THE LAND OF KING
VISHAL
Vaishali derives its name from King Vishal, whose
story of valour is narrated in the Ramayana. History
accounts that when Pataliputra was the capital of
Magadha, Vaishali emerged as a center of trade, industry
and commerce. The world's first democracy with a duly
elected council-- Vajji, had its seat of administration
in Vaishali.
Being associated with Buddha and Jain Tirthankars,
Vaishali has emerged as a historical and scenic place.
Lord Buddha came thrice here and also gave his last
sermon at Vaishali. Amrapali, a courtesan, gifted
a mango grove to Buddha and later she became a Buddhist
nun. Vaishali was also the venue for the second Buddhist
council, 100 years after the death of Buddha.
Vaishali is also considered to be the birthplace of
Jain Tirthankar, Mahavira, by the Swetambar sect of
Jains. Many historical monuments and material were
found in the excavations at Vaishali.
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