The capital of Bihar is Patna. Patna is the capital of Bihar; it stands out for its deep historical roots. This city was central during the Maurya Empire, as both Ashoka and Chandragupta ruled from here.
Bihar is said to be the political hub and a beacon of culture and learning from ancient times. Patna is located on the southern banks of the river Ganga.
History and Development
Bihar has such an interesting historical background; Bihar is the third-largest state in India in terms of population. Meanwhile, area-wise, Bihar is considered the 12th largest state in India. Interestingly, around 11% of the population is in cities, the second lowest percentage in India.
Talking about Patna's historical background, it was known earlier as Pataliputra. It is not only the capital of Bihar but also the largest city of Bihar.
Patna is the capital of Bihar and Orissa province after the partition of Bengal presidency in 1912. The city is also the major agricultural hub and centre of trade.
Historical Significance
History is always a revelation, and the history of Patna is as vast and unrolled as an old script. It is generally believed that settlements developed here since the middle of the 6th century B.C. Historically, the cultural pride and joy of the city are the bonds with Pataliputra, the capital of the Great Mauryan Empire of Chandragupta Maurya. Between 322 and 185 BCE, this period can be regarded as the pinnacle of the Greek economy, the establishment of cultural masterpieces, and innovative discussions.
Some of the greatest scholars of all history, such as Chanakya, famously known as Kautilya, belonged to this period. Pataliputra was a center of diverse civilization, where Greeks and Chinese visited and wrote about the large city’s glory.
It continued to act as a hub of political might in different eras under various dynasties. Another 16th-century ruler, Sher Shah Suri, also considered it necessary to shift his Capital from Biharsharif to Patna owing to the significance of this geographical region.
In the same way, the Mughal period also became the reason for the city's growth during the reign of Governor Prince Azim-us-Shan. He even tried to have it renamed Azimabad, but the Entity had always remained consistent with Patna.
What is a Geographical Location of Patna?
Geographical location has thus been pivotal in shaping the future of Patna. Located on the southern side of the sacred river Ganges, the city stands out with fertile grounds and irrigation. The river has also played a significant role in transport and trade for many years, helping in the transfer of goods and even cultures.
Patna is situated in the eastern part of central India and near the border with Nepal to the north. This is due to its close contact with the Himalayan ranges, which have specific prevailing climates throughout the year, including summer and winter.
The city occupies a territory of approximately 250 square kilometers. Monsoons are an essential factor in the growth of crops because of the scarce precipitation during the year.
How does Patna serve as an Administrative and Political Center?
Patna is the capital of Bihar, and it plays quite an important role in governing the entire state. The Vidhan Sabha, which is the legislative assembly, and the Vidhan Bhawan, where the government has its hands, are located here.
These are the structures where we find the key decision-makers as pertain to the laws governing the state and its development projects.
Apart from that, Patna is also a place of the Patna High Court, the superior tribunal in Bihar. It guarantees that justice is served to the citizens.
All the offices of the Chief Minister and other departments of Government engaged in implementing policies related to education, health, and other important sectors are located in the capital city.
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