The ancient history of Bihar has been reconstructed using a variety of sources, including archaeological evidence, literary texts, and accounts from foreign travelers. These sources offer valuable insights into the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of Bihar’s rich past. In this article, we will explore these sources in detail, examining how they contribute to our understanding of Bihar’s historical legacy.
Archaeological Evidences
Archaeological excavations provide tangible evidence of Bihar’s past. Several sites across the state have yielded significant findings, dating from the prehistoric period to medieval times. The following are some of the most important archaeological discoveries in Bihar:
Prehistoric and Early Historic Sites
- Nalanda, Saran, Munger, and Vaishali are crucial sites for studying Bihar’s prehistoric phase. These locations have yielded tools, pottery, and evidence of early human settlement.
- The ruins of the Eighty-Pillared Hall at Kumhrar (Patna), dating back to the Mauryan period (321-185 BCE), are among the most significant archaeological discoveries. The site was excavated by David Brainard Spooner in 1912-13. Each pillar was made from fine sandstone from Chunar, supporting a massive wooden roof.
Ancient Archaeological Sites in Bihar
| Site | Place | District |
|---|---|---|
| Asoka pillar inscription | Lauriya Areraj | East Champaran |
| Asoka pillar inscription and burial mounds | Lauriya Nandangarh | West Champaran |
| Ancient mounds in Hasra Kol and Sobhnath | Bisnupur Tandwa, Hasra Kol, Jagdishpur | Gaya |
| Ancient Vikramshila monastery | Antichak | Bhagalpur |
| Ancient mounds, structures, statue of Buddha | Badgaon, Jagdishpur | Nalanda |
| Ancient mound, brick wall tank | Maner | Patna |
| Buddhist sculptures | Guneri | Gaya |
| Five stupas, Mauryan wall | Paharidih, Sandalpur | Patna |
| Monolith pillars, Gopi cave, Lomas Rishi cave, Vapiyaka cave, Vadathika cave, Sudama cave | Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills (Makhdumpur) | Jehanabad |
| Relic Stupa | Harpur Basant | Vaishali |
| Stupa and fort at Nandangarh | Marhia | West Champaran |
| Stupa and fort ruins | Sagardih, Tajpur | East Champaran |
| Sculptures of Hindu deities in Kauwadol hill | Kurisarai | Gaya |
| Stupa, mound, palace of Asoka | Kumhrar | Patna |
| Ashokan column | Kolhua | Muzaffarpur |
Mauryan Period (321-185 BCE)
- Polished sandstone pillars of Emperor Ashoka have been found at Vaishali, Lauriya Areraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, and Rampurva. These pillars, inscribed with Ashokan edicts, highlight the administrative and moral directives of his reign.
- The Barabar Caves near Gaya, belonging to the Mauryan period, contain inscriptions that provide crucial historical insights.
Kushana and Gupta Period
- The Kushana period (1st–3rd century CE) is represented by remains at Chirand. Excavations have uncovered monumental buildings and terracotta figurines from this period.
- Terracotta figurines discovered in Buxar and Patna provide glimpses into the artistic expressions of the Kushana period.
- Nalanda and Vikramshila excavations showcase the finest examples of Buddhist architecture, including shrines, stupas, and viharas from the Gupta and Pala periods.
- The Pala-Sen School of Art flourished in Bihar, particularly in Gaya, Nalanda, and Nawada. The intricate sculptures and architectural remains reflect the artistic excellence of the era.
Inscriptions as Archaeological Evidence
Inscriptions found in Bihar provide vital historical data. The earliest deciphered inscriptions belong to the Mauryan period and were primarily written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
- Ashokan Inscriptions: Found on pillars in Lauriya Areraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, and Rampurva.
- Barabar Caves Inscription: Provides important details about the Mauryan era.
- Nagarjuni Hills Inscription: Belonging to Mauryan King Dasaratha, it highlights the patronage of the Ajivikas sect.
- Copper Plate Inscriptions: Found in Gaya, Nalanda, Munger, and Bhagalpur, they document land grants and socio-economic conditions during the Gupta and Pala periods.
- Panchobha Copper Plate Inscription: Associated with Samudragupta, offering insights into Gupta administration.
- Maner Inscription: Describes Patna’s revenue system during the Gahadavala rule in the 12th century CE.
Coins as Historical Evidence
- Punch-marked silver coins have been found in Golakpur (Patna) and Purnea, dating to early historical times.
- Kushana period coins have been unearthed in Buxar and Chirand, indicating the empire’s influence in Bihar.
- Gupta period coins have been discovered in Hajipur, reflecting the prosperity of the region under Gupta rule.
Literary Sources
Ancient literary texts play a significant role in reconstructing Bihar’s history. These sources are broadly classified into religious and non-religious literature.
Important Literary Sources of Ancient Bihar
| Literary Source | Topic | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Arthashastra | Mauryan administration, economy, foreign affairs | Chanakya |
| Indica | Administration in Pataliputra | Megasthenes |
| Mudrarakshasa | Conflict of Dhana Nanda and Chandragupta Maurya | Vishakhadatta |
| Atharvaveda | Scriptures of Hindustan, Description of Anga and Magadha | Rishi Atharvana & Angirasa |
| Gargi Samhita | Attack of Yavanas | Katyayana |
| Si-yu-ki | About Nalanda University | Xuanzang |
| Manusmriti | Dharmashastras and History of Bihar | Manu (Swayambhuva) |
Vedic Literature
- The Rigveda refers to Bihar as Kikata, describing its inhabitants as Vratyas, believed to be the ancestors of the Magadhans.
- The Atharvaveda and Panchvimsha Brahmana mention Magadha alongside Angas, Gandharis, and Mujavants.
- The Shatapatha Brahmana refers to the Videha Kingdom, indicating the presence of Aryan civilization in Bihar.
Puranas
- Vishnu Purana: Describes the Mauryan dynasty.
- Vayu Purana: Provides details about the Gupta dynasty.
- Matsya Purana: Mentions the Shunga dynasty.
- Varaha Purana: Describes Gaya, Punpun, and Rajgir as sacred places.
Epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata)
- The Ramayana mentions the Videha Kingdom, ruled by King Janaka.
- The Mahabharata references Anga, ruled by Karna, with present-day Bhagalpur and Munger forming part of his kingdom.
Buddhist Literature
- Anguttara Nikaya and Digha Nikaya provide details on Magadha and Vaishali.
- Vinaya Pitaka discusses the monarchical structure of Magadha and the republic of Vaishali.
- Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa trace the chronology of Magadhan rulers before the Mauryas.
- Divyavadana and Ashokavadana present a biography of Emperor Ashoka.
- Aryamanjusrimulakalpa describes Bihar under Gupta rule.
Jain Literature
- Theravali (part of Kalpa Sutra) documents the travels of Lord Mahavira in Bihar.
- Bhagwati Sutra mentions the Licchavis of Vaishali.
- Parishishtaparvan references Chandragupta Maurya.
Non-Religious Literary Sources
- Arthashastra (by Chanakya): Details Mauryan administration.
- Mudrarakshasa (by Vishakhadatta): Depicts conflicts between Dhana Nanda and Chandragupta Maurya.
- Gargi Samhita (by Katyayana): Documents invasions by the Yavanas.
- Si-Yu-Ki (by Xuanzang): Provides descriptions of Nalanda University.
- Manusmriti (by Manu): Covers Bihar’s socio-legal traditions.
Foreign Accounts
Foreign travelers’ accounts provide external perspectives on Bihar’s ancient history.
- Megasthenes (302-288 BCE): His work Indica describes Mauryan administration and Pataliputra.
- Fa-Hien (399-412 CE): Witnessed the Magadha empire under Chandragupta II.
- Hiuen Tsang (637-644 CE): Documented his stay at Nalanda University.
- I-Tsing (671-695 CE): Lived in Nalanda for 11 years, providing detailed descriptions of Buddhist learning.
Conclusion
The reconstruction of Bihar’s ancient history is based on multiple sources, each contributing valuable information. Archaeological discoveries, inscriptions, coins, religious and secular texts, and foreign accounts collectively help us understand the political, social, and economic evolution of Bihar. These historical sources establish Bihar’s prominence in ancient Indian civilization, particularly as a center of learning and culture.