Rajgir Rajagriha | |
|---|---|
Town | |
.jpg) .jpg) .jpg) .jpg)  From top, left to right: View ofRajgir hills,Vishwa Shanti Stupa (peace pagoda),Vulture Peak,Ghora Katora lake, Naulakha Jain Temple | |
 Interactive map of Rajgir | |
| Coordinates:25°1′48″N85°25′12″E / 25.03000°N 85.42000°E /25.03000; 85.42000 | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Bihar |
| Region | Magadha |
| Division | Patna |
| District | Nalanda |
| Founded | ≈2000 BC |
| Founded by | Brihadratha |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal governance in India |
| • Body | Rajgir Municipal Council (Nagar Parishad) |
| Area (2015)[A 1] | |
• Total | 111.39 km2 (43.01 sq mi) |
| • Town | 61.6 km2 (23.8 sq mi) |
| • Regional planning | 517 km2 (200 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 73 m (240 ft) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| • Rajgir (NP) | 41,587 |
| • Rajgir (CD Block) | 88,596 |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 803116 |
| Telephone code | +91-6112 |
| Vehicle registration | BR-21 |
| Sex ratio | 1000/889♂/♀ |
| Literacy | 51.88% |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Nalanda |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Rajgir (SC) (173) |
| Website | nalanda |
Rajgir, old nameRajagriha, meaning "The City of Kings," is an ancient city anduniversity town in thedistrict of Nalanda inBihar,India. It was the capital of theHaryanka dynasty, thePradyota dynasty, theBrihadratha dynasty and theMauryan Empire, as well as the dwelling ground of historical figures such asBuddha,Mahavira andBimbisara. Due to its religious significance, the city holds a place of prominence inHindu,Buddhist andJain scriptures. As of 2011, the population of the town was reported to be 41,000 while the population in thecommunity development block was about 88,500.
Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom ofMagadha, a state that would eventually evolve into theMauryan Empire.[3] It finds mention in India's renowned literary epic, theMahabharata, through its kingJarasandha. The town's date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The 2,500-year-oldcyclopean wall is also located in the region.
The ancientNalanda university was located in the vicinity of Rajgir, and the contemporaryNalanda University named after it was founded in 2010 nearby. The town is also famed for its natural springs and towering hills that dominate the landscape.
The name Rajgir, literally meaning "royal mountain", comes from the historic Rājagṛiha (SanskritRājagṛha,Pali:Rajagaha), meaning "house of the king" or "royal house".[4][5] It has also historically been known as Vasumati, Brhadrathapura, Grivraja/Girivraja and Kusagrapura.[4][6] Girivraja, a name given in theRāmāyaṇa as well as in Pali texts (asGiribajja), is explained byBuddhaghosa as meaning "an enclosure of hills". "Vasumatī" is a name given in theRāmāyaṇa because of the city's legendary founding by Vasu, the fourth son ofBrahmā. TheMahābhārata, on the other hand, attributes the city's founding toBṛhadratha, and accordingly it calls the city Bārhadrathapura. The name Kuśāgrapura is given in theJinaprabhasūri and also (in Chinese) byXuanzang; this name means "the place of superior reed grass".[7]: 211
The epicMahabharata calls it Girivraja and recounts the story of its king, Jarasandha, and his battle with thePandava brothers and their alliesKrishna.[8][9] Mahabharata recounts a wrestling match betweenBhima (one of the Pandavas) and Jarasandha, the then king of Magadha. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. According to the legend, Bhima split Jarasandha into two and threw the two halves facing opposite to each other so that they could not join. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara (the place where martial arts are practised).
Rajgir was the capital ofHaryanka dynasty kingsBimbisara (558–491 BC) andAjatashatru (492–460 BC). Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbisara in captivity here. The sources do not agree on which of theBuddha's royal contemporaries,Bimbisara andAjatashatru, was responsible for its construction. It was the ancient capital city of theMagadha kings until the 5th century BC whenUdayin (460–440 BC), son of Ajatashatru, moved the capital toPataliputra (modernPatna).[4]Shishunaga (413-395 BC) foundedShishunaga dynasty in 413 BC with Rajgir as its initial capital before it was moved to Pataliputra.
It is associated with the founders of both the religions:Jainism andBuddhism, associated with both the historicalArihantShramanBhagawanMahavira andBuddha.
It was here that Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching atGridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures').It was also the relaxing place of him in Venuban which is a government owned tourist place now. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara of Magadha and others to Buddhism. It was here that Budhha delivered his famousAtanatiya Sutra. On one of the hills is theSaptaparni Cave where theFirst Buddhist Council was held under the leadership ofMaha Kassapa.
Mahavira, the 24thTirthankara spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda, spendingChaturmas (i.e. 4 months of the rainy season) at a single place in Rajgir (Rajgruhi) and the rest in the places in the vicinity. It was the capital of one of his Shravaks (follower)King Shrenik. Thus Rajgir is also of religious importance to Jains. The twentieth Jain Tirthankara,Munisuvrata is supposed to have been born here. An ancient temple (about 1200 years old) dedicated toTirthankaraMunisuvrata is also present here along with many other Jain temples. This temple is also a place for four Kalyanakas ofTirthankaraMunisuvrata.
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It is also mentioned inJain andBuddhist scriptures, which give a series of place-names, but without geographical context. The attempt to locate these places is based largely on reference to them and to other locations in the works ofChineseBuddhist pilgrims, particularlyFaxian andXuanzang. It is on the basis ofXuanzang in particular that the site is divided into Old and New Rajgir. The former lies within a valley and is surrounded by low-lying hills,Rajgir Hills. It is defined by an earthen embankment (the Inner Fortification), with which is associated the Outer Fortification, a complex ofcyclopean walls that runs (with large breaks) along the crest of the hills. New Rajgir is defined by another, larger, embankment outside the northern entrance of the valley and next to the modern town.
The old site of Rajgir was surrounded by an almost 50 km-longcyclopean wall that followed the tops of the surrounding hills. It likely served a dual purpose as both defense against attackers and protection from potential flooding caused by monsoon rainwater flowing down from the hills. 16 towers were also built along the walls at irregular intervals to strengthen the defenses. The most notable of these was the Pippala stone house, whose remains have been identified on the eastern slope of the Vaibhara hill. Probably originally built to house guards, it later became known as a place where the Buddha often stayed. Later, when it was no longer used for defensive purposes, the Pippala house's 11 small cells were likely repurposed to serve as individual meditation rooms for Buddhist monks. Based on archaeological finds, the cyclopean walls of old Rajgir are dated to about the 6th century BCE, while "New" Rajgir was probably fortified around the 1st century BCE.[7]: 214–6
Rajgir appears to have declined in importance somewhat after the 1st or 2nd century CE. Xuanzang visited the site in the 7th century, but the only contemporary activity he mentioned was two old Buddhist monasteries that still had active monastic communities; other than that, he only wrote about Rajgir's ancient past. He attributed almost all the religious monuments he saw to Bimbisara orAshoka and did not mention any contemporary patrons or building activity. This stands in stark contrast to his descriptions ofNalanda andBodh Gaya, which both contain reference to events that took place either during his own lifetime or in the recent past. (For example, he referred to Nalanda's alleged vandalism byShashanka and restoration under Purnavarmana, as well as patronage at Bodh Gaya by the Gupta rulersKumaragupta I [aka Shakraditya],Budhagupta, andNarasimhagupta [aka Baladitya].)Yijing's account from later in the 7th century also refers only to Rajgir's ancient past. Kakoli Ray describes the impression of Rajgir from these accounts as a place "[living] in its own past, haloed by sacred memory and association but uncared for by [their] contemporaries."[10]: 1281, 4–5
Rajgir was hardly abandoned, though – in fact, the first clear evidence of Hindu activity dates from this period, during the 5th century. The Maniyarmaṭha, variously identified as a Shiva temple or a Naga shrine, dates from this period, although it appears to have been built on the site of an older structure dating back to the early centuries BCE. Some ceramic and sculptural finds from the site are stylistically dated to later, with isolated sculptures dated as late as the 7th through 9th centuries, indicating that Hindu worship continued at the site throughout that period. Although Buddhist activity does seem to have dwindled significantly at Rajgir during this period, some Buddhist finds are attributed to as late as the 10th through 12th centuries. Some of these may have been made at Nalanda before being transported to Rajgir. Meanwhile, Rajgir never seems to have lost importance for Jains, who continued to actively patronise the site. A ruined Jain temple on the Vaibhara hill probably dates from the 5th century, while an image of Rishabhanatha donated by theacharya Vasantanandi is dated to the 8th or 9th century.[10]: 1281–5
Rajgir also kept political significance during this period, as the capital of avishaya in Magadhabhukti attested during the Gupta andPala periods. An inscribed copper seal that once belonged to the Rajgir vishaya's guild of blacksmiths and carpenters,palaeographically dated to perhaps the 5th century, was found at Rajgir, indicating a certain level of commercial organisation at Rajgir during this period.[11]: 965–7
The modern town of Rajgir lies just to the north of theRajgir Hills, an isolated pair of parallel ridges that rise sharply up from the flat surrounding plains. The ancient site of Rajgir was located in the narrow valley between the two sets of hills.[12] Historically, Rajgir was thought of as lying between five hills, but different texts give them different names (theMahābhārata even gives two different lists of five names in the same chapter), making it difficult to identify the five hills with their modern counterparts. The modern names are Vaibhara, Vipula, Chaṭa, Shaila, Udaya, Sona, and Ratnagiri.[7]: 212 Of these, Ratnagiri is the highest, at about 305 m.[13]: 16
Rajgir is known for its hot springs, which have held religious significance since ancient times. The best-known today is Brahmakuṇḍa, and there are several other springs in this area whose waters merge to form a stream. Another prominent spring is the Sūryakuṇḍa, which is part of a cluster of springs on the north side of the hills. Sūryakuṇḍa's water is stagnant and murky and a favored habitat by frogs. Another major water feature in the area is the Panchane River (fromPañcānanā, "having five mouths"), which flows to the east of Rajgir.[7]: 221–2, 224–5
Rajgir has a monsoon climate, with an annual rainfall of about 113 cm. Rainfall peaks in July and August.[13]: 16
The landscape of Rajgir or Pant WLS is uneven terrain enclosed by five hills; Ratnagiri, Vipulgiri, Vaibhagiri, Songiri and Udaygiri. It is situated in Nalanda Forest Division covering an area of 35.84 km2 under theNalanda district administration. This wildlife sanctuary, notified in 1978, represents a remnant patch of forests nestled in the Rajgir hills within the southGangetic Plain.[14]
It is home to a number of wild animals including: mammals – blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), chital or spotted deer (Axis axis), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), jungle cat (Felis chaus); birds – painted spurfowl (Galloperdix lunulata), Eurasian thick knee (Burhinus oedicnemus), painted sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus); reptiles and amphibians – Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), Jerdon's bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus crassus), ornate narrow-mouthed frog (Microhyla ornata), and Indian tree frog (Polypedates maculatus).[15]
According to2011 Indian Census, Rajgir had a total population of 41,587, of which 21,869 were males and 19,718 were females. The population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 6,922. The total number of literates in Rajgir was 24,121, which constituted 58.0% of the population with male literacy of 65.4% and female literacy of 49.8%. The effective literacy rate of the 7+ population of Rajgir was 69.6%, of which the male literacy rate was 78.1% and the female literacy rate was 60.1%. TheScheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 11,724 and 42 respectively. Rajgir had 7030 households in 2011.[2]
The town is also notable inJainism andBuddhism.[16] It was the birthplace of the 20th JainTirthankarMunisuvrata, and is closely associated with theMahavira andGautama Buddha.[17] Both Mahavira and Buddha taught their beliefs in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC, and the Buddha was offered a forest monastery here by the kingBimbisara. As such, the city of Rajgir became one of the Buddha's most important preaching locations.
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The main tourist attractions include the ancient city walls fromAjatashatru's period,Bimbisar's Jail,Jarasandh's Akhara,Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures'),Son Bhandar Caves[18] and the Jain temples on the five peaks.[19]
Another major attraction is thepeace pagoda,Vishwa Shanti Stupa, built-in 1969, one of the 80 peace pagodas in the world, to spread the message of peace and non-violence. It is the oldest peace pagoda in India. The rope-way that leads to it is another attraction, which was gifted by Japanese spiritual leader Fuji Guruji in the 1960s.
A new rope way has been planned.[20]
Rajgir has hot water springs, locally known asBrahmakund, a sacred place forHindus where water from seven different springs (Saptarshi) merge and is notable for its healing effects.[21][22]
There is a Japanese temple beside the Venu Vana, an artificial forest with historical associations to Buddha and the kings of the region. Other places of interest include the Rajgir Heritage Museum,[23] the Sariputta Stupa,[24]Ghora Katora Lake, and the Rajgir glass bridge.[25]
TheSon Bhandar caves are situated in Rajgir. The caves are concerned with Jainism and are considered to belong to 3–4 century AD. After Cunningham's inspection, several scholars visited this place and some had opinions to concern with Buddhism. After some time all Buddhism connections were refused because of an inscription found on the southern wall of a cave. According to this inscription these caves were built by inspiration of a Jain Muni Vair forJain ascetics. Sculptures of Teerthankaras were also carved in these caves. From an architectural aspect; these caves are analogous toNagarjuni cave andBarabar Caves caves ofMauryan era. Therefore, it can be concluded that construction time should not differ much from the above-mentioned caves.
These caves should be related toDigambar sect of Jainism asXuanzang wrote in his book about Vaibhar Hill of Rajgir that the place was occupied byDigambarJain monks for meditation purposes. After some centuries these caves were converted byHindus asVishnu sculpture was also found from the mound of a cave.[19]
Makhdum Kund, also recognised as Dargah-e-Makhdoomiya is a sacred site situated in Rajgir. Renowned for its thermal spring and the tomb of Makhdoom Syed Ghulam Ali, as well as the prayer space ofSharfuddin Yahya Maneri, it holds significance for pilgrims and visitors alike.The thermal spring, dating back approximately 800 years, attracts numerous visitors who utilise it for ablution (Wudu) and bathing purposes.[26] The Chief Minister of Bihar,Nitish Kumar also took bath here in his childhood.[27][28]
Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides travel facility from state capitalPatna to visit Bodh circuit (Bodhgaya, Rajgir,Nalanda,Vaishali,Kesaria,Lumbini,Kushinagar,Sarnath), Jain Circuit (Rajgir,Pawapuri) and Sikh Circuit in Bihar.
Located in Patna division, thisNagar Panchayat type ofmunicipal council mainly depends upon tourism and is supplemented by agriculture. A number of resorts and hotels are located in Rajgir to serve the tourists. In addition, Rajgir is located near the tourist spots like Nalanda,Pawapuri andKundalpur.
Rajgir ranks top in Bihar, in reference to revenue collected by tourism.
Rajgir International Cricket Stadium is a proposed cricket stadium in the city. In 2013, it was announced by the Chief Minister of BiharNitish Kumar that an international cricket stadium will be constructed at Rajgir in Bihar's Nalanda district.[33][34]
Nalanda University, a modern university that is based on the famous university and Buddhist monastery of ancient India, has been established with its campus in Rajgir. It began its first academic session on 1 September 2014.[35]
Japanese monkNichidatsu Fujii, the founder of Nipponzan Myohoji order of Buddhism established a white stupa atop Ratnagiri hills in Rajgir, which was inaugurated on 25 October 1969. This stupa is called Vishwa Shanti Stupa and from then onwards the anniversary of its establishment is celebrated every year. This event is attended by Budhhist monks and devotees from various south-east Asian countries and the ministers and officials of Government of Bihar.[36]
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The Four Main Sites |
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