Wars Fought by Ajatashatru Ajatashatru was a great warrior and had conquered 36 republics in and around his kingdom and had established the supremacy of Magadha on whole of eastern India. Some of the famous wars that were fought by Ajatashatru were the battle with Licchavi Republic and the 16 year long war with the Vrijji confederacy. In fact this war stands as the best example of war between a clan and a kingdom. The scythed chariot was invented by Ajatashatru in 475 BC and was used by him to fight against the Licchavi Republic. The scythed chariot was essentially a war chariot which had a blade on both ends of the axle. Life of Ajatashatru Ajatashatru had led a life which was full of wars, restlessness and violence. Towards the later part of his life, his soul was filled with grief and repentance. In order to cleanse his heart from all sins, he surrendered himself at the feet of Lord Buddha, where he found peace and he was completely dedicated towards the Buddhist faith. His dedication was so complete that he was made the chief claimant of Buddha’s relics after the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru subsequently built stupas all over the capital and renovated 18 monasteries in memory of Buddha. He was the one who had established the first Buddhist General Council. He also suffered a fate similar to his father and was assassinated by his son Udaybhadra in 461 BC. Ajatashatru was succeeded by 5 kings who were not all worthy of kinghood and were like parasites. As a result the people of Magadha revolted and the Shishunaga dynasty came to power. |