Golghar — Attraction in Bihar

Golghar is a well-known historical granary located in Patna, Bihar, India. Here are some key pieces of information about Golghar:

Architecture: Golghar is an impressive round building with a diameter of 125 meters and a height of 29 meters. It is made of brick walls, which are about 3.6 meters thick. The granary has a unique design with no pillars or beams supporting its structure.

Purpose: Golghar was built by the British in 1786 as a grain storage facility to address the recurring famines that affected the region. It was intended to store surplus grains during times of abundance to prevent food shortages during times of scarcity.

History: The construction of Golghar was initiated by Captain John Garstin, an engineer working for the British East India Company. The building was completed in 1786 after nearly five years of construction. However, Golghar's intended purpose of storing grains was never fully realized as the doors were mistakenly built in such a way that they could not be opened.

Viewpoint: The top of Golghar offers a panoramic view of the city of Patna and the nearby Ganges River. Visitors can climb a series of around 145 steps to reach the top and enjoy the breathtaking view. It has become a popular tourist spot due to its unique architectural design and the picturesque surroundings.

Park and Picnic Spot: The surrounding area of Golghar has been developed as a park, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisure activities. The park offers various recreational facilities such as boating, horse riding, and toy train rides, making it a favored destination for families.

Events and Festivals: Golghar is occasionally used as a venue for cultural events, fairs, and festivals. It is particularly significant during the Chhath Puja festival, a major celebration dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, where devotees gather around the building to offer prayers and partake in rituals.

Importance in History: Golghar has witnessed and survived several significant historical events, including the Great Famine of 1770, where millions of people died due to a severe food shortage. Golghar stands as a reminder of the past and the efforts made to prevent such catastrophes.

Overall, Golghar is a historically significant and visually captivating landmark, attracting tourists, history enthusiasts, and locals alike. Its unique architecture, panoramic views, and recreational facilities make it a must-visit destination while...

The Golghar, meaning "Round House," is a monumental granary located in Patna, Bihar. It was commissioned by the then Governor-General Warren Hastings and constructed by the British engineer Captain John Garstin, with completion in 1786. Its primary purpose was a humanitarian measure: to act as a massive storehouse for grains to prevent the widespread starvation witnessed during the devastating Bengal Famine of 1770.

​Architecturally, the Golghar is a magnificent, beehive-shaped dome, rising 29 meters high. It is notable for its pillar-less design and massive walls, nearly 3.6 meters thick at the base, which maximized internal storage space. The structure's design was inspired by the ancient Buddhist Stupa style, creating a striking historical silhouette against the modern cityscape.

​The most distinctive feature is the twin spiral staircase wrapped around its exterior, comprising 145 steps. This ingenious design was meant to allow workers to ascend with grain sacks on one side and descend on the other without obstruction. Ironically, a rumored design flaw, the doors opening inwards, meant the granary was never filled to its intended capacity of 140,000 tons. ​ Today, the Golghar functions as a prime tourist attraction, no longer serving its original utilitarian purpose. The climb, while lengthy, is worth the effort, rewarding visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of Patna and the flowing Ganga River, making it an iconic spot for photography. ​ Ultimately, the Golghar stands as a potent symbol: a testament to colonial-era engineering and a solemn reminder of the famine it was built to combat. It is an unmissable landmark that beautifully merges historical context with striking architecture, anchoring the heritage...

Drones are generally a good way of getting a bird's-eye view of a city. But if you are in Patna, Bihar, and don't have a drone, the Gol Ghar in Patna may arguably provide a better view of the city.

This massive stone structure, built in the late 18th century as a granary to protect the British army and the general public against famine, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the capital city of Bihar. Though its original purpose was functional rather than aesthetic, the Gol Ghar's striking circular design and towering presence have made it a celebrated destination for tourists and locals alike.

Climb to the top of this hollow dome, and you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking Patna. This view provides a unique vantage point and a glimpse into the city's evolving landscape.

From its origins as a famine relief measure ordered by Governor-General Warren Hastings to its current status as a must-see attraction, the Gol Ghar continues to captivate all who see its impressive form.

More than an iconic landmark, Gol Ghar is like a window into the past. Built in 1786 on the orders of the first Governor-General of India, Warren Hastings, the Gol Ghar was initially intended to be a massive granary as a response to the famine of 1770 that had claimed millions of lives across Bihar and Bengal. The British engineer Captain John Garstin designed this towering, dome-shaped structure to hold up to 140,000 tons of grain.

Yet, despite its impressive scale and lofty intentions, the Gol Ghar also had a few shortcomings in its design. The inward-opening door made grain unloading a tricky task, and therefore, the granary was never filled to its...