An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c44.117

v2.c44.117

**Rajgir** (25°1′; 85°30′), Dt Nalanda, 21 km s.-w. of Biharsharif, the Dt headquarters, a valley completely enclosed by hills which form the n. limits of the Gaya range flanking the s. of the Ganga plains, with two natural passes serving as gates between hills on the n. and s. Its physical position makes it a naturally fortified area and it was understandably the capital of Magadha, s. Bihar, from traditional days to about the 5th century B.C., when the capital was shifted to PĀṬALIPUTRA. Its ancient names were Vasumatī, probably after Vasu the mythical son of Brahmā, Bārhadrathapura, after Bṛhadratha, the progenitor of a traditional dynasty, Girivraja, meaning the hill-girt valley, Kuśāgrapura, after Kuśāgra the successor of Bṛhadratha (though according to Hiuen Tsang it means the city of superior grass) and Rājagṛha, the royal abode *par excellence*. It was the favourite resort of Buddha and Mahāvīra and many are the spots in the valley associated with the life of the former. The names of the hills that surrounded it are given differently in ancient texts and their identifications with their modern counterparts—Vaibhāra, Vipula, Ratna, Chathā, Śaila, Udaya and Sonā—are not in all cases established beyond doubt. On the top of each hill are late medieval Jaina temples. Two groups of hot springs have added to the attraction of the place.