Ajatasatru, one of the most prominent rulers of the Haryanka dynasty, was a powerful emperor of Magadha. He was known for his ambition, military conquests, and desire to expand his empire, dominating North India. His rise to power and rule is marked by significant events that shaped the political landscape of ancient India.
Key Highlights:
- Ascension to Power: Ajatasatru's rise to the throne was controversial and dramatic, as he imprisoned and allegedly killed his father, King Bimbisara, to take control of the Magadha kingdom.
- Major Conquests: His ambition led him to conquer several kingdoms, including Vaisali and Kosala, adding vast territories to the Magadha empire.
- Patron of Religion: Although linked with both Jainism and Buddhism, he was more inclined towards Jainism, maintaining frequent contact with Mahavira and playing a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism after Buddha’s death.
- Cultural Contributions: Ajatasatru was not only a conqueror but also a patron of arts, culture, and infrastructure development, particularly in the establishment of Pataliputra, which became a significant city in Indian history.
Childhood and Early Life
Ajatasatru, also known as Kunika, was born to King Bimbisara and Queen Chelna (or Kosala Devi), as recorded in both Jainism and Buddhist texts. He grew up in the powerful Magadha kingdom, which was already an emerging power in ancient India under the rule of his father. However, Ajatasatru was not content with being a prince; his ambition for power manifested early on.
His ascension to the throne in 492 BC was marked by treachery and violence. According to Buddhist sources, Ajatasatru was so eager to rule that he imprisoned his father, Bimbisara, and later killed him. The Jain tradition holds that Bimbisara committed suicide, unable to bear the suffering imposed by his own son. This brutal path to power, however, did not tarnish Ajatasatru's ambition; rather, it fueled his desire for more conquest.
Expansion and Military Conquests
Once Ajatasatru assumed power, his primary focus was on expanding the Magadha empire. His conquests began with the attack on Vaisali, a republic that was ruled by his maternal grandfather, Chetaka. The battle of Vaisali was triggered by a familial dispute over a prized elephant and some jewels between Ajatasatru and his two brothers, Halla and Vihalla. The two brothers sought refuge with Chetaka, which led Ajatasatru to declare war.
Chetaka, a devout follower of Jainism and a supporter of non-violence, fought the war with great restraint, pledging to fire only one arrow a day. This unusual vow limited his ability to defend Vaisali effectively. After 16 years of war, Ajatasatru employed two powerful war devices—the "Mahasilakantaka" (a catapult-like weapon that hurled large stones) and the "Ratha-musala" (a chariot equipped with blades on its sides)—which were granted to him by the gods, according to legend. Using these devices, Ajatasatru ultimately conquered Vaisali.
Apart from Vaisali, he also waged a war against the kingdom of Kosala, ruled by King Presenajit, over a dispute concerning the town of Kasi. Ajatasatru defeated Presenajit and not only annexed Kosala but also married his daughter, Vajira, strengthening his claim over the newly acquired territories. By the end of his reign, Ajatasatru had conquered 36 kingdoms and republican states surrounding Magadha, extending his influence from present-day Haryana in the west to Bihar and Bengal in the east.
Religious Influence: Jainism and Buddhism
Ajatasatru's relationship with religion is complex. He is believed to have been a devotee of both Jainism and Buddhism, but historical evidence points more strongly toward his allegiance to Jainism. He frequently interacted with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, and many records document their meetings. On the other hand, his connection with Buddhism is primarily associated with a single meeting with Buddha before the latter's death.
Despite the ambiguity regarding his religious inclinations, Ajatasatru played a critical role in the spread of Buddhism after Buddha's death. He sought a share of Buddha's relics and constructed a large stupa to house them. Additionally, he supported the renovation of 18 Buddhist monasteries and the construction of more stupas in his capital city. Most notably, Ajatasatru organized the First Buddhist Council at Rajgir after Buddha's death, a pivotal event in the history of Buddhism. The council was held in a hall built by Ajatasatru outside the Sattaparnaguha Cave, which is today known as Sattapani caves.
Major Battles and Achievements
Ajatasatru is known for his relentless military campaigns and diplomatic skills. His conquest of Vaisali and Kosala marked significant milestones in his reign. His victories over the 36 kingdoms and republican states, including smaller ones like Kasi, Kosala, and Anga, laid the foundation for the rise of the Magadha empire as the dominant power in northern India.
One of his significant infrastructural achievements was the construction of a fort on the banks of the Ganges River, known as Patali grama. This fort later developed into the famous city of Pataliputra, which became the capital of Magadha and played a central role in Indian history for centuries to come.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ajatasatru's personal life is surrounded by both historical records and legends. Jain texts mention that he had eight wives, the most prominent among them being Padmavati, Dharini, and Subhadra. Buddhist sources, however, claim that he had as many as 500 wives, with Vajira, the daughter of the Kosala king, being his chief queen. Both traditions agree that he had a son named Udayabhadra (or Udayabhadda), who eventually succeeded him.
Ajatasatru's reign ended in tragedy when he was assassinated by his son Udayabhadra in 461 BC. This marked the end of Ajatasatru’s 32-year rule over Magadha.
Cultural Patronage and Diplomatic Prowess
Despite being known for his military exploits, Ajatasatru was also a patron of the arts and literature. He supported poets, scholars, and philosophers, showing a deep interest in cultural and intellectual pursuits. He is credited with initiating several infrastructure projects, such as building roads and irrigation systems, to improve the lives of his subjects.
In addition to his conquests, Ajatasatru was a skilled diplomat and negotiator. He often used strategic alliances and treaties to expand his kingdom's influence without resorting to warfare. His marriage to Princess Vajira, following the war with Kosala, is an example of his ability to secure political stability through matrimonial alliances.
Ajatasatru also had a keen interest in spirituality and sought guidance from various religious teachers and philosophers during his reign. His inclination towards Jainism and Buddhism showcases his desire to explore different religious teachings, despite his ruthless approach to power and conquest.
Conclusion
Ajatasatru remains one of the most significant rulers in Indian history, not only for his military conquests but also for his contributions to religion, culture, and infrastructure. His reign laid the foundation for the rise of the Magadha empire, which would later become the nucleus of several great dynasties, including the Mauryas. Although his path to power was marked by bloodshed, his legacy as a builder of an empire and a patron of religion and culture endures.
