Kunik Ajatshatru (552-518 B.C):

 

He was the son of Shrenik. He ascended the throne of Magadh in 535 BC He attacked Kaushal and took possession of most of its territory. He divided Vaishali Republic and destroyed it. He created a strong kingdom of his time. Devadatta misguided him and he put his father Shrenik- in prison. On advice of his mother, repentingly he went to set his father free. On seeing Ajatshatru coming with a sharp weapon, which he was taking with him to cut the fetters of his father, Shrenik suspecting his murder by Ajatshatru, committed suicide. Ajatshatru is described as 'Killer" of his father in Buddhist literature. But in Jain literature he has been praised as the follower of Bhagwan Mahavir. When Mahavir reached Anga, King Ajatshatru reached with his progeny to worship the great lord. King Kunika went to Kaushambi to bid farewell to Mahavir.