Patna is a historical city and the state capital of Patna district in the state of Bihar, India. This city, situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, is also the largest city in Bihar. The ancient names of Patna were Pataliputra, Pushpapuri, and Kusumpur.
History Of Patna
The history of Patna is very old. It is one of the proud cities of India. The city is also known for its historical buildings. The history of Patna begins in the 5th century with the name of Pataliputra. In the third century BC, Patna became the capital of Magadha where The ruler became the great emperor Ashoka.
The reign of Emperor Ashoka has an important place in the history of India. Since Patna is routed to Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, and Pawapuri, the city is also known as a gateway for Buddhists and Jains. After independence, Patna became the capital of the state of Bihar.
Patna is known for its powerful dynasties. On the other hand, it has also been very popular due to knowledge and spirituality. The city also witnessed the arrival of many enlightened travelers like Fa Hien, and Hiuen Tsang. Many historians also believe that the greatest diplomat Kautilya composed the Arthashastra here.
Best Places to visit in Patna
Patna is a major place in terms of tourism. It is also a major city of Bihar commercially. Golghar, Harmandir, Kumhrar, etc. are the major places of interest here.
1. Golghar, Patna
Many tourists know Patna because of Golghar. It is mainly a warehouse. After the terrible famine in 1770, it was constructed for the storage of grains. Stairs have also been made to reach their peak.
A unique experience of seeing the panoramic view of Patna city and Ganga can be taken from above. There was a time when Golghar was the tallest building in Patna. This service is one of the main attractions of Patna tourism.
2. Harmandir Sahib Ji Patna
Patna is also world famous for being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru. Its structure is dome-shaped. Many authentic items related to Guru Gobind Singh are kept here. This place is very sacred for Sikhs. A huge crowd of tourists throngs here on the occasion of the festival of lights.
3. Kumhrar
Patna-based Kumhrar is one of the important places of the Mauryan dynasty. After the excavation here, evidence of a huge hall with 80 pillars of the Maurya period has been found. This place is very important from the point of view of historical tourism.
4. Agam Kuan
This well is very popular among tourists visiting Patna. Its biggest feature is that its depth has not been measured to date. It has been given an important place in Bihar tourism.
5. Patna Museum
Patna’s museum is historically very rich. The research and discoveries made by the archaeologists of Bihar are comprehensively kept in this museum. In this, the idols of the Maurya and Gupta periods (made of stone and iron), terracotta, ashes of Mahatma Buddha, etc. are preserved.
Apart from this, the Khuda Baksh Oriental Library (Rajput and Mughal paintings, Quran, Arab and Persian manuscripts), stone mosque, etc. are also worth seeing.
6. Sabhyata Dwar
It has been built with the aim of showing the glory of the traditions and ancient culture of the state of Bihar and Pataliputra. Admission here is completely free. Many tourists come here in the evening.
7. Patna Taramandal
It is located in Indira Gandhi Science Complex, Patna. It is named after senior Indian National Congress leader and former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi. The planetarium has regular film shows on topics related to astronomy. It also holds exhibitions, which attract a lot of visitors.
8. Mahavir Temple
Sankatmochan Rambhakta Hanuman Temple is built just outside Patna Junction. This is one of the best and most ancient Hanuman temples in the country. Lakhs of devotees visit the temple every year. Standing alongside the mosque built in the New Market, this temple is also a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. Read more: The Secret of Hanuman
9. Gandhi Maidan
Gandhi Maidan is a famous and historical ground located in Patna, the capital of Bihar. The world’s tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi is installed here. Presently, apart from public meetings, conferences, and political rallies, this ground is also a center for book fairs and daily exercise.
10. Sadaquat Ashram
It was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921. It was one of the residences of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. He lived there after retirement and spent the last few days of his life there. After independence, Jayaprakash Narayan started his historical movement from Sadaqat Ashram during the 1970s.
11. Shrikrishna Science Centre
The science complex built in the western part of Gandhi Maidan is an enlightening center for children engaged in school education. It is the first Regional Science Center in the country as well as the only one in Bihar. It was established in the year 1978 and is named after the first Chief Minister of Bihar.
12. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library
Khuda Baksh Oriental Library is one of the oldest libraries in India. This National Library located on Ashoka Rajpath was established in 1891. Here are some very rare Mughal period manuscripts.
13. Darbhanga House
It is also called Navlakha Bhawan. It was built by Maharaj Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. Located on the banks of the Ganges, this palace houses the offices of the postgraduate departments of Patna University. There is also a black temple on its premises where the king himself used to offer prayers.
How to Reach Patna
- By Air – Regular flights operate from Patna to major cities of India. Patna is connected by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities.
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By Rail – Patna is an important junction of the Eastern Railway Division. Many states are connected by direct rail service from here. There are direct trains from here for the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, etc.
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By Road – Being the capital of Bihar, buses ply from Patna to various cities. Like Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Ranchi, Siliguri etc.