Vaishali
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Overview
Vaishali in Bihar was the capital of the Lichchhavis and of the Vajji confederacy, a republic ruled by an assembly. The second Buddhist council was held here under Kalashoka. Mahavira was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali.
The Buddha visited Vaishali several times, and he announced his coming parinirvana here.
An Ashokan lion pillar with a single lion capital still stands at Kolhua, near the site.
The Vajji republic's assembly-based rule is often cited as an early example of a republican form of government in India.
It is in Vaishali district.
The Abhishek Pushkarini tank is here.
The Buddha relic stupa was found here.
A peace pagoda was built by the Japanese.
Geography and key facts
- Bihar
- Vajji/Lichchhavi capital
- Second Buddhist council (Kalashoka)
- Mahavira born nearby
- Ashokan pillar at Kolhua
- Buddha's last visit before parinirvana
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on Buddhist councils and the republics (gana-sanghas).
Note for UPSC
Bihar; second Buddhist council.
Expect questions linking sites with events in the Buddha's life and later Buddhist history.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Vaishali yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Buddhist site
- State / UT
- Bihar
- Coordinates
- 26.014°N, 85.109°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.