Question

Who among the following rulers of Magadha is said to have sent his minister named Vassakara to seek advice of Buddha on how to defeat the Vajjis?
1. Bimbisara 
2. Bindusara
3. Shishunag 
4. Ajatashatru

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Ajatashatru

The correct answer is Ajatashatru.

• Ajatashatru sent his chief minister "Vassakara" to Buddha to ask him why the Vaishali should be so invincible.
• For that Buddha gave 7 reasons, including
  • Their behavior of disciplined 
  • Respect for elders
  • Their Respect for women
  • Vajjis are always punctual to meetings
  • They do not marry their daughters forcefully
  • They give spiritual protection to the Arhats
  • The principal reason was the Chaityas (altar), which was inside the town
• In East India, Ajatashatru was the king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha.
• Ajatashatru was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Gautama Buddha and Mahavira.

• Ajatashatru fought a war against Vajji (ruled by the Lichchhavis) and conquered the republic of Vesali.
• The Pataliputra city was formed by the fortification of a village by him.

• Ajatashatru is the inventor of 2 weapons used in war were following:
  • The Rathamusala (scythed chariot)
  • The Mahashilakantaka (engine to eject big stones)