Vaishali, Buddhist archaeological site in Bihar, India

Vaishali is a Buddhist archaeological site in the Vaishali district of Bihar, India. The ruins spread across several mounds and include structures, pottery remains, and building elements from different eras.

In the 6th century BCE, this place was the capital of the Lichavi Republic. In 383 BCE, the second Buddhist council took place here.

Vaishali takes its name from King Vishal of the Mahabharata age, not from the Licchavi. The courtesan Amrapali, famed in Buddhist literature, became a follower of the Buddha and is linked to the city. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, was born in Kundagrama, a suburb of Vaishali, and lived here until the age of 22.

The Ashokan pillar and relic stupa stand in Kolhua, about 3 km from the main site, inside a walled enclosure where the excavated circular brick stupa is visible on entry. The lion capital is viewed from the ground; the polished red sandstone monolith rises beside it. Allow time to move between the two areas.

The coronation tank Abhishek Pushkarini served as the place where representatives of the early republic received their duties. The water symbolized the transfer of authority.