Thread by @Hiddenheritage

Rajgir, #Bihar, once the capital of a powerful kingdom - a kingdom that grew into an empire straddling much of the subcontinent. Today, it is a second-rate town even in its state. But a town dotted with heritage, such as this stupa dated to the 4th-5th centuries BCE.

A pity that the heritage of #Ragjir, #Bihar has been allowed to gently decay sans restoration. This is the shrine of Mani Naga, dated to 4th-6th centuries CE, Gupta period. Now called Maniyar Math, its focal point is a stupa-like circular structure with a hollow core.

Structure called Jarasandh-ka-akhara, #Rajgir, #Bihar. Date unknown. A feature common to many structures here is an elevated platform. There is a site called Jarasandh-ka-teela, in Haryana, a partially excavated stupa site. Not sure of the latter's connection to Jarasandh though.

Pics of Son Bhandar caves, #Rajgir, #Bihar. Mentioned as used by #Jain monks. While an inscription within has been dated to the Gupta period, historians believe these were originally Ajivika caves from the 4th century BCE. Some similarities in the interior to the Barabar caves

Perhaps the most mysterious site at #Rajgir, #Bihar. Site description calls it the marks of Krishna's chariot, deep grooves in the rock. Could these be trails left by volcanic activity and flowing molten liquid? Nearby is an inscription that has not been deciphered.

A site which made a colleague burst out laughing! This is the site described in the ASI list as 'Ajatshatru's fort'. A semi excavated heap of pillars, incl some carved. Nr bus stand, #Rajgir, #Bihar. Locals use the place to dry clothes. God save our heritage!

Massive outer defences of ancient #Rajgir that run for 40 kms. At some pt, a Brit used the adjective cyclopean to describe these. ASI converted it into a noun, labeling it 'Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir'. A town that could have been a landmark in our heritage now forgotten in #Bihar.