Earliest evidence of Banking in India is found from the period of Vedic Civilization. During those days, loan deeds called rnapatra (ऋणपत्र) or rnalekhya (ऋणलेख्य) were prevalent. Interest rates as well as usury (सूदखोरी) was prevalent in Vedic India. The Vedic word Kusidin refers to an usurer (सूदखोर).This term is also found in Manusmriti.
The Capital of Magadh empire was situates at Rajgriha or Girivraja. The city was almost impregnable as it was surrounded by five hills, the openings in which were closed by stone walls on all sides.