 Patna Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, has a history which goes back well over two millennia . The city has been the capital of many kingdoms, and each ruler gave it a new name -from Kusumpura, Pushpapura, Patliputra to its present day name. Starting with Ajatshatru, the Magadha King, who just built a small fort here in Pataligram, Patna was also the seat of power of Sher Shah Suri. Patna is the starting point for those interested in visiting places of Buddhist importance such as Vaishali, Rajgir, Gaya and Bodhgaya, as well as the southern regions of the state. Main attraction of Patna is: Kumrahar which lies about 5km from the city , has archaeological remains which establish Patna's claim to over a thousand years of political glory- from 600 B.C. to 600 A.D. Golghar, lies in the center of the city and was built by Captain John Garstin. Martyrs' Memorial, facing the secretariat, is a memorial to seven freedom-fighters who sacrificed their lives during the Quit India movement in 1942. Patna Museum, situated 2km from the railway station contains a World War I period cannon, metal and stone sculptures of the Mauryan and Gupta periods, Buddhist sculptures and terracotta figures. Special attractions include the famous Didarganj Yakshi of the 3rd century B.C. Jalan Museum, was built at the old site of Sher Shah Suri's fort. Sadaqat Ashram, situated on the Patna-Danapur road, is the headquaters of Bihar Vidya Peeth, a national university. Sher Shah Suri Masjid, 8km from railway station is a mosque built in Afghan style. Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, 6 km from railway station , is a national library, which has a magnificent collection of rare Arabian and Persian manuscripts, and Rajput and Mughal paintings. |
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