Vaishali – The first democracy of the world

While returning from Muzzaffarpur after a marriage function we paid a flying visit to Vaishali. Since it was start of harsh summer (42 degree) the trip was quick and we had not enough time to feel the place to the heart. Lord Cunningham was first to identify Vaishali in 1861. Before we land into Vaishali monuments let us see what was map of India in 4th-6th century BC.

This place is glory for all the people living from Afghanistan, Pakistan and entire India. This place is of their ancestors as Ashoka, the Great one ruled in entire region.

VAISHALI in BIHAR is an extraordinary heritage to the world in form of first democracy. Though Athens was also almost contemporary but there only elite and powerful classes had right to vote.

“Vaishali, capital city of the Vajjian Confederacy of (Vrijji mahajanapada), India was also considered one of the first examples of a republic around the 6th century BCE”. – Wikipedia

1. This the place from where Ashoka the Great took 9/10th of Buddha relics and installed it in many Stupas including Sanchi.
2. First democracy of the world
3. Inclusion of courtsen Amrapali as nun in Buddhism
4. Buddha relics stupa
5. Buddha last sermon in Vaishali\Kushinagar
6. Stupa of Kolhua – 3th Century BC

Our Itinerary in Bihar

In this map Vrijji is the janapada which was known as Vaishali later. Its neighbors were Magadha, Malla, Kashi, Anga. It’s known history dates back to 6th century BC. It was ruled by Lichhivi kings at that time. It was a city of wealthy merchants and whole area was full of thousands of lotus ponds. The city had walls on three sides and one side was big forest which spread up to Himalayas. There was no kingship but elections were conducted to elect state representative. Almost contemporary democracy is seen in Roman time but unlike Vaishali bloodshed and brutal murders were common for throne in Rome.

Our Itinerary

As soon as we enter the Stupa of Kolhua we see this ASI board. Kolhua is a small village in Vaishali where all the old monuments exist in vicinity of 3 KM.

This Brick stupa was erected to commemorate the event of offering honey to Buddha by the monkey chief. It was originally built during Mauryan Period (4th century BC) and subsequently enlarged by Kushana period by raising the height and providing brick paved circulatory path. Further brick encasing and addition was done in Gupta and late Gupta periods. In same area are the remains of the small mathas where Lord Buddha frequently stayed in rainy season. The Ashoka pillar is there which is 11 meters height and has very few edicts.

Stupa of Kolhua – 4th Century BC. You can see 11 meter high monolithic Ashoka pillar, one of the earliest pillars of Ashoka the Great.

There are many small stupas around the main Stupa of Kolhua, probably theses were constructed with corporeal remains of forthcoming Buddhist prominent gurus.

A kilometer away is Abhishek Pushkarini, the coronation tank. The newly elected representatives of Vaiśhali anointed in holy waters of Abhishek Pushkarini.

Abhishek Pushkarin Lake. It is dried now but in rainy season every year it is full of water.

Next to lake stands the Japanese temple and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) built by the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Japan.

This is one of the 8 original stupas which has the corporeal remains of Lord Buddha were brought by Mallas ( a Janapada) after cremation of Lord Buddha at Kushinagar. The remains were distributed to 8 claimants

Lichhivi of Vaishali
Ajatshatru ( King of Magadh)
Sakyas of Kapilvastu
Koliyqs of Ramagram
A brahmin of vethweed
Mallas of Pavapuri
Mallas of Kushinagar
Bulis of Alakappa

Unfortunately the Stupa here is almost 99% wiped out with time.

Relic stupa of Buddha – The remains of Lord Buddha given to Lichhivi of Vaishali is kept here. Here was Stupa but now it is washed away with time.

Below are the remains of palace of King Vishal. In history books I do not find any reference but ASI board has noted as ” King Vishal Palace”. Vishal is believed to be son of Ikshwaku (clan of Lord rama). It is said that Vaishali name came after his name Vishal. But I personally do not find any such information in history books. These are the stories in Puranas and Mahabharata scriptures. it is said that Jainism and Buddhism

The remains of legendary King Vishal palace. He was from Ikshwaku ( Lord Rama clan). But this palace is really of King Vishal or he really existed or not I am not sure.

Epilogue

History of Vaishali dates back to 600 BC. The main places to see here are Stupa of Kolhua, Pushkarni lake, World Peace Pagoda, Relics of Lord Buddha and King Vishal palace. This place is very near to Patna so you can make a day trip to this place by car easily. 4 hours are enough to spend here though a large numebr of Buddhist pilgrims come here from all over world to pay homage to Lord Buddha relics.