growth of Buddhism and Jainism.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ajatashatru |
| Dynasty | Haryanka Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 492 BCE – 460 BCE (or 461 BCE) |
| Capital | Rajagriha (modern Rajgir, Bihar) |
| Predecessor | Bimbisara (his father) |
| Successor | Udayin |
| Religious Influence | Buddhism and Jainism |
| Major Wars | Wars with Kosala & Vaishali |
| Death | Around 460 BCE |
Early Life & Accession to Throne
- Ajatashatru was the son of Bimbisara and ascended the throne by imprisoning and later killing his father in 492 BCE.
- Some sources suggest that he was influenced by his stepmother to overthrow Bimbisara.
Military Conquests & Expansion of Magadha
Ajatashatru expanded Magadha’s empire through wars against powerful neighbors.
1. War with Kosala (Against King Prasenjit)
- Cause: King Prasenjit of Kosala was upset with Ajatashatru for killing Bimbisara (his brother-in-law).
- Outcome:
- Initially, Ajatashatru lost the war.
- Later, after the death of Prasenjit, he defeated Kosala and annexed Kashi (Varanasi).
2. War with Vaishali (Against Lichchhavis)
- Cause: The Lichchhavis were a powerful republic and a threat to Magadha’s expansion.
- Strategy:
- Built a massive fort at Pataligrama (later Pataliputra, modern Patna) as a military base.
- Used new weapons, including the Rathamusala (chariot with rotating blades) and Mahashilakantaka (catapult for throwing stones).
- Outcome:
- Defeated the Lichchhavis after 16 years of war.
- Expanded Magadha’s control over the Ganga region, strengthening its dominance.
Patronage of Buddhism & Jainism
Ajatashatru initially opposed Buddhism, but later became a follower of Gautama Buddha.
1. Support for Buddhism
- Became a patron of Buddhism after meeting Buddha.
- Helped in organizing the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha (483 BCE) after Buddha’s death.
2. Influence on Jainism
- Jain texts mention that Ajatashatru met Mahavira and adopted Jainism in his later years.
Administrative & Urban Development
- Shifted the capital from Rajagriha to Pataligrama, which later became Pataliputra, the future capital of the Mauryan Empire.
- Strengthened Magadha’s fortifications and military power.
Death & Succession
- Died around 460 BCE (or 461 BCE).
- His son Udayin succeeded him and further developed Pataliputra.
Significance of Ajatashatru
- Expanded Magadha, making it the most powerful kingdom in North India.
- Laid the foundation for Magadha’s dominance, which continued under the Mauryas.
- First ruler to use advanced war strategies and military innovations.
- Major patron of Buddhism, playing a key role in its early growth.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Haryanka Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 492 BCE – 460 BCE |
| Father & Predecessor | Bimbisara |
| Capital | Rajagriha (later Pataligrama/Pataliputra) |
| Major Wars | Kosala War, Lichchhavi War |
| Religious Influence | Buddhism and Jainism |
| Buddhist Contribution | First Buddhist Council (483 BCE) |
| Death | Around 460 BCE |
MCQs on Ajatashatru
1. Ajatashatru belonged to which dynasty?
A) Maurya
B) Haryanka
C) Nanda
D) Gupta
Answer: B) Haryanka
2. Who was the father of Ajatashatru?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bimbisara
C) Ashoka
D) Prasenjit
Answer: B) Bimbisara
3. Which city was founded by Ajatashatru as a military base?
A) Rajagriha
B) Pataliputra
C) Ujjain
D) Varanasi
Answer: B) Pataliputra
4. Which republic did Ajatashatru defeat after 16 years of war?
A) Kosala
B) Lichchhavis (Vaishali)
C) Kalinga
D) Ujjain
Answer: B) Lichchhavis (Vaishali)
5. What was the capital of Ajatashatru’s empire?
A) Nalanda
B) Pataliputra
C) Ujjain
D) Taxila
Answer: B) Pataliputra
6. Which Buddhist event took place under Ajatashatru’s rule?
A) First Buddhist Council
B) Second Buddhist Council
C) Third Buddhist Council
D) Fourth Buddhist Council
Answer: A) First Buddhist Council
7. Who succeeded Ajatashatru as the ruler of Magadha?
A) Ashoka
B) Chandragupta Maurya
C) Udayin
D) Harsha
Answer: C) Udayin
Subjective Questions on Ajatashatru
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Ajatashatru, and which dynasty did he belong to?
- What were the major wars fought by Ajatashatru?
- How did Ajatashatru expand the Magadha empire?
- What was Ajatashatru’s contribution to Buddhism?
- What military innovations were introduced by Ajatashatru?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the military and territorial expansion of Ajatashatru.
- Explain the causes and impact of Ajatashatru’s war with the Lichchhavis.
- How did Ajatashatru contribute to the growth of Buddhism and Jainism?
- Describe the role of Ajatashatru in the foundation of Pataliputra.
- Compare the administration and policies of Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Ancient Indian History.