<P> Rajgir (originally known as Girivraj) is a city and a notified area in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar . The city of Rajgir (ancient Rājagṛha; Pali: Rājagaha was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire . Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city . This area is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism as one of the favorite places for Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha and the well known "Atanatiya" conference was held at Vulture's Peak mountain . </P> <P> Rajgir is connected to Patna via Bakhtiarpur by rail and road . Bakhtiarpur lies midway between Patna and Mokameh . Road access is by NH 30A to Bakhtiarpur and NH 31 towards south to reach Bihar Sharif . From Mokameh NH 31 to Bihar Sharif . From there, NH 82 will leads to Rajgir . Rajgir is around 100 KM from both Patna and Mokameh . It is located in a green valley surrounded by rocky hills, Rajgir hills . A daily Indian Railways train Shramjeevi Express connects Rajgir with the Indian capital New Delhi . </P> <P> The name Rajgir came from Rājagṛiha' house of the king' or "royal house", or the word rajgir might have its origin in its plain literal meaning, "royal mountain". It was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Udayin (460 - 440 BC), son of Ajatshatru, moved the capital to Pataliputra . In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as' the home of Royalty' . Shishunaga founded Shishunaga dynasty in 413 BCE with Rajgir as its initial capital before it was moved to Pataliputra . </P> <P> Rajgir is also famous for its association with Haryanka dynasty Kings Bimbisara and Ajatashatru . Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbsara in captivity here . The sources do not agree which of the Buddha's royal contemporaries, Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, was responsible for its construction . Ajatashatru is also credited with moving the capital to Pataliputra (modern Patna). </P>

Who shifted the capital of magadh from rajagrih of patliputra