Vajji

From 4 to 6 BCE, the country of Magadha created a name for itself in ancient India, from the sixth century BC onwards. The ancient kingdom in Magadha was discovered in the northern portion of India, currently known as Bihar in the eastern region of India. When it arrived at geographical elaboration and authority, it was very different and powerful from other kingdoms and republics during its time. The phase of growth and conflicts began with Bimbisara’s reign in 543 BCE. It prevailed until the descent of Dhana Nanda in 322 BCE, who was the final emperor of the Nanda dynasty of Indus Valley civilization till the Mauryans took control.

The Magadhan troops, headed by these fierce majesties, fought similarly to every other kingdom’s army throughout ancient India, employing the standard multiple army formation consisting of mounted cavalry, infantry, and elephants led personally by rulers or their successors. Because fortifications were there, they used siege warfare. Intrigue was frequently employed as a weapon of war. Magadhan’s success was mainly due to its capable kingly administration and desire to extend territorially, which significantly impacted its military structure and combat styles. The empire collapsed because the king was powerless and unpopular. His allies were betrayed by conspiracy; it existed, not a military campaign.

Vajji Commanded Army Divisions

Infantry was given priority, and it was the army with the most significant number of soldiers. Aside from the standard battle formations, foot soldiers fought in areas where the army’s other divisions could not deploy due to physical constraints, such as forests, hilly terrain, and inaccessible regions.

The horseback riders fought as a unit on the battlefield, and it was deployed as such. It was a strong arm, and princes and monarchs were expected to be skilled horse riders. The horse riders’ responsibilities included cutting off enemy supplies and reinforcements, scouting, and reconnaissance, and attacking the enemy, particularly on the flanks and in the rear, guarding other army units, covering advances and retreats, and following the retreating enemy. Although chariots were utilised, they were not as essential as in previous centuries, with cavalry and elephants receiving greater attention during The Magadha-Vajji war. 

Between 484 to 468 BCE, What was the Magadha-Vajji War?

Magadha was among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, or territorial entities, containing two different kingdoms and republics. The Anga, Kosala, Vaiji, and Avanti were the Mahajanapadas that this kingdom was ready to wage battles against because they were geographically adjacent to Magadha. The Vriji, also known as Vajji, was a union of various clans, the Lichcchavis being the most powerful. The capital existed in Vaishali, and an oligarchy ruled it made up of nearly 8000 members referred to as “Raja.” Most of the kingly players in this story of expansion have been contemporaries of a Buddha, and it interacted together with him. They came from various Mahajanapadas.

Although the Buddha was a travelling ascetic who lived outside of the usual socioeconomic and cultural atmospheres of his time, he was aware of current political happenings from time to time. Because once King Ajatasattu commanded his advisor Vassakara to visit the Buddha. The Buddha was forced to give political advice to pay his respects and notify him of the king’s plot to conquer the Vajjis’ realm. 

The Buddha tradition is lectured on seven Factors of Welfare known as Satta Aparihaniya dhamma after hearing Vassakara. According to the Buddha, as long as the Vajji country’s population followed them, the Vajji country would prosper. Vassakara deduced from the Buddha’s lecture that the only options were peaceful discussions or a victory obtained by destroying the Vajji people’s togetherness. The Magadha-Vajji war was waged between the Haryanka kingdom of Magadha and the Vajji confederacy, led by the Licchavis, in the neighbouring state of Vajji. The war is commemorated in the Buddhist tradition, and Jain tradition is alike.

What was the Name of King Ajatashatru?

Ajatashatru was a ruler from the Magadha Haryanka dynasty in East India. He was King Bimbisara’s son and lived at the same time period as Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. He followed the Buddhist tradition and opposed the Jain Tradition.

After the Magadha Vajji War

Fighting the Vaishali was indeed a significant historical event in Ajatashatru’s life. He became a strong ruler in Indian history after defeating the Lichchhavis of Vaishali. Before attacking the adversaries, Ajatashatru devised a strategy to subdue them. For example, before fighting the Lichchhavis, he dispatched his ministers to the Lichchhavis to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. In phase two, he authorised the building of a new castle near the Lichchhavi area, allowing him to strike with ease. As a result, the new capital, Pataliputra, was built. It became a well-known hub for old Indian political activities. He imbued the warriors with new battle methods and gave them powerful and new weaponry in the third one. As a result, he invaded Lichchhavis from all sides; however, the conflict lasted sixteen years, and the Magadha Empire eventually overran Vaisali.

Conclusion

So, from all the above data, it can at least be expressed that the conference between the Buddha and the Vassakara can easily be justified in terms of the conventional point of opinion. It cannot stand as a piece of conclusive proof for the hypothesis that Buddhism acknowledges brutality in specific contexts. Even the Vinaya regulations have specific principles against particular activities. If they keep on doing those measures with ill intention, they will be forbidden from partaking in politics.