Question

Name the ruler whose reign was a witness to both Vardhaman Mahavira and the Buddha preaching their respective doctrines?
A. Udayin
B. Bimbisara
C. Ajatashatru
D. Harshvardhan

Answer 1

Hint: Buddhism originated in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha but lost its influence after the Gupta reign i.e. around 7th-century CE. While Jainism has its origins from the Indus Valley Civilization which is prior to the Indo-Aryan migration.

Complete answer: Bimbisara was also called Seniya or Shrenika in the Jain histories. He was a Ruler of Magadha and belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He was the child of Bhattiya. His development of the realm, particularly his addition of the kingdom of Anga toward the east, is considered to have established the frameworks for the later extension of the Maurya Empire. He is additionally known for his social accomplishments and was an extraordinary companion and supporter of the Buddha. Bimbisara, as per Hiuen Tsan, fabricated the city of Rajgir or Rajagriha. Bimbisara is referred to as Shrenika of Rajgir in Jain writing. As per the Jain sacred texts, Bimbisara killed himself after his son detained him. He is recorded to have accomplished sotapanna hood, a level of enlightenment in Buddhist lessons.
Looking at the options given:
Option A- Udayin was the grandson of Bimbisara and son of Ajatashatru who ruled around the $5^{th}$ century.
Option B- Bimbisara was the ruler whose reign witnessed the preachings of both Buddhism and Jainism. This is the correct answer.
Option C- Bimbisara was succeeded as the ruler by his son Ajatashatru who took the powers forcefully by imprisoning his own father.
Option D- Harshvardhan was a member of the Vardhana dynasty who ruled parts of North India from 606 to 647 CE.
Therefore, the correct answer is “B”.

Note: As per Buddhist sacred writings, Bimbisara met the Buddha unexpectedly before the Buddha's illumination and later turned into a significant devotee.