Bihar in Jainism and Buddhism: Sites, Councils and Routes
BPSC demand
Link the event to its Bihar site: Buddha’s enlightenment–Bodh Gaya, First Buddhist Council–Rajagriha, Second Council–Vaishali, and Mahavira’s birth–Kundagrama near Vaishali. Do not confuse Buddhist councils with Jain councils.
Timeline and route
Site–event table
Site
Safe fact
Bodh Gaya
Buddha’s enlightenment; Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district.
Rajagriha/Rajgir
First Buddhist Council is traditionally placed here; capital of early Magadha.
Vaishali
Second Buddhist Council traditionally placed here; Kundagrama, Mahavira’s birthplace, is associated with the Vaishali area.
Nalanda
Buddhist Mahavihara; archaeological remains span from 3rd century BCE to 13th century CE.
Kesariya
Large Buddhist stupa site in East Champaran.
Lauria Nandangarh
Ashokan pillar and ancient remains in West Champaran.