Chariot Wheel Mark and Shell Characters In Rajgir
Another tourist attraction in Rajgir town which is relatively small but quite interesting is the Chariot Wheel Marks and Shell Characters. The location is right next to the main road but cannot be seen directly from the main road due to the trees blocking its view. Only a small concrete board indicates its existence. It’s a small place but according to the locals, it has a direct connection with Mahabharata.
What To See At Chariot Wheel Marks and Shell Characters
According to legend which is believed by the locals these chariot tracks were made by the chariot driven by Lord Krishna. There was a fight between Bheema and Jarasandha which lasted for twenty-eight days. Krishna had come to help Bheema and seeing this Jarasandha rained down stones and boulders down the nearby Udayagiri hill. Krishna had to hastily reverse back to stay away from the falling rocks and had to move back at tremendous speed. This sudden movement led the wheels of the chariot to dig deep into the rock and create these marks.
Archeological Survey of India (Patna Circle) however does not associate these with mythology and instead mentions these as “cart ruts” which are tracks carved deep into the rock. Historically there are several such sites around the world where these cart ruts can be seen like Misrah Ghar il-Kbir in Malta. These usually form a cording to scientists where the top soil is eroded by the constant movement of wheels on them and at one point in time the top layer is lost and the rock at the bottom gets exposed. The places where the rocks are not that strong often lose their top layer creating these marks. Over the years the constant flow of carts causes these to deepen and on the other hand, it becomes easier for the cart driver to follow a path for easy navigation and smoother movement which aggravates the depth of these marks.
The total length of these tracks out here is approximately less than one hundred meters and they measure around five feet from the center of one track to the center of the other.
Apart from the Chariot Wheel Marks, one can also see Shell Characters (Shankhalipi) on the rock faces out here. Similar shell inscriptions have also been found across other sites in Rajgir. These inscriptions out here have not been deciphered yet.
How To Visit Chariot Wheel Marks and Shell Characters
This is a non-ticketed protected monument. If you are travelling by car then you need to get off the main road and park your vehicle. There is ample space for parking cars out here next to the main road. You will find a few men approaching you to guide you around this place in exchange for some money but in reality, there is nothing much here to see so you can look around on your own.
If you are traveling around Rajgir town in a prepaid e-rickshaw they usually briefly stop here for tourists however, some might want to skip to shorten the trip so do insist on stopping here.
This place is located right next to the main road which connects other tourist attractions out here so won’t be difficult to spot.
It is advisable to visit this place during the daytime, avoiding evening as the place can get dark, and considering the nature of the surroundings which are covered with large bushes and trees it’s safe to visit during day time.
Location Of Chariot Wheel Marks and Shell Characters On Map
Video Of Chariot Wheel Marks and Shell CharactersResources
Archeological Survey of India – Patna Circle
Nalanda University
Other Blogs On Rajgir
Son Bhandar Caves
Cyclopean Wall Of Rajgir
Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
Nalanda Mahavihara Archaeological Site