Ancient City of Kaushambi

• Kaushambi was the capital of Chedi-vatsa janapada, one of the prominent janapadas into which the Indo-Aryan people were divided.

• According to the Paramatthajyotika, the commentary on the Suttanipata, Kaushambi was the hermitage of the sage Kosamba, after whom it came to be known by that name.

• During Buddha’s time Kaushambi was one of the six most important and prosperous towns.

• Kaushambi was a nerve center of ancient Indian communications as the principal routes from north to south and east to west met at the city.

• It was a terminus of river traffic and an important emporium of Madhyadesa.

• The city retained its importance at least up to the sixth century A.D.,as it was visited by the Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien and Yuan-Chwang.

• The remains of 2500 yr old brick-made fort has been found at Kaushambi.