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.
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.
Looks like this could be a reason for me to go to Patna now!
You are more than welcome to Patna. See you there.
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. 🙂
Hi Harleena
Kumhrar is not the most popular of destinations. Very few tourists ever go there, mostly those interested in religious history.
very interesting post and nice photos.
I love history and culture
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
Sapna, I agree completely that they need to preserve the place. Thank you for comment.
First time I am seeing any article on tourism in Patna . It seems a nice place with historical excavations. Added in my list .
If you come to Patna then there are many places that you can go to including Gaya and Rajgir. Thanks for comment.
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
Thank you for your comment. Hope to see you again.
Michael
The pillar found at Kumhrar was one of the many pillars that was part of a hall supposedly where the meetings where held.
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.
That was really a great experience and I really appreciate the place of India it is quite peaceful but beautiful.
I like your views. Thanks for sharing such good article with us.
Lots of places of Buddhist importance there, na. Very nice.
Indeed, you think of Bihar and you think of the birtplace of Buddhism.
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.
Yet another great share by Shalu 🙂 Your travel blog just rocks!
You know India was never on my list of places to visit. But it seems that I’ve been missing on. Nice story.
Always nice to read about places with rich history. Thanks for sharing Shalu!
Thanks for finally writing about > Excavations at Kumhrar in Patna capital of Bihar < Loved it!
Wonderful post. who can forget Ashoka..Nevertheless, one of the most promising leader of Asia of Ancient History. I am making a plan to visit the place in 2015 let’s see what happen.