An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c48.62

v2.c48.62

**Vaiśālī, Basarh** (25°58′; 80°11′), District Vaisali, supposedly founded by Viśāla of the Ikṣvāku lineage, the capital of the Republic of the Licchavis, a branch of the Vṛji clan at the time of Buddha who visited the place more than once. It was annexed by Ajātaśatru of Magadha after the death of Buddha. Pre-Mahāvīra Jainism is said to have penetrated here and Mahāvīra was born near the place. Many spots here were connected with Buddha and Aśoka raised one of his (uninscribed) pillars near a lake associated with Buddha. The main ruins are represented by a prominent fort over 500 × 240 m known as Raja-Bisal-ka-Garh, identified by A. Cunningham as Vaiśālī (*ASI—AR*, 1, p. 55), though ruins are scattered well outside the fort as well.