History

Explore – Journal of Research for UG and PG Students ISSN 2278 – 0297 (Print) ISSN 2278 – 6414 (Online) © Women's College, Patna, http://www.patnawomenscollege.in/journal Monuments of : A Syncretic Culture

Kajal Kiran • Anuradha • Swati Kiran • Sister Matilda Pereira A.C.

Received : December 2010 Accepted : February 2011 Corresponding Author : Sister Matilda Pereira A.C.

Abstract : Bihar is a land affluent in natural beauty, Lord - founder of the Buddhism. The ruins of whispering forests, sparkling lakes, majestic forts and and Vikramshila bear the testimony of our being on the palaces, holy shrines and natural hot springs emerging from zenith of culture and civilization some 2500 years ago. This a backdrop of eternal snow.It is a magnetic destination is the land on which Lord Buddha and started their attracting tourists who throng every year. With tremendous religious orders.Monuments in Bihar can be further potential for growth in numbers and quality, Bihar is one of classified on the basis of religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, the eastern states in the Indian union endowed with , Sikhism, and Christianity representing the immense tourism potential. The presence of numerous syncretic culture of Bihar. ancient monuments represents the rich culture and heritage Key words:- Heritage, Magnetic destination, Archeology, of the state.Bihar, as of today after bifurcation, is still studded Tourist etc. with monuments of its past glory- monuments that bear the memory of Jain Mahavira- 24th Trithankar of Jainism and

Introduction: Kajal Kiran B.A. III year, History (Hons.), Session: 2008-2011, Bihar is a land affluent in natural beauty, Patna Women’s College, , Patna, whispering forests, sparkling lakes, majestic forts Bihar, India and palaces, holy shrines and natural hot springs Anuradha emerging from a backdrop of eternal snow.It is a B.A. III year, History (Hons.), Session: 2008-2011, magnetic destination attracting tourists who throng Patna Women’s College, Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India every year. With tremendous potential for growth in numbers and quality, Bihar is one of the eastern Swati Kiran states in the Indian Union endowed with immense B.A. III year, History (Hons.), Session: 2008-2011, Patna Women’s College, Patna University, Patna, tourism potential. The presence of numerous Bihar, India ancient monuments represents the rich culture and heritage of the state.Bihar, as of today after Sister Matilda Pereira A.C. Associate Professor, Department of History, bifurcation, is still studded with monuments of its Patna Women’s College, Bailey Road, past glory- monuments that bear the memory of Patna – 800 001, Bihar, India Jain Mahavira- 24th Trithankar of Jainism and Lord E-mail : [email protected]

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Buddha- founder of the Buddhism. The ruins of pillars constructed during the Mauryan Nalanda and Vikramshila bear the testimony of our Period. being on the zenith of culture and civilization some 2. Pathar Ki Masjid : The Pathar ki Masjid lies 2500 years ago. This is the land on which Bhagwan adjacent to Har-Mandir Sahib, on the bank of Buddha and Mahavira started their religious orders. the river Ganga. This is so named Monuments in Bihar can be further classified on because it was built of stone and wood brought the basis of religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, from a place named Majhowli in Gorakhpur Jainism, Sikhism, Islam and Christianity. district of . This beautiful mosque Objectives: was built by Parwez Shah, son of Jehangir, The purpose of this research is to reawaken when he was the governor of Bihar from 1621- interest in monuments of Bihar and bring 24AD. The inscription on the monument gives awareness among the future generation about the the date of its construction as rich heritage of our state. A.H.1036(1626AD), which was perhaps Methodology: completed a year after the death of Parwez • Study of various books concerning the history Shah in 1625 AD. It is also called Saif Khan’s of Bihar. Mosque, Chimmi Ghat Mosque and Sangi • Information collected from the reports of the Masjid. Tourism Department of the state government. 3. Har-Mandir Takht : Guru Gobind Singh, the • Study of the monuments and records 10th guru of maintained and preserved by . the sikhs, was • Study from different journals and magazines, born in 1660 in audio and visual documents(television) and Patna. The internet etc. Har-Mandir Monuments of Patna Takht is one Patna known in ancient times as “PATLIPUTRA”, among the is the capital of Bihar. The city is among the world’s four sacred shrines of the sikhs. Since Guru oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many Gobind Singh spent the early years of his centuries as imperial metropolis. childhood here, the Takht has a number of Monuments in Patna : things that were once used by him and also by his father Guru Teg Bahadur. The temple 1. was renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and 2. Pathar ki Masjid this temple contains belongings of Guru 3. Har-Mandir Takht Gobind Singh and the holy text of the Sikh's 4. Guru Granth Sahib. 5. Martyr’s memorial 4. Golghar : One of its attractive surviving 6. Patna Museum landmarks, Golghar, also famous earlier as 1. Kumhrar : Kumhrar, 5km from the Patna “ Gola” , is to Patna, what Qutub Railway station, is the site of the ancient city Minar is to and Char Minar is to of Patliputra. Archaeological excavation have Hyderabad. Golghar was built by Captain revealed relics of four continuous periods from John Garstin, an army engineer , as a huge 600BC-60AD. An important find is the remains granary for British army in 1786, after famine of a huge hall supported by 80 sandstone of 1770. It is a massive beehive shaped

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structure, 96 feet high with walls 12 feet thick 1. Shanti : The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is at the bottom, on the outside, two sets of stairs located on a 400m high Ratnagiri hill. The of 144 steps spiral up to the top. The winding actual construction of this 160 feet high stairway around this monument offers a brilliant Pagoda was panoramic view of the city and river Ganga started in flowing by. 1965. The Stupa is built in 5. Martyr's Memorial : The Martyr’s memorial marble and on is a memorial to 7 freedom fighters who the 4 corners sacrificed their lives during the Quit India of the Stupa Movement of 1942. The Martyrs were shot are 4 glimmering statues of Buddha. This place dead at this very spot when they tried to hoist is also called the “Griddhkoota”. To reach the national flag. The modern structure in black the top of the hill one has to come through the conveys their sacrifice beautifully. ropeways. 6. Patna Museum : Located in the heart of 2. Fort : Ajatshatru fort was built by Patna, Patna Museum is housed in a Ajatshatru in 6th century BC. He was the king magnificent red and white building with domes of Magadh during the Buddha’s time. The 65sq and arches. The Patna Museum contains all m Ajatshatru’s stupa is also beleived to have the remarkable treasures like the 1st World been built by him. War cannon, metal and stone sculptures 3. The Cyclopean Wall : The Cyclopean wall of the Mauryan and Gupta periods, 40km long encircled ancient built of Buddhist sculptures and quaint terracota massive undressed stone carefully fitted figures which are several centuries old. A together, the wall is one of the few important special attraction is a 16m long fossilized Pre-Mauryan stone structures ever to have tree. been found. Traces of the wall still persist, particularly at the exit point of Rajgir for Gaya. Monuments of Rajgir : 4. Bimbisar Jail : King Bimbisar was imprisoned Rajgir was known in ancient times as here by his impatient son and heir, Ajatshatru. “RAJGRIHA” meaning “Home of Royalty”. The captive king chose this site for his Rajgir is a hill fort town in the midst of lush green incarceration. For, from the spot, he could see forests. This was the first recorded capital as per Lord Buddha climbing up his mountain retreat Indian history. The place is also associated with atop the Griddhkoota hill. It now provides a clear Buddhism and Jainism as Lord Buddha and Lord view of the Japanese peace Pagoda. Mahavira spent some of their time here meditating and preaching. 5. Swarn Bhandar : Swarn Bhandar is said to be a store house where king Jarashandh used Monuments in Rajgir : to store his gold. An unread story about the 1. Shanti Stupa cave is that there is a lot of gold in this cave 2. Ajatashatru Fort and a script written on a stone is the code to 3. The Cyclopean Wall unlock the door of this Swarn Bhandar. 4. Bimbisar Jail Monuments of Nalanda : 5. Swarn Bhandar Nalanda, is one of the famous ancient places of learning and was founded in the 5th century AD.

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The ruins of the world’s most ancient university 3. Hieun-Tsang Memorial Hall : This is a new lies here. The ruins of its temple and monastries construction in memory of the great Chinese convey a stunning impression of the peaceful and traveller, Hieun-Tsang. The memorial hall has ordered life of meditation and learning that prevailed been built in the here. memory of the Monuments in Nalanda : Chinese traveller Hieun- 1. Ruins Tsang who was 2. Nalanda Archeaological Museum a student at 3. Hieun-Tsang Memorial Hall Nalanda and 1. Nalanda University Ruins : Nalanda subsequently became a teacher of the ancient university is one of the most well known ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. This hall is in the process seats of learning. At least 2,000 teachers and of becoming a centre for academic and cultural 10,000 students from different parts of the activities highlighting the teachings and culture Buddhist world lived and studied at this of Buddha. residential international university of the Monuments of world. Lord Vaishali, the land of Ambapali, surrounded Buddha visited by banana and mango groves amidst paddy fields, Nalanda does not appear to have changed much since several times ancient times. Vaishali is considered as an during his life- important religious site as Lord Mahavira, time. This founder of Jainism was born here and Lord famous centre Buddha preached his last sermon here. Vaishali of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later. is also credited with being the world’s first Chinese visitor Hieun-Tsang stayed here in republic to have a duly-elected assembly of the 7th century AD and gave a detailed representatives. description of the excellent educational system Monuments in Vaishali and purity of the monastic life in the university. 1. Ashokan Pillar 2. Nalanda Archeaological Museum : Nalanda 2. Raja Vishal ka Garh archeaological museum is just opposite the entrance to the ruins of the university. In the 3. Buddha Stupa I and II museum there is a small but beautiful 4. Bawan Pokhar Temple collection of Buddhist and Hindu bronze and a 1. Ashokan Pillar : The Ashokan Pillar, also number of undamaged statues of Lord Buddha known as the Lion-Pillar, that were found in the area. Two enormous was built by Emperor terracota jars of the 1st century stand intact (king of Maurya behind the museum in a shaded enclosure. dynasty) at Kolhua. This 40 The collection includes copper plates and feet high red sandstone pillar stone inscription, coins, pottery and bears the typical Mauryan samples of burnt rice(12th century AD) Polish and inscriptions that found among the ruins here. extol the “Dhamma” or the law of piety propounded by

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Ashoka. The thickness of shafts gradually 1. The : The 1200 years decreases from 4 feet to 3 feet as it tapers to old main shrine of supreme enlightenment, the the top which is capped by a capital and further Mahabodhi temple is unique amongst other surmounted by a life-size animal like a lion, north Indian attached by means of copper bolts. temples. It has a 2. Raja Vishal ka Garh : There is in Vaishali an spire instead of excavated site that is believed to be the the usual remains of ancient Parliament House where curvilinear the federal assembly gathered to discuss and contours. The regulate the ancient republic. The original four smaller building believed to have an 8 feet high wall towers at the four corners give balance to the with 140 feet deep moat around it and was structure. Inside the shrine is a gilded image approached by a broad embanked causeway of Buddha. The ancient railings which st from the south. surround the temple are of the 1 century B.C. and are among the very interesting 3. Buddha Stupa I and II : One eighth of the monuments in the country. sacred ashes of the Lord Buddha were enshrined in the Buddha Stupa I in a stone 2. Ratnagarh : The Buddha spent one week casket. The exterior of the stupa is now in a here, where it is believed that five colours decaying condition and it has a plain surface. came out of his body. Buddha Stupa II was formed in 1958 when 3. Archeological Museum : The museum was during digging of this site it led to the discovery established in the year 1956. The museum of another casket containing the ashes of the consists of two galleries and an open courtyard Lord Buddha. as well as two varandah displaying antiquities. 4. Bawan Pokhar Temple : Bawan Pokhar The museum exhibits are bronze and stone Temple is an old temple built in the Pala period. sculpture of Buddhist and Brahmanical faith The temple is situated on the northern bank of of Pala period, scenes related to Buddhist Bawan pokhar and it enshrines beautiful pantheon, surya, zodiac signs on railling of images of several Hindu Gods. Sunga age etc. Monuments of Bodh-Gaya 4. Vishnu Pad Temple : The 2500 years old Set on the bank of river Niranjana(Falgu) and temple symbolising the final salvation of th silhoueted against a row of hills, it was here in wandering soils was renovated in the 18 531B.C that Shakya Prince Siddhartha first saw century by Rani Ahilya Bai Holker . 900 light under the . Bodhgaya is the sculptors were brought from who greatest pilgrim centre for Buddhists of the world. helped in the renovation work which was Many South East Asian countries have established completed in the year 1765. The temple is the their monastries here in their native architectural important ‘Vedi’ or altar identified for the style. performance of ‘Pindadaan’. Monuments in Bodh-Gaya Monuments of Pawapuri 1. The Mahabodhi Temple Pawapuri is also known as Apapapuri or the 2. Ratnagarh sinless town. Pawapuri, is very well known to the Jains living in different corners of the world. Lord 3. Archeological Museum Mahavira, the exponent of Jainism was born 4. Vishnu Pad Temple

67 Kajal Kiran et al. / Explore - Journal of Research for UG and PG Students , Vol. III, 2011, pp. 63-71 here and also attained salvation here in Pawari. All 1. Shershah’s Mausoleum : The mausoleum through the year, Jain pilgrims travel through of king was built in the 16th Pawapuri visiting the places. century in the beautiful and impressive Afghan Monuments in Pawapuri structure. It is built of stone and is the second 1. Jalmandir highest tomb in India. The tomb was built on 2. Samosharan an island in the middle of a tank and could be originally approached from the north through 1. Jalamandir : It looks like floating on water. a bridge. The legend has it that after Lord Mahavira was cremated a large number of his disciples came 2. Rohtasgarh Fort : Situated at a distance of here to take away part of his ashes. The about thirty nine kilometers from Sasaram is demand for his ashes was so great that a large the Rohtasgarh amount of soil was removed from around the fort, covering an funeral pyre, creating the water tank. This area of 4 miles or temple is made of white marble which can be more of a plateau. reached by crossing a small bridge The fort is constructed over the water. regarded among 2. Samosharan : This is also a Jain temple and the strongest and also the largest hill forts the entire of India and served as a shelter to many a structure is great personality. Previously, there existed circular and fourteen main gates in the fort but afterwards, white. Lord Sher Shah Suri closed ten of them. This fort Mahavira was used by personalities like Shah Jahan, squatted to give Sher Shah Suri, Mansingh and Mir Qasim. sermons to his disciples from this place. The Samosharan Monuments of Jahanabad temple has steps leading to the top through Jahanabad is one of the most popular religious several concentric terraces. There is a places of India. It has also a great history from the beehive-shaped shrine on the top time of great Samrat Ashoka. containing the foot prints of Lord Mahavira. Monuments in Jahanabad Monuments of Sasaram (Rohtas) 1. Barabar Hill Sasaram is one of the important ancient towns a) The Karan Chaupar Cave in Bihar. Legendary tradition, as in vogue in the b) The Sudama Cave locality, would associate Sasaram with the famous c) The Viswa Thopri Cave Haihaya king named Sahasrajuna. Early in the d) The Lomas Rishi Cave 16th century Sasaram was a Muhammedan town, 1. Barabar Hill : The Barabar forming part of the Jaunpur kingdom and under the and Nagarjuni hills are control of Hasan Khan Sur, the Pathan chief. situated 24 kms north of Monuments in Sasaram (Rohtas) Gaya and contains, in all, 1. Shershah’s Mausoleum seven-cut caves of which four are in the Barabar hills. 2. Rohtasgarh Fort

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The four caves in Barabar hills have seven Monuments in chambers and these are popularly known at (a) Vikramshila University Satgharwa. (b) Bhagalpur Pillar (a) The Karan Chaupar Cave : The cave (a) Vikramshila University : The relics of facing north is known as karan chaupar. Vikramshila Right above to the entrance is a damaged University, is inscription of the 19th regnal year of another Ashoka(i.e 245 B.C) outside the cave, to ancient seat of its west, on the rock are two rudely carved learning apart human figures and a linga. from Nalanda (b) The Sudama Cave : The second cave University. th faces south, it being on the opposite side Founded in the late 8 century A.D, the of the hill. All the inscriptions on the eastern University’s ruins are located nearly wall of the entrance recess refers to the 50kms east from the district headquarter excavation of the cave in the 12th regnal of Bhagalpur. This University excelled in the field of education and science, it year of Ashoka. flourished as a well-known centre of (c) The Viswa Thopri Cave : In this outer Tantrism. This University was founded by room, on the right hand wall is an king Dharmpala who was apparently very th inscription recording its excavation in 12 generous in giving funds. 108 resident regnal year of Ashoka for the Ajvikas teachers were found along with the non- and referring to the name of the hill as teaching staff. To secure admission the Khalatika. students had to satisfactorily answer (d) The Lomas Rishi Cave : Two inscriptions queries of the teachers present at the of later Gupta period (7th-8th century A.D) six main gates. both referring to kings Sarddulavarman (b) Bhagalpur Pillar : The pillar is a mighty and his son Anantvarman of Maukhari monolithic structure which is 17ft high, dynasty and another inscription in Brahmi located in close proximity to the shore of have been discovered here in this cave. the river Ghagra. The pillar possesses a Monuments of Bhagalpur capital at the top, which comprises of a slab of circular shape supporting a cone. Bhagalpur is considered to be one of the It is constructed by rough grey sand stone prominent places in the country. Evidence from and is worshipped by the people of the history suggests that the present city of Bhagalpur locality. It is believed that the Bhagalpur th was known as Champavati in the 5 century B.C, Pillar was constructed in 900 A.D. capital city of Anga, which was one of the sixteen ACT RELATED TO MONUMENTS OF BIHAR Mahajanpadas. It is believed that Subhadrangi Bihar Act XIX of 1976 : mother of Ashoka belonged to and made Mahindra his son, governor of this provincial city later. This This Act provides for preservation of ancient city is well known all over the world for its silk monuments and archeological sites and remains other than those declared by or under law made by products and therefore it is also called as “Silk Parliament to be of National importance for the city”.

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Regulation of Archeological excavation and for the composite cultural heritage has co-existed in Bihar, protection of antiquites in the state of Bihar. which has helped in maintaining social harmony. Bihar's Tourist inflow for the year 2006-2009 Medieval architecture of Bihar is an enduring concrete impression of a tolerant cohesive culture YEAR NATIONAL FOREIGN TOTAL of Bihar. The historical monuments of the state 2006 1,06,70,268 94,446 1,07,64,714 are our heritage and our pride. They are considered 2007 1,03,52,887 1,77,362 1,05,30,249 as the wealth of the nation. It is the duty of every 2008 1,18,89,611 3,45,572 1,22,35,183 citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of 2009 1,52,41,147 4,14,288 1,56,55,435 our composite culture which has to be handed over RECENT FINDINGS to the next Generation. Presently excavations are being carried out in: References : • TELHARA – Hilsa block, in Nalanda Asher Catherine B. (1993). Architecture of Mughal • CHERAN – Near Ganga, in Siwan India, Cambridge University Press, Delhi. • SHIKLIGARH – in Purnia Askari Syed Hasan ; Ahmad Qeyamuddin. (1987). Suggestions : The Comprehensive , vol. We as youth can be a major driving force to II, Part 1, Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research protect these monuments and raise our voice Institute, Patna. against the destruction of places of tourist interest. People around should be made aware of their Brown Percy. (1956). Indian Architecture, Delhi. importance. Desai Zeyauddin, Indo Islamic Architecture, • We should avoid writing on the walls of Publications Division, Ministry of the monuments. Information and Broadcasting, Government • We should not litter such places. of India. • As far as Govt. is concerned strict laws Patil D.R. (1963). Antiquarian remains in Bihar, should be enforced and punishment Patna. should be given to the guilty. Conclusion : Bibliography : http://www.bihar-tourism.com on Aug. 2010. Bihar, the ancient land of Buddha has witnessed a golden period of Indian history. It is the http://www.bihar-tourism.com/tourist-destinations- same land where the seeds of the first republic in-bihar.php on Aug. 2010. were sown and which cultivated the first crop of http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com on Sep. 2010. democracy. The fertile soil has given birth to http://www.nlsenlaw.org/line/nlsen/aw/heritage- numerous intellectuals who spread the light of conservation on Aug. 2010. knowledge and wisdom not only in the country but http://www.city.nara.nara.jp-asvisited on 04.05.2003 in the whole world. For its geographical location, natural beauty, mythological and historical http://www.unesco.org-as visited on 06.05.2003 importance, Bihar feels proud of the assets it has http://en.wikipedia.org/wki/tourism_in_India been gifted by time, and for its moral contribution http://www.tourismbihar.org/dot/tourismpolicy.php in the field of art and literature, religion and on Aug. 2010. spiritualism, it knows no competitor. The synergetic http://en.wikipidia.org/wiki/Bihar cultural traditions exist in the region. There is a http://www.hinduonnet.com./fline/fl11725/ need for special efforts to promote the view that a 17250440.htm on September. 2010.

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Magazines : Interviews with : http://flashnewstoday.com/index.php/a-billion- Dr. Atul Kumar, Exavation-Exploration Officer. Dated dollar-opportunity 10.09.2010. http://www.coa.edu/press-release_751_htm Mr. Vinay Kumar, Director of Bihar, Tourism http://trael.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/ Department. Dated 15.09.2010. pilgrimajer Foreign Visitors. Met at the museum on 20.09.2010. http://www.scribd.com/doc/9711164/ME

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