The rock cut carvings, which dates back to the fine Gupta period (5th-7th Century CE) depict a variety of deities - not only the Buddha but several Hindu and Jain deities as well. These artistic etchings have been excavated from Sultanganj and Kahalgaon in the Bhagalpur region of Bihar.


Bhagalpur
Situated in the south-western part of Bihar, Bhalgalpur is one of the major cities of the state. The historical evidences suggest that the modern city of Bhagalpur was Champavati of the 5th century BCE, the capital of Anga, one of 16 Mahajanapadas. It is believed that emperor Ashoka's mother, Subhadrangi belonged to Bhagalpur(Champa) and he had made his son Mahendra the governor of this provincial city. Lord Buddha also visited Champa, where a large number of people became His followers. The Buddha offered several sermons here, including one charity. It was here that the Buddha was compelled to prescribe the use of slippers by the monks. The Chinese traveller on his way to home also visited Champa(He referred Chen-Po) and mentioned in his accounts various Stupas, Viharas and Buddhist monks.

The golden image of Champavati was maintained in the early medieval period even during the reign of the Palas, who strengthened Buddhism along with their contribution in the fields of art and culture. The glorious days of Bhagalpur remained only till the first half of the 18th century CE when it was made a small province by the Britishers, however it started recovering after the British departure in 1947, and today it is better know as a lively and prosperous 'Silk City'.


Other Attractions
Bhagalpur and the regions surrounding it such as the areas of Sultanganj, Kahelgaon and Vikramshila themselves discloses the levels of history that has been left by the tide of time till recent periods.

• Vikramshila University : The famous Vikramshila monastic university, set up by the Pala ruler Dharamplal(783 CE- 820 CE)is a major tourist destination of Bhagalpur.
  
  
• Tilhakothi : Tilhakothi in Bhagalpur is the famous tourist spot which was once the residence of the British ICS officer Cleveland.
  
  
• Shah Janghi : Shahjangi in NathNagar, Bhagalpur, is a shrine on the hill with a long sacred Idgah situated at its bottom.
  
  
• Sultanganj : Sultanganj, 28 kilometers west of Bhagalpur, is famous for the rock cut carvings and Baba Ajgaibinath temple amidst the river Ganges. It was at this place from where a stupa, which had a mighty(7 feet high) Bronze statue of the Buddha in Abhaymudra, was excavated in 1861. The statue is now in the Birmingham city museum, England.

Bhagalpur can be reached by all means of communication and transport. One can take up a ship or boat from Patna(Bihar's capital) in the river Ganges to reach Bhagalpur, which is situated on the banks of the river Ganges. The Bhagalpur airport is also connected to other major cities. Road is another way to reach Bhagalpur as the city is connected with other parts by a good and proper road network, facilitated by a long bridge over the holy river Ganges. The Bhagalpur railway station is connected to all other major cities of India.


The best months to visit Bhagalpur are from October to March.