Patna is capital city of the State. The Afgan Chief, Sher Shah Suri, who rebelled against Humayan, built the city in the 16th century and established his capital here, that is, at Pataliputra of ancient times. Long ago in the 3rd century B.C. emperor Asoka had his capital at Pataliputra. The city of Pataliputra measuring 3x12 km stretched along the bank of the river Ganga. Even in the accounts of Magasthenis, the Greek ambassador, bear out that Ajatasatru, Emperor of Magadh, reigned at Pataliputra. But that is all history.
In the 19th century the British established their chief centre of opium cultivation at Patna. The devastating earthquake of 1934 destroyed quite a bit of the past glories of Bihar.
The modern capital city was rebuilt at the ancient Kusumpur on the rivers Ganga and the Shone, The city stretches 15 km along the south bank of the Ganga. It is 53m above the sea level, and has population of 1l lakhs. New palatial buildings have come up in the architectural style of bygone days. The Museum, Khuda Boksh Oriental Library, the Golghar are a few instances in point.
Both the railway station and the air port are situated on the west of the city. The ancient city of Patna stands to east of the modern city. Gandhi Maidan is the heart of the city. Shopping centres, market places and tourists centres are located on Asoka Road, adjacent to the Gandhi Maidan.
The Tourist Information Office of Bihar Tourism, © 225 295 is on Fraser Road, now Mazharul Hawk Road, near the railway station. There is a Tourist Information Centre at the railway station also. The Government of India Tourist office is housed at the Paryatan Bhavan of Bihar Tourism on Birchand Patel Marg.
From Patna, tourists may proceed in all directions of the State. It is convenient to fly to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, from Patna. The IAC and the RNAC (Royal Nepal Air Ways Corporation) have regular services between Kathmandu and Patna. Tangas, cycle rickshaws, autos and taxis are available for city sight-seeing. Besides, there are buses plying throughout the city. |
