TOPONYMY
The name Shrawasti traces its origin to the ancient city of Sravasti, a significant urban center during the time of the Buddha. Historical texts and Buddhist scriptures frequently mention Sravasti as the capital of the ancient Kosala kingdom. The city earned its name from King Sravasta, who is believed to have founded or developed it, according to traditional accounts.
Sravasti gained prominence as a major religious and cultural site, especially in early Buddhism. It served as one of the six largest cities in ancient India and hosted Gautama Buddha for several rainy seasons. During this period, many of his sermons were delivered here, and the city became a key site for Buddhist learning and discourse.
Over centuries, linguistic changes and regional dialects transformed the name from Sravasti to Shrawasti. The current form retains the phonetic core of the ancient name, preserving its historical identity. Archaeological remains and ancient stupas in the area continue to link present-day Shrawasti with its ancient heritage.
Thus, the toponymy of Shrawasti reflects both its mythological association with King Sravasta and its historical role in the development of early Buddhist traditions. The continuity of the name anchors the modern district to its ancient past.
HISTORY
Shrawasti holds a prominent place in ancient Indian history, especially in the context of early Buddhism. As the capital of the Kosala kingdom, ancient Sravasti emerged as a major political and religious center by the 6th century BCE. The city maintained strong ties with both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, but it gained lasting significance through its association with Gautama Buddha.
The Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons in Sravasti, primarily at the Jetavana Monastery donated by merchant Anathapindika. Many of his important discourses took place here, attracting followers from across the region. This transformed Sravasti into a key hub for Buddhist learning, rivaled only by places like Rajgir and Nalanda.
During the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods, the city remained active, supported by royal patronage and the continued presence of monasteries and stupas. Archaeological excavations at sites like Sahet and Mahet confirm the city’s historical importance. These sites reveal structured urban planning, religious monuments, and artifacts that reflect a vibrant intellectual and spiritual life.
However, over time, Sravasti declined due to shifts in trade routes, political power, and religious patronage. By the medieval period, the city had lost much of its former stature and fell into obscurity. It was rediscovered through archaeological efforts during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, Shrawasti stands as a district in Uttar Pradesh, preserving its ancient legacy through restored Buddhist sites and annual pilgrimages. Its history continues to draw scholars and visitors interested in India’s early religious and cultural developments.
GEOGRAPHY
Shrawasti lies in the northeastern part of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal. It forms part of the Terai region, a low-lying belt of fertile plains at the foothills of the Himalayas. The district spans an area of approximately 1,640 square kilometers and is primarily rural in character.
The Rapti River flows along the eastern boundary of Shrawasti, influencing the district’s agriculture and ecosystem. Seasonal rivers and natural water bodies support irrigation and contribute to the fertility of the alluvial soil. The terrain remains flat, with slight undulations and scattered wetlands.
Shrawasti experiences a subtropical climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters remain cool. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings the majority of annual rainfall, which is vital for crop cultivation.
The district shares boundaries with Balrampur in the north and east, Bahraich in the west, and Gonda in the south. Its location near the Nepal border facilitates cross-border cultural exchange and economic activity.
Agriculture dominates land use, with extensive fields of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses. The natural vegetation has been largely cleared for farming, but patches of greenery remain along riverbanks and in village groves.
Shrawasti’s geography supports a traditional agrarian lifestyle and sustains its historical and religious tourism.
CLIMATE
Shrawasti experiences a humid subtropical climate, marked by distinct seasonal variations. Summers, from March to June, remain hot and dry, with temperatures often rising above 40°C. The heat intensifies in May and early June before the onset of the monsoon.
The monsoon season begins in late June and lasts until September. During this period, the district receives most of its annual rainfall, averaging around 1,000–1,200 mm. The rainfall supports agriculture but also causes occasional flooding in low-lying areas.
Winters, from November to February, are mild and dry. Temperatures range between 8°C and 22°C, with January being the coldest month. Morning fog is common during this season, affecting visibility and transport.
Overall, the climate supports year-round farming but requires adaptation to seasonal extremes. The district’s agriculture depends heavily on timely monsoon rains, while winter remains the most comfortable season for outdoor activities and tourism.
FLORA & FAUNA
Shrawasti’s flora and fauna reflect the ecological characteristics of the Terai plains. Most of the district’s natural vegetation has been cleared for agriculture, but patches of native plant life still survive along rivers, village groves, and fallow lands.
Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Shrawasti district of Uttar Pradesh, spans the Indo-Nepal border and is a key ecological zone in the Terai region. It covers a forested area rich in biodiversity and forms part of the Balrampur Forest Division. The sanctuary hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including deer, wild boar, jackals, and several bird species. Seasonal wetlands and grasslands provide habitats for both resident and migratory birds.
Established to conserve the region’s natural heritage, the sanctuary plays a vital role in preserving the local ecosystem. It also supports traditional livelihoods through regulated forest use and eco-tourism.
Common tree species include neem, peepal, mango, and bamboo. Seasonal grasses and shrubs grow in uncultivated areas, especially during the monsoon. The fertile soil and adequate rainfall support crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses, which dominate the landscape.
The region supports a limited variety of fauna due to habitat loss. However, small mammals such as jackals, hares, and mongooses still inhabit the countryside. Birds like mynas, egrets, kingfishers, and parrots are commonly seen near water bodies and agricultural fields.
Aquatic life thrives in local ponds and rivers, with fish species forming a part of rural diets. Despite limited forest cover, Shrawasti maintains a functional ecosystem shaped by agriculture and seasonal water flows.
ECONOMY
Shrawasti’s economy depends primarily on agriculture and allied activities. A large section of the population engages in farming, with wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses as the main crops. The fertile alluvial soil and monsoon rains support crop production, while canal and tubewell irrigation supplement water needs during dry spells.
Small-scale animal husbandry, including dairy farming and poultry, contributes to rural incomes. Seasonal agricultural labor and sharecropping also sustain livelihoods in many villages. Despite the agrarian base, low productivity and limited crop diversification remain key challenges.
The district lacks major industries. Small manufacturing units and local trades, such as brick kilns, handloom weaving, and carpentry, operate on a limited scale. Weekly markets and local fairs facilitate trade in agricultural goods and daily essentials.
Tourism plays a modest role in the economy, driven by Shrawasti’s Buddhist heritage. Pilgrims visiting sites like Jetavana and Anathapindika’s Stupa generate demand for transport, food, and lodging services.
Government schemes support employment through rural development programs like MGNREGA. However, the district continues to face issues related to unemployment and underemployment. Migration to urban areas for work remains common, especially among youth seeking better opportunities.
Overall, Shrawasti’s economy remains rural and subsistence-based, with potential for growth in tourism and agro-based enterprises.
ADMINISTRATION
The administration of Shrawasti operates under the standard district governance structure of Uttar Pradesh. A District Magistrate (DM), appointed by the state government, heads the civil administration and oversees law and order, revenue collection, and implementation of government schemes.
The district is divided into two tehsils—Bhinga and Ikauna—for administrative convenience. Each tehsil functions under a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The district further comprises development blocks, gram panchayats, and urban local bodies that handle local governance.
The Zila Panchayat coordinates rural development programs and monitors infrastructure projects. Line departments manage specific sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and social welfare. The police administration is led by the Superintendent of Police (SP), responsible for maintaining public safety and crime control.
Shrawasti also has representation in the state legislative assembly and Lok Sabha. Government offices operate at the district headquarters in Bhinga, facilitating public services and administrative coordination across the region.
CIVIC ADMINISTRATION
Shrawasti’s civic administration functions through a combination of urban and rural local bodies. The Nagar Panchayat manages civic affairs in Bhinga, the district headquarters. It oversees services such as sanitation, street lighting, drainage, and solid waste management within municipal limits.
In rural areas, Gram Panchayats serve as the primary civic units. These panchayats, elected by local residents, handle water supply, sanitation, maintenance of village roads, and other basic services. Each panchayat works under the supervision of a Block Development Officer (BDO).
The district administration coordinates with civic bodies to implement state and central government schemes. Departments like the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Nigam, and Rural Engineering Services contribute to infrastructure development.
The civic system faces challenges such as limited resources, seasonal flooding, and infrastructure gaps. However, regular government funding and development programs aim to improve service delivery and living conditions across both urban and rural areas in Shrawasti.
POLICE ADMINISTRATION
Shrawasti’s police administration operates under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police (SP), who reports to the state’s Home Department. The district is divided into several police circles and stations to maintain law and order. Each police station functions under a Station House Officer (SHO) and handles local crime prevention, investigation, and public safety. The force conducts regular patrolling, community policing, and coordination with civil authorities during festivals and public events. Special units manage traffic, cybercrime, and women’s safety.
The administration continues to improve response times and public outreach through helplines and awareness programs.
JUDICIAL INSTITUTIONS
Shrawasti’s judicial system functions under the jurisdiction of the District and Sessions Court, located in Bhinga. The court handles civil, criminal, and family matters. A District Judge leads the court, supported by Additional District Judges, Civil Judges, and Judicial Magistrates. These courts ensure legal redress and uphold the rule of law. The judiciary coordinates with the police and administrative departments for effective justice delivery. Legal aid services and Lok Adalats operate to resolve disputes through alternative mechanisms.
The system aims to provide accessible and timely justice to residents across both urban and rural parts of the district.
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Central government offices in Shrawasti support the implementation of national schemes and regulatory functions. Key offices include branches of the India Post, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). These offices operate from the district headquarters in Bhinga and serve surrounding rural areas. They manage services such as postal delivery, telecom connectivity, and social security administration.
Departments like the Food Corporation of India and Agriculture Insurance Company coordinate with local authorities on targeted welfare programs. These institutions ensure the reach of central policies at the grassroots level across Shrawasti district.
POLITICS
Shrawasti plays an active role in the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh. It forms one parliamentary constituency and has multiple assembly segments under it. Voters in the district participate regularly in both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. Political activity remains high during election seasons, with major national and regional parties fielding candidates.
The constituency has witnessed representation from parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Indian National Congress. Electoral outcomes often reflect broader social dynamics, including caste alignments, development concerns, and party organization at the grassroots.
Local political leaders influence administrative decisions through coordination with the district authorities. Elected representatives raise issues related to infrastructure, employment, education, and social welfare at state and national forums. Political debates frequently focus on rural development, road connectivity, and access to public services.
Panchayati Raj institutions also contribute to grassroots governance. Elected village heads and block-level representatives play a role in implementing government schemes and resolving local disputes.
Shrawasti’s politics remain rooted in local needs while responding to broader party agendas and regional shifts. Active voter engagement and competitive elections make it a relevant district in Uttar Pradesh’s democratic structure.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Shrawasti’s public utilities provide essential services to both urban and rural populations. The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) supplies electricity across the district, though rural areas occasionally face disruptions. The Jal Nigam and Gram Panchayats manage water supply systems, relying on handpumps, tube wells, and limited piped connections.
Sanitation services operate under local bodies, with solid waste management functioning in urban centers like Bhinga. In villages, sanitation remains the responsibility of individual households and panchayats. Government programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have improved toilet coverage and hygiene awareness.
Telecom and postal services function through BSNL and private operators, providing mobile connectivity and basic postal delivery. Public health and education utilities are supported through primary health centers, community health centers, and government schools.
Overall, Shrawasti continues to expand utility coverage under various central and state schemes. However, consistent service quality and infrastructure upgrades remain ongoing priorities for improving residents’ daily lives.
TRANSPORT
Shrawasti’s transport network relies mainly on road connectivity. The district links to nearby cities like Bahraich, Gonda, and Balrampur through state highways and local roads. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular bus services, while private vehicles support local travel.
Rail connectivity remains limited, with the nearest major station at Balrampur. The district does not have an airport, but Gorakhpur and Lucknow serve as the closest air travel hubs.
Road infrastructure continues to improve under government schemes. Transport facilities support both daily commuting and tourism, especially for visitors to Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
DEMOGRAPHICS
According to the 2011 Census, Shrawasti district recorded a population of approximately 1.11 million. The population density stood at around 673 persons per square kilometer. The district had a rural majority, with over 90% of residents living in villages.
The sex ratio was 881 females per 1,000 males, while the child sex ratio (0–6 years) stood at 878. Literacy remained below the national average, with an overall literacy rate of 46.7%. Male literacy was higher at 57.16%, compared to 35.15% for females.
Shrawasti’s population comprises multiple social groups, including Scheduled Castes, which account for a significant portion. Hindi is the primary language, while Awadhi is commonly spoken in daily life.
Religious composition includes Hindus and Muslims as the two major communities. Most residents engage in agriculture and daily wage labor for livelihood. Demographic indicators reflect the need for continued focus on education, gender balance, and rural development.
ARCHITECTURE
Shrawasti’s architecture reflects its ancient Buddhist heritage and rural settlement patterns. The most significant architectural remains lie at Sahet and Mahet, identified as the ancient city of Sravasti. Archaeological excavations have uncovered stupas, monasteries, and structural remnants dating back to the Mauryan and Kushan periods.
The Jetavana Monastery complex, associated with Gautama Buddha’s teachings, includes brick foundations, meditation halls, and stone railings. The Anathapindika Stupa and Angulimala Stupa stand as important religious structures, marked by their circular base and relic chambers. These monuments follow early Buddhist architectural styles, using baked bricks and stone carvings.
In contrast, contemporary rural architecture in Shrawasti uses locally available materials. Most houses in villages are built with mud, bricks, and thatched or tin roofs. Urban areas like Bhinga have seen a gradual rise in concrete structures, government offices, and educational institutions following standard public works designs.
Temples and mosques across the district feature simple yet functional architecture. Religious buildings often serve as local landmarks, combining utility with cultural value.
Shrawasti’s architectural landscape thus combines ancient Buddhist structures with modern public buildings and vernacular rural housing, offering a layered view of the district’s historical continuity and present-day development.
CULTURE
Shrawasti’s culture reflects a blend of religious heritage, rural traditions, and local customs. As a prominent Buddhist site, the district attracts pilgrims from India and abroad, especially from countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Cultural activities often align with Buddhist festivals, including Buddha Purnima, celebrated at the Jetavana complex.
In daily life, residents follow traditional practices rooted in agriculture and village community structures. Folk music, devotional songs, and seasonal fairs mark social occasions. Local dialects such as Awadhi dominate informal communication, while Hindi remains the official language.
Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are widely observed, reflecting the district’s religious diversity. Traditional clothing includes dhotis, sarees, and kurta-pajamas, commonly worn during rituals and festivals.
Craftsmanship is limited, but small-scale artisans produce items for religious use and household needs. Community participation remains central to cultural life, with shared rituals and gatherings playing a key role in preserving local identity.
TRADITIONAL OUTFIT
People in Shrawasti wear traditional clothing suited to the region’s rural lifestyle and climate. Men typically wear dhotis paired with kurta or shirts, and in colder months, they add woolen shawls or jackets. Women commonly wear sarees or salwar-kameez, often made from cotton or synthetic fabrics for daily use. During festivals and ceremonies, residents choose brighter colors and decorative elements like embroidery or printed borders.
Footwear usually includes slippers or simple sandals. The attire reflects practicality, modesty, and cultural norms. While urban influence is growing, traditional outfits remain prevalent in both daily wear and community events.
LANGUAGE & POETRY
Language in Shrawasti reflects the region’s rural character and cultural history. Hindi serves as the official and administrative language, used in schools, government offices, and formal communication. However, Awadhi remains the dominant spoken dialect across villages and households. People use Awadhi for daily conversation, local storytelling, and folk traditions.
The district holds a modest yet active tradition of oral poetry and folk expression. Performers recite birha, kajri, and devotional songs during festivals and community gatherings. These verses often focus on themes like love, devotion, and social life.
Though written literary activity is limited, local poets and singers preserve cultural memory through recitation and performance. Religious texts and stories from the Ramayana and Buddhist Jataka tales also influence the content and form of local poetry.
Language and poetry in Shrawasti continue to sustain cultural identity, serving as tools for communication, entertainment, and moral instruction within the rural community.
CUISINE
Shrawasti’s cuisine reflects the staple diet of rural Uttar Pradesh, shaped by local agriculture and seasonal availability. Wheat and rice form the base of most meals. People commonly eat roti or chapati with lentils (dal), seasonal vegetables, and simple curries. Mustard oil and clarified butter (ghee) are used for cooking, especially in traditional households.
Popular dishes include aloo-tamatar sabzi, chana dal, and baingan bharta. In winter, locals prepare methi paratha and sarson ka saag. Pickles, green chutney, and curd often accompany meals.
Sweets such as jalebi, peda, and kheer appear during festivals and special occasions. Snacks like samosa and pakora are commonly sold at local markets.
The food remains largely vegetarian, although some families consume eggs and meat occasionally. People cook with simple spices, keeping flavors mild and suited to daily consumption. The cuisine continues to follow traditional cooking methods using wood-fired stoves in many rural homes.
FESTIVALS
Shrawasti celebrates a diverse range of festivals rooted in religious traditions and local culture. Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Makar Sankranti draw widespread participation across rural and urban areas. Families light lamps, prepare traditional foods, and gather for rituals and social events.
Muslim communities observe Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Muharram with equal enthusiasm, reflecting the district’s religious diversity. People visit mosques, share festive meals, and engage in communal gatherings.
Buddha Purnima holds special importance due to Shrawasti’s association with Gautama Buddha. Devotees from India and abroad visit sites like Jetavana to offer prayers and participate in religious programs.
Seasonal fairs and village melas accompany many festivals, offering space for trade, folk performances, and community interaction. Schools and local organizations also conduct cultural events to mark major occasions.
Festivals in Shrawasti promote social cohesion and reinforce shared customs, serving as both religious observances and expressions of community identity.
DANCE, DRAMA & MUSIC
Shrawasti’s cultural life includes traditional forms of dance, drama, and music rooted in rural customs and religious practices. Folk music remains a central part of community gatherings, seasonal festivals, and family events. Performers use instruments like the dholak, harmonium, and manjira to accompany songs in Awadhi and Hindi.
Folk dramas such as Ramlila and Krishnalila are staged during religious festivals, narrating episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These performances take place in open spaces and involve local participation, often blending storytelling with music and simple costumes.
Dance in Shrawasti is mostly informal, seen during weddings and festivals. Women perform sohar and jhoomar dances during childbirth ceremonies and other domestic celebrations.
While classical forms are rare, local traditions preserve oral history and moral themes through performance. Schools and cultural programs occasionally promote regional art forms, keeping these traditions visible in the district’s social life.
REGIONAL SPECIALITY
Shrawasti’s regional speciality lies in its deep connection to Buddhist heritage and its historical significance as the ancient city of Sravasti. The district holds immense importance for Buddhist pilgrims, as it is believed that Gautama Buddha spent 24 monsoon seasons here and delivered many key sermons. Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika’s Stupa, and Angulimala’s Stupa serve as major pilgrimage sites that attract visitors from across India and abroad, particularly from Southeast Asian countries.
The district also maintains a strong agricultural identity. Its fertile plains support the cultivation of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses. Traditional farming practices remain common, and local markets supply fresh produce to surrounding areas.
Handcrafted religious souvenirs and locally made clay items represent small-scale artisan activity. Although not industrialized, these products support the local economy, especially during pilgrimage seasons.
Cultural expressions like Ramlila performances, folk songs, and regional cuisine further define Shrawasti’s identity. Religious tourism remains the most prominent economic and cultural driver, shaping infrastructure development and local livelihoods.
Shrawasti’s unique blend of historical relevance, agricultural livelihood, and cultural continuity gives it a distinct regional character. Its heritage sites continue to link the present with a globally recognized spiritual past.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The quality of life in Shrawasti reflects its rural structure and limited urban development. Most residents depend on agriculture and daily wage labor, with basic access to education, healthcare, and public utilities. Government schools and primary health centers operate in villages, but infrastructure gaps and staff shortages affect service delivery.
Electricity and water supply have expanded under rural development schemes, yet inconsistencies remain, especially in remote areas. Road connectivity has improved, but public transport options are limited.
Residents experience low cost of living, strong community ties, and cultural continuity, which support social stability. However, low literacy rates, limited employment opportunities, and seasonal migration impact long-term quality of life.
Religious tourism offers some economic support, but development remains uneven. State and central programs aim to improve living conditions through targeted schemes in housing, sanitation, and rural employment.
Overall, Shrawasti’s quality of life shows gradual progress but still requires focused efforts to enhance infrastructure, services, and livelihood options.
EDUCATION
Education in Shrawasti faces significant challenges due to low literacy rates and limited infrastructure. According to the 2011 Census, the overall literacy rate stood at 46.7%, with a wide gap between male and female literacy. Government primary and upper primary schools operate in most villages, but teacher shortages and inadequate facilities affect learning outcomes.
Secondary and higher secondary schools exist in block headquarters and urban centers like Bhinga. Private institutions have emerged in recent years, offering alternative options, though affordability remains a concern for many families.
The district hosts a few degree colleges affiliated with state universities, providing access to higher education. However, vocational training centers and technical institutions remain scarce.
Midday meal schemes and scholarships aim to improve school attendance, especially among disadvantaged groups. Despite policy support, dropout rates remain high, particularly among girls. Strengthening infrastructure, teacher quality, and digital access remains essential for educational progress in Shrawasti.
MEDIA
Media in Shrawasti operates through a mix of traditional and modern channels. Regional newspapers in Hindi, such as Amar Ujala and Hindustan, circulate widely and serve as primary sources of news. Local correspondents report on district-level developments.
Radio remains accessible in rural areas, while television viewership continues to grow with satellite connections. Mobile internet has expanded access to digital media, allowing residents to follow news through social media and online platforms.
However, local media infrastructure remains limited. Most media coverage depends on nearby urban centers. Efforts to strengthen local reporting and digital literacy continue across the district.
SPORTS
Sports in Shrawasti focus mainly on traditional and outdoor games played at the village level. Children and youth commonly engage in kabaddi, kho-kho, and cricket on open fields and school grounds. Local tournaments, especially in cricket, draw active participation and community interest.
Schools conduct annual sports meets, and government initiatives promote physical education under youth development programs. However, the district lacks dedicated sports infrastructure, such as stadiums or training centers.
Limited access to coaching and equipment restricts professional development. Despite challenges, sports remain an integral part of community life and physical activity in Shrawasti.
NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS
Shrawasti, while primarily rural and historically significant, has produced individuals who have contributed to public service and regional development. Most notable figures from the district have emerged in politics, social work, and local governance.
Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly representing Shrawasti have played roles in voicing regional issues at state and national levels. Some leaders have focused on rural development, education, and infrastructure, working to improve basic services in the area.
Apart from political representation, the district has seen contributions from educators and community organizers who promote literacy, women’s rights, and health awareness. These individuals often work through non-governmental organizations or local institutions.
Due to limited exposure and resources, Shrawasti has not yet produced nationally recognized personalities in arts, sports, or academia. However, the efforts of local leaders and activists continue to influence grassroots change. With improved access to education and opportunities, future generations may bring wider recognition to the district.
HISTORICAL PLACES
Shrawasti is home to several historical sites that highlight its importance as an ancient center of Buddhist learning and activity. The most prominent sites include Sahet and Mahet, believed to be the remnants of ancient Sravasti, the capital of the Kosala kingdom and a major city during the time of Gautama Buddha.
Jetavana Monastery remains the most visited site, known for housing the Buddha for 24 rainy seasons. The complex contains the ruins of monastic buildings, meditation halls, and the famous Anandabodhi tree. Pilgrims and scholars visit the site to connect with early Buddhist teachings and practices.
Nearby, the Anathapindika Stupa and Angulimala Stupa mark important locations linked to Buddhist legends and disciples. These sites reflect early brick architecture and offer archaeological insights into the region’s religious history.
Mahet, located close to Sahet, contains city walls, gateways, and additional stupas. The layout suggests organized urban planning from ancient times. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains these sites and supports their preservation.
These historical places in Shrawasti attract visitors from India and abroad, particularly from Buddhist-majority countries. They serve as significant landmarks in Buddhist heritage and contribute to the district’s cultural and educational relevance.