Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t2.8

v2.c13.s3.t2.8

Magadha was one of the 16 states in ancient India in the period from the 6ᵗʰ century to 4ᵗʰ century BCE. It was located south of the middle and lower reaches of the Ganges river. Magadha was established in the period from the 7ᵗʰ to 6ᵗʰ century BCE by an eastern tribe far from the center of Vedic culture. At the beginning of the era of Buddhism, Magadha was ruled by Bimbisàra of the Haryanka dynasty. It was a city-state from this time or earlier. Bimbisara took Ràjagrha as the capital which was surrounded by extensive villages. He used to launch campaigns against Champà, the capital of Anga. He lived in the same period as the Buddha, and believed in Buddhism. He was killed by his son Ajatasatru in his old age.