Rajgir hills

The Rajgir hills,also known as "Rajhara" hills, lie near the city of Rajgir in central regions of the Indian state of Bihar. It is an important Buddhist, Hindu and Jain pilgrimage site.

The hills consist of two parallel ridges extending around 65 km. At their highest point, the hills rise to an altitude of 388 meters, but most of the hills are around 300 meters high. Between these two ridges lie a number of places of historical importance, dating from the period of the Mahabharata, Gautam Buddha, Mahavira, Mauryas and the Guptas. The hills are sacred in both Buddhism and Jainism because of their association with the religions' respective founders, the historical Gautama Buddha and Mahavira. Therefore, the hills have often been the destination of religious pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus alike.

Coordinates: 25°01′N 85°28′E / 25.017°N 85.467°E / 25.017; 85.467

Because the spot was protected by two parallel ridges, Ajatashatru made it the capital of the north Indian empire Magadha in the 5th century BCE, naming it Rajgriha. Ajatsatru occupied the throne by imprisoning his father, the king Bimbisara. Bimbisara, who had been converted to Buddhism by the Buddha himself, requested that his prison be constructed near a small hillock so that he could watch the Buddha passing by in the morning and evening.

Rajgir

Rajgir is a city and a notified area in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. The city of Rajgir (ancient Rājagṛha; Pali: Rājagaha) was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. This area is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism as one of the favorite places for Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha and the well known "Atanatiya" conference was held at Vulture's Peak mountain.

Rajgir is connected to Patna via Bakhtiarpur by rail and road. Bakhtiarpur lies midway between Patna and Mokameh. Road access is by NH 30A to Bakhtiarpur and NH 31 towards south to reach Bihar Sharif. From Mokameh NH 31 to Bihar Sharif. From there, NH 82 will leads to Rajgir. Rajgir is around 100 KM from both Patna and Mokameh. It is located in a green valley surrounded by rocky hills, Rajgir hills. Indian Railways run trains directly from Rajgir to New Delhi, Shramjeevi Express.

Rajgir (Vidhan Sabha constituency)

Rajgir Vidhan Sabha constituency is one of 243 legislative assembly of legislative assembly of Bihar. It is a part of Nalanda lok sabha constituency along with other assembly constituencies viz Islampur, Harnaut, Hilsa, Nalanda, Asthawan and Biharsharif.

Overview

Rajgir comprises CD Block Giriyak; Gram Panchayat Nai Pokhar & Rajgir (NA) of Rajgir CD Block; Gram Panchayats Gorawan, Mahuri, Kul Fatehpur, Sabait, Dharhara, Nanand, Karianna, Ghostawan, Barakar, Pawadih, Gorma & Silao (NA) of Silao CD Block; Gram Panchayats Sakraul, Korai, Tungi, Muraura, Mahamadpur Nakatpura, Tiuri, Chhabilapur, Pawa, Hargawan, Singthu, Palatpura, Tetrawan, Paroha & Sarbahadi of Bihar CD Block.

Members of Legislative Assembly

Election

2010

See also

Sources