Bimbisara

Uncover the historical legacy of Bimbisara, an influential figure in ancient India, through our comprehensive guide. Immerse yourself in the life and reign of this remarkable ruler and explore his contributions, achievements, and importance in shaping the Magadha Empire. Learn about his strategies, political achievements, and cultural impact on the region. Gain insight into his patronage of Buddhism and his association with figures such as Gautama Buddha. Whether you’re a history buff or curious about the key figures of ancient India, our guide offers an in-depth look at Bimbisara’s reign and provides a deeper understanding of his role in the historical, cultural, and political landscape of ancient India.

Bimbisara

Historical Figures	Bimbisara
Dynasty	Haryanka Dynasty
Reign	Approx. 543–492 BCE
Kingdom	Magadha (modern-day Bihar, India)
Achievements	Expansion of Magadha Kingdom, Patron of Buddhism
Relationship with Buddha	Early follower and patron
Death	Imprisoned and died in confinement

Introduction

The king of Magadha and a contemporary of Sakyamuni Buddha, Seniya Bimbisara, was one of the first prominent kings to support Buddhism. He ascended the throne at the age of 15 and ruled from Rajagaha for 52 years. He was 5 years younger than the Buddha and died 8 years before him. Both were childhood friends. Pali texts mention Bimbisara’s father’s name as Bhati, but in Tibetan sources, his father and mother are called Mahapaduma and Bimbi. Besides Ajatashatru, who succeeded him, Bimbisara had many sons; two, named Vimala Kondanna and Abhaya, were born to courtesans named Ambapali and Padmavati.

Identity of Bimbisara

Bimbisara was the son of Bhattiya, a chief. He ascended the throne at the age of 15 in 543 BC. He founded the Haryanka dynasty and laid the foundations of Magadha with the fortification of a village that later became the city of Pataliputra.

Reign of Bimbisara

Bimbisara ruled from Girivraja, which was also known as Rajagriha and is now known as modern Rajgir. He ruled from 543 BC to 492 BC.

King Bimbisara

Bimbisara was 15 years old when he became king and 52 years old when he was assassinated. He increased his domain.

Bimbisara Matrimonial Alliances

Bimbisara enhanced his status through matrimonial partnerships. His first wife was the sister of the Kosal king, Prasenajit. As a dowry, his bride gave him Kashi, which was then just a village. This marriage also ended the rivalry between Magadha and Kosala, allowing him to freely negotiate with other states. Chellana, Bimbisara’s second wife, was a Lachchhavi princess of Vaishali and a cousin of Mahavira’s mother. His third wife was the daughter of the head of the Punjabi Madra clan. Bimbisara is reputed to have gotten along well with all his contemporaries.

Expansion of the Bimbisara Empire

His first campaign was against Anga. He defeated and killed King Brahamadatta and incorporated Anga into Magadha. According to “Mahavagga,” there were 80,000 villages in his kingdom. According to “Buddhacharya,” his empire was 300 Yojnas in extent. Kushagrapjur was the capital of Magadha. It was also called Girivraja. Because of the danger, Vijjis made Bimbisara Rajgriha. This place was situated north of Kushagrapura and was its capital.

Acquisition of Bengal by Bimbisara

Bimbisara’s acquisition of Bengal is said to have laid the foundation for the eventual Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

Administrative Structure of Bimbisara

• (1) Bimbisara undertook an effective reorganization of the administrative system of the Magadh Empire, which was followed by the following dynasties of the Magadh Empire. Although the number of his military expeditions and conquests was limited, he undertook many expeditions and expanded the empire.
• (2) The kingdom of Magadha had about 70,000 villages, and a headman was appointed for each of them. He was responsible for the administration of the municipality and the collection of taxes. To ensure proper tax collection, he appointed a chain of officials to oversee tax collection.
• (3) Bimbisara’s administrative efficiency was visibly reflected in the measures he took for the smooth functioning of the Empire. High-ranking officials were appointed at the judicial, political, and financial administrative levels of the kingdom. The performance and competence of officials were evaluated with strict replacement of inefficient officials in the administration. Bimbisara also acted on the opinions of high-ranking ministers.
• (4) Bimbisara defeated Brahmadatta of Anga, annexed that kingdom, and maintained cordial relations with Avanti. Bimbisara maintained four levels of military divisions, including cavalry, infantry, chariots, and elephants. He also established a navy after the conquest of Anga. The mighty army of Magadha was handed over to his son Ajathasathra, who further strengthened it with military conquests.
• (5) Rather than the systematic administration and planning initiated by Bimbisara, Magadha was the traditional source of rich mineral resources that contributed to the empire’s prosperity. There were also a number of wooden forests. Overall, they provided the Empire with armaments, elephants, and timber. Magadha had the advantage of the fertile Gangetic plains, which guaranteed farmers’ overproduction.

Bimbisara and the Buddha

Since Bimbisara was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha, there are several stories about him in the Buddhist Jatakas (one of the three texts of the Pali canon). Bimbisara provided food for the Buddha and his followers, as well as his own garden, or Veluvana Park, where they could spend as long as they wanted.

The Buddha did indeed return after his enlightenment, this time with a large number of disciples. Bimbisara, now in his 30s and five years younger than the Buddha, traveled from the city to greet the now-famous teacher after hearing this.

Bimbisara followed the eight Uposatha precepts for six days every month for the rest of his life. The first convocation or Buddhist council, convened after the Buddha’s death, was held in his city. This council established the Pali, or Buddhist canon. Khema, Bimbasar’s third wife, was the Buddha’s first convert. The Buddha later described her as a flawless disciple after accepting her precepts as a nun, or bhikkhuni. She once answered the questions of another local ruler exactly like the Buddha, although she was not aware of his answer. She was called “Khedma of Great Wisdom”.

Buddhism during the reign of Bimbisara

Bimbisara was a contemporary of the Buddha and was a staunch supporter of the Buddha throughout his life. It was the Buddha who introduced him to the first fruits of emancipation and preached the values ​​of generosity, morality, heavenly reward, the pitfalls of sense gratification, and the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Bimbisara’s close association with Buddhism is visible, as he was associated with several incidents associated with Buddhism. Not only did he show affection and support for the Buddha, but he was considerate and compassionate towards the Buddhist monks. He rules according to the Dhamma taught by the Buddha. Buddha was receptive to Bimbisara’s suggestions. “The Vinaya rule states that no one in the royal service who has committed theft or broken prison should be considered a monk. Bimbisara also suggested the recitation of the rules of discipline, or “Patimokha,” on the eighth and last day of the half-month. In addition, he also suggested the practice of retreating during the rainy season until the second full moon. Bimbisara made the members of his household visit the Buddha. Khema, Bimbisara’s wife, became an ardent follower of the Buddha and joined the Sangha. But the Buddha never preached any special suttas to Bimbisara, nor are there any accounts of any questions the Buddha was asked. Bimbisara hosted the Buddha and his disciples in his amusement park or garden, known as ‘Veluvana’, where they could stay as they wished. The first Buddhist Council after the Buddha’s death was held in his capital, Rajagriha

Mahavira and Bimbisara

According to Jains, Bimbisara would become a Tirthankara (fully realized entity) in the next life cycle as a result of his relationship with Mahavira.

Jainism during the reign of Bimbisara

Jain scriptures describe Bimbisara as a Shrenik of Rajgir who became an advocate of Jainism, impressed by the tranquility of the Jain monks belonging to the Digambara Jainism and Svetambara Jainism sects. He kept visiting Mahavira’s preaching hall to get his questions answered by him. Jain literature describes Bimbisara killing himself in a fit of passion after being imprisoned by his son Ajathasathru. It also says that he was reborn in hell and currently resides there. Due to his close acquaintance with Vardhamana Mahavira, he is considered the last Tirthankara of Jainism. It further states that he will be born as Mahapadma, the first Tirthankara in the next cycle of life.

Religious tolerance of Bimbisara

He maintained religious tolerance. He gave equal priority to Jainism and Buddhism. Jaina and Buddha scriptures mention Bimbisara and his life and administration. According to the Jain Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Bimbisara met Mahavira and his conversion to Jainism. Thus, Buddhist literature refers to a discussion of Bimbisara with Gautama seven years before his enlightenment and a second meeting after he became the Buddha. Buddhist texts also refer to the conversion of Bimbisara to Buddhism by Gautham Buddha himself.

Significance of Bimbisara’s Reign

Bimbisara was the first ruler of the Indian state of Magadha. His development of the kingdom, especially his absorption of the Anga kingdom to the east, is said to have provided the foundations for the eventual growth of the Mauryan Empire. He is also remembered for his cultural achievements and as a close friend and protector of the Buddha.

Remembrance of Bimbisara

He took over Anga and made it the viceroyalty of his son Ajatashatru, with the seat of Champa. He is remembered as a kind and generous ruler. He appears on various reliefs from the ninth century AD at Borobudur in Java with the Buddha and other contemporaries.

The Conspiracy to Kill Bimbisara

The end of Bimbisara was extremely tragic. The soothsayers told him that Ajatshatru’s birth was inauspicious for him, yet he brought him up with great care and love. When Ajatsatru grew up, he planned to kill his father. Buddha’s cousin Devadatta inspired Ajatsatru when he abhorred the king’s patronage of Gautama Buddha. Bimbisara learned about Ajatshatru’s plot and understood his son’s serious urge to become a ruler. He abdicated the throne for his son, but Ajatsatru imprisoned his father, Bimbisara, on the advice of Devadatta. Bimbisara was kept in a very heated prison house and was forced to starve to death. Except for Queen Khema, no visitor was allowed to enter the prison. First, she carried food in a golden bowl hidden in her clothes. When her plan was discovered, she was carrying food in her shoes. It was also revealed that she was carrying food hidden in her headdress. All means of carrying food were then confiscated. Afterward, the queen decided to bathe in perfumed water and anoint her body with honey so that the old king could lick it and survive. This was eventually discovered, and the Queen was banned from entering. Bimbisara survived through walking meditation. Ajatsatru also came to know about this and understood that his father would not die easily. He sent several barbers to prison. Bimbisara thought that Ajatsatru realized his mistake and sent a barber to shave him so that he could lead the life of a monk. But the brutal barbers cut off his legs, filled the wounds with salt, and burned them with coal so that the old king could no longer walk. Thus, Bimbisara met his tragic end.

Death of Bimbisara

According to tradition, Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son, Ajatashatru, who is said to have starved him. This is said to have occurred around 492 BC.

Legacy of Bimbisara

Bimbisara’s coronation took place at the age of just 15 years. Since then, he has managed to expand the empire in all directions in India and promote various aspects of the religion of the time. In Jain texts, the king was mentioned as Shrenik; he had a large standing army. According to contemporary historians, he maintained a larger army than before. Bimbisara was a brave king and maintained friendly relations with neighboring kingdoms. So he followed up on marriage alliances with neighboring states and succeeded. Therefore, he had a clear vision of ‘How to maintain the administration of a huge kingdom’. His political vision is still an admirable administrative principle to uphold.

Conclusion

Bimbisara was the first emperor of the Magadha Empire in India. He pursued a strategy of conquest and expansion. Bimbisara’s most famous conquest was that of Anga. Its administrative structure was efficient and effective. He appears alongside the Buddha and other contemporaries on reliefs from the ninth century AD at Borobudur in Java.

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