Patna City Profile

Introduction: Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With a rich history that dates back over 2,500 years, Patna has served as a political, cultural, and educational center of ancient India. It is a bustling metropolis with a blend of history and modernity, making it a key urban center in eastern India.

Geography & Location with Geo Coordinates:

Patna is situated on the southern banks of the river Ganges, in the eastern part of India. It is strategically located at the heart of Bihar, making it an important hub for the region.

• Geographical Coordinates:
  Latitude: 25.5941° N
  Longitude: 85.1376° E
• Climate:
  Patna has a tropical wet and dry climate. Summers (March to June) are extremely hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C. Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall. Winters (December to February) are relatively mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C.

History:

Patna has a rich and diverse history. It was known as Pataliputra in ancient times and was the capital of the Maurya Empire (around 5th century BCE), one of the largest empires in Indian history. The city has been a prominent seat of power for several other dynasties, including the Gupta Empire and the Magadh region under various Buddhist and Hindu rulers. It also holds a significant place in the development of Indian philosophy and religion, especially with its association with figures like Buddha, Ashoka, and Chanakya.

• Notable Historical Periods:
  • Maurya Dynasty: Pataliputra flourished under the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism across Asia.
  • Gupta Dynasty: Patna was an important intellectual hub during this period, often referred to as the “Golden Age” of India.
  • Mughal Empire: Patna continued to grow during Mughal rule as an important trading and administrative center.
  • British Colonial Era: Patna became a focal point during British colonial rule, especially in trade and politics.

Culture:

Patna is known for its vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. The city showcases a mixture of modern and traditional elements. It has been a birthplace of numerous Indian philosophers, political leaders, and religious figures.

• Languages Spoken:
  The primary language spoken is Hindi, followed by Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithili. English is also widely spoken in educational institutions and businesses.
• Cultural Heritage:
  The culture of Patna is a blend of various influences, including Mughal, Hindu, and Buddhist. The city celebrates a variety of festivals and has a strong tradition of classical music, dance, and drama. It is also famous for its rich folk art and crafts, such as Madhubani painting and Patna Kalam.

Notable Landmarks:

Patna is home to several significant landmarks that reflect its rich history and culture:

1. Golghar: A large, beehive-shaped granary built by Captain John Garstin in 1786, offering a panoramic view of the city.
2. Patna Museum: A treasure trove of artifacts, relics, and sculptures, especially from the Maurya and Gupta periods.
3. Buddha Smriti Park: A park built in memory of Lord Buddha, it includes a meditation center and a stupa containing relics.
4. Mahavir Mandir: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one of the most visited places of worship in Patna.
5. Takht Sri Patna Sahib: The birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. The Gurdwara is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
6. Patna High Court: A landmark in the judicial and architectural landscape of the city.

Economy:

Patna is an emerging economic hub in eastern India, with sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and services playing a crucial role in its economy.

• Agriculture: Patna’s economy is heavily based on agriculture. The fertile plains of the Ganges support crops like rice, maize, wheat, and sugarcane.
• Trade and Commerce: The city is a trading center for agricultural products and has an expanding retail and wholesale market.
• Information Technology: Patna has seen an increase in the IT sector, with several tech parks and startups emerging in the city.
• Transport and Industry: The presence of industries in sectors such as food processing, textiles, and chemicals also contributes significantly to the economy.

Education:

Patna is an important educational center in Bihar and northern India. Some of the most prestigious institutions are located in the city:

• Patna University: One of the oldest universities in India, it offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna: A prestigious engineering institution that attracts students from across the country.
• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Patna: A leading institute in the field of fashion and design education.
• Patna Medical College: A historic medical college and one of the oldest in Asia, it continues to be a leader in healthcare education.

Transportation:

Patna has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, which includes road, rail, and air connectivity:

• Air: Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport serves as the primary airport, with flights connecting Patna to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
• Rail: Patna Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in India, with extensive train connections to all parts of the country.
• Road: The city is well-connected by national highways and state roads. Patna is also part of the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) network, providing extensive bus services.
• Public Transport: Public transportation in Patna includes buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and now, more recently, app-based ride services.

Modern Developments:

Patna has seen significant modern development in recent years, particularly in infrastructure, real estate, and technology. Key developments include:

• Patna Smart City Project: Under the government’s smart city initiative, Patna is undergoing significant urban development with improvements in sewage, water supply, waste management, and digital infrastructure.
• Elevated Highway Projects: The construction of elevated expressways and bridges to ease traffic congestion in the city.
• Shopping Malls & Entertainment: New malls, multiplexes, and entertainment centers have sprung up, catering to the growing urban population.

Famous People:

Patna has produced several prominent individuals across various fields:

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad: The first President of India, Dr. Prasad was born in Bihar and had strong ties with Patna.
2. Jayaprakash Narayan: An influential independence activist and political leader, Jayaprakash Narayan was also associated with Patna.
3. Kumar Shanu: A popular playback singer in the Bollywood film industry.
4. Nitish Kumar: The current Chief Minister of Bihar, who hails from Patna.

Festivals & Events:

Patna celebrates a wide range of festivals, reflecting its cultural diversity:

1. Chhath Puja: The most significant festival in Patna, it is dedicated to the Sun God and is celebrated with great fervor.
2. Makar Sankranti: Celebrated with kite flying and bonfires.
3. Diwali: Like the rest of India, Patna celebrates Diwali with much enthusiasm, featuring colorful decorations and fireworks.
4. Holi: A festival of colors celebrated widely with dances, songs, and community gatherings.
5. Patna Film Festival: An annual event celebrating Indian and international cinema.

Patna is a vibrant city that blends its ancient legacy with modern-day progress, and it continues to play an important role in the cultural, political, and economic landscape of India.

Top Tourist Attractions in Patna

Patna, with its rich history and cultural significance, offers several tourist attractions that showcase its ancient heritage, religious landmarks, and modern developments. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Patna:

1. Golghar

• Description: A unique, beehive-shaped granary built by Captain John Garstin in 1786 to store grains. It offers a panoramic view of Patna and the Ganges River from the top. The structure is one of Patna’s most iconic landmarks.
• Highlights: A historical architectural marvel, and it is a great spot for photography and enjoying the city’s view.

2. Patna Museum

• Description: Established in 1917, this museum is one of the oldest in Bihar and houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures, artifacts, and relics, particularly from the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal periods. It also exhibits artifacts related to Bihar’s cultural and religious history.
• Highlights: A rich collection of Buddhist sculptures, coins, paintings, and historical relics. It also has a dedicated section for Bihar’s contribution to the Indian freedom struggle.

3. Buddha Smriti Park

• Description: Built in honor of Lord Buddha, this park is a serene place for meditation and relaxation. It includes a meditation hall, a stupa containing Buddha’s relics, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Highlights: The park is a peaceful escape with Buddhist sculptures, a lotus pond, and walking trails. It’s a place for reflection and spiritual connection.

4. Takht Sri Patna Sahib

• Description: This Gurudwara is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. It is one of the holiest shrines for Sikhs and a significant historical site.
• Highlights: The grand structure, the serene atmosphere, and the religious and historical importance make it an essential stop for visitors interested in Sikh history and spirituality.

5. Mahavir Mandir

• Description: Located near Patna Junction, Mahavir Mandir is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Bihar, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is one of the most visited places of worship in India.
• Highlights: Pilgrims flock to this temple to seek blessings from Lord Hanuman. The temple is also a significant part of Patna’s religious and cultural heritage.

6. Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

• Description: A large zoological garden and biological park located in the heart of Patna. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species.
• Highlights: The park features a zoo, a botanical garden, and a lake with boating facilities. It’s an ideal spot for families and nature lovers.

7. Patna High Court

• Description: The Patna High Court is an architectural marvel and one of the oldest high courts in India. The building is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and an important landmark in the city.
• Highlights: The High Court building is not only functional but also a symbol of Patna’s rich legal history.

8. Mahatma Gandhi Setu

• Description: Spanning across the Ganges River, this bridge connects Patna with Hajipur in the Vaishali district. It is one of the longest river bridges in India and a significant engineering feat.
• Highlights: The view from the bridge is picturesque, and it’s a notable symbol of connectivity and development in Patna.

9. Nalanda University Ruins (Near Patna)

• Description: Although located a little outside Patna, the ancient ruins of Nalanda University are among the most important archaeological sites in the world. It was one of the oldest residential universities, known for its contributions to education and culture.
• Highlights: The ruins, excavated monasteries, and stupas make it an essential visit for history enthusiasts and scholars.

10. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library

• Description: A heritage library with an impressive collection of rare manuscripts, ancient books, and texts from across Asia. It was established by the philanthropist Khuda Bakhsh in 1953.
• Highlights: It is a great destination for history and literature lovers, particularly for those interested in Islamic culture, Persian and Arabic manuscripts, and ancient texts.

11. Indira Gandhi Planetarium

• Description: One of the largest planetariums in India, it offers exciting astronomical shows and educational exhibits about space and celestial bodies.
• Highlights: It provides interactive learning experiences for children and adults, making it an engaging stop for anyone interested in space science.

12. Kumhrar

• Description: An archaeological site that holds the remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra (ancient Patna), including several structures and artifacts dating back to the Maurya period.
• Highlights: The site features well-preserved ruins of the Maurya Empire, including a column base and some striking remnants of ancient structures.

13. Gandhi Maidan

• Description: A large open field in the center of the city, Gandhi Maidan is a historical site for political rallies and public events. It’s where Mahatma Gandhi addressed gatherings during India’s freedom struggle.
• Highlights: The expansive grounds are a significant historical space and are used for public events and sports. It’s also home to the famous Gandhi statue.

Other Attractions:

• Funtasia Water Park:
  A popular family amusement park with water slides and fun activities for kids and adults.
• Patna Planetarium:
  Offers visitors an opportunity to explore astronomy through engaging shows.
• Bihar Museum:
  A modern museum that highlights Bihar’s rich heritage and history, featuring exhibits on ancient art, culture, and history.

Patna offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re interested in religious sites, historical landmarks, or enjoying nature, the city has something for every type of traveler.

Administrative Divisions of Patna

Patna is the capital city of Bihar, India, and is one of the most important administrative regions in the state. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the administrative divisions of Patna, including the key components of the district, sub-districts, tehsils/blocks, municipal corporation, police administration, district courts, legislative assembly constituencies, parliamentary constituencies, and revenue divisions:

1. District (Patna District)

• Patna is the capital and one of the largest cities in Bihar. It is both an urban and rural district with a significant economic, educational, cultural, and political importance in Bihar. The Patna District is one of the most populous districts in India and serves as a central hub in Bihar’s administration.
• Patna District is the focal point for many governmental operations and houses key state institutions like the Patna High Court, Patna University, and various state government offices.
• Patna District is bordered by Bhojpur to the west, Nalanda to the south, Vaishali to the east, and Buxar to the north.

2. Sub-Districts (Sub-Divisions)

• The district of Patna is divided into two major administrative sub-divisions, each of which oversees several blocks and urban areas.
• Patna Sadar Sub-Division:
  • It encompasses the central region of Patna city and some of its outskirts. This sub-division is important as it houses the capital city of Patna, which serves as the administrative and political capital of Bihar.
  • Sub-division head: Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
• Maner Sub-Division:
  • This sub-division includes the rural parts of Patna district, particularly in the south. Maner is a historically significant town known for its religious and cultural sites. The sub-division also has a mix of agricultural land and small settlements.
  • Sub-division head: Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).

3. Tehsils/Blocks

• Patna District is divided into several tehsils and blocks for administrative purposes. These are key units for rural administration and revenue collection.
• Patna City Block: Includes the older parts of Patna, such as Patna City, Buddha Colony, Khajekalan, and Mangal Talab.
• Patna Sadar Block: Includes some of the more urbanized areas of the city, like Mithapur, Bailey Road, Ashiana, and Kankarbagh.
• Danapur Block: This area is located to the south of the city and includes the locality of Danapur and nearby regions like Khagaul.
• Fatuha Block: A rural area in the south, known for its agricultural economy.
• Maner Block: This block is situated in the southernmost part of Patna District, covering Maner and its surroundings.
• Sampatchak Block: Located on the southern part of the district.
• Bakhtiarpur Block: Situated to the east of the district, it is mainly an agricultural area.
• Paliganj Block: A rural block situated on the southern side of Patna.

4. Municipal Corporation

• Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC): The PMC is responsible for managing urban services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure development within Patna city.
• Structure: The municipal corporation is headed by a Mayor and governed by a Municipal Commissioner. The Mayor is elected through a direct election process, while the Municipal Commissioner is an administrative officer appointed by the state government.
• Wards: The city of Patna is divided into several wards for local governance. Each ward has its own elected representative, known as the Ward Councillor.

5. Police Administration

• The Patna Police is responsible for maintaining law and order in the district. It functions under the Bihar Police Department and is headed by a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
• Police Stations: Patna has multiple police stations, each managing a specific area within the district. Some important police stations include:
  • Patna City Police Station: Covers the historical part of Patna City.
  • Patna Sadar Police Station: Covers central and suburban Patna.
  • Kadamkuan Police Station: Located near Patna City.
  • Kotwali Police Station: A central police station near Patna’s heart.
  • Fatuha Police Station: Covers rural areas to the south.
• Police Control: Patna also has traffic police, special task force (STF), and CID units that handle various law enforcement duties across the district.

6. District Courts

• The Patna District Court handles all judicial matters, including civil, criminal, and family disputes. It is one of the busiest courts in Bihar and is located in the heart of the city near Boring Road.
• The Patna High Court, located in Patna, is the supreme judicial body for the state of Bihar. The High Court oversees all the district courts in the state, including Patna’s district court. It is headed by the Chief Justice of Bihar and has several benches across Bihar.

7. Legislative Assembly Constituencies

Patna is represented in the Bihar Legislative Assembly by several constituencies:

• Patna Sahib: This is an important constituency, historically significant, and is represented in the state assembly.
• Patna City: A key constituency that covers the older parts of Patna.
• Fatuha: This constituency is in the rural south of Patna.
• Danapur: A constituency on the western edge of Patna city.
• Maner: A rural constituency on the southern edge.
• Makhdumpur: Located near Maner.
• Digha: A constituency along the eastern side of the city.
• Pataliputra: A highly significant constituency encompassing parts of Patna.

8. Parliamentary Constituencies

• Patna Sahib (Lok Sabha Constituency): Represents the central part of Patna. It has been a prestigious seat, with several prominent politicians, including Shatrughan Sinha, representing it in the past.
• Pataliputra (Lok Sabha Constituency): This constituency includes parts of Patna and its rural areas, representing the southern sections of the district.
• These parliamentary constituencies play a significant role in the Lok Sabha elections, and each one elects a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent the area in the Parliament of India.

9. Revenue Divisions

• Patna Revenue Division is a higher-level administrative unit that includes several districts in the region. This division focuses on revenue collection, land records, and tax administration.
• The Patna Revenue Division comprises:
  • Patna District
  • Bhojpur District
  • Nalanda District
  • Buxar District
• This division is headed by a Divisional Commissioner, who supervises the administrative activities of all districts within the division.

Summary:

Patna, as the capital of Bihar, holds immense political, administrative, and cultural significance. The administrative divisions of Patna span across various levels, from blocks and tehsils to legislative constituencies and revenue divisions, all working to ensure effective governance, law enforcement, and public administration. The detailed breakdown above covers the structure from local governance to the judicial system and the functioning of law enforcement, presenting a complete picture of Patna’s administration.

Key Terms:

• Bihar assembly
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• Patna administrative divisions
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• Patna blocks
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• Patna constituencies
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• Patna district
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• Patna district court
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• Patna high court
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• Patna legislative assembly
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• Patna municipal corporation
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• Patna parliamentary constituency
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• Patna police
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• Patna revenue division
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• Patna sub-divisions

Disclaimer: The information provided here has been compiled from various sources to the best of our knowledge. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the details, there may be occasional errors or omissions. If you find any discrepancies or incorrect information, kindly inform us so we can make the necessary corrections. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.