ICSE Class 6 Answered

Ajatashatru was the son of Bimbisara and succeeded him as the king of Magadha. He ruled for 32 long years during which he followed a policy of territorial expansion. He took over many neighbouring states forcefully and transformed Magadha into the most prosperous kingdom in northern India. Ajatashatru built a fort in the village of Pataligram which later developed into the capital city of Pataliputra. However, despite his achievements, Ajatashatru’s successors could not emulate his success and were later overthrown.