Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t5.4

v1.c7.s2.t5.4

Historically, Gaya has been known as a prominent city under the Magadh empire. During the time of Bimbisar, the fifth king of the Sisunaga dynasty in 600 BCE, the city became more famous as it came into the limelight because of its significant association with Lord Gautam Buddha and Mahavir. After the brief rule of Nandas, the city came under the Mauryans whose great emperor Ashoka,] patronised the city after having embraced Buddhism. The famous Mahabodhi Temple and Ashokan Pillars adorned the city. During Gupta dynasty, it became the headquarters of Bihar district. The Guptas were followed by the Palas whose king Dharamapala built/ rebuilt the present Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya. During his visit to Xuanzang, he found it inhabited by about 1,000 respected Brahmin families belonging to earlier sages. They had their own exalted social status independent of the King's political authority. Between 12th and 18th centuries, Gaya was ruled by the Muslims like Bakhtiyar Khilji and Shershah Suri until it came under the control of British after the battle of Buxar in 1764. It became an independent district in 1865 and after India's Independence, it was incorporated in Magadh Division in 1981.