During the time between 800 and 200 BCE the Sramana movement formed, from which originated Jainism and Buddhism. In the same period the first Upanishads were written. After 500 BCE, the so-called “Second urbanisation” started, with new urban settlements arising at the Ganges plain, especially the Central Ganges plain. The Central Ganges Plain, where Magadha…
Antiquarians, politicians, media professionals and even godmen have joined in to present their own version of historical events, especially regarding the golden ancient India and the volatile Muslim rule, to suit their present aspirations. This is possibly an indicator of the post- truth age where a heady mixture of fantasy, entrenched beliefs and convenient portions of historical facts in the mind become more important than the facts themselves. What happened is overshadowed by what we wish to have happened
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Why was Bimbisara Important?
Bimbisara is also said to have become the Buddha’s first royal patron. It was thanks to Bimbisara’s patronage that the Buddha was protected, and his teachings could be disseminated. According to Jain sources, Bimbisara was a friend of Mahavira, or Jina, the great teacher of Jainism. Due to his friendship with Mahavira, Jains believe that Bimbisara will, in his next cycle of existence, become a Tirthankara, i.e. a ‘fully realized being’.
Bimbisara is said to have become the ruler of Magadha at the age of 15. Bimbisara is considered to have been a virtuous ruler, and was known for his generosity and the justness of his rule. Although Bimbisara pursued expansionist politics, he was still able to maintain peaceful relations with most of his peers.