Excavations at Kumhrar in Patna

If you are a student of history then you must visit the excavations at kumhrar (also spelled as Kumrahar) in Patna, the capital of Bihar. The capital of the eastern state of Bihar was once the capital of ancient India. Patna was once known as Patliputra and was the capital of the mighty king ‘Ashoka the Great’ of the Mauryan dynasty. Ashoka was one of India’s most powerful rulers during 269 BC to 232 BC whose empire stretched from the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan to today’s Bangladesh in the east and from Indian state of Assam to the South of India.

Ancient Patliputra
Story of ancient Patliputra at Kumhrar

Archaeological excavations have been found at Kumhrar of the Mauryan period dating around 322-185 BC. I recently visited this place and took some photographs. Although the site appeared nothing more than a lover’s hangout and was not able to make out if any of the people knew what it was. In addition, I thought that the place had not been preserved to a high standard. However, the government of Bihar do promote school trips to this site to encourage students to learn about the ancient history and culture of India.

One striking piece of excavation was one of the pillars of the King Ashoka’s assembly hall that was supposed to have 80 pillars. Some historians have suggested that this was the very hall where the “Third Buddhist Council” was held in 250 BC under the patronage of Emperor Asoka.

Although I haven’t seen many foreign tourists here, but I highly recommend it to those interested in the history and culture of India. Other places to visit in Bihar include Bodh Gaya where Buddha lived and preached, Pawapuri and Rajgir where both Buddha and Mahavira (founder of Jainism) lived and preached. Large number of tourists especially from Japan and other Buddhist countries come to Bihar for pilgrimage particularly Bodh Gaya and Rajgir, they might find this place interesting. You can find more about Bihar at my social networking site YouBihar.

The excavations of Kumhrar are located about 5 km of east from Patna Railway Station and entrance fees are 5 Rupees for Indian tourists and 100 rupees from foreign tourists.

Pillar at Kumhrar
The Pillar at Kumhrar
Surrounding gardens of Kumhrar
Surrounding gardens of Kumhrar
Aryogya Vihar
Aryogya Vihar

 

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23 thoughts on “Excavations at Kumhrar in Patna”

  2. Wonderful pictures Shalu!

    Never heard of Kumhrar, so this surely is new for me. However, it’s always a pleasure to learn about new places and visit them. Though I am not a history student, but I love visiting old places as they take you back in time and you get to learn so much about the way people must have lived way back then.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂

    Reply

  4. Hi Shalu Jee

    Great Pics!

    ASI has done a great job.I think they need to preserve this now, else it will surely going to be littered.

    Thanks for sharing this.

    Sapna

    Reply

  6. Hi Shalu ji,

    Thanks for letting us know about this place. I have never heard about Kumhrar before.But yes your article gave a little glimpse of Bc’s and that era.

    Thank You
    Shorya Bist
    From Youthofest

    Reply

  9. Hi Shalu jee.
    I am from Bihar but stayed maximum time out of Bihar also not go home posting during the total service period in Indian Air Force.Though i Have visited so many tourist places in the state including Sher Shah Tomb at Sasaram , Bihar .Thanks for Kumhrar historical importance pic described by you.

    Reply

  13. Hi Shalu,
    I never knew about this place. Kumhrar certainly has a rich history and culture to its credit. The pictures of the place are awe-inspiring. Thanks for the share.

    Reply

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