Bihar
Bihar, the land of Viharas of the
ancient times, is not only rich in the antique-treasure and
hallowed monuments but it is one of the richest state of India
ip mineral wealth and accounts for about 40% of the total mineral
production of the country. Being the land of monasteries Buddhist,
Hindu, Jam, Muslim and Sikh shrine dot the country and having
the ancient capital of the first mighty empire Magadh of the
country. It has many places arousing tourists interest. Its
present Capital is Patna, area 1,73,877 sq kms. and population
around 9 crores. The best time to visit this land of hoary past
is between Oct. to March. Some of the prominent places are described
below.
Patna
This Capital of Bihar and a lineal descendant
of the ancient metropolis of Patliputra are located on the confluence
of Ganga and Sone rivers. Patna, a modern city, is steeped in
legends and mythology. Modern Patna was believed to have been
founded by the Afghan Ruler Sher Shah Sun after he defeated
the Mughal King Humayun. Following are the places of interest
in and around Patna.
Ruins of Patliputra
About 7 km. from Patna Junction Railway
Station lie the ruins of the renowned ancient Capital of Patliputra.
The Mauryan relics of this famous ancient capital have recently
been unearthed at the site of Kumrahar. The pillard hail and
polished pillars are worth visiting here, dating back to 300-
400 BC. These remains are preserved by the Archaeological Survey
of India and can be visited between 9 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. everyday
except on Monday.
Patna Museum
Patna Museum is of international importance
and has an excellent collection of terracotta figures, metal
and stone sculptures dating back to Mauryan and Gupta periods.
It also houses a 53 feet fossil tree dating back to 200 million
years.
Golghar
The bizarre 29 meter high silo, Golghar
was build in 1786 following a terrible famine of 1770, as a
vast granary. This vast hemisphere with its wails 3-6 meters
thick at the base, has a big hole at the top through which grain
could he procured. A sweeping flight of steps winding around,
leads to the top from where a panoramic view of the Ganga and
the city could be obtained. It was constructed by Captain John
Garstin at the behest of Warren Hastings. It is also noted for
its echo.
Har Mandir
This is one of the holiest of Sikh shrines
and consecrates the birth place of the tenth and last Sikh Guru,
Guru Gobind Singh. Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it stands
in the Chowk areaof old Patna. Guru Gobind Singh was born here
in 1660. Har Mandir contains holy Sikh scriptures and the personal
be longings of the Guru.
Martyr’s Memorial
Life size statues put up in front of the
old Secretariat commemorate the memory of seven brave young
men who sacrificed their lives in the historical struggle for
Independence in August 1942.
Other places of interest in the city are Pather-ki-Masjid, Gulz
Bagh (the site of the East India Company’s opium factory
and workhouse), Khudabaksha Oriental Library (famous for containing
rare manuscripts In Arabic and Persian), Sadaquat Ashram and
Biological Park.
Patna is directly connected with Delhi, Calcutta, Ranchi, Lucknow
and Kathmandu by air. Patna is on the main line of Eastern Railway,
and hence connected to all the major towns of the country. Patna
is well-connected with all the big towns nearby by efficient
bus services. Patna is also the take-off point for Nepal both
by air and road. There arc a number of good hotels, Retiring
Rooms and Dharamshalas suiting every pocket and preference.
Patna is also the base station for excursion to nearby historical
and mythological sites which have been described below.
More>>
