Vaishali was one of the first Republican states of India, having an elected body of representatives. Vaishali is situated about 55 kms. to the north of Patna. Vaishali derived its name from King Vaishala, a famous ruler mentioned in the Ramayana. Vaishali was a famous city in the days of the Buddha. The Lord Buddha precahed his last sermons here, before attaining Nirvana or enlightenment. Vaishali is also famous for Amrapali, the beautiful dancer and courtesan of Vaishali, who offered Buddha a mango orchard and impressed by his teachings became a nun. The ruins of the old city have been discovered near the village Besarh on the north banks of the river Ganga.

The history of Vaishali dates back to the 6th century BC when it was a flourishing city. The city of Vaishali belonged to the Lichchavis, a clan of Kshatriyas who ruled the territory as a republic. Vaishali was one of the first cities in the world to adopt a republican form of government. This place was visited by the great Chinese travelers Fa-hien and Hiuen-Tsang who took back a piece of sculpture from one of the stupas. It is also said that once the city experienced a terrible plague. The citizens requested the Buddha to visit the city. With his arrival, the plague ended. The Buddha took a liking for the place and visited Vaishali several times to preach his gospel. Here, in the garden of the courtesan Amrapali, he delivered his last sermons and announced his nirvana from the world. Later, Emperor Ashoka built a huge lion pillor here in memory of the Buddha, to commemorate the spot of the last sermon. In 383 AD, the second Buddhist council was also held here to discuss the ten points of Vinaya, the rule of conduct under dispute and two stupas were erected to commemorate the event.

Vaishali is situated about 55 kms. from Patna and easily connected with Patna, Gaya, Bodh Gaya and Nalanda.