Patna: The Future of Bihar

Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a historic and dynamic city on the Ganges’ southern bank, serving as the administrative, cultural, and economic heart of the state. Patna district covers an area of 3,202 square kilometers (1,236 sq mi). The city covers about 250 square kilometers (97 sq mi) ,with plans to expand to 1,167 square kilometers under the Patna Master Plan 2031.Patna had a population of about 2.35 million, making it the 19th largest city in India. The city was founded in 5th century BCE, as Pataliputra by King Ajatashatru of Magadha. Patna has been a significant center for ancient empires like the Mauryan, Shunga, and Gupta dynasties. Patna is associated with Buddhism and Jainism, and it is a sacred city for Sikhs as the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.

Patna Famous Places
Patna Famous Places

1. History

Patna’s history is one of the most illustrious in India, with roots in ancient civilizations, empires, and colonial rule.

  • Ancient Period:
    • Patna, originally named Pataliputra, was founded in the 5th century BCE by Ajatashatru, king of Magadha, as a small fort called Pataligrama. The name is derived from “Patali” (a tree or trumpet flower) and “Putra” (son or village).
    • Pataliputra became the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Maurya, and Gupta dynasties. It was a global center of learning, trade, and governance, hosting scholars like Chanakya, Megasthenes, and Faxian.
    • Under Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE), Pataliputra reached its zenith as the capital of the Maurya Empire, which spanned most of the Indian subcontinent. The city was described as one of the largest in the world, with wooden palaces and walls.
    • During the Gupta Empire (4th–6th centuries CE), Patna remained a cultural and intellectual hub, contributing to advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and literature.
  • Medieval Period:
    • After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Pataliputra’s prominence waned but was revived under Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, who built a fort and mosque in Patna.
    • The city came under Mughal rule, serving as a regional administrative center. It was renamed Azimabad by Azim-ush-Shan, grandson of Emperor Aurangzeb, in the early 18th century.
  • Colonial Period:
    • In 1764, the Battle of Buxar near Patna marked British dominance in eastern India. Patna became part of the Bengal Presidency and a key trading post for opium, indigo, and saltpeter.
    • In 1912, when Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal, Patna was declared the capital of Bihar. The modern city layout, including landmarks like the Patna Museum and Golghar, was developed during British rule.
  • Modern Era:
    • After India’s independence in 1947, Patna retained its status as Bihar’s capital. It became a municipal corporation in 1952.
    • The city has grown into a major urban center, though it faces challenges like urban congestion, flooding, and socioeconomic disparities.

2. Administrative Structure of Patna

Patna District

Patna District, Bihar’s most populous with 5,838,465 residents (2011 Census), covers 3,202 sq km and is part of Patna Division, alongside Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Nalanda, and Rohtas. It includes 6 sub-divisions (Patna Sadar, Patna City, Barh, Masaurhi, Danapur, Paliganj), 23 blocks, 1,395 villages, and 322 Gram Panchayats. A District Magistrate (DM) oversees law, revenue, and development, supported by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs).

Urban Governance

The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), established on August 5, 1952, governs the city’s urban population of over 2 million, divided into 75 wards. Led by an elected Mayor and a state-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PMC handles urban planning, sanitation, and infrastructure, funded by taxes, rents, and grants.

3. Geography and Location

Located at 25°37′N, 85°10′E, Patna stretches ~35 km along the Ganges’ southern bank, intersected by the Son, Gandak, and Punpun rivers. The city covers 250 sq km, while Patna District spans 3,202 sq km, with a density of 1,823 persons per sq km. It is bordered by Saran, Vaishali, and Samastipur (north), Begusarai and Lakhisarai (east), Nalanda, Jehanabad, and Arwal (south), and Bhojpur (west). Patna’s urban agglomeration is India’s 18th largest, balancing fertile riverine plains with urban growth.

4. Culture

Patna is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting its diverse history and role as Bihar’s capital.

  • Language:
    • The primary languages are Hindi (official), Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithili. Urdu and English are also widely spoken, especially in administrative and educational contexts.
    • Bhojpuri folk songs and literature are integral to the city’s cultural fabric.
  • Art and Literature:
    • Patna is known for Madhubani paintings, which originate from the nearby Mithila region, and Patna Kalam, a Mughal-influenced miniature painting style.
    • The city has produced literary figures like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, a prominent Hindi poet, and hosts literary festivals and book fairs.
    • The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, established in 1891, is a national treasure with over 21,000 manuscripts and 2.5 lakh books, including rare Persian and Arabic texts.
  • Music and Dance:
    • Folk music forms like Bhojpuri Chhath songs and classical music traditions thrive. The city hosts cultural events featuring Kathak, Odissi, and other Indian classical dances.
    • The Bihar Diwas celebrations (March 22) showcase the state’s music, dance, and cuisine.
  • Festivals:
    • Chhath Puja: The most significant festival, dedicated to the Sun God, is celebrated with fervor along the Ganges ghats.
    • Other major festivals include Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Eid, and Christmas.
    • The Patna Book Fair and Sonepur Mela (near Patna) are major cultural events.
  • Cuisine:
    • Patna’s cuisine is diverse, featuring Bihari staples like litti-chokha (roasted wheat balls with mashed vegetables), sattu paratha, dalpuri, and khichdi.
    • Sweets like khaja, tilkut, and anarsa are local specialties.
    • The city has a vibrant street food scene, with popular spots like Maurya Lok Complex and Patna Market.

5. Economy

Patna is the economic powerhouse of Bihar, contributing significantly to the state’s GDP.

  • Key Sectors:
    • Services: Patna is a hub for government administration, banking, and retail. It hosts the state secretariat, high court, and major banks.
    • Trade and Commerce: The city is a major market for agricultural produce like rice, pulses, and sugarcane. It is also a center for wholesale and retail trade.
    • Agriculture: The surrounding region produces grains, vegetables, and fruits, with Patna serving as a distribution hub.
    • Industry: Small-scale industries include food processing, textiles, and handicrafts. The Patna Industrial Area supports manufacturing units.
    • IT and Startups: Patna is emerging as an IT hub, with initiatives like the Bihar Startup Policy fostering entrepreneurship.
  • Markets:
    • Maurya Lok Complex, Hathwa Market, and Patna Market are major commercial centers.
    • The city is known for its gold and jewelry trade, as well as traditional handicrafts.
  • Challenges:
    • Patna faces issues like unemployment, urban poverty, and inadequate industrial growth. Its classification as one of India’s 250 most backward districts in 2006 highlights socioeconomic challenges.

6. Education

Patna is a major educational center in eastern India, attracting students from Bihar and neighboring states.

  • Universities:
    • Patna University (est. 1917): One of India’s oldest universities, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines. It includes prestigious colleges like Patna College, Patna Science College, and B.N. College.
    • Nalanda Open University: Offers distance education programs.
    • Chanakya National Law University: A premier institution for legal studies.
    • Aryabhatta Knowledge University: Focuses on technical and professional education.
  • Medical Institutions:
    • Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH): A leading medical facility in Bihar.
    • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna: Located in Phulwarisharif, it is a top-tier medical institute and hospital.
    • Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS): Another key healthcare and research center.
  • Engineering and Technology:
    • National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna: A prestigious institution offering engineering and technology programs.
    • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna: Located in Bihta, it is a leading institute for technical education and research.
  • Other Institutions:
    • Patna Women’s College, Magadh Mahila College, and Anugrah Narayan College are notable for undergraduate studies.
    • The city is a hub for competitive exam coaching, with institutes like Super 30, founded by Anand Kumar, known for preparing underprivileged students for IIT-JEE.

7. Tourism

Patna is a major tourist destination due to its historical, religious, and cultural significance. The best time to visit is October to March.

  • Historical Sites:
    • Golghar (1786): A massive granary built by the British, offering panoramic views of the Ganges. It is an iconic landmark.
    • Patna Museum (1917): Houses artifacts from the Maurya and Gupta periods, including the famous Didarganj Yakshi statue.
    • Agam Kuan (Well of the Unknown): An ancient well linked to Emperor Ashoka, believed to have historical and spiritual significance.
    • Kumhrar: Archaeological site with remains of Pataliputra, including the 80-pillar Mauryan hall.
  • Religious Sites:
    • Mahavir Mandir: A major Hanuman temple, attracting millions of devotees annually.
    • Patna Sahib Gurudwara (Takht Sri Harmandir Ji): One of the five Sikh Takhts, built to commemorate Guru Gobind Singh’s birthplace.
    • Buddha Smriti Park: A modern park with a stupa, meditation center, and relics of Lord Buddha.
    • Padri Ki Haveli (1857): One of the oldest churches in Bihar, also known as St. Mary’s Church.
    • Hariharnath Temple (Sonepur, near Patna): A Vishnu temple famous during the Sonepur Mela.
  • Museums and Libraries:
    • Bihar Museum: A world-class museum showcasing Bihar’s history, art, and culture, with galleries on the Maurya, Gupta, and modern periods.
    • Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library: A repository of rare manuscripts and historical documents.
    • Jalan Museum: A private collection of antiques and art, accessible by appointment.
  • Natural and Cultural Attractions:
    • Gandhi Ghat: A scenic spot on the Ganges, known for evening aarti ceremonies.
    • Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park: A popular zoo and botanical garden, ideal for families.
    • Eco Park (Rajdhani Vatika): A green space for recreation and relaxation.
    • Sonepur Cattle Fair (November–December): Held near Patna, it is Asia’s largest cattle fair, blending commerce and culture.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Nalanda (90 km): Site of the ancient Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Rajgir (100 km): A historical and Buddhist pilgrimage site.
    • Bodh Gaya (120 km): Where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, another UNESCO site.
    • Vaishali (55 km): An important Buddhist and Jain site, associated with Lord Mahavira.

8. Infrastructure

Patna is a well-connected city with significant infrastructural developments.

  • Transportation:
    • Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, located 5 km from the city center, connects Patna to major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore) and international destinations like Kathmandu. It handles over 3 million passengers annually.
    • Rail: Patna Junction is a major railway station on the Howrah-Delhi main line, with connectivity to all parts of India. Other key stations include Rajendra Nagar Terminal and Patna Sahib.
    • Road: Patna lies on NH-19, NH-31, and NH-83, part of the Golden Quadrilateral and East-West Corridor. The city is connected to Delhi (18 hours), Kolkata (12 hours), and Ranchi (8 hours) by road. The Ganga Expressway and JP Ganga Path (India’s first riverfront expressway) have improved connectivity.
    • Metro: The Patna Metro, under construction, will have two lines (Danapur to Mithapur and Patna Station to ISBT) covering 31 km with 24 stations. Phase 1 is expected to be operational by 2027.
    • Local Transport: Buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are widely available. The Ganga Path and smart city initiatives have eased urban mobility.
  • Digital Infrastructure:
    • The Bihar Government’s official portal (https://state.bihar.gov.in) and Patna district website (https://patna.nic.in) provide e-governance services, including tenders, voter services, and public grievances.
    • Initiatives like BharatNet and free Wi-Fi zones in public areas are enhancing digital connectivity.
  • Healthcare:
    • Major hospitals include PMCH, AIIMS Patna, IGIMS, and private facilities like Ruban Memorial Hospital.
    • The city has been a hub for COVID-19 vaccination and healthcare drives.
  • Smart City Initiatives:
    • Patna is part of India’s Smart Cities Mission, with projects focusing on urban mobility, waste management, and sustainable development. The Patna Smart City Project includes smart roads, CCTV surveillance, and riverfront development.

9. Political and Administrative Structure

  • State Capital: Patna houses the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court.
  • District Administration: Patna district has six subdivisions (Patna Sadar, Patna City, Barh, Danapur, Masaurhi, and Paliganj) and 23 development blocks.
  • Urban Local Bodies: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) oversees the city, with 75 wards. Other urban bodies include Danapur and Phulwarisharif Nagar Parishads.
  • Parliamentary Representation: Patna Sahib and Pataliputra are the two Lok Sabha constituencies, represented by Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) and Misa Bharti (RJD), respectively, as of 2024.

10. Social Indicators

  • Demographics: Patna district has 14.09% Scheduled Castes and 0.15% Scheduled Tribes. Urban areas house 43.07% of the population.
  • Nutrition and Health:
    • Malnutrition among children under 5 and women aged 15–49 remains a concern, though specific 2025 data is unavailable.
    • The state government’s Poshan Abhiyan and ICDS programs aim to address nutritional deficiencies.
  • Challenges: Patna struggles with urban overcrowding, traffic congestion, flooding (due to its riverside location), and air pollution. Its 2006 classification as a backward district underscores ongoing socioeconomic issues.

11. Notable Developments

  • Infrastructure:
    • The Digha-AIIMS Elevated Road and Atal Path have reduced traffic congestion.
    • The Bihar Museum, inaugurated in 2015, has become a cultural landmark.
    • The Sabhyata Dwar (Gate of Civilization), a 32-meter arch near Gandhi Maidan, symbolizes Bihar’s heritage.
  • Education:
    • IIT Patna and AIIMS Patna have elevated the city’s academic profile.
    • The Nalanda University revival in Rajgir (near Patna) boosts the region’s global academic appeal.
  • Cultural Preservation:
    • The Ganga Mahotsav and Patna Heritage Walks promote the city’s history and tourism.
    • Restoration of historical sites like the Patna Collectorate (a Dutch-era building) is ongoing, despite controversies over its demolition plans.
  • Economic Growth:
    • Patna’s GDP contribution to Bihar is significant, with a growing retail sector (malls like P&M Mall and City Centre) and real estate boom.
    • The city’s inclusion in the AMRUT scheme supports urban development.

12. Connectivity and Accessibility

  • By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport offers domestic and limited international flights, with plans for expansion.
  • By Rail: Patna Junction is a key node on India’s railway network, with high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express connecting to major cities.
  • By Road: National highways and state highways ensure seamless connectivity. The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) operates buses to regional and interstate destinations.
  • By Water: The National Inland Waterway 1 (Ganga) supports cargo and passenger transport, with terminals at Gaighat and Kalughat.

13. Practical Information for Visitors

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
  • Languages for Communication: Hindi and English are widely understood; Bhojpuri is common among locals.
  • Shopping: Buy Madhubani paintings, handwoven textiles, and Bhagalpuri silk at Maurya Lok, Patna Market, or government emporiums like Bihar Emporium.
  • Cuisine: Try litti-chokha, sattu-based dishes, and sweets at restaurants like Bansi Vihar or street stalls in Fraser Road.
  • Accommodation: Options range from luxury hotels (Maurya Patna, Lemon Tree Premier) to budget guesthouses and OYO properties.
  • Helplines: Dial 100 for police, 108 for ambulance, and check the Patna district website for grievance redressal.
Scroll to Top