ABOUT THE
Attraction
Bairat or ancient Viratnagar, the capital of Matsyadesa kingdom, is believed to have been founded by king Virat, in whose kingdom the Pandavas spent the 13th year of their exile. Two Ashokan inscriptions and some important ancient Buddhist artefacts have been found here. Excavations carried out on the hill known as Bijak-ki-Pahari have yielded remains of a Mauryan circular stupa-shrine made of lime-plastered panels of brickwork alternating with 26 octagonal pillars of wood, preceded by monastic remains with a double row of cells arranged around an open square courtyard. The nearest prominent city is Jaipur, 52 km away.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Jhalawar
Rajasthan shows evidence of ancient Buddhist culture and tradition by way of caves, pillars and idols that were excavated in the town of Jhalawar.
Chaneti Stupa
Mention of the Chaneti stupa can be found in the ancient travel accounts of Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, wherein he mentions that this place was adorned by many stupas and a monastery.
Siyot Caves
The Siyot Caves complex is said to have been a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 1st century A.D. This spot is believed to be one of the 80 monastic sites that were identified by Chinese travellers in the 7th century.