Bimbisara

AncientEmperorIndia-558 — -491

Magadha king contemporary of the Buddha.

Compare Bimbisara with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

558 BCE

Died

491 BCE

Country

India

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)60

Political (20%)60

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)53

Total Score57.3

Bimbisara — Complete Timeline

550 BC

Married Princess Chellana of LicchaviPolitical Action

Bimbisara married Chellana, daughter of the Licchavi chief Chetaka of Vaishali. This marriage alliance strengthened Magadha's ties with the powerful Licchavi republic and produced his son Ajatashatru.

Marriage AllianceDiplomacy

Impact: regional

540 BC

Conquered AngaWar◆ Major

Bimbisara annexed the kingdom of Anga (modern Bihar) to the Magadha empire. This conquest gave Magadha control over the Ganges river trade route and access to the sea, strengthening its economic and military power.

ConquestMagadha Expansion

Impact: regional

530 BC

Established Diplomatic Relations with the BuddhaPolitical Action◆ Major

Bimbisara met Gautama Buddha and became a lay follower, donating the Veluvana Bamboo Grove monastery near Rajagriha. This patronage helped establish Buddhism in Magadha and provided the Buddha with a permanent residence during the rainy season.

BuddhismPatronageReligion

Impact: regionalconstructive

491 BC

Imprisoned and Killed by AjatashatruPolitical Action◆ Major

Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru, who seized the throne. According to Buddhist sources, Bimbisara died in captivity, possibly by starvation or suicide. This event marked a violent succession in Magadha.

Succession CrisisPatricide

Impact: nationaltragic