Patna, India’s capital and largest city, is steeped in history and cultural significance. Patna, India’s 19th largest city, has a population of over 2.5 million people and offers a blend of ancient heritage and modern development. Let us travel through time to discover the fascinating story of Patna.
Patna, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, was founded by the king of Magadha in 490 BCE. Originally known as Pataliputra, this ancient city served as the capital of the Magadha Empire during the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Shunga, Gupta, and Pala dynasties. Pataliputra was not only a seat of power, but also a centre of learning and the fine arts, with scholars such as Aryabhata, Vtsyyana, and Chanakya calling it home.
During the Maurya and Gupta empires, Patna thrived as a political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent. However, with the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its former glory. The British later revived the city in the 17th century, establishing it as a vital center for international trade.
Patna’s significance in trade continued during the colonial period, making it a major trading and commercial hub in India until the 19th century. After India gained independence in 1947, Patna remained the capital of Bihar, playing a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.
Despite experiencing downturns following independence and the separation of Jharkhand from Bihar, Patna has remained resilient. The city is being developed, and it has experienced economic stability. Patna had a nominal GDP of INR 63,176.55 crores in 2011-12, according to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics. In 2011-12, the city’s per capital GDP was 1,08,657, placing it ahead of many other Indian cities and state capitals.
Today, Patna is a city on the southern bank of the river Ganges, straddling the rivers Sone, Gandak, and Punpun. Its urban agglomeration is the 18th largest in India, covering 250 square kilometers. The city boasts a rich religious heritage, with pilgrimage centers like Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, and Pawapuri in its vicinity.
The name “Patna” has evolved over time, with theories suggesting it may be derived from the Hindu goddess Patan Devi or the abundance of a tree variety called Patli. The city has been known by various names, including Pataligrama, Pataliputra, Kusumapura, Kusumdhwaja Pushpapuram, Padmavathi, Azimabad, and its present-day name.
Patna, located on the southern bank of the Ganges, experiences a humid subtropical climate. The city’s topography, shaped like a saucer, is characterized by the confluence of major rivers. Patna is the largest riverine city globally, with the Ganges flowing alongside it. The city falls under seismic zone-IV and is prone to floods and cyclones.
Patna has historically been an agricultural hub and a trade centre, with major exports including grain, sugarcane, sesame, and Patna rice. Since 2005, the economy has grown significantly, fueled by the fast-moving consumer goods industry, the service sector, and Green Revolution businesses. Patna is emerging as an IT hub, and several manufacturing firms have established plants in the city.
Patna, the vibrant city nestled in the heart of India, is a melting pot of culture, history, and a bustling population. Let’s take a closer look at the demographics and administration that shape the essence of this city.
Patna had an estimated population of 1.68 million in 2011, making it India’s 19th most populous city. The urban agglomeration has surpassed 2 million people, placing it 18th in the country. Between 2001 and 2011, the Patnaites, as the residents are known, saw a 22.3% increase in population.
There were 893,399 men and 790,823 women in the city limits. Around 11.32% of the population was under the age of six. Literacy rate was 83.37%, with male literacy at 87.35% and female literacy at 79.89%. The sex ratio was 885 females for every 1,000 males.
Surprisingly, only 0.25% of Patna’s population lives in slums, making it the city with the lowest percentage of slum dwellers in India. However, rapid urbanisation comes with challenges like unemployment, public health issues, and varying educational standards.
Religion in Patna reflects the diverse tapestry of India. Hinduism is predominant, with 86.39% of the population, followed by Islam at 12.27%. Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism also find a place in the city. Around 0.01% follow other religions, while 0.49% state no particular religious affiliation.
Hindi, the official language of Bihar, takes the lead in Patna, spoken by 65.94% of the population. Magahi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, and Maithili also contribute to the linguistic richness, reflecting the cultural amalgamation of the region.
The administrative landscape of Patna is complicated. The city is located in the Patna district, which has three blocks: Patna, Sampatchak, and Phulwari Sharif. Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) oversees the civic infrastructure of the city, which is divided into 75 wards.
The PMC is in charge of water supply, drainage, sanitation, and other responsibilities, and is led by Mayor Sita Sahu. The civic administration also includes the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, and other key officials.
The city is important in both state and national politics. Patna has been selected as one of 100 Indian cities for development as part of the Smart Cities Mission, which aims to improve infrastructure and services through digital technology.
As Patna looks ahead, plans include a new airport at Bihta and a master plan envisioning the city’s growth. Patna is poised to evolve into a metropolitan hub, with proposed satellite towns and a robust smart city initiative.
Patna’s pulse is echoed by the Magahi language, a linguistic gem derived from ancient Magadhi Prakrit. This language, which is thought to have been spoken by Gautama Buddha, adds a distinct flavour to the city’s cultural tapestry. Patna also celebrates the influence of Bengali culture, with notable residents such as Bidhan Chandra Ray hailing from the city. The fusion of Magahi and Bengali cultures has made significant contributions to Bihar’s arts, education, and history.
Patna’s landscape is adorned with architectural gems showcasing Indo-Islamic and Indo-Saracenic motifs. The city proudly preserves heritage structures from the colonial era, each narrating a story of its own. The iconic Patna Museum, established in 1917, stands as a testament to Bihar’s natural history and Indian art. The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library and Sinha Library add to the city’s intellectual charm, housing precious collections.
The Patna School of Painting, an offshoot of the Mughal Miniature school, is also well-known in the city. These paintings, which date back to the 18th century, depict scenes of daily life, festivals, and nature from a unique perspective. Shri Radha Mohan founded the College of Arts and Crafts in Patna, which remains an important centre for fine arts in Bihar.
Bihar’s culinary delights are a treat for the senses. From the famous sattu paratha to the delectable thekua/khajuria, Bihari cuisine is a gastronomic journey. Street foods like samosa, litti chokha, and chaat add a flavorful touch to Patna’s culinary scene. The city comes alive during festivals like Chhath, Durga Puja, Eid, and Holi, with each celebration offering a glimpse into the cultural diversity and vibrant traditions of Patna.
Patna is a treasure trove for tourists, attracting millions each year. The historic Golghar, Sabhyata Dwar, and the revered Takht Sri Patna Sahib are among the must-visit destinations. The city’s cultural heritage is also reflected in ancient sites like Kumhrar and Agam Kuan, showcasing the ruins of Ashokan Pataliputra.
Patna has a rich academic tradition and is home to a plethora of educational institutions. From the prestigious Patna University to the Indian Institute of Technology Patna, the city is a learning hotspot. A diverse student population is served by schools affiliated with various boards, including BSEB, CISCE, NIOS, and CBSE.
Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Patnaites, with the Moin-ul-Haque Stadium witnessing several memorable matches. The city also hosts the Patna Golf Club, one of the oldest golf courses in India. Sporting events, including the Pro Kabaddi League matches, add an extra layer of excitement to Patna’s vibrant atmosphere.
The city’s media landscape is diverse, with newspapers like The Hindu, The Times of India, and Hindustan Dainik keeping residents informed. Numerous radio stations, both private and state-owned, contribute to the city’s dynamic communication channels.
Patna was founded in 490 BCE, and its original name was Pataliputra.
Patna is surrounded by the rivers Ganges, Sone, Gandak, and Punpun.
Patna thrived as a political and cultural center during the Maurya and Gupta empires.
Patna's economy has grown, with a focus on the fast-moving consumer goods industry, the service sector, and emerging as an IT hub.
Languages spoken in Patna include Hindi, Magahi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, and Maithili. Hindi is the most widely spoken language.