Question

Which of the following statements are true about Ajatashatru?

a. His name was also Kunika.

b. He was the last ruler of the Haryanka dynasty.

c. The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgruh during his regime.

d. He integrated Lichhavi kingdom into Magadh.

1. a, b and d
2.

a, c and d

3. a, b and c
4. b, c and d

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 :

a, c and d

The correct answer is a, c and d.

• Ajatashatru - Ajatashatru (kunika) was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha.
  • He was King Bimbisara's son, He was the second ruler of the Haryanka dynasty
  • The ancient inscription in Government Museum Mathura, refers to him as ‘Vaidehi putra Ajatashatru Kunika.” 
  • He was contemporary of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
  • He took over the kingdom of Magadha violently from his father and imprisoned him.
  • He fought a war against Vajji and captured the republic of Vesali.
  • The city of Pataliputra was founded by him.
  • Ajatashatru annexed several important and powerful kingdoms in its vicinity – Kosala and Kashi, and then Vajji and his empire roughly covered the present-day Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh (some minor parts), West Bengal (some major parts), Odisha (some parts) and also some parts of the neighbour countries of Bangladesh and Nepal.
  • The story of Ajatashatru is also found in the Tripitaka—Buddhist scriptures, and Jain Agamas—the Jain texts.
  • According to jainisam, Ajatashatru was born to King Bimbisara and Queen Chelna.
  • According to Buddhisam, Ajatashatru was born to King Bimbisara and Kosala Devi.

• First Buddhist council- 400 B.C.
  • The First Buddhist Council met in the Rajgriha's Sattapanni Caves.
  • It was held under the patronage of King Ajatashatru.
  • Monk Mahakasyapa chaired the First Buddhist Council.
  • The First Buddhist Council's agenda was to uphold Buddha's teachings (Sutta) and monastic discipline and instructions for monks (Vinaya).
  • It was held after the Buddha's death.
  • The monks Ananda and Upali recited Suttas and Vinaya, respectively,
  • In this council, Abhidhamma Pitaka was also recited.