Buddhist Monuments

Buddhist Monuments by R. B. Lal, published by the Department of Public Relations, Government of Bihar, in 1955, is a concise illustrated survey of the Buddhist archaeological heritage of Bihar and its surrounding sacred landscape. The booklet introduces major Buddhist pilgrimage sites and monuments, including Bodh-Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, and associated locations, while describing important forms of Buddhist architecture such as stupas, viharas, chaityas, rock-cut caves, Ashokan pillars, railings, and temples. It also provides a brief account of the Buddha’s life and historical background, supported by photographs, maps, inscriptions, and archaeological observations. The author presents the work as an introductory guide rather than an exhaustive study, intended to encourage further investigation of Bihar’s Buddhist remains.