Vaishali

History at a glance

1. c. 7th century BCE
   The Licchavikas establish their republic in the former Maha-Videha territory and move their political centre to Vesali, turning a marginal location into their capital and stronghold.
2. By the 6th century BCE
   Vaishali is functioning as a republic, governed by an assembly, with elected representatives anointed at the coronation tank.
3. c. 599 BCE
   Mahavira is born at Kundalpur, four kilometres from Vaishali, and spends the first twenty-two years of his life here.
4. 5th year after the Enlightenment
   The Buddha first visits Vaishali and spends the rainy season. The Commentaries describe a city of seven thousand and seven rajas, and a drought killing large numbers.
5. Late in his life
   The Buddha delivers his LAST SERMON at Vaishali and ANNOUNCES HIS PARINIRVANA, then travels north.
6. c. 5th century BCE
   The Licchavis build a brick and clay stupa over their share of the Buddha's relics. Wikipedia calls it the EARLIEST ARCHAEOLOGICALLY KNOWN STUPA.
7. 484-468 BCE
   Ajatasattu of Magadha conquers the Licchavis in the Magadha-Vajji war.
8. 383 BCE
   The SECOND BUDDHIST COUNCIL convenes at Vaishali.
9. 3rd century BCE
   Ashoka erects the lion pillar at Kolhua. And — per the excavators — the relics inside the Licchavi stupa are removed, matching the tradition that Ashoka redistributed the Buddha's relics.
10. 4th century CE
    Samudragupta, son of a Licchavi princess, styles himself Licchavi-Dauhitra.
11. c. 600 CE
    Wikipedia gives the site as abandoned around 600 CE.
12. 1985
    The Relic Stupa is excavated, revealing a stone casket with ashes and other artifacts — now in the Patna Museum.

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