Sasaram (Hindi: , Urdu: ), sometimes also spelled as Sahasram, is the administrative headquarters of the Rohtas district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is one of the oldest cities in India, and is famous for production of stone chips and for the local quarrying industry. Languages spoken in this region are Bhojpuri, Hindi, and Urdu; local religions include Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. According to legend, Sahastrabahu lived near here during the age of Ramayana, and was later killed by the warrior-sage Parsuram. The name of the city may come from a combination of the names of these two figres. Some historians believe that the name comes instead from Nikulakashakabasu, an ancient king, and Parsuram. Sasaram is the birthplace of the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, who ruled over Delhi, much of northern India, what is now Pakistan, and eastern Afghanistan for five years, after defeating the Mughal Emperor Humayun. After his death, he was followed as king by his son...
