About Vaishali District
Vaishali finds its origin deep in history, dating back to the Mahabharata period. It is famously known as the place where democracy first originated around 600 BCE. Many references to Vaishali appear in ancient texts of both Jainism and Buddhism, which preserve valuable information about Vaishali and the other Maha Janapadas (great kingdoms) of ancient India.
Based on these texts, Vaishali was established as a republic by the 6th century BCE, even before the birth of Gautama Buddha in 563 BCE, making it the world’s first republic with a duly elected assembly and an efficient administration.
Vaishali holds special historical significance as the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, the last Jain Tirthankara. It is also the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his Parinirvana (final enlightenment).
The district is also renowned as the land of Ambapali (Amrapali), the great Indian courtesan known in Buddhist literature.
The name “Vaishali” is believed to have been derived from King Vishal. Historically, when Patliputra was the center of political, cultural, and economic activities in the Gangetic plains, Vaishali was the seat of the Republic of Vajji, an important ancient republic.
Vaishali became an independent district on 12 October 1972; earlier it was part of the old Muzaffarpur district.
Hajipur – District Headquarters
Hajipur, the district headquarters, is named after Haji Ilyas Shah, a king of Bengal (1345-1358 A.D). He built a fort in Hajipur that included a mosque known as Jami Masjid. The mosque is 84.5 ft (25.8 m) long and 33.5 ft (10.2 m) wide. In ancient times, this place was known as Ukkacala.
Geography and Administration
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Area: 2036 sq km
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Location: 25°41′N 85°13′E / 25.68°N 85.22°E
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Boundaries:
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North: Muzaffarpur
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South: Patna
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East: Samastipur
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West: Saran
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Administrative Divisions
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Sub-Divisions: 1. Hajipur, 2. Mahnar, 3. Mahua
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Blocks: 1. Bhagwanpur, 2. Bidupur, 3. Chehrakala, 4. Desari, 5. Goraul, 6. Hajipur, 7. Jandaha, 8. Lalganj, 9. Mahnar, 10. Mahua, 11. Patedhi Belsar, 12. Patepur, 13. Raghopur, 14. Rajapakar, 15. Sahdei Buzurg, 16. Vaishali