Rajgir - Revision history

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	'''Rajgir''', meaning "The City of Kings," is a historic [[List of towns in India by population\|town]] in the [[Nalanda district\|district of Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]], [[India]]. As the ancient seat and capital of the [[Haryanka dynasty]], the [[Pradyota dynasty]], the [[Brihadratha dynasty]] and the [[Mauryan Empire]], as well as the dwelling ground of such historical figures as [[Gautama Buddha\|The Buddha]] and [[Mahavira\| The Mahavira]], the city holds a place of prominence in [[Hinduism\|Hindu]], [[Buddhism\|Buddhist]] and [[Jainism\|Jain]] scriptures. As of 2011, the population of the town was reported to be 41,000 while the population in the [[community development block]] was about 88,500.		'''Rajgir''', meaning "The City of Kings," is a historic [[List of towns in India by population\|town]] in the [[Nalanda district\|district of Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]], [[India]]. As the ancient seat and capital of the [[Haryanka dynasty]], the [[Pradyota dynasty]], the [[Brihadratha dynasty]] and the [[Mauryan Empire]], as well as the dwelling ground of such historical figures as [[Gautama Buddha\|The Buddha]] and [[Mahavira\|The Mahavira]], the city holds a place of prominence in [[Hinduism\|Hindu]], [[Buddhism\|Buddhist]] and [[Jainism\|Jain]] scriptures. As of 2011, the population of the town was reported to be 41,000 while the population in the [[community development block]] was about 88,500.

	Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of [[Magadha]], a state that would eventually evolve into the [[Maurya Empire\|Mauryan Empire]].<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Rajgir \|url=http://bstdc.bihar.gov.in/rajgir.htm \|access-date=29 March 2022 \|website=BSTDC \|publisher=Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation}}</ref> It finds mention in India's renowned literary epic, the [[Mahabharata]], through its king [[Jarasandha]]. The town's date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The 2,500-year-old [[Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir\|cyclopean wall]] is also located in the region.		Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of [[Magadha]], a state that would eventually evolve into the [[Maurya Empire\|Mauryan Empire]].<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Rajgir \|url=http://bstdc.bihar.gov.in/rajgir.htm \|access-date=29 March 2022 \|website=BSTDC \|publisher=Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation}}</ref> It finds mention in India's renowned literary epic, the [[Mahabharata]], through its king [[Jarasandha]]. The town's date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The 2,500-year-old [[Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir\|cyclopean wall]] is also located in the region.
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	Rajgir was the capital of [[Haryanka dynasty]] kings [[Bimbisara]] (558–491 BC) and [[Ajatashatru]] (492–460 BC). Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbisara in captivity here. The sources do not agree on which of the [[Gautama Buddha\|Buddha]]'s royal contemporaries, [[Bimbisara]] and [[Ajatashatru]], was responsible for its construction. It was the ancient capital city of the [[Legendary kings of Magadha\|Magadha]] kings until the 5th century BC when [[Udayin]] (460–440 BC), son of Ajatashatru, moved the capital to [[Pataliputra]] (modern [[Patna]]).<ref name=":0">{{cite book\|title=Monuments and Temples of Orthodox Buddhism in India and Sri Lanka\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B9gdYTnHrN0C&q=Rajgir+was+the+ancient+capital+city+of+the+Magadha+kings+until+the+5th+century+BC&pg=PA35\|year=2013\|page=35\|publisher=AuthorHouse\|author=W. Vivian De Thabrew\|access-date=29 November 2016\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129150719/https://books.google.com/books?id=B9gdYTnHrN0C&pg=PA35&dq=Rajgir+was+the+ancient+capital+city+of+the+Magadha+kings+until+the+5th+century+BC&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjB2_33os3QAhULs48KHXCqDSUQ6AEIGzAA#v=onepage&q=Rajgir%20was%20the%20ancient%20capital%20city%20of%20the%20Magadha%20kings%20until%20the%205th%20century%20BC&f=false\|archive-date=29 November 2016\|df=dmy-all\|isbn = 9781481795517}}</ref> [[Shishunaga]] (413-395 BC) founded [[Shishunaga dynasty]] in 413 BC with Rajgir as its initial capital before it was moved to Pataliputra.		Rajgir was the capital of [[Haryanka dynasty]] kings [[Bimbisara]] (558–491 BC) and [[Ajatashatru]] (492–460 BC). Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbisara in captivity here. The sources do not agree on which of the [[Gautama Buddha\|Buddha]]'s royal contemporaries, [[Bimbisara]] and [[Ajatashatru]], was responsible for its construction. It was the ancient capital city of the [[Legendary kings of Magadha\|Magadha]] kings until the 5th century BC when [[Udayin]] (460–440 BC), son of Ajatashatru, moved the capital to [[Pataliputra]] (modern [[Patna]]).<ref name=":0">{{cite book\|title=Monuments and Temples of Orthodox Buddhism in India and Sri Lanka\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B9gdYTnHrN0C&q=Rajgir+was+the+ancient+capital+city+of+the+Magadha+kings+until+the+5th+century+BC&pg=PA35\|year=2013\|page=35\|publisher=AuthorHouse\|author=W. Vivian De Thabrew\|access-date=29 November 2016\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129150719/https://books.google.com/books?id=B9gdYTnHrN0C&pg=PA35&dq=Rajgir+was+the+ancient+capital+city+of+the+Magadha+kings+until+the+5th+century+BC&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjB2_33os3QAhULs48KHXCqDSUQ6AEIGzAA#v=onepage&q=Rajgir%20was%20the%20ancient%20capital%20city%20of%20the%20Magadha%20kings%20until%20the%205th%20century%20BC&f=false\|archive-date=29 November 2016\|df=dmy-all\|isbn = 9781481795517}}</ref> [[Shishunaga]] (413-395 BC) founded [[Shishunaga dynasty]] in 413 BC with Rajgir as its initial capital before it was moved to Pataliputra.

	It is associated with the founders of both the religions: [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]], associated with both the historical [[Arihant (Jainism)\|Arihant]] [[Shraman]][[ Bhagawan]] [[Mahavira]] and [[Buddha]].		It is associated with the founders of both the religions: [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]], associated with both the historical [[Arihant (Jainism)\|Arihant]] [[Shraman]][[Bhagawan]] [[Mahavira]] and [[Buddha]].
	[[File:Vulturepeak1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|Gautama Buddha spent a substantial amount of time [[Vulture Peak\|here]].]]		[[File:Vulturepeak1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|Gautama Buddha spent a substantial amount of time [[Vulture Peak\|here]].]]
	It was here that Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at [[Vulture Peak\|Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures')]]. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara of Magadha and others to Buddhism. It was here that Budhha delivered his famous [[Atanatiya Sutra]]. On one of the hills is the [[Saptaparni Cave]] where the [[First Buddhist Council]] was held under the leadership of [[Maha Kassapa]].		It was here that Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at [[Vulture Peak\|Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures')]]. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara of Magadha and others to Buddhism. It was here that Budhha delivered his famous [[Atanatiya Sutra]]. On one of the hills is the [[Saptaparni Cave]] where the [[First Buddhist Council]] was held under the leadership of [[Maha Kassapa]].

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	{{Buddhism topics}}		{{Buddhism topics}}
	{{Jain Caves in India}}		{{Jain Caves in India}}

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{{Short description|Town in Bihar, India}}
{{Redirect|Rajagriha|the memorial and home of B. R. Ambedkar|Rajgruha}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Rajgir
| other_name = Rajagriha
| settlement_type = [[List of towns in India by population|Town]], Historical locality
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 295
| image_style =
| perrow = 1/2/2/2
| image1 = Rajgir 12 hills panorama (31396985691).jpg
| alt1 = Rajgir hills
| image2 = Shanti Stupa at Rajgir (cropped).jpg
| alt2 = Peace pagoda
| image3 = Rajgir - 035 Gijjhakuta from Above (9242176293).jpg
| alt3 = Vulture's peak
| image4 = Ghora Katora Lake in Rajgir Bihar (cropped).jpg
| alt4 = Ghora Katora Lake
| image5 = Naulakha Mandir.jpg
| alt5 = Jain temple, Rajgir
| image6 =
| alt6 =
| image7 =
| alt7 =
| image8 =
| alt8 =
}}
| caption = '''From top, left to right''': View of [[Rajgir hills]], [[Vishwa Shanti Stupa]] (peace pagoda), [[Vulture Peak]], [[Ghora Katora]] lake, Naulakha Jain Temple
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt = Bihar
| pushpin_map_caption = Bihar
| coordinates = {{Coord|25|1|48|N|85|25|12|E|region:IN_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[:Bihar]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Magadha]]
| subdivision_type3 = Division
| subdivision_name3 = [[Patna division|Patna]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Nalanda district|Nalanda]]
| subdivision_type5 = Ward
| subdivision_name5 = 19 wards
| established_title = Founded
| established_date = [[Legendary kings of Magadha|≈2000 BC]]
| founder = [[Brihadratha|Samrat Brihadratha]]
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = {{spaces}}(2015) {{refn|group=A|name=|Constituents of Rajgir Regional Planning area are [[Community development|CD]] blocks of Rajgir, Silao, Giriak and Katrisarai<ref>{{cite web | url=http://urban.bih.nic.in/News/NE-02-15-04-2015.pdf| title=पत्रांक-213 : ''राजगीर क्षेत्रीय आयोजना क्षेत्र एवं बोधगया आयोजना क्षेत्र'' के सीमांकन एवं घोषणा | publisher=Urban Development Housing Dept., Government of Bihar, Patna | date=15 April 2015 | access-date=18 May 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618174436/http://urban.bih.nic.in/News/NE-02-15-04-2015.pdf | archive-date=18 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>}}
| area_total_km2 = 111.39
| area_rank =
| area_blank1_title = Town
| area_blank1_km2 = 61.6
| area_blank1_sq_mi =
| area_blank2_title = [[Regional planning]]
| area_blank2_km2 = 517
| area_blank2_sq_mi =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 73
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census2011Gov"/>
| population_total =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 =
| population_demonym =
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Magadhi language|Magadhi]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 803116
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = +91-6112
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#BR.E2.80.94Bihar|BR]]-21
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 1000/889 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec1 = 51.88%
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Nalanda (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nalanda]]
| blank4_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank4_info_sec1 = [[Rajgir (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Rajgir (SC) (173)]]
| website = {{url|nalanda.bih.nic.in}}
| footnotes = {{Reflist|group=A}}
| image_map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=300|frame-height=200|frame-align=center|zoom=10|type=point|title=Rajgir|marker=town|type2=shape|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080}}
| map_caption = Interactive map of Rajgir
| population_rural =
| population_blank1_title = Rajgir (NP)
| population_blank1 = 41587
| population_blank2_title = Rajgir (CD Block)
| population_blank2 = 88596
}}
'''Rajgir''', meaning "The City of Kings," is a historic [[List of towns in India by population|town]] in the [[Nalanda district|district of Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]], [[India]]. As the ancient seat and capital of the [[Haryanka dynasty]], the [[Pradyota dynasty]], the [[Brihadratha dynasty]] and the [[Mauryan Empire]], as well as the dwelling ground of such historical figures as [[Gautama Buddha|The Buddha]] and [[Mahavira| The Mahavira]], the city holds a place of prominence in [[Hinduism|Hindu]], [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] and [[Jainism|Jain]] scriptures. As of 2011, the population of the town was reported to be 41,000 while the population in the [[community development block]] was about 88,500.

Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of [[Magadha]], a state that would eventually evolve into the [[Maurya Empire|Mauryan Empire]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajgir |url=http://bstdc.bihar.gov.in/rajgir.htm |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=BSTDC |publisher=Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation}}</ref> It finds mention in India's renowned literary epic, the [[Mahabharata]], through its king [[Jarasandha]]. The town's date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The 2,500-year-old [[Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir|cyclopean wall]] is also located in the region.

The town is also notable in [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]].<ref>Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas Part-1, Ed. Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj, 1971 p. 739-742</ref> It was the birthplace of the 20th Jain [[Tirthankar]] [[Munisuvrata]], and is closely associated with the [[Mahavira]] and [[Gautama Buddha]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2014 |title=Rajgir – The Abode of Kings |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/rajgir-the-abode-of-kings/as33022395.cms |website=Times Travel |publisher=The Times of India}}</ref> Both Mahavira and Buddha taught their beliefs in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC, and the Buddha was offered a forest monastery here by the king [[Bimbisara]]. As such, the city of Rajgir became one of the Buddha's most important preaching locations.

The ancient [[Nalanda]] university was located in the vicinity of Rajgir, and the contemporary [[Nalanda University]] named after it was founded in 2010 nearby. The town is also famed for its natural springs and towering hills that dominate the landscape.

== Etymology ==
The name Rajgir ([[Sanskrit]] ''Rājagṛha'', [[Pali]]: ''Rajagriha''), literally meaning "royal mountain" comes from the historic Rājagṛiha, meaning "house of the king" or "royal house".<ref name=":0" />{{Sfn|Law|1938|p=1}} It has also historically been known as Vasumati, Brahdrathapura, Grivraja/Girivraja and Kusagrapura.<ref name=":0"/>{{Sfn|Narayan|1983|p=91}} Girivraja means an enclosure of hills.{{Sfn|Narayan|1983|p=91}}

==History==
[[File:Jarasandha's Akhara.JPG|left|thumb|Jarasandha's Akhara]]
The epic [[Mahabharata]] calls it Girivraja and recounts the story of its king, Jarasandha, and his battle with the [[Pandava]] brothers and their allies [[Krishna]].<ref>See Bhagavata Purana, 10.70.30</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.krsnabook.com/ch52.html |title=Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead |access-date=2008-04-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421134919/http://krsnabook.com/ch52.html |archive-date=21 April 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Mahabharata recounts a wrestling match between [[Bhima]] (one of the Pandavas) and Jarasandha, the then king of Magadha. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. According to the legend, Bhima split Jarasandha into two and threw the two halves facing opposite to each other so that they could not join. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara (the place where martial arts are practised).

Rajgir was the capital of [[Haryanka dynasty]] kings [[Bimbisara]] (558–491 BC) and [[Ajatashatru]] (492–460 BC). Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbisara in captivity here. The sources do not agree on which of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]'s royal contemporaries, [[Bimbisara]] and [[Ajatashatru]], was responsible for its construction. It was the ancient capital city of the [[Legendary kings of Magadha|Magadha]] kings until the 5th century BC when [[Udayin]] (460–440 BC), son of Ajatashatru, moved the capital to [[Pataliputra]] (modern [[Patna]]).<ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=Monuments and Temples of Orthodox Buddhism in India and Sri Lanka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B9gdYTnHrN0C&q=Rajgir+was+the+ancient+capital+city+of+the+Magadha+kings+until+the+5th+century+BC&pg=PA35|year=2013|page=35|publisher=AuthorHouse|author=W. Vivian De Thabrew|access-date=29 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129150719/https://books.google.com/books?id=B9gdYTnHrN0C&pg=PA35&dq=Rajgir+was+the+ancient+capital+city+of+the+Magadha+kings+until+the+5th+century+BC&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjB2_33os3QAhULs48KHXCqDSUQ6AEIGzAA#v=onepage&q=Rajgir%20was%20the%20ancient%20capital%20city%20of%20the%20Magadha%20kings%20until%20the%205th%20century%20BC&f=false|archive-date=29 November 2016|df=dmy-all|isbn = 9781481795517}}</ref> [[Shishunaga]] (413-395 BC) founded [[Shishunaga dynasty]] in 413 BC with Rajgir as its initial capital before it was moved to Pataliputra.

It is associated with the founders of both the religions: [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]], associated with both the historical [[Arihant (Jainism)|Arihant]] [[Shraman]][[ Bhagawan]] [[Mahavira]] and [[Buddha]].
[[File:Vulturepeak1.jpg|left|thumb|Gautama Buddha spent a substantial amount of time [[Vulture Peak|here]].]]
It was here that Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at [[Vulture Peak|Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures')]]. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara of Magadha and others to Buddhism. It was here that Budhha delivered his famous [[Atanatiya Sutra]]. On one of the hills is the [[Saptaparni Cave]] where the [[First Buddhist Council]] was held under the leadership of [[Maha Kassapa]].

[[Mahavira]], the 24th [[Tirthankara]] spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda, spending ''Chaturmas'' (i.e. 4 months of the rainy season) at a single place in Rajgir (Rajgruhi) and the rest in the places in the vicinity. It was the capital of one of his Shravaks (follower) [[Bimbisara|King Shrenik]]. Thus Rajgir is also of religious importance to Jains. The twentieth Jain Tirthankara, [[Munisuvrata]] is supposed to have been born here. An ancient temple (about 1200 years old) dedicated to Munisuvrat Bhagwan is also present here along with many other Jain temples. This temple is also a place for four Kalyanakas of Bhagwan Munisuvratnath.[[File:Cyclopian wall, Rajgir. (5457385482) (cropped).jpg|thumb|The historic locality is surrounded by the [[Rajgir hills]] and remains of [[Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir|cyclopean walls]].]]It is also mentioned in [[Jain]] and [[Buddhist]] scriptures, which give a series of place-names, but without geographical context. The attempt to locate these places is based largely on reference to them and to other locations in the works of [[History of China|Chinese]] [[Buddhist]] pilgrims, particularly [[Faxian]] and [[Xuanzang]]. It is on the basis of [[Xuanzang]] in particular that the site is divided into Old and New Rajgir. The former lies within a valley and is surrounded by low-lying hills, [[Rajgir hills|Rajgir Hills]]. It is defined by an earthen embankment (the Inner Fortification), with which is associated the Outer Fortification, a complex of [[cyclopean walls]] that runs (with large breaks) along the crest of the hills. New Rajgir is defined by another, larger, embankment outside the northern entrance of the valley and next to the modern town.
==Geography and climate==
The modern town is situated close to the Rajgir hills while the valley is surrounded by seven hills: Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula. River Panchane flows through the outskirts of the town.

* Summer temperature: maximum 44 °C (111.2 °F), minimum 20 °C (68 °F)
* Winter temperature: maximum 28 °C (82.4 °F), minimum 6 °C (42.8 °F)
* Rainfall: 1,860 mm (mid-June to mid-September)
* Dry/warm season: March to October

=== Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary ===
{{See also|Rajgir Zoo Safari}}
The landscape of Rajgir or Pant WLS is uneven terrain enclosed by five hills; Ratnagiri, Vipulgiri, Vaibhagiri, Songiri and Udaygiri. It is situated in Nalanda Forest Division covering an area of 35.84 km<sup>2</sup> under the [[Nalanda district]] administration. This wildlife sanctuary, notified in 1978, represents a remnant patch of forests nestled in the Rajgir hills within the south [[Gangetic Plain]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sharma |first1=Gopal |last2=Kumar |first2=Rahul |date=May 2017 |title=Butterfly diversity of Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajgir (Bihar), India |journal=Bioglobal |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=39–46}}</ref>

It is home to a number of wild animals including: mammals – blue bull (''[[Boselaphus tragocamelus]]''), chital or spotted deer (''[[Axis axis]]''), Indian crested porcupine (''[[Hystrix indica]]''), small Indian civet (''[[Viverricula indica]]''), jungle cat (''[[Felis chaus]]''); birds – painted spurfowl (''[[Galloperdix lunulata]]''), Eurasian thick knee (''[[Burhinus oedicnemus]]''), painted sandgrouse (''[[Pterocles indicus]]''); reptiles and amphibians – Bengal monitor (''[[Varanus bengalensis]]''), Indian bullfrog (''[[Hoplobatrachus tigerinus]]''), Jerdon's bullfrog (''[[Hoplobatrachus crassus]]''), ornate narrow-mouthed frog (''[[Microhyla ornata]]''), and Indian tree frog (''[[Polypedates maculatus]]'').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Report of the officer in charge of the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary |url=http://forestsclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/08112018SL1JK1CDConservationvalueoftheProtectedarea.pdf}}</ref>

==Demographics==
According to [[2011 Indian Census]], Rajgir had a total population of 41,587, of which 21,869 were males and 19,718 were females. The population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 6,922. The total number of literates in Rajgir was 24,121, which constituted 58.0% of the population with male literacy of 65.4% and female literacy of 49.8%. The effective literacy rate of the 7+ population of Rajgir was 69.6%, of which the male literacy rate was 78.1% and the female literacy rate was 60.1%. The [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] population was 11,724 and 42 respectively. Rajgir had 7030 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Rajgir |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=277387 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=7 January 2020}}</ref>

==Tourism==
[[File:Rajgir - 040 Chanting at Boar's Cave (9244902902).jpg|thumb|Boar's Cave]]

The main tourist attractions include the ancient city walls from [[Ajatashatru]]'s period, [[Bimbisar]]'s Jail, [[Jarasandh]]'s Akhara, [[Vulture Peak|Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures')]], [[Son Bhandar Caves]]<ref>Middle Land, Middle Way: A Pilgrim's Guide to the [[Buddha]]'s India, Shravasti Dhammika, Buddhist Publication Society, 1992 p. 98</ref> and the Jain temples on the five peaks.<ref name="jainglory" />[[File:Rajgir lord mahavira.jpg|thumb|Closeup of Buddha at Vishwa Shanti Stupa|left]]
Another major attraction is the [[peace pagoda]], ''[[Vishwa Shanti Stupa]]'', built-in 1969, one of the 80 peace pagodas in the world, to spread the message of peace and non-violence. It is the oldest peace pagoda in India. The rope-way that leads to it is another attraction, which was gifted by Japanese spiritual leader Fuji Guruji in the 1960s.[[File:Rope way, Rajgir.jpg|thumb|Rope way from the 1960s]]

A new rope way has been planned.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Prabhash K. |date=5 September 2018 |title=Rajgir: Bihar's highest revenue earning tourist destination is a story of neglect |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/bihar/story/rajgir-bihar-s-highest-revenue-earning-tourist-destination-is-a-story-of-neglect-1332458-2018-09-05 |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

Rajgir has hot water springs, locally known as ''Brahmakund'', a sacred place for [[Hindu]]s where water from seven different springs (''[[Saptarshi]]'') merge and is notable for its healing effects.<ref name="book1">{{cite book |last1=Kishore Sharma |first1=Jugal |title=Punya Bhoomi Bharat |date=February 2014 |publisher=Suruchi Prakashan |isbn=978-9381500095 |page=70}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2017 |title=गर्म पानी के इस कुंड में नहाने से होती है सभी बीमारिया दूर |url=https://www.newstracklive.com/news/shower-this-hot-water-pond-for-removing-all-daisies-1116970-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419121152/https://www.newstracklive.com/news/shower-this-hot-water-pond-for-removing-all-daisies-1116970-1.html |archive-date=19 April 2018 |access-date=7 January 2020 |website=News Track}}</ref>

There is a Japanese temple beside the Venu Vana, an artificial forest with historical associations to Buddha and the kings of the region. Other places of interest include the Rajgir Heritage Museum,<ref>{{cite web |date=8 September 2013 |title=Rajgir Heritage Museum inaugurated by CM Nitish Kumar |url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/rajgir-heritage-museum-inaugurated-by-cm-nitish-kumar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911003740/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/rajgir-heritage-museum-inaugurated-by-cm-nitish-kumar/ |archive-date=11 September 2013 |access-date=8 September 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> the Sariputta Stupa,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinha |first1=Shashank Shekhar |date=1 April 2018 |title=The Lesser Known Journey of Buddhist Relics - from India to UK and Back |work=The Wire |url=https://thewire.in/history/the-lesser-known-journey-of-buddhist-relics-from-india-to-uk-and-back |access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> [[Ghora Katora|Ghora Katora Lake]], and the Rajgir glass bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Dec 20, 2020 |title=Rajgir in Bihar now has a 200-ft glass bridge, set to open on New Year |work=Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/rajgir-in-bihar-now-has-a-200-ft-glass-bridge-set-to-open-on-new-year/as79822593.cms}}</ref>[[File:Son Bhandar cave shrine Rajgir.jpg|thumb|The [[Son Bhandar Caves]] (Caddy 1895)]]
The [[Son Bhandar Caves|Son Bhandar caves]] are situated in Rajgir. The caves are concerned with Jainism and are considered to belong to 3–4 century AD. After Cunningham's inspection, several scholars visited this place and some had opinions to concern with Buddhism. After some time all Buddhism connections were refused because of an inscription found on the southern wall of a cave. According to this inscription these caves were built by inspiration of a Jain Muni Vair for [[Jain]] ascetics. Sculptures of Teerthankaras were also carved in these caves. From an architectural aspect; these caves are analogous to [[Barabar Caves#Nagarjuni Caves|Nagarjuni cave]] and [[Barabar Caves]] caves of [[Mauryan]] era. Therefore, it can be concluded that construction time should not differ much from the above-mentioned caves.

These caves should be related to [[Digambar]] sect of Jainism as [[Xuanzang]] wrote in his book about Vaibhar Hill of Rajgir that the place was occupied by [[Digambar]] [[Jain]] monks for meditation purposes. After some centuries these caves were converted by [[Hindus]] as [[Vishnu]] sculpture was also found from the mound of a cave.<ref name="jainglory">[http://www.jainglory.com/research/son-bhandar History behind Son Bhandar cave of Rajgir.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093335/http://www.jainglory.com/research/son-bhandar |date=4 March 2016 }} {{snd}} JainGlory.com</ref> {{Clear}}

==Transportation==
[[Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation]] provides travel facility from state capital [[Patna]] to visit Bodh circuit ([[Bodhgaya]], Rajgir, [[Nalanda]], [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], [[Kesaria]], [[Lumbini]], [[Kushinagar]], [[Sarnath]]), Jain Circuit (Rajgir, [[Pawapuri]]) and Sikh Circuit in Bihar.
* '''Air:''' The nearest is [[Gaya International Airport]], Gaya which is 78 km which is connected to International Destinations like [[Bangkok]], [[Columbo]], etc. Another [[Patna Airport|airport]] is at [[Patna]] 101 km. Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways and Go Air connect Patna to [[Kolkata]], [[Bengaluru]], [[Mumbai]], [[Delhi]], [[Ranchi]] and [[Lucknow]].
* '''Rail:''' [[Rajgir railway station]] connects the city to other parts of country yet the nearest convenient railhead is at [[Gaya Junction railway station]] 78 km. The [[Bakhtiyarpur-Tilaiya line|Bakhtiyarpur-Gaya line]] provides improved rail connectivity to many places. It is one of the destinations of the prestigious Buddhist pilgrimage train of Indian Railways-[[Mahaparinirvan Express]].
* '''Road:''' Rajgir is connected by road to [[Patna]] – 110 km, Nalanda – 12 km, [[Gaya, India|Gaya]] – 78 km, [[Pawapuri]] – 19 km, [[Bihar Sharif]] – 25 km, etc. [[National Highway 120 (India)|NH 120]], transverses the city of Rajgir, connecting it with Bodhgaya, Gaya, Nalanda, Bihar Sharif and further to Patna. State Highway 71 also passes through Rajgir connecting it with Giriyak, Islampur and Jahanabad.
* '''Bus:''' Regular buses are available from all the above said points to Rajgir.
* '''Local Transport:''' Taxis and Buses and Tongas are available.

==Economy==
Located in Patna division, this [[Nagar Panchayat]] type of [[municipal council]] mainly depends upon tourism and is supplemented by agriculture. A number of resorts and hotels are located in Rajgir to serve the tourists. In addition, Rajgir is located near the tourist spots like Nalanda, [[Pawapuri]] and [[Kundalpur, Bihar|Kundalpur]].

Rajgir ranks top in Bihar, in reference to revenue collected by tourism.

*An ordinance factory for defence forces is located in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 July 2014 |title=Ordnance Factory Rajgir |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=106590 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website= |publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India}}</ref>
*Rajgir is also home to [[Bihar Police Academy]].
*RTC CRPF – Rajgir is also home to the Recruit Training centre of the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] for three states namely Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
*Government of Bihar has acquired 100 acres of land to build an IT city near Nalanda university and also develop India's first multimedia hub which will provide advanced courses in different spheres of IT.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/23rd-february-2002-when-gilchrist-hit-a-record-breaking-double-ton-1670191.html|title=23rd February 2002: When Gilchrist Hit a Record-breaking Double Ton|date=23 February 2018|website=News18}}</ref>
*[[Rajgir Film City]] is an integrated film studio complex. Spread over 20 acres, it is the second largest integrated film city in Bihar. It is being built by the Bihar government since 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bihar to get two film cities |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/bihar-to-get-two-film-cities/article6177330.ece |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=4 July 2014 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Choudhary |first1=Neena |title=Shatrughan Sinha's Dream Comes True, Bihar Gets its Own Film City |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/shatrughan-sinhas-dream-comes-true-bihar-gets-its-own-film-city |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=TheQuint |date=12 December 2015 |language=en}}</ref>

== Sports ==
[[Nalanda International Cricket Stadium]] is a proposed cricket stadium in the city. In 2013, it was announced by the Chief Minister of Bihar [[Nitish Kumar]] that an international cricket stadium will be constructed at Rajgir in Bihar's Nalanda district.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sengupta |first=Joy |date=2 August 2014 |title=Land in Rajgir for cricket stadium on Ranchi model |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/land-in-rajgir-for-cricket-stadium-on-ranchi-model/cid/316330 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160026/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140803/jsp/bihar/story_18680153.jsp |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=7 January 2020 |website=Telegraph India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 December 2013|title=Bihar to construct world class cricket stadium |url=https://zeenews.india.com/sports/softspot/bihar-to-construct-world-class-cricket-stadium_775132.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063431/http://zeenews.india.com/sports/softspot/bihar-to-construct-world-class-cricket-stadium_775132.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=7 January 2020 |website=Zee News}}</ref>

==Nalanda University==
[[Nalanda University]], a modern university that is based on the famous university and Buddhist monastery of ancient India, has been established with its campus in Rajgir. It began its first academic session on 1 September 2014.

==Events==
* [[Rajgir Mahotsav]]
* Purushottam Maas Mela
* Sariputta World Peace Walk
* Makar Sankranti Mela

==Notable people==
*[[Bimbisara]], ruler of Haryanaka Dynasty
*[[Ajatashatru]], ruler of Haryanaka Dynasty
*[[Udayin]], ruler of Haryanaka Dynasty
*[[Sariputta]], one of the two chief disciples of Budhha
*[[Jivaka]], a physician and contemporary of Bimbisara and Buddha
*[[Abhay K]], poet, diplomat, editor, translator, ambassador, artist
*[[Satyadev Narayan Arya]], Governor of [[Haryana]], former 8-time MLA from Rajgir and former Minister of Mines and Geology of Bihar
*[[Kaushal Kishore (politician)|Kaushal Kishore]], politician and current [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]], Rajgir

== See also ==
{{BuddhasHolySites}}
* [[Rajgir hills]]
* [[Atanatiya Sutta]]
* [[Rajgir Mahotsav]]
* [[Legendary kings of Magadha]]
* [[Bhadda Kundalakesa]]
* [[Nahub]]
* [[Kurkihar hoard]]
* [[Avanti-Magadhan Wars]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{Cite book |last=Narayan |first=Sachindra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LIkd7opbWI0C |title=Sacred Complexes of Deoghar and Rajgir |date=1983 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company}}
*{{Cite book |last1=Karaishi |first1=Muhammad Hamid |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.4420 |title=Rajgir |last2=Ghosh |first2=A. |date=1956 |publisher=Department of Archaeology, India |edition=4}}
*{{Cite book |last=N. Kumar |url=http://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3102 |title=Bihar District Gazetteers Image of Patna |date=1971 |publisher=Patna, Department of District Gazetteers}}
*{{Cite book |last=Cunningham |first=Alexander |url=http://indianculture.gov.in/reports-proceedings/four-reports-made-during-years-1862-63-64-65-vol-i |title=Four Reports Made During the Years 1862-63-64-65, Vol. I |year=1871 |via=Indian Culture}}
*{{Cite journal |last=Ray |first=Kakoli |date=2000 |title=Rajgir in the Gupta and the post Gupta period: Literary and Archaeological Evidence |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44144440 |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=61 |pages=1280–1286 |jstor=44144440 |issn=2249-1937}}
*{{Cite journal |last1=Gautam |first1=Anant |last2=Rai |first2=S. C. |last3=Shekhar |first3=Ravi |date=February 2018 |title=Hot-Springs of Rajgir: Spatial Re-distribution and Conservation |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339078170 |journal=Sree Journal of Spatial Perspectives |volume=2 |issue=1 |via=ResearchGate}}
*{{Cite book |last1=Mani |first1=B.R. |title=The Texts, Political History and Administration till c. 200 BC |last2=Gupta |first2=Vinay |work=History of Ancient India |publisher=Vivekananda International Foundation. Aryan Books International. |year=2014 |isbn=9788173054822 |editor-last=Chakrabarti |editor-first=Dilip K. |volume=3 |chapter=VII.11. Rajagriha |editor-last2=Lal |editor-first2=Makkhan}}
*{{Cite book |url=https://vvgnli.gov.in/sites/default/files/rural-labour-camps-vol-1_0.pdf#page=191 |title=Organising Rural Labour. Process and Experiences |publisher=V.V. Giri National Labour Institute |year=2015 |isbn=978-93-82902-21-8 |editor-last=Chauhan |editor-first=Poonam S. |volume=1 |editor-last2=Sekar |editor-first2=Helen R. |editor-last3=Rehman |editor-first3=M.M.}}
*{{Cite book |last=Law |first=Bimla Churn |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.69727 |title=Rajagriha in Ancient Literature |work=Memoirs of The Archaeological Survey Of India |year=1938 |volume=58 |via=Internet Archive}}
*{{Cite journal |last=Paul |first=S. R. |date=1981 |title=Flora of Rajgir Hills, Bihar |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/187326#page/7/mode/1up |journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society |volume=78 |pages=16–37 |via=Biodiversity Heritage Library}}
*{{Citation |last=Shukla |first=Ganesh Shankar |title=Geochemical Interpretation of Water Quality in The Rajgir-Monghqr Hot Spring Belt, India |date=1981 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.197440 |publisher=IIT Kanpur}}
*{{Cite book |last=Kuraishi |first=Maulvi Muhammad Hamid |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.528840 |title=List of Ancient Monuments Protected under Act VII of 1904 in the Province of Bihar and Orissa |work=Archaeological Survey of India. New Imperial Series. |year=1931 |volume=LI}}
*{{Official website |https://rajgir.co.in/}}

==External links==

* [http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Rajgir.htm Bihar state tourism development corporation – Rajgir]
* [http://travelnewsindia.com/best-tourist-places-visit-rajgir/ Places to visit in Rajgir]

{{Nalanda district}}
{{Patna Division}}
{{Buddhism topics}}
{{Jain Caves in India}}
{{Tourist sites in Bihar}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rajgir| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Nalanda district]]
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Nalanda district]]
[[Category:Hot springs of India]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Buddhist sites in Bihar]]
[[Category:Jain pilgrimage sites]]
[[Category:Landforms of Bihar]]
[[Category:Jain temples in Bihar]]
[[Category:3rd-century Jain temples]]
[[Category:Indo-Aryan archaeological sites]]
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]