About the Book
This book is undoubtedly based on the historical facts, but in addition to these, legends and folklores have also been included, wherever possible to make the book interesting.
In short, this work can suitably be ratified as a historical travelogue by stretching the phrase a little more. An attempt has been made to present an account, how the city has changed during the centuries due to various factors. The historical basis of different localities that have undergone several facelifts and transformations in different perspectives, have also been digged up. In the process description of these places and of some eminent personalities and their contributions towards socio-economic and educational life, have naturally been taken into account.
It is but quite natural for any person while walking along in any mohalla, streets and precincts of Patna to put a query as to what the history of the place might be or where have these century-old temples, mosques, churches, palatial buildings or cemetries come from? Who were the promoters and builders of the historical houses and grounds? The curiosity is thus sharpened by various questions. The common reader, who does not want to go through the scholarly historical texts for the information will particularly and highly be benefited by this book. I have not entered into minute details here. I have simply narrated the thrills of the journey.
Foreword
No successful writing needs any proem that may lead even to be considered as a plain confession of author's incompetency. Yet in order to avoid any misjudgement and controversy, a few words from the writer's side deemed necessary.
Patna is the modern version of the ancient Pataliputra. The different historical facts hidden in the nook and corners of the many allways of Patna have been gathered together and presented to the reader. A voyage of discovery has been undertaken with a view to unveiling the changing historical, social, cultural and economic faces of Patna. This book is undoubtedly based on the historical facts, but in addition to these, legends and folklores have also been included, wherever possible to make the book interesting.
It is but quite natural for any person while walking along in any mohalla, streets and precincts of Patna to put a query as to what the history of the place might be or where have these century-old temples, mosques, churches, palatial buildings or cemetaries come from? Who were the promoters and builders of the historical houses and grounds? The curiosity is thus sharpened by various questions. The common reader, who does not want to go through the scholarly historical texts for the information will particularly and highly be benefited by this book. I have not entered into minute details here. I have simply narrated the thrills of the journey.
The book has been divided into four major chapters. The First Chapter deals with the history of West Patna or the New Capital Area and the Second Chapter with Central Patna. The history of the administration and trade of different races beginning with the Mughals and continuing with the Portuguese, Dutch, French and English rulers of Patna City have been taken up in the Third Chapter. The Fourth Chapter comprises the history of different 'Ghats' lying along the eleven mile long river-bank of the Ganges whose echoes can still be heard.
It may be confessed that many items of historical importance and personages might not have found place in this book, which can be attributed to my nescience. A few passages of the book have been published as independent articles in several English and Bengali journals of Calcutta and Patna. The chapter 'Ghats of Patna' has been in a nutshell broadcast by AIR, Patna. This book was originally written in Bengali, titled 'Patali Theke Patna' has now been suitably expanded and polished to bring out its English version with modicum changes.
I express my sincere gratitude to Laboni Roy, a successful student of English, who secured First Class in M.A. Examination from the Patna University, for taking great pains and profound interest for the translation.
I also express my thankfulness to my friend Narayan Ghosh, who took pride typing the manuscript.
Finally, I have to pronounce my deepest thanks to Arati Mitra, the wife of late Barin Mitra of Naya Prokash, Calcutta, for extending always her helping hand and expediting publication of all my books.
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