Patna is the capital of Bihar, India, and is a city with a history spanning at least three millennia. The city was formerly known as Pataliputra and was founded around 490 BC by Ajatashatru, the king of Magadha, who wanted to move his capital from the hilly Rajgriha to a more strategic location on the banks of the Ganges River. Pataliputra quickly became an important political and cultural center, serving as the capital of several major Indian empires, including the Maurya, Shunga, Gupta, and Pala dynasties. The city was also an important center of learning and art, playing a central role in the development of Buddhism and Jainism.

During the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, Patna continued to be an important administrative and commercial center. The city later came under the control of the Bengal Nawabs and then under the control of the British East India Company and the British Raj. Patna has also witnessed many historical events in recent times such as the First War of Indian Independence in 1857 and the Indian independence movement and later independence. The city has also been home to several prominent educational institutions such as Patna University, which was founded during British rule. After India’s independence in 1947, Patna became part of the newly formed state of Bihar and continued to be an important regional centre with significant growth and development in recent decades with a thriving industry and a growing population.

Like other Indian cities, Patna’s city centre is characterised by bustling markets with lively trade as well as several historical sites and attractions. You can start a tour of the city at the centrally located square, Gandhi Maidan, which can be more accurately described as a colossal lawn. Gandhi Maidan also served as a golf course and horse racing track during the British era, and this can still be seen today. The square later laid lawns for several independence movements and recent movements in India, and thus the place is also politically historical. At the western end of the square, you can see a 22-meter-high statue of Mahatma Gandhi. It was erected in 2013, and on the pedestal there are depictions of significant events in Gandhi’s life.

From Gandhi Maidan, you can take a walk along Ashok Rajpath, one of the oldest and most famous streets in Patna. Here you can find shops, cafes and restaurants and enjoy local delicacies. Ashok Rajpath runs from the square to the east, and it is also in this direction that you can find Patna’s promenades along the Ganges. You can also explore the area north of Gandhi Maidan, where you can see the auditoriums Sri Krishna Memorial Hall, Bapu Sabhagar and Gyan Bhawan, all of which are in modern architecture. Behind them lies the sandstone arch Sabhyata Dwar, which was built in 2018 in traditional architecture as a reminder of Pataliputra’s historical importance.

Nearby, you can see the Golghar building, a historic granary built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin. Golghar is known for its unique architecture, which includes a domed structure without pillars, making it an engineering masterpiece. The building was originally constructed to store grains and prevent famine in the region. With a height of 29 meters and a diameter of 125 meters, Golghar stands as one of the most notable structures in Patna. Visitors can also enjoy a stunning view of the city from the top of Golghar, where a spiral staircase of 145 steps leads to the top.

The city center is home to several historical buildings such as the Patna Museum, which houses an extensive collection of finds and artifacts from different periods and cultures. The museum was founded in 1917 and is known for its impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts from the ancient and medieval periods. Among the most notable exhibits are the Didarganj Yakshi, a beautiful sandstone sculpture from the Maurya period, and a rare collection of Buddhist relics. Patna Museum offers a fine insight into the region’s rich history and culture through several themes.

Bihar Museum is another good choice if you want to know about the rich history of Bihar. The museum is architecturally interesting, and it houses many finds and effects that depict history, including objects from the Magadhan Empire. The museum also exhibits beautifully printed textiles, thereby demonstrating the techniques that were historically used in their production. In addition to these exhibits, the museum also has an impressive collection of sculptures, manuscripts and artworks that provide a comprehensive insight into the cultural heritage of the region. The museum is designed with a blend of traditional and modern architecture, making it a visual experience in itself. Another important attraction is the Patna Planetarium, also known as the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. It is one of the largest planetariums in the country and here one can enjoy fascinating shows about the cosmos. The planetarium offers a range of interactive exhibits and presentations that allow visitors to learn about astronomy and space exploration.