Patna
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Situated on the southern bank of the Ganges, it is a major commercial hub and home to historical landmarks like Golghar and Patna Museum.
About Patna
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is located on the southern bank of the river Ganges. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The city is a major agricultural hub and a center of trade. It is also an important pilgrimage center for Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.
History
Historically known as Pataliputra, it was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Shunga, Gupta, and Pala empires. It was a seat of learning and fine arts. The city was also the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Economy
Patna has a fast-growing economy with a strong focus on FMCG, service sector, and agriculture. It is a major trading center for grains, sugarcane, sesame, and Patna rice.
Tourist Attractions
Major attractions include Golghar, Patna Museum, Bihar Museum, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan (Zoo), and the ruins of Pataliputra at Kumhrar.
Subdivisions
Blocks
Tourist Places
Agam Kuan
An ancient well and archaeological site dating back to the period of Mauryan emperor Ashoka. It is considered a place of great historical and religious significance.
Bihar Museum
A modern state-of-the-art museum in Patna that showcases the rich history and heritage of Bihar through a vast collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Buddha Smriti Park
A modern park in Patna, also known as Patliputra Karuna Stupa, featuring a stupa containing Buddha's relics from various countries and a meditation center.
Chanakya National Law University
A prestigious public law school in Patna. The campus is noted for its modern infrastructure that incorporates architectural elements inspired by ancient Indian history.
Choti Patan Devi Temple
One of the oldest temples in Patna and a revered Shakti Peeth, located in the Patna City area.
Eco Park (Rajdhani Vatika)
A large urban park in Patna with lush greenery, jogging tracks, water features, and a themed section with replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Golghar
A large granary built by Captain John Garstin in 1786.
ISKCON Temple Patna
A magnificent modern temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, which has become a major spiritual and cultural landmark in Patna. The temple complex is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
ISKCON Temple, Patna
A magnificent modern temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, which has become a major spiritual and cultural landmark in Patna. The temple complex is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium
Also known as the Taramandal, it is one of the largest planetariums in Asia, offering educational and entertaining shows about astronomy.
Kamaldah Jain Temple
An ancient Jain temple complex in Patna, believed to be the birthplace of the 12th Tirthankara, Vasupujya.
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library
A national library and one of the world's most important collections of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, paintings, and books.
Kumhrar
The archaeological site of the ancient city of Pataliputra, showcasing the remains of the Mauryan period, including the 80-pillared assembly hall.
Mahatma Gandhi Setu
One of the longest river bridges in India, connecting Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north over the river Ganges. It is an engineering marvel and a lifeline for the region.
Mahavir Mandir
A highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located near Patna Junction. It is one of the busiest temples in North India.
Maner Sharif
A significant Sufi shrine and a historical site, housing the tombs of Sufi saints Makhdoom Yahya Maneri and Shah Daulat. It is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual ambiance.
Padri Ki Haveli
Also known as the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, it is the oldest church in Bihar, built in 1772.
Patan Devi Temple
Also known as Maa Patneshwari, it is one of the oldest and most sacred Shakti Peeths in India. The city of Patna is said to be named after this temple.
Patna Museum
The state museum of Bihar, known for its rich collection of artifacts.
Sabhyata Dwar
A grand sandstone archway on the banks of the Ganges, built to celebrate the rich history and culture of Bihar. It is taller than the Gateway of India.
Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan
Popularly known as Patna Zoo, it is one of the largest zoos in the country, combining a zoological park and a botanical garden, and is home to a wide variety of animal species.
Shitala Mata Mandir, Patna
A famous Shakti Peeth in Agam Kuan, Patna, dedicated to Goddess Shitala. It is believed to cure diseases like smallpox and chickenpox.
Srikrishna Science Centre
A popular science museum in Patna with interactive exhibits on various scientific principles, making learning fun for all ages.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib
One of the five Takhts or holy seats of authority in Sikhism, it is the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Famous People
Anand Kumar
Aryabhata
Ashoka the Great
Chanakya
Chandragupta Maurya
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy
Guru Gobind Singh
Krishna Ballabh Sahay
Neetu Chandra
Nitish Kumar
Ravi Shankar Prasad
Sanjay Gandhi
Shatrughan Sinha
Shekhar Suman
Siddhartha Chaudhary
Sonakshi Sinha
Sushant Singh Rajput
Sushil Kumar Modi
Tarkeshwari Sinha
Tejashwi Yadav
Related Posts
Patna University: A Century of Educational Excellence
Established in 1917, Patna University was the first university in Bihar and once hailed as the 'Oxford of the East', nurturing generations of leaders and intellectuals.
The Gupta Empire: Bihar's Second Golden Age
Following the Mauryas, the Gupta dynasty, with its base in Magadha, ushered in another golden age of art, science, and culture in Bihar and across India.
The Mauryan Empire: Bihar's Golden Age
From its capital in Pataliputra, the Mauryan Empire rose to become one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient history, marking a golden age for Bihar.
The Art of 'Bharathanatyam' in Bihar: A Classical Connection
While not native to the region, the classical dance form of Bharathanatyam has found a dedicated following and a thriving community of artists in Bihar.
Magahi: The Language of Ancient Magadha
Explore the history and cultural significance of Magahi, a language with deep roots in the ancient kingdom of Magadha, the heart of major Indian empires.
The Legacy of Hindi Journalism in Bihar
Bihar has a long and storied history of Hindi journalism, with newspapers playing a crucial role in the freedom struggle and social reform movements.
The Tradition of Chitragupta Puja in Bihar
A unique festival celebrated primarily by the Kayastha community, Chitragupta Puja is dedicated to the Hindu deity who keeps records of human deeds.
The Theatrical Heart of Patna: Kalidas Rangalaya
Kalidas Rangalaya has been the epicenter of theatrical and cultural activities in Patna for over half a century, nurturing generations of artists.
Tikuli Art: The Glistening Art of Patna
Discover the delicate and intricate Tikuli art, a unique craft from Patna where fine paintings are done on hardboard and embellished with gold foil.
Maner Sharif: A Beacon of Sufi Culture
Located near Patna, Maner Sharif is a major Sufi pilgrimage site, housing the tombs of saints Makhdoom Yahya Maneri and Shah Daulat.
Patna Qalam: The Lost School of Painting
Discover the story of Patna Qalam, a unique school of painting that flourished in Bihar during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Bihari Kebab: A Melt-in-the-Mouth Delicacy
Bihari Kebab is a succulent and smoky meat preparation, where thin strips of meat are marinated in a unique blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection.
Christmas in Patna: A Celebration of Harmony
Experience the festive spirit of Christmas in Bihar's capital, where historic churches and community gatherings mark the celebration.
Pataliputra Mahotsav: Reviving the Glory of an Ancient Capital
The Pataliputra Mahotsav is a cultural festival organized in Patna to celebrate the rich history and heritage of the ancient city of Pataliputra.
Eid in Bihar: A Celebration of Faith and Fraternity
Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are celebrated with great fervor in Bihar, showcasing the state's rich cultural synthesis and communal harmony.
The Grandeur of Durga Puja in Bihar
While famous in Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with equal grandeur and unique local traditions across Bihar.
Patna Metro Project Update: A Glimpse into the Future of Urban Transit
The construction of the Patna Metro is progressing rapidly, promising to revolutionize the city's public transportation system...
The Bihar Museum: A Modern Marvel of History and Art
Explore the state-of-the-art Bihar Museum in Patna, a sprawling institution that beautifully narrates the story of Bihar from ancient times to the present day.
The Great Emperor Ashoka and His Legacy in Bihar
Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent...
A Food Lover's Guide to Patna's Street Food Scene
Take a virtual tour of the best street food spots in Patna. From the iconic Litti Chokha to the crispy Batata Puri, discover the flavors that define the city...