Mention any two achiements of Ajatshatru
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Secularism lies not in words but in action. Secularism is the biggest need of today’s world. And it’s not to neutralize religious fanatics or avoid terrorism but for a better understanding, co-existence and mutual development in this cosmopolitan world. Today, the concept of secularism has been adopted by most of the countries in the world as an ideal for a state but we should never forget those great people who were the earliest patrons of secularism. When we look at the history of the world, we find numerous kings but very few among them were secular. Instead of that we find kings leading religious wars like crusades and jihads, they used to destroy or plunder religious places of others and kept different rules & taxes for followers of a different religion. Fortunately India has produced a good stock of secular kings. When it comes to secularism in India, Akbar-the Great is reminded & praised , but we often forget Ajatshatru – “A Secular icon of Ancient India”, contemporary of Lord Buddha & Lord Mahavir (6th cent. B.C.) .
Uniqueness of Ajatshatru in Indian history
Although Ajatshatru had some negative aspects but overall he was a great king. Ajatshatru is recognized as a first emperor of northern India who had defeated most of his neighbouring states. He is also credited for innovation in military technology in warfare against Licchavis.1 Although he was harsh towards his father but humble towards his subjects (citizens). He was a great warrior as well as a notable scholar. But the most important thing is that Ajatshatru has been provided a special place in all important religions of Ancient India, be it Hinduism or Buddhism or Jainism. An extremely rare position, which no king or emperor enjoyed afterwards. The space which Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) give to king Solomon, almost the same position is hold by Ajatshatru among Dharmic religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism). In Buddhist texts, he is shown as a Buddhist; in Jain texts, he seems a Jain and in Brihadaranyak Upnishad, he seems a Vedic follower but in fact Ajatshatru was a great scholar and a secular king.