Rajagrha-O Nalanda (Review)
Summary
The review of two works by Amulya Chandra Sen examines his contributions to Bengal’s historical geography and the study of sacred Buddhist and Jain sites. In a paper reproduced from the Journal of the Asiatic Society, Sen discusses the historical geography of ancient Bengal, drawing on Ptolemy’s maps and textual sources. The reviewer acknowledges that some of Sen’s identifications of Ptolemy’s Kirradia and other cities and his assertion that the Kaivartas descended from the Paundras may be open to debate, yet he recognises that Sen’s overall contribution to understanding the region’s geography is valuable. Sen comments on palaeographical and orthographical features of inscriptions, helping to refine dating and locate ancient sites. He also examines the identity of ditakas and artisans mentioned in inscriptions and discusses measures of land used in ancient Bengal. The second work, Rajagrha-O-Nalanda, is a monograph providing a detailed itinerary of Rajagrha (Rajgir) and Nalanda, two sites closely associated with Jain and Buddhist traditions. The reviewer notes that the brochure offers information not easily available elsewhere and is especially useful for students of Jainism and Buddhism. Sen guides readers through the topography of Rajagrha, identifying the various hills, stupas, monasteries and caves mentioned in texts and inscriptions. He then describes Nalanda’s layout, including the remains of monastic complexes, temples and probable sites of famous structures. The reviewer highlights Sen’s remarks on how devotees and scholars venerate these sites because of their association with Mahavira and the Buddha. Sen’s monograph includes suggestions for developing Rajagrha and Nalanda as tourist destinations; he advises preserving ancient structures, improving accessibility and providing interpretive guides. The reviewer believes these suggestions could be adopted by central and state governments to promote tourism and safeguard heritage. Overall, the review portrays Sen’s works as valuable contributions: one enriches the historical geography of Bengal, and the other provides a practical and scholarly guide to two of India’s most significant religious sites.
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Conclusion
The review appreciates Amulya Chandra Sen’s meticulous scholarship and practical insights. His study of ancient Bengal’s geography synthesises textual, inscriptional and cartographic evidence, while his Rajagrha and Nalanda monograph serves as both a guide for travellers and a resource for scholars. Although some of his identifications are debatable, his work stimulates further research and offers recommendations for heritage management, highlighting how historical scholarship can inform contemporary preservation efforts.