Some Historical Jaina Kings and Heros

Author(s): Kamtaprasad Jain
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 25

SHRENIKA BIMBISARA & AJATSHATRU,
Shrenika Bimbisara is the first Indian monarch of whom anything substantial is known. When he came . to the throne of Magadha his rule extended over only a small state, with his capital at Rajagraha. But with remarkable prudence he set himself to extend his kingdom. He formed alliances with his powerful border kings of Koshala and Vajji aud then led his troops to absorb the kingdom of Anga. With the annexation of Anga, Magadha became a great power in Northern India.' So much so that the king of distant Gandhara sent an embassy to Bimbisara probably with the object of invoking his assistance against the threatened advance of the Achaemonid power.: We also learn from the Jaina sources that Shrenika Bimbsiara sent a contingent of his troops to help a border king, who was his ally. The young general who led this army was the Merchant-Prince Jambukumara, who after returning triumphantly from this compaign, adopted the life of a Jaina monk at the feet of Tirthankara Mahavira Vardhamana. 4
Shrenika Bimbisara was a powerful, kind and just king. He rebuilt his capital Rajagraha and his reign
1. Smith, Early History of India, P. 33. 2. Ibid P. 33 3. Modern Review for Oct., 1930 P, 438 4. Jambu Kumara charitra,