Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar
Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar (© Memoryfor/Shutterstock)
Rising high, rooted deep
Today, we are in the ancient city of Vaishali—one of the world's earliest republics.Now an archaeological wonder nestled in the Vaishali district of Bihar, this site holds layers of history waiting to be explored. It served as the capital of the Vajjika League of Vrijji mahajanapada, dating all the way back to the 6th century BCE. Vaishali also played a starring role in Buddhism, as it was here that Gautama Buddha delivered his final sermon before attaining parinirvana around 483 BCE.
© Memoryfor/Shutterstock