Rajagriha is the ancient capital city of Magadha of Bihar. Magadha of Bihar was the part of Magadhan Empire and played as the most important role in administrative section from the time of Indian Puranas.
Rajagriha in Ancient Scriptures
Puranas, Jains Agamas and the Buddhist Pali scriptures showcase Rajagriha as an ancient city of Magadha, while Mahabharata also noted Rajagriha as the political seat after Indraprastra. Mahabharata also noted the history of Bhima and Jarasandha. The Buddhist scriptures mostly written by Chinese pilgrims Fahien and Hieun Tsang portrayed the history of Buddha era in Rajagriha and the social, political and economical life of Rajagriha.
Emergence of Rajagriha
The ancient Rajagriha was the capital city of the Magadha kings. Rajagriha gained importance in 5th century BC when Udayin (460-440 BC), son of Ajatashatru, moved his official and administrative seat to Pataliputra, the modern day Patna in Bihar. "The Home of Royalty` was founded in Rajagriha by Shishunaga of Shishunaga dynasty in 413 BC.
Social Life of Rajagriha
The people of Veda era who spread from the northwest to north-central India and the Ganga river showed the elegance in art, architecture, sculptures and the scriptures. The people of Vedic culture were organized into several clans. Each of the clans and the tribes are ruled by the Rajas and Maharajas. The chief was primarily a leader of war, battles and the revolts. He was solely responsible for protecting each and every clan.
Monuments in Rajagriha
In Rajagriha, there are many ancient monuments which include Gridhakuta Hill, Vulture`s Peak, Pipphali House or Cave, Venuvana, Jivakarama, Tapodarama and Saptaparni Cave. Some of the other archaeological sites in Rajagriha are the Karnada Tank where Gautama Buddha used to bathe, Son bhandar Cave, the Maniyar Math that dates from the 1st century, Maraka Kukshi where the still unborn Ajatasatru was cursed as a patricide, the "Ranabhumi" where Bhima and Jarasandha fought in the Mahabharata battles.
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