Rajgir and its hinterland
The thesis examines the Early Historic urban site of Rajgir in eastern India. It places Rajgir in the context of Early Historic archaeology in general, showing that excavation programmes have been insufficient to answer basic questions about urban origins, layout and functions. It then presents the textual evidence for Rajgirâs history, both South Asian and Chinese, and indicates the strengths and problems that these materials possess; followed by a critical look at the surveys and excavations conducted between 1810 and the mid-70s. An analysis of the topography of Rajgir shows that some identifications can be made using both the textual and archaeological material. However, many ambiguities remain. The assumptions of the topographical project that has dominated work at the site since 1847 is then called into question. It has been assumed that the Chinese sources faithfully reflect the mid-first millennium B.C., and this assumption can be shown to be highly tenuous. And the fieldwork has been dominated by the construction of Rajgir as a Buddhist city; its religious connections have been emphasised to the exclusion of issues of urban form and socio-economic functions. The archaeology becomes a means of making
Harding, R.
Rajgir and its hinterland. The thesis examines the Early Historic urban site of Rajgir in eastern India. It places Rajgir in the context of Early Historic archaeology in general, showing that excavation programmes have been insufficient to answer basic questions about urban origins, layout and functions. It then presents the textual evidence for Rajgirâs history, both South Asian and Chinese, and indicates the strengths and problems that these materials possess; followed by a critical look at the surveys and excavations conducted between 1810 and the mid-70s. An analysis of the topography of Rajgir shows that some identifications can be made using both the textual and archaeological material. However, many ambiguities remain. The assumptions of the topographical project that has dominated work at the site since 1847 is then called into question. It has been assumed that the Chinese sources faithfully reflect the mid-first millennium B.C., and this assumption can be shown to be highly tenuous. And the fieldwork has been dominated by the construction of Rajgir as a Buddhist city; its religious connections have been emphasised to the exclusion of issues of urban form and socio-economic functions. The archaeology becomes a means of making
hinterland examine early_historic urban_site eastern india place context early_historic archaeology general show excavation programme insufficient answer basic_question urban origin layout function present textual_evidence history south_asian chinese indicate strengths problem material possess followed critical look surveys excavations conducted mid analysis topography show identification make_use textual_archaeological material however many ambiguity remain assumption topographical project dominate work site since call_question assume chinese source reflect mid first_millennium assumption show highly tenuous fieldwork dominate construction buddhist city religious connection emphasise exclusion issue urban form socio_economic function archaeology becomes mean make