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Bimbisara
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Ruins of the jail where Bimbisara was murdered by his son Ajatashatru in Rajagriha, Bihar, India.
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Ruins of the jail where Bimbisara was murdered by his son Ajatashatru in Rajagriha, Bihar, India.
Ruins of the jail where Bimbisara was murdered by his son Ajatashatru in Rajagriha, Bihar, India.

Bimbisara

king of Magadha
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Born:
c. 543
Died:
491 bce
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Bimbisara (born c. 543—died 491 bce) was one of the early kings of the Indian kingdom of Magadha. His expansion of the kingdom, especially his annexation of the kingdom of Anga to the east, is considered to have laid the foundations for the later expansion of the Mauryan empire. He is also known for his cultural achievements and was a great friend and protector of the Buddha. Bimbisara built the city of Rajagriha, famous in Buddhist writings. He was succeeded on the throne by his son Ajatashatru, who murdered his father to obtain power.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.