Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in terms of population in eastern India. The ancient Patna, known as Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Pala and Suri dynasties. It is located on the south bank of the river Ganga.
There are several theories regarding the source of the name Patna:
It is etymologically derived from Patan, the name of the Hindu goddess, Patan Devi.
It comes from Pattan (meaning “port” in Sanskrit), since the city, located near the confluence of four rivers, has been a thriving river port.
It may be a short form of Pataliputra, one of the most ancient names of this city.
The Greeks called it Palibothra. Megasthenes (350-290 BCE), the Greek historian, referred to it in Greek as Palibothra or Palimbotra.
The city has been known by various names during its more than 2,000 years of existence – Patligram, Patliputra, Kusumpur, Pushpapura, Azimabad, and the present-day Patna.
Patna received its current name during the reign of Sher Shah Suri, whose tomb is at Sasaram, near Patna.
Patna is a major transport hub for the state and a useful base for visiting the Buddhist sites of Vaishali, Kesariya and Rajgir. The natives of Patna are called Patnaites.
The cuisine of Patna is very unique and has a real mouth watering taste. “Khichdi”, the broth of rice and lentils, seasoned with spices, and is served with several accompanying items like curd, chutney, pickles, papads, ghee (clarified butter) and Aloo Chokha (boiled mashed potatoes, seasoned with finely cut onions, green chillies) is a common meal. Khichdi is a staple food and considered auspicious when consumed on Saturdays. Afternoon meals mostly consist of rice and vegetables while the dinner will consist of rotis (flatbread) and lentils. The desserts includes the sweets which are mostly dry like Khaja, Ladoo, Kala Jamun, Khubi ka Lai, Kesaria Peda and Chena Murki.
Places to Visit:
- Patna Museum
- Golghar
- Kumrahar Excavations
- Har Mandir
- Qila House
- Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
- Mahaveer Mandir
- Sher Shahi
- Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
- Bihar Institute of Handicrafts and Designs
- Birla Mandir
- Nawab Shahid-Ka-Maqbara
- Pachim Darwaza
- Padri-Ki-Haveli.
Rajgir:
Rajgir is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar is the first capital kingdom of Magadha. The name Rajgir is derived from Sanskrit word Tajagraha which means “house of the king” or “royal house”. It might have its origin from the literal meaning, “royal mountain”.
Rajgir was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as “the home of Royalty”. Rajgir is located in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks. One can see many Buddhist monks meditating at a place called Vultures Peak. Lord Buddha is said to have delivered many sermons at the town of Rajgir. Lord Mahavir is also said to have to spend some amount of time at the town of Rajgir. The serenity of Rajgir revitalizes both the mind and spirits.
Rajgir is in a valley surrounded by seven hills namely Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula. Rajgir has also developed as a health and winter resort due to its warm water ponds. These baths are said to contain some medicinal properties that help in the cure of many skin diseases. The Saptparni cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties and are sacred to the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
From March to May summer prevails. The monsoon in Rajgir occurs from June to August and plenty of rain is experienced making the climate pleasant. The winters are very pleasant during December to February with a moderate temperature. Tourists must carry warm and woolen clothes while visiting Rajgir during December-January.
Places to Visit:
- Gymnasium of Jarasandh
- Ajatshatru Fort
- Shanti Stupa
- Cyclopean Wall
- Sonbhandar Caves
- Venu Vana
- Bimbisar Jail
- Jain Temples
- Chariot Route Marks
- Pippala cave
- Hazaribagh National Park
- Chhota Nagpur Plateau
- Parasnath Hill
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