Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t11: Vaishali
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t11
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Vaishali
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Vaishali was among the largest and most flourishing cities during the Buddhist era of ancient India. Governed by the Khastriya Lichchavi clan under the Vajjian confederacy, it was the capital of the Lichchavi Republic which is historically considered among the earliest democratic states of the world. It was located on the banks of Gandak River and was on the trade route connected in north with Shravasti and Kapilavastu and in south with Rajgriha. Like many other ancient cities of the Buddhist era, it too was lost in oblivion. Its exact location and identification owe much to travel records of Faxian and Xuanzang. In 1861, following their travel path mentioned in these records, famous British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham located its ruins in Basarh village in the district of Muzzaffarpur, Bihar. The old district has now been carved to create the modern district of Vaishali with its headquarters in Hajipur, about 50 km to the north of Patna, the capital of modern Bihar.
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The origin and early history of Vaishali is not widely known. The city and the legends of its origin are, however, mentioned in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain texts. According to some Hindu texts, it was founded by King Vishala and was, therefore, named Vaishali. Tracing its history, Vishnu Purana mentions its 34 kings starting with democratic conscientious Nabhaga to Sumati who is considered to be a contemporary of Ayodhya's King Dashrath (father of lord Rama). Pali texts note Vaishali as a rich and flourishing city with numerous buildings and ponds, with a large population. Due to an expanding settlement, its boundaries were extended three times. It, therefore, became famous as Vaishali. Buddhaghosh too refers to this explanation for the name of the city. Jatak stories describe three large surrounding boundary walls of the city adorned with towers. Jain texts mention one of the walls covering the city of Vaishali and two others protecting the suburban cities of Vaniyagama and Kollaga. They describe it as a beautiful garden city surrounded by forests or a well-endowed heavenly city. The city thus appears to be flourishing by 6^th century BCE. Faxian in 3^rd century CE finds that many of the buildings still exist. It had, however, declined to a great extent by the time of Xuanzang's visit (7^th century CE) who notes flourishing agricultural fields and fruit gardens but only a few remains of its thousands of old buildings and hundreds of monasteries, and a greatly reduced population. Of all the sectarian disciples, *digambaras* (Jaina) were most.
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The name and fame of Vaishali owes to its Buddhist and Jain connections. Prince Siddharth first came here from Kapilavastu after renunciation in search for enlightenment. Udraka Ramaputra and Alara Kalama of Vaishali were his first spiritual masters. Five years after the attainment of his Buddhahood, he spent a *chaturmaas* (rainy season) in the city and later came here several times. Many of his *Vinay Suttas* were first enunciated here like Mahāli, Mahāsíhanāda, Cúla Saccaka, Mahā Saccaka, Tevijja, Vacchagotta and Sunakkhatta. These also included the Ratan Sutta, mentioned by both Faxian and Xuanzang with reference to Vaishali, which he prescribed to people there to rid the city of all misfortunes and evil. During his last visit to the city, he confided to his disciple, Anand, of his impending Mahaparinirban and made his last journey to Kushinagar after leaving behind his alms bowl. The city is also linked with Buddha's ordaining of his stepmother, Maprajapati Gotmi, and establishment of *sangha* for the Buddhist nuns. In fact, many of the organisational ideas of *sangha* were derived from the governing practices of the city. The famous city courtesan, Amrapali/ Ambapali became his devotee here and donated her mango grove. After the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha, Lichchavis built a *stupa* over their share of his relics. Later, another larger *stupa* with a pillar crowned by a beautiful Asiatic lion was erected by Emperor Asoka. There is also a *stupa* over the relics of his foremost disciple Ananda. The second Buddhist Council was convened here in 383 BCE by the King Kalashok to resolve schism in the Buddhist order.
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Vaishali's linkages with Jainism were equally intimate. Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankar of the Jains, was born in Kshatriyakund at the outskirts of the city to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishila. He lived there till the age of 22. After attaining enlightenment, he returned here and spent 12 of his 42 rainy seasons. Presently, the Government of Bihar celebrates the birthday of Lord Mahavir on the full moon day in Vaishakh (mid-April) as Vaishali Mahotsava (Great Fair). The place has become a famous tourist site. Besides ruins of various monuments linked with Buddhism and Jainism, there is a huge mound with a circumference about 1 km which is said to be the ancient parliament house of Lichchavis as well as a coronation tank in the sacred water of which an elected representative was anointed before swearing-in. Among the modern addition is the World Peace Stupa built by Japanese Buddhists.
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(*Kamal Sheel*)