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JAIN REMAINS FROM RAJGIR
DR. RAJIV KUMAR
Rajgir, situated about 60 miles to the South-east of Patna, is one of the oldest cities of India and has a glorious history in the domains both of politics and religion. Its soil has been sanctified by its long and cordial association with famous preachers such as the Buddha and Mahavira and this is perhaps the reason why we find this city mentioned in the Buddist and Jain literature in greater detail than in any Brahmanical works.
We do not know with certainty, who was its founder or when it was founded. The Vedic literature is totally silent about it, but Pali and Prakrit literature speak of its power, prosperity and magnificence in the life time of the Buddha and Mahavira. The antiquity of Rajgir is corroborated by the archaeological sources also. The N.B.P. ware, which are now referred to the seventh century B.C., have been found in the deepest layer at Rajgir." But A. Ghosh is of the opinion that "Occupation in Rajgir must have been earlier as is indicated by the presence of pottery in the layers earlier than those producing these wares". It is doubtful whether the archaeologists have reached the virgin soil.
Rajgir was variously known as Girivraja (with reference to its topographical position - a city surrounded by hills), Rajagrha (the abode of Kings), Vasumati (from the mythical king Vasu who, according to the Ramayana, was the founder of the city)", Brhadrathapura Brhadratha, father of King Jarasandha of the Mahabharata fame and founder of the Brhadratha dynasty of Magadha):Kusagrapura (meaning the city of superior - Kusa grass)."
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Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth
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