1900.] W. Hoey — Identification of Kusinara, Vaisali, ^c. 79 
Mazar. On the east of this elevated site runs a stream known locally 
by two names, Gandaki and Sarayu. This is well defined and may 
have been a channel made in ancient days for water supply. West of 
this and parallel to it the high ground extends for an average width 
of not less than half a mile. As I passed from tlie northern end I 
observed undulations with occasional very prominent heights and 
noticed that cultivators have taken out numerous bricks while plough^ 
ing. On approaching the southern end I observed a pile near a mound 
on which are the remains of a brick building. I learned that this pile 
is the Ganj-i-^ahidan or Martyr’s Heap near the traditional Raja’s 
kot. This indicates a desperate assault at some time on a Hindu strong- 
hold. Further on I came to Khwajah Fir’s Mazar and found two 
tombs in an open enclosure. In one corner there was a large black 
stone about 4J ft. long on which I observed Hindu sculptures of the 
Navagraha or nine planets. On the back of the slab there was a long 
inscription in Tughra character of which I had not then the means of 
taking a rubbing. It is much worn and could not be read at sight. 
It is probably historically important. 
A few miles west by north of Saran khass is a village called 
Bhikaband on the map. I visited this spot also and find that there 
is here a large banian tree which is said to cover about ten acres. In 
the ground near there are brick I’emains and an old well lately re- 
opened. Somewhat S, E. of this is an old temple and the attendant 
Brahmans wrote the name for me : Bhikahan, which is clearly the 
‘ Bhikshu’s Grove.’ About a mile west of this are two villages bearing 
the name Kapia, which suggests the story of the service rendered to 
Buddha by the monkey (kapi) as mentioned by the later Chinese 
traveller. 
I shall now proceed to resume my discussion as regards Vaisali 
itself. There are some suggestions based on a study of the Maha- 
parinibbana Sutta which I must note. When Buddha had crossed the 
Ganges for the last time on his way to Vaisali he first visited Kotigama 
and then Nadika, after which he arrived at the great city. There he 
was entertained by the courtesan, Ambapali, at her mango grove out- 
side the city. From Vaisali Buddha went on to Veluva where he was 
seized with the illness which eventually terminated his life. This is 
probably the modern Belwa, N.E. of Cherand. Hear it we meet with 
such remarkable names as Sarnath Chak and Dharma Chak. Buddha 
then seems to have turned again towards Vaisali for he went to the 
Capala Caitya, which the text would lead us to believe to have been 
near the city, if not in it. This name is probably either from Gapald 
or cdpald (Sansc.), a loose woman, and thus alludes to the concubine 
