Kumhrar Park — Attraction in Bihar

The archaeological remains of ancient Pataliputra namely the Eighty pillared hall and Arogya Vihar are located at Kumrahar about six kms east of Patna railway station.

Ancient literature refers Pataliputra by various names like Pataligrama, Patalipura, Kusumapura, Pushpapura or Kusumdhvaj. In 6th Century B.C. it was a small village where Buddha, sometime before his mahaparinirvana, had noticed a fort being constructed under the orders of King Ajatasatru of Rajagrih for defence of Magadh kingdom against the Lichchavi republic of Vaisali. Impressed by its strategic location king Udayin, son and successor of Ajatasatru, shifted the capital of Magadh from Rajgrih to Pataliputra in the middle of 5th Century B.C. For about next thousand years Pataliputra remained the capital of great Indian empires of Saisunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Sunga and Gupta dynasties. The place has also been an important centre of activity in the fields of education, commerce, art and religion. During Asoka's time the third Buddhist council was held here. Likewise Sthulabhadra, the eminent Jain ascetic had convened a council here during the time of Chandragupta Maurya.

The first vivid account of Pataliputra including its municipal administration comes at about 300 B.C. from Megasthenese, the celebrated Greek ambassador at the court of Chandragupta Maurya, who mentions it as Palibothra in his book named Indica. According to his account the spread of the city was like a parallelogram, about 14 kms east-west along the river Ganges and 3 kms north-south. The circumference of the city was about 36 kms. The city was protected by massive timber palisades and further defended by a broad and deep moat which also served as a sewer of the city. Kautilya also in his book Arthasastra indicates wide rampart around the city. Remnants of the wooden palisades have been discovered during a series of excavations at Lohanipur, Bahadurpur, Sandalpur, Bulandibagh, Kumrahar and some other locations in Patna. प्राचीन पाटलिपुत्र के पुरातात्विक अवशेष अर्थात् अस्सी स्तंभित हॉल और आरोग्य विहार पटना रेलवे स्टेशन से लगभग छह किलोमीटर पूर्व में कुमराहार में स्थित हैं।

प्राचीन साहित्य पाटलिपुत्र को पाटलिपुत्र, पाटलिपुरा, कुसुमपुरा, पुष्पपुरा या कुसुमध्वज जैसे विभिन्न नामों से संदर्भित करता है। 6 ठी शताब्दी ई.पू. यह एक छोटा सा गाँव था जहाँ बुद्ध, अपने महापरिनिर्वाण से कुछ समय पहले, वैशाली के लिच्छवी गणराज्य के खिलाफ मगध साम्राज्य की रक्षा के लिए राजगृह के राजा अजातशत्रु के आदेश के तहत एक किले का निर्माण किया गया था। अजातशत्रु के पुत्र और उत्तराधिकारी राजा उदयिन ने अपने रणनीतिक स्थान से प्रभावित होकर 5 वीं शताब्दी ई.पू. के मध्य में मगध की राजधानी को राजगृह से पाटलिपुत्र स्थानांतरित कर दिया। लगभग अगले हजार वर्षों तक पाटलिपुत्र, सैसुनागा, नंदा, मौर्य, सुंग और गुप्त राजवंशों के महान भारतीय साम्राज्यों की राजधानी बना रहा। यह स्थान शिक्षा, वाणिज्य, कला और धर्म के क्षेत्र में भी गतिविधि का एक महत्वपूर्ण केंद्र रहा है। अशोक के समय के दौरान यहां तीसरी बौद्ध परिषद आयोजित की गई थी। इसी तरह शतुलभद्र, प्रख्यात जैन तपस्वी ने चंद्रगुप्त मौर्य के समय यहां एक परिषद बुलाई थी।

इसके नगरपालिका प्रशासन सहित पाटलिपुत्र का पहला ज्वलंत खाता लगभग 300 ई.पू. मेगस्थनीज से, चंद्रगुप्त मौर्य के दरबार में जाने-माने यूनानी राजदूत, जिन्होंने इंडिका नाम की अपनी पुस्तक में इसे पालिबोथरा के रूप में उल्लेख किया है। उनके हिसाब से शहर का फैलाव एक समानांतर चतुर्भुज की तरह था, गंगा नदी के किनारे लगभग 14 किलोमीटर पूर्व-पश्चिम और उत्तर-दक्षिण में 3 किलोमीटर। शहर की परिधि लगभग 36 किलोमीटर थी। शहर को बड़े पैमाने पर लकड़ी के पालिस द्वारा संरक्षित किया गया था और आगे एक व्यापक और गहरी खाई से बचाव किया गया था जो शहर के सीवर के रूप में भी काम करता था। कौटिल्य ने अपनी पुस्तक अर्थशास्त्री में भी शहर के चारों ओर विस्तृत प्राचीर का संकेत दिया है। पटना के लोहानीपुर, बहादुरपुर, संदलपुर, बुलंदीबाग, कुम्हरार और कुछ अन्य स्थानों पर उत्खनन की श्रृंखला के दौरान लकड़ी के बने अवशेषों की...

Archaeological remains of the Mauryan period (322–185 BCE) have been discovered here,2]this include the ruins of a hypostyle 80-pillared hall[3 The excavation finding here dates back to 600 BCE,[5] and marks the ancient capital of Ajatshatru, Chandraguptaand Ashoka, and collectively the relics range from four continuous periods from 600 BCE to 600 CE.[5]

Following the excavation of nearby Bulandi Bagh by L.A. Waddell in 1895, American archaeologist David Brainard Spoonerexcavated in 1912-1913 in Kumhrar one pillar of polished stone, and a very large number of fragments. The excavators were able to trace 72 'pits' of ash and rubble on the site which marked the position in which other pillars must once have stood. During the subsequent excavation, done by K P Jaiswal, 1951-1955, eight more such pits were found, giving the hall its present name – "Assembly hall of 80 pillars".

The pillars are arranged in 8 rows of 10 pillars each. The pillars are separated with each other by a distance of 4.57 meters. Each pillar is made of fine sandstone from Chunar, and was 9.75 meters in height, of which 2.74 meters were below the surface for grounding. Since no other stone works were recovered, it is thought that the pillars sustained a wooden roof, and that there were no surrounding walls, making it an open-air hall. South of the pillared hall, seven wooden platforms were excavated, which are thought to have supported a staircase going into the canal to welcome guests.[6]

All the ruins are attributed to the Mauryanperiod, though historians vary regarding the use of the 80-pillar hall, some suggest that it was in this hall that Third Buddhist Councilwas held,[4] in 250 BCE, at Ashokarama in Patiliputta (Pataliputra), under the reign of Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka (r. 273-232 BCE). The pillared hall seems to have been located about 350 meters south of the wooden palisades of the city of Pataliputra (discovered in the area of Bulandi Bagh), and was standing by the banks of the former Son river, and therefore cannot have been the Mauryan palace, but probably only "a pleasure hall outside the city walls"

Anand Bihar: The foundations of the brick Buddhist monastery were excavated, apart from wooden beams and clay figures, which are now kept for public display in the surrounding park.[5] Arogya Vihar: Also found during the excavations, are the presence of an Arogya Vihar headed by Dhanvantari, an early Indian medical practitioner, considered the source of Ayurveda.[4] Durakhi Devi Temple – Excavations in 1890s, by Laurence Waddell, revealed a detached piece of a carved stone railing of a stupa, with female figures on both the sides, giving it the name, 'Durukhi' or 'Durukhiya' (double faced) Devi, a specimen of Shunga art 2-1st century BCE. The figures are shown grabbing and breaking branches of trees, are Shalabhanjikas (the breaker of branches), the young women under a fertility ritual. These images were later brought to their present location, at Naya Tola (Kankarbagh), a kilometer west to the site, where they are presently worshipped in a temple-like structure; a replica of these figures has also been kept in Patna Museum.

Kumhrar is going to have a[9] metro station under[10] the Patna...

Kumhrar Park, located in Patna, Bihar, is a significant archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the rich historical and cultural heritage of ancient Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire. The park is spread over a large area and offers a peaceful and educational experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

As you enter Kumhrar Park, you are greeted by well-maintained gardens and pathways that lead to the various excavation sites. The park is known for its remnants of ancient structures, including the famous 80-pillared hall, believed to be part of a Mauryan-era assembly hall. The massive stone pillars, though mostly in ruins, still stand as a testament to the architectural grandeur of that era.

One of the highlights of the park is the archaeological museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. The museum showcases a range of items such as pottery, coins, terracotta figurines, and tools, providing valuable insights into the daily life, art, and culture of ancient India. The detailed descriptions and informative displays make it an enriching experience for visitors.

The park also features the remains of an ancient well and a drainage system, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of the time. These structures give a sense of the urban planning and infrastructural development that characterized ancient Pataliputra.

Kumhrar Park is not just about history; it is also a place for relaxation and leisure. The lush greenery, well-manicured lawns, and shaded benches offer a tranquil environment for visitors to unwind. It’s a great spot for picnics, morning walks, or simply spending a quiet afternoon amidst nature and history.

However, there are a few areas where the park could improve. The informational signage around the archaeological sites is limited, and more detailed descriptions or guided tours would greatly enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, the park's infrastructure, such as restrooms and seating areas, could be better maintained to ensure comfort for all visitors.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Kumhrar Park remains a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the ancient history of India. Its combination of historical significance, educational value, and natural beauty makes it a unique and memorable experience. Whether you are a history buff, a student, or a tourist, Kumhrar Park offers a fascinating journey into the past, enriching your understanding of India's...