An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c35.126

v2.c35.126

**Hastināpura**, Hastinapur, (29°9′; 78°3′), Dt Meerut, located on the right bank of an old bed of the Ganga, known in literature and tradition as the capital of the Kauravas of the *Mahābhārata* fame. The mound rises some 18 m above the surrounding plain, of which the upper 10 m represent occupational deposits. From n. to s. i.e. along the river-bank, the mound measures about 800 m, while in the e. to w. direction it is hardly half that size. From the top of the mound, looking e.wards one sees a thin stream, known as the Budhi Ganga (old Ganga), at a distance of about 1 km while the main stream is about 7 km farther away. On the bank of the Budhi Ganga, two places known as Draupadi Ghat and Karna Ghat remind one of the *Mahābhārata* personages. Three Jaina *tīrthaṅkaras*, Śāntinātha, Kunthunātha and Aranātha, are believed to have been associated with Hastināpura. Presently there are two Jaina temples, belonging respectively to the Digambara and Śvetāmbara sects.