What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map
What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map, Patna is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Bihar, located on the southern bank of the Ganges River. Historically known as Pāṭaliputra, it is one of the oldest cities in India with a rich history. Patna has been significant throughout various ancient empires, including the Shishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Shunga, Kushan, and Gupta dynasties. The city’s architecture, sculptures, and literature have made it an important cultural center, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.
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Covering an area of about 250 square kilometers, Patna had a population of approximately 1.68 million according to the 2011 census. It serves as a vital hub for education, healthcare, and commerce. The city is also home to many ancient Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage sites like Nalanda and Bodh Gaya, which attract numerous tourists, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.
Geographically, Patna is unique as it lies at the confluence of the Ganges, Son, and Punpun rivers. The Mahatma Gandhi Setu, the longest road bridge over the Ganges, connects Patna to Hajipur. Additionally, Patna Sahib is a sacred site for Sikhs as it is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
Patna’s cultural heritage is rich with historical sites and archaeological remains that reflect its glorious past. Every year, millions of visitors come to explore its historical and religious landmarks.
Patna, which was formerly known as Pataliputra, has a history that dates back about 2,500 years. The earliest mention of this city is from around 600 BCE when King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty moved his capital from Rajgriha to Pataliputra. This location was strategically important as it was situated along the banks of the Ganges River, aiding in conflicts with the Licchavis.
The name Pataliputra has changed several times, including names like Pataligram and Kusumpur. It served as the capital for great rulers such as Chandragupta Maurya and Emperor Ashoka. Notable scholars like Kautilya lived here and wrote significant works like the Arthashastra. The city was also important during the time of Gautama Buddha, who predicted a bright future for it, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.
During the Mughal era, particularly under Sher Shah Suri, efforts were made to revive Patna. Sher Shah renamed it “Patan” and planned to build a fort there, although this project was not completed. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, Patna came under the control of the Nawabs of Bengal and became a center for international trade in the 17th century.
In 1704, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb renamed the city Azimabad at the request of his grandson Muhammad Azim, but this name did not gain popularity among the locals. In 1912, Patna was established as the capital of Bihar and continues to hold this status today.
Why is Patna very famous
Patna is the capital of Bihar, a state in India, and is well-known for its rich history, culture, and religious significance. In ancient times, it was called “Pataliputra” and served as the capital for powerful empires such as the Maurya, Gupta, and Nanda. The city is home to several historical sites, including Golghar, Patan Devi Temple, Harmandir Sahib (Takht Sri Patna Sahib), and Kumhrar, which reflect its glorious past. Situated at the confluence of the Ganges, Son, Gandak, and Punpun rivers, Patna has long been a center for trade and culture.
Additionally, it is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth guru of Sikhism, making it an important religious site for the Sikh community. Patna is also recognized for its educational institutions like Patna University and Nalanda Open University. Historically significant in agriculture and trade, particularly in rice, wheat, and sugarcane production, Patna holds economic importance as well. Its vibrant culture and historical heritage make Patna one of the most attractive cities in India, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.
What is famous to eat in Patna
Patna, a historic city in Bihar, is renowned not only for its cultural heritage but also for its delicious food. Here are some of the notable dishes you must try:
Famous Dishes
- Litti Chokha: This is the most famous dish in Patna. It consists of round balls made from wheat flour (litti) filled with roasted gram flour (sattu) and spices. It is served with a mix of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes (chokha). This meal is both nutritious and tasty.
- Chana Ghugni: A popular snack made from boiled chickpeas that are fried with onions and spices. It is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item alongside tea.
- Mutton Kebab and Reshmi Kebab: These kebabs are as delicious as the famous Galouti kebabs from Lucknow and are very popular in Patna. The mutton kebab is especially a must-try for meat lovers.
- Daal Pitha: These dumplings are made from rice flour and filled with lentils, then steamed. They are particularly enjoyed for breakfast in Bihar.
- Khaja: A layered sweet made from refined flour, sugar, and khoya. It is deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup, making it crispy and sweet.
- Malpua: A traditional sweet dish made from flour, milk, and sugar. It is fried in ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup, which adds to its special flavor.
- Kadhi Badi: This dish features gram flour dumplings cooked in a yogurt-based gravy. It is typically served with rice or bread.
- Puri Sabzi: A simple yet popular breakfast item made in every Bihari household. The puris are served with spicy vegetables.
Which are the neighboring cities of Patna
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is surrounded by several neighboring districts. Specifically, Patna district is bordered by nine districts: Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Nalanda, Jehanabad, and Arwal. These districts are located around Patna and hold various cultural and historical significance.
The geographical location of Patna makes it an important center for trade and education, while the surrounding districts are also rapidly developing. For instance, places like Nalanda and Rajgir are famous for historical tourism, and Vaishali is a significant pilgrimage site for Jainism and Buddhism, Which are the neighboring cities of Patna.
Are there airports in Patna or not
Patna has an airport known as Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport. This airport is located about 5 kilometers southwest of the city and is the busiest airport in Bihar. Currently, it operates domestic flights, but international flights are expected to start soon. There are ongoing plans to build a new terminal and extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
The runway at Patna Airport is 2,072 meters long, which is not sufficient for bigger planes. Therefore, along with the new terminal, the runway is being extended to allow direct flights to Nepal and other countries. The new terminal will cover an area of 65,155 square meters and will be able to handle up to 10 million passengers annually.
What are the major tourist destinations of Patna
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a city rich in history and culture, featuring many important tourist attractions. Some of the main highlights include:
- Patna Devi Temple: This is the oldest and most famous religious site in Patna, dedicated to Goddess Patneshwari. It is believed that the city was named after this goddess.
- Golghar: Built in 1786, Golghar was designed as a granary and is considered one of the tallest buildings in Patna. Its unique circular structure features 145 steps that lead to a stunning view of the Ganges River.
- Patna Planetarium: One of the largest and oldest planetariums in Asia, it showcases astronomy-related film shows and is a popular attraction for both children and adults.
- Mahatma Gandhi Setu: This bridge is the second-largest in India, stretching 5.7 kilometers. It connects Patna with northern Bihar and other places in Nepal.
- Patna Sahib Gurudwara: A significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs, this gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It attracts many visitors, including international tourists.
- Patna Museum: Also known as the Jadu Ghar, it houses over 50,000 rare art pieces and is an important location for art and history enthusiasts.
- Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park: This zoo offers a chance to experience natural beauty and diversity, complete with a toy train ride.
- Mahavir Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this is the second-largest temple in northern India where devotees come to fulfill their wishes.
In addition to these sites, Patna also has places like Kumhrar, Gandhi Maidan, and various historical mosques that are worth visiting. These locations not only hold religious significance but are also historically important, making Patna a major tourist destination, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.
When did Patna become the capital of Bihar
Patna, which was formerly known as Pataliputra, became the capital of Bihar in 1912. This change occurred when Bengal was divided, leading to the establishment of Bihar as a separate province. At that time, Patna also served as the capital for both Odisha and Bihar. Before this, the administration of Patna was managed from Calcutta as part of Greater Bengal, with administrative activities taking place in Bankipur.
The history of Patna is very ancient, dating back to around 490 BCE, when King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty moved his capital from Rajgriha to Pataliputra. This location was strategically important and became a center for trade due to its position along the Ganges River. By the 17th century, Patna had emerged as a major hub for international trade and later came under the control of the East India Company, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.
FAQs
What are the major languages in Patna
Patna has several major languages, primarily Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika, and Bajjika. Hindi is the official language of the region, while Maithili and Bhojpuri are also widely spoken. These languages hold significant cultural importance and reflect the diverse heritage of Bihar. They showcase the rich cultural legacy of the state, highlighting its historical and social diversity.
What is the area of Patna
Patna has an area of about 3,202 square kilometers. It is the capital of the state of Bihar, India, and has a very high population density. The city’s development has been historically and culturally significant, making it an important urban center, What is Patna, Where is Patna located in india map.