Photo: Manoj nav / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
📍 Patna, South Bihar, Bihar
A moving memorial to seven young students who were shot dead by British police on 11 August 1942 while trying to hoist the national flag over the Secretariat during the Quit India Movement. The bronze statues, sculpted by Devi Prasad Roychoudhury, stand outside the Bihar Secretariat as an enduring tribute to their sacrifice.
The Shaheed Smarak (Martyrs' Memorial) commemorates seven schoolboys who laid down their lives on 11 August 1942, three days after the launch of the Quit India Movement, while trying to unfurl the Tricolour atop the then Secretariat building in Patna. British police opened fire on the peaceful procession, killing the seven young martyrs.
About the memorial:
October to March. Especially poignant to visit around 11 August, Bihar's Martyrs' Day.
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.
Historical & Ruins A striking beehiveshaped granary built by the British in 1786 as a state grain store to guard against famine. Its two external spiral staircases of 145 steps each lead to the top, offering sweeping views of the Ganga and the Patna skyline. One of the city's most recognisable colonialera landmarks.
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.
Museums One of India's oldest museums, established in 1917, and affectionately called 'Jadu Ghar' (House of Magic) by locals. Built in a graceful IndoSaracenic style, it holds tens of thousands of artefacts spanning Bihar's ancient, medieval and modern past, including a Buddha relic casket and rare stone and bronze sculptures.
