Rajgir Notes for UPSC – History, Importance & Key Facts

RAJGIR 

1. Location

Nalanda district, Bihar.

Surrounded by Rajgir Hills, ancient name: Rajagriha (“House of Kings”).

2. Historical Significance

Ancient capital of Magadha Mahajanapada (before Pataliputra).

Mentioned in Mahabharata, Buddhist and Jain texts.

Frequented by Buddha and Mahavira.

Venue of First Buddhist Council (immediately after Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, c. 483 BCE).

3. In Buddhism

Buddha spent several years here meditating and preaching.

Delivered many sermons at Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak).

King Bimbisara, patron of Buddha, ruled from here.

Ajatashatru, Bimbisara’s son, supported the First Council at Saptaparni Cave.

4. In Jainism

Birthplace of 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata.

Visited multiple times by Mahavira.

Holds importance for both Svetambara and Digambara sects.

5. Archaeological Importance

Cyclopean Walls: Massive stone walls built without mortar; pre-Mauryan architecture.

Jarasandha’s Akhara: Mythological wrestling ground from Mahabharata.

Hot Springs (Brahmakund): Sacred to both Hindus and Jains.

Ruins of Ajatashatru’s fort, stupas, and monasteries.

6. Later Developments

Ruled by Mauryas, Guptas, and later Pala dynasty.

Nearby Nalanda flourished as an international university from 5th century CE.

Modern Rajgir Ropeway connects to Peace Pagoda (Vishwa Shanti Stupa) built by Japanese Buddhists.

Memory Tip (Mnemonic): "RAJGIR"

R – Rajagriha (Magadha’s capital)

A – Ajatashatru’s First Council

J – Jain & Buddhist pilgrim site

G – Griddhakuta sermons

I – Important Cyclopean Walls

R – Ropeway to Peace Pagoda

5 UPSC-LEVEL OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Q1. The First Buddhist Council was held at which of the following places?

A) Vaishali

B) Rajgir

C) Nalanda

D) Sarnath

Answer: B) Rajgir

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Rajgir was the capital of Magadha before Pataliputra.

2. Buddha delivered his first sermon at Rajgir.

3. Rajgir is associated with both Buddhism and Jainism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 3 only

(First sermon was at Sarnath)

Q3. The massive Cyclopean Walls found at Rajgir are:

A) Ashokan constructions made of polished stone

B) Dry stone walls built without mortar

C) Gupta-era monastery walls

D) Part of Nalanda University

Answer: B) Dry stone walls built without mortar

Q4. Which Magadhan ruler convened the First Buddhist Council at Rajgir?

A) Bimbisara

B) Ashoka

C) Ajatashatru

D) Bindusara

Answer: C) Ajatashatru

Q5. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

Site Significance

Griddhakuta -Buddha's sermons

Saptaparni Cave - Second Buddhist Council

Peace Pagoda (Rajgir) -Built by Ashoka

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1 only

Answer: D) 1 only

(Saptaparni – First Council; Peace Pagoda – built by Japanese Buddhists)

RAJGIR – UPSC NOTES (With Smart Tips to Avoid Mistakes)

Rajgir in Buddhism

Buddha spent several rainy seasons here.

Preached at Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak).

King Bimbisara (patron) and his son Ajatashatru (supported First Buddhist Council).

First Buddhist Council held at Saptaparni Cave, Rajgir (483 BCE).

Mistake Alert:

First Sermon = Sarnath,

First Council = Rajgir.

Rajgir in Jainism

Birthplace of 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata.

Associated with Lord Mahavira’s discourses.

Holds sacred value for both Digambara and Svetambara sects.

Archaeological & Cultural Significance

Cyclopean Walls: Pre-Mauryan, massive dry-stone walls.

Ajatashatru Fort, Jarasandha’s Akhara, hot springs (Brahmakund).

Nearby Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Japanese Peace Pagoda) – modern attraction.

Ropeway to the Shanti Stupa – India’s oldest ropeway.

Tip: Peace Pagoda is not Ashokan. Built by Japanese Buddhists in 20th century.

Dynasties that Ruled

Magadha (Bimbisara–Ajatashatru)

Mauryas (Ashoka may have visited)

Guptas (promoted Buddhist art around Nalanda)

Palas (revived Buddhism)

Quick Revision Mnemonic – "RAJGIR"

R – Rajagriha (Capital of Magadha)

A – Ajatashatru’s Council

J – Jain & Buddhist pilgrimage

G – Griddhakuta sermons

I – Impressive stone walls

R – Ropeway to Peace Pagoda

REMEMBER:

UPSC questions test your clarity.

Don’t stress over memorizing dates or names blindly—understand context and avoid common mix-ups (like Sarnath vs Rajgir, Council vs Sermon).