Bimbisara - UPSC Notes

Bimbisara was one of the earliest rulers of the Magadha kingdom known for his patronage of Buddhism. Also known as Seniya Bimbisara, he was instrumental in laying foundations for the expansion of the Mauryan Empire in India. He was one of the contemporaries and protectors of Buddha and established the third ruling dynasty of Magadha, known as the Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara was the first monarch to establish a permanent army.

Bimbisara is identified as the first of 24 Tirthankaras according to Jain tradition. Bimbisara had equal reverence for Buddhism and Jainism while endorsing both on an equal footing. He is said to have ruled from a place known as Girivraja, also known as Rajagriha. According to historical evidence, he built the city of Rajgir, currently located in Bihar. Known as a kind and generous ruler, he is also famous for his cultural advancements during his reign.

This is an important topic for aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam to learn about the Indian Independence movement.

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Bimbisara Biography For UPSC

• Bimbisara was born around 558/559 BC as the son of Bhattiya, a chieftain. He took over the throne of Magadha at the age of 15 in 543 BCE. The first campaign after he was assigned the throne was against Brahmadatta, the ruler of the Anga kingdom. He had twin objectives of taking revenge and exploiting the commercial potential of the kingdom.
• Bimbisara was trained in warfare and was a skilled general. He conquered the Anga kingdom and made his son Ajathasathru the governor of Anga. Access to the oceanic routes of the Anga kingdom facilitated the flourishing of overseas trade in the Magadha Empire. He placed Ajatashatru in command over there to make him understand the administrative setup and commercial activities.
• Bimbisara established the Haryanka dynasty, expanded the Magadha empire, and fortified the village, Pataliputra, which later became the capital of Magadha after Rajagriha. Bimbisara’s court included Sona Kolivisa, Sumana (flower gatherer), Koliya (minister), Kumbhaghosaka (treasurer), and Jivaka (physician).

Early Conquests and marriage alliances

• After the conquest of the Anga kingdom, Bimbisara shifted his focus to other prominent kingdoms of the subcontinent. Keeping in mind the limitations of the size and capability of his military forces, he sought marriage alliances with kingdoms that he could not subdue by force. Even though he was a skilled warrior, alliances with powerful kingdoms were advantageous to expand his domain of power.
• Bimbisara sought an alliance with the Kosala kingdom, marrying King Prasenjit’s sister and receiving the holy city of Kashi as dowry. The holy city was a good source of income and helped to strengthen the foundations of Magadha. The alliance was also significant in putting an end to the rivalry between Kosala and Magadha.
• Bimbisara also had an alliance with the powerful confederation of Vrijjis. He married Chellana, a Licchavi Princess, daughter of Jain king Chetaka, from Vaishali. He also married Kshema, who belonged to the Madri clan of Middle Punjab.
• After strengthening his position through alliances, Bimbisara set his eyes on one of the powerful kingdoms during that period, Avanti, with capital in Ujjain. But, neither the ruler of Avanti, Pradyota nor Bimbisara emerged victorious in any of the conquests. Thus, Bimbisara changed his strategy and formed friendly relations with Avanti.

Candidates can go through Ancient Indian History Notes on the Rise and Growth of the Magadha Empire from the linked article.

Buddhism

• Bimbisara was the contemporary of Buddha and continued to be a steadfast supporter of Buddha throughout his lifetime. It was Buddha who introduced him to the first fruit of emancipation and preached on values of generosity, morality, heavenly reward, pitfalls related to sensual pleasures, and the four noble truths of Buddhism.
• Bimbisara’s close association with Buddhism is visible as he has been connected with several incidents associated with Buddhism. Not only has he shown affection and support to Buddha, but he was considerate and showed compassion to Buddhist monks. He rules according to Dhamma taught by Buddha.
• Buddha was receptive to suggestions of Bimbisara. The ‘Vinaya Rule stated that no one in royal service who has committed theft or broken jail should be considered a monk. Bimbisara also suggested the recital of the rules of discipline or ‘Patimokha’ on the eighth and last days of half-month. Apart from that, the practice of retreating during the rainy season from the second full moon was also suggested by him.
• Bimbisara prompted the members of his household to pay visits to Buddha. Khema, Bimbisara’s wife, became an ardent supporter of Buddha and joined Sangha. But Buddha never preached any special suttas to Bimbisara nor there are descriptions of any questions asked of Buddha.
• Bimbisara hosted Buddha and his disciples in his pleasure park or garden known as ‘Veluvana’, where they could stay according to their wish. The first Buddhist council after the death of Buddha was held in his capital, Rajagriha.

Jainism

• Jain literature describes Bimbisara as the Shrenika of Rajgir, who became a supporter of Jainism impressed by the tranquility of Jain monks belonging to Digambara and Svetambara sects. He paid constant visits to the preaching hall of Mahavira to get his queries answered by him.
• Jain literature describes that Bimbisara killed himself in a fit of passion after being imprisoned by his son Ajathasathru. It also says that he was reborn in hell and he is currently residing over there. Due to his close acquaintance with Vartamana Mahavira, he is considered the first of twenty-four Tirthankaras. It further states that he will be born as Mahapadma, the first Tirtanakara in the next cycle of life.

Administration

• Bimbisara undertook efforts to efficiently reorganise the administrative system of the Magadha Empire, which was followed by the subsequent dynasties of the Magadha Empire. Even Though his military expeditions and conquests were limited in number, he undertook many expeditions and expanded the Empire.
• The kingdom of Magadha had around 70000 villages and a headman was appointed as in charge of each of them. He was responsible for managing the administration of the village and tax collection. To ensure that taxes are properly collected, he appointed a chain of officers to supervise tax collection.
• Bimbisara’s administrative efficiency was visibly reflected in the measures that he adopted for the smooth functioning of the Empire. High-ranking officials were appointed at the judicial, political, and financial administrative levels of the kingdom. The efficiency and competency of officials were evaluated with strict replacement of ineffective officers in administration. Bimbisara also acted according to the opinions of high-ranking ministers.
• Bimbisara defeated Brahmadatta of Anga and 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 powerful military of Magadha was passed on to his son, Ajathasathru, who further strengthened it through military conquests.
• Rather than systematic administration and forward planning initiated by Bimbisara, Magadha was a traditional source of rich mineral resources that added to the prosperity of the empire. There were also a number of wooden forests. Overall they provided the armament, elephants, and wood for the Empire. Magadha had the advantage of the fertile Gangetic plains that guaranteed surplus production for the farmers.

Later Years

• Bimbisara’s son Ajathashathru was ambitious about the throne of Magadha. His intentions were fuelled by the ill advice of a Buddhist monk, called Devadatta. Devadatta was hopeful of securing a position in the country, which he found would be difficult in the presence of Bimbisara. Thus he was able to successfully convince Ajatashatru to usurp the throne of Magadha and execute his father, Bimbisara. Ajatashatru later had regret for the act he committed and he supposedly met Buddha.
• Bimbisara was instrumental in the expansion of the Magadha Empire through his strategic approach, efficient administration, and policies of religious tolerance. Shreds of evidence suggest that he engendered a positive cultural impact on the population of Magadha. He also encouraged arts and crafts in the kingdom. He is forever known for the expansion of the Magadha Empire, strengthened by administration and trade.

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