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Bihar |
Passing along the Ganges in the area that is now Bihar, the Buddha prophesied that a great city would arise here.Over 250 years later, in the 3rd century BC, the mighty Ashoka was ruling from Patliputra, now Patna.The name 'Bihar' is derived from 'Vihara' which means monastery. Bihar was a great religious center for Jains, Hindus and, most importantly, Buddhists. Few travellers spend much time here, while passing through Patna on their way to Calcutta or Kathmandu. However, Bodhgaya is an excellent place to study Buddhism, and Rajgir, Nalanda and Sasaram are interesting places which are not on the tourist trail.
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