Ajatashatru
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Ajatasattu or Ajatashatru in Buddhist tradition, or Kunika and Kuniya in the Jain histories, was one of the most important kings of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. He forcefully took over the kingdom of Magadha from his father and imprisoned him. He fought a war against the Vajjika League, led by the Licchavis, and conquered the republic of Vaishali. The city of Pataliputra was formed by fortification of a village by Ajatashatru.
Royal procession leaving Rajagriha, possibly depicting Ajatashatru, from Sanchi
Ajatashatru worships the Buddha, relief from the Bharhut Stupa at the Indian Museum, Kolkata
The eastern Gangetic plain after Ajātasattu's conquest of Kosala
Bimbisara jail where king Bimbisara kept in custody by his own son king Ajatashatru
Haryanka dynasty
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The Haryanka dynasty was the first ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha. Later, it was shifted to Pataliputra, near present-day Patna in India during the reign of Udayin. Bimbisara is considered as the founder of the dynasty.
King Bimbisara of the Magadhan Haryanka dynasty visits the Bamboo Garden (Venuvana) in Rajagriha; artwork from Sanchi.
Ajatashatru of Magadha used catapults against the Licchavis.