Patna, the capital city of
Bihar state, lies on the north-eastern part of India, on the banks of the river
Ganges. The city is a major trade center for agricultural produce including
rice, sesame, linseed, and
sugarcane.
Chhath is the main festival, observed six days after
Diwali.
Patna University, established in 1917, is located here.
Patna has a rich historical tradition. In ancient times, it was known as Pataliputra, a small village fortified by the king
Ajatashatru. In later times, under various dynasties, it came to be known in different names such as Pataligrama, Pushpapura, Kusum Dhvaja, Padmavati, and Azimabad. During the
Maurya dynasty various scholars and astrologists including
Aryabhatta,
Ashvaghosha,
Chanakya,
Panini, Sthalabhadra and Vatsyayana lived here.
There are many tourist places and pilgrim centers in and around the city that include a mosque built in 1499, museums, beehive shaped
Golghar, Shwetambar Temple,
Har Mandir Takht-a Sikh shrine,
Kumrahar,
Martyr's Memorial,
Pathar Ki Masjid,
Sher Shah Suri Masjid, and the
Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, which has a rich collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, paintings and also rare books.
Patna is well connected by road, rail and air to other important towns and cities of India.
