Udayin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Udayin |
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Sculpture of Udayin
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| King of Magadha | |
| Reign | c. 460 – c. 444 BCE |
| Predecessor | Ajatashatru |
| Successor | Anuruddha |
| Died | 444 BC |
| Dynasty | Haryanka |
| Father | Ajatashatru |
| Mother | Vajira |
| Religion | Jainism, Buddhism |
Udayin, also known as Udayabhadra, was an important king in ancient India. He ruled the powerful kingdom of Magadha from about 460 to 444 BCE. Udayin belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He was the son of King Ajatashatru. Udayin is famous for starting the city of Pataliputra. This city was built where the Son and Ganges rivers meet. He moved his capital city from Rajagriha to Pataliputra. This new capital was more central to his growing kingdom.
Life as a King
Early Life and Rule
Buddhist stories say that Udayin was King Ajatashatru's favorite son. He was even alive during the time of his grandfather, King Bimbisara. When Ajatashatru met Gautama Buddha, Udayin was still a young prince. Udayin became king and ruled from around 460 to 444 BCE.
Building Pataliputra
One of Udayin's biggest achievements was building the city of Pataliputra. His father, Ajatashatru, had already built a fort there. This fort was made to protect against possible attacks from the Pradyota dynasty of Avanti. Udayin decided to make Pataliputra his new capital. This was likely because the city was in the middle of his expanding kingdom. Its location at the meeting point of the Son and Ganges rivers was also very strategic.
Conflicts and Succession
King Udayin fought against Palaka, the ruler of Avanti, many times. He won several battles against him. However, Udayin was eventually killed by an assassin from a rival kingdom in 444 BCE.
Different historical texts tell different stories about who became king after Udayin. Some ancient Indian texts, called the Puranas, say that Nandivardhana followed Udayin. However, Buddhist writings from Sri Lanka state that Anuruddha became king next. These Buddhist stories also mention that several kings in Udayin's family, including Udayin himself, came to power after their fathers passed away. Jain texts say that since Udayin had no children, his ministers chose Mahapadma Nanda to be the next king.
