The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c19.s3.14

v1.c19.s3.14

For instance five ‘rājas’ are introduced discussing a point in psychology with Pasenadi. Whatever the title may exactly imply it is probable that we have the leaders of five clans or communities that, formerly independent, had, at that time, been absorbed into Kosala. Again we hear of a double campaign. In the first Ajātasattu, king of Magadha, attacks Pasenadi in the Kāsi country and compels him to take refuge in Sāvatthi¹. In the second, Pasenadi comes down again into the plains, defeats Ajātasattu, and captures him alive. Then he restores to him the possession of his camp and army, and lets him go free². The commentaries inform us that he also gave him, on this occasion his daughter Vajirā, to wife³. They also give the reasons for the dispute between the two kings; but this will be better dealt with under the next heading. Another conversation arises when the king comes to tell the teacher of the death of his (the king’s) grandmother for whom he expressed his deep devotion and esteem. She had died at a great age, specified as 120 years, no doubt a round number⁴. At another talk Sumanā, the king’s sister, is present, and becomes converted. Desiring to enter the Order she refrains from doing so in order to take care of this same old lady, and attains Arahantship while still a lay-woman⁵. The last and longest talk between the two friends took place at Meḷalumpa in the Sākiya country. The king, in much trouble with his family and ministers, expressed his admiration, and possibly also some envy, at the manner in which the teacher preserved peace in his Order. He then took his last leave with a striking declaration of his devotion⁶. But even as they were talking the crisis had come. The tradition records that the minister in whose charge the insignia had been left when the king went on alone, had in his absence, proclaimed the king’s son, Viḍūḍabha, as king. Pasenadi found himself deserted by all his people. He hurried away to Rājagaha to get help from Ajātasattu, and, worn out by worry and fatigue, he died outside the gates of the city⁷. Ajātasattu gave him a state funeral, but naturally enough left Viḍūḍabha undisturbed.