Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t3.2

v1.c7.s2.t3.2

It was historically known as Uruvela and was situated at the banks of River Niranjana (Lilanjan) which merged with the holy River Falgu that flowed past the city of Gaya. According to 5th century commentator Dharmapala, the name Uruvela derived from the abundance of sand (*vela*). Others link its name to the existence of a or many vilva trees (Aegie marmelas) there. Archaeological excavations of the local village site, however, reveal that it was an area with human settlement dating at par with Indus Civilisation of about 4,500 years ago.