The king when Buddha died was Ajatashatru.
The Reign of Ajatashatru During Buddha's Passing
The passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, occurred during the early years of Ajatashatru's reign over the powerful Magadha Empire. This period marks a significant transition in the history of ancient India and early Buddhism.
Ajatashatru succeeded his father, Bimbisara, who had been a prominent figure in the Buddha's life. Throughout much of his teaching career, the Buddha lived, taught, and established his monastic order during the period known as the Mahajanapadas, and specifically under the patronage of King Bimbisara. Bimbisara was a close friend and protector of the Buddha, providing support and resources for the nascent Buddhist community.
Upon Bimbisara's succession by Ajatashatru, the political landscape shifted, though the core tenets of Buddha's teachings continued to spread. Buddha's demise in the early phase of Ajatashatru's rule places his passing within a well-documented historical context, aligning his lifespan with the reigns of these two influential Magadhan kings.
To summarize the key figures:
- Bimbisara: King of Magadha, a friend, protector, and ruler during most of the Buddha's teaching life.
- Ajatashatru: Successor to Bimbisara, who ascended the throne just before or around the time of the Buddha's final days.
