Tribes in Ancient India c50.292

c50.292

We have already indicated that Rājagṛha was surrounded by mountains. The Ṛṣigiri or Isigili, as its name shows, was a favourite hermits’ retreat,⁷ as indeed were the other mountains which encircled the city.¹ The most famous of these mountains was the Gṛdhrakūṭa or Gijjhakūṭa peak, so called either because it was shaped like vulture’s beak, or because it was frequented by vultures.² Dhaniya, a potter’s son, made a beautiful hothouse at the foot of the Gijjhakūṭa hill, and many people came to see it.³