Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
📍 Patna, South Bihar, Bihar
One of the world's most renowned repositories of Oriental manuscripts, opened to the public in 1891. A National Importance institution, it safeguards thousands of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts and Mughal- and Rajput-era miniature paintings, making it a treasure house for scholars and history lovers alike.
The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library was founded by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, who opened it to the public on 29 October 1891 with the manuscript collection he had inherited and expanded. In 1969 an Act of Parliament declared it an institution of national importance.
Highlights include:
October to March. Visit on a weekday for a quieter reading-room experience.
Rivers & Ghats Patna's long Ganga waterfront strings together historic ghats where the city meets its river. Gandhi Ghat, famed for its evening Ganga Aarti, marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. The new JP Ganga Path, Patna's 'Marine Drive', now runs for over 20 km along the river, making the ghats, sunsets and Chhath celebrations easy to enjoy.
Historical & Ruins The archaeological remains of ancient Pataliputra, capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta and Ashoka. The star attraction is the excavated 80pillared hall of polished sandstone from Emperor Ashoka's era. A key site for understanding one of the world's great early cities, set in a peaceful landscaped park.
Memorials Gandhi Maidan is one of India's largest public grounds, a historic stage for freedommovement rallies and public gatherings in the heart of Patna. On its edge stands the Gandhi Sangrahalaya, a museum that tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi's life and his deep connection with Bihar through photographs, documents and models.
Cities & Towns Sabhyata Dwar, or 'Civilization Gate', is a striking 32metre sandstone arch on the banks of the Ganga, built to celebrate Bihar's ancient heritage and civilizational legacy. Set beside the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre and the developing Ganga riverfront (Marine Drive), it is a favourite spot for evening strolls and photographs.
