Rajgir
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Overview
Rajgir, the ancient Rajagriha in Bihar's Nalanda district, is an important Buddhist site. The first Buddhist council was held here. Its hot springs are a sign of residual heat below the surface, like those at Manikaran and Bakreshwar.
Rajgir, then Rajagriha, was the early capital of Magadha under Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, ringed by five hills and stone walls.
The first Buddhist council was held at the Saptaparni cave here soon after the Buddha's death, under Ajatashatru.
The Buddha preached at Gridhrakuta (Vulture's Peak), and Rajgir is also sacred to Jains, as Mahavira spent many rainy seasons here.
It has hot springs.
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is on a hill.
A ropeway links to it.
It is in Nalanda district.
Geography and key facts
- Nalanda district, Bihar
- First Buddhist council
- Hot springs
- Gridhrakuta hill
- Early Magadha capital
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked in site pairs (1998).
Note for UPSC
Bihar; first Buddhist council.
Expect questions linking sites with events in the Buddha's life and later Buddhist history.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 1998 · Q36Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Lothal: Ancient dockyard II. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha III. Rajgir: Lion capital of Asoka IV. Nalanda: Great …
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Rajgir.
Key facts
- Type
- Buddhist site
- State / UT
- Bihar
- Coordinates
- 25.030°N, 85.420°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 1 question · 1998
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.