Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Inspects Historic Kumrahar Park Archaeological Site in Patna, Bihar

Patna, Bihar | January 2, 2026 — Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday conducted a detailed inspection of the historic and archaeological site Kumrahar Park in Patna, underlining the state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Bihar’s rich ancient heritage. The visit focused on reviewing the current condition, historical significance, and future development possibilities of this globally important archaeological site in Kumrahar, Patna, India.

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During the inspection, the Chief Minister closely examined the preserved remnants of ancient pillars dating back to the Magadha Empire, one of the most powerful empires of ancient India. He reviewed information boards related to major excavations carried out at Bulandibagh, Kumrahar excavation site, and the remains of the famous Mauryan-era assembly hall with eighty pillars, a hallmark of ancient Indian architecture.

At the Krishnadev Memorial Auditorium, located within the Kumrahar Park premises, Nitish Kumar visited the Patliputra Gallery, which showcases visual exhibits on Mauryan architecture, material culture, archaeological remains from Kumrahar excavations, and the artistic and cultural evolution of ancient Patliputra (modern-day Patna). The gallery provides valuable insights into Bihar’s contribution to Indian and world history.

Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) briefed the Chief Minister that Kumrahar Park, Patna, is under the jurisdiction of the Government of India and is currently maintained by the ASI. They informed him that past excavations at the site uncovered numerous ancient artifacts and architectural remains of immense historical value, reinforcing Kumrahar’s status as a premier archaeological site in India.

Recognizing the importance of the site, Nitish Kumar directed senior officials to write to the Government of India, seeking enhanced development and conservation measures for Kumrahar Park. Emphasizing its historical relevance, he stated that Kumrahar is deeply connected with the legacy of the Magadha Empire and attracts a large number of visitors, including history students, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts from across India and abroad.

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“The maintenance of the park and its exhibits must be strengthened. Given the global interest in this archaeological site, proper beautification, conservation, and visitor-friendly infrastructure are essential,” the Chief Minister said. He stressed that improved facilities would help visitors better understand the historical and cultural significance of Kumrahar Park in Patna, Bihar.

Historically, excavations carried out between 1912–15 and 1951–55 revealed a massive Mauryan assembly hall supported by 80 stone pillars, arranged in a grid of 10 rows east–west and 8 rows north–south, with approximately 15 feet of spacing between each pillar. The hall, which faced south, is believed to have served as an important administrative or ceremonial structure during the Mauryan period.

However, rapid urban development around the site and a rising groundwater level caused the archaeological remains to become waterlogged, posing serious threats to their preservation. Acting on the recommendations of a high-level expert committee, the site was filled with soil and sand in 2005 to ensure the long-term protection of the remains. Today, only a few pillar remnants are visible, while the rest remain safely covered.

In ancient times, modern Patna was known as Patliputra, a city of immense political, cultural, and economic importance. In the 6th century BCE, when Lord Buddha visited the region, Patliputra—then called Pataligram—was a small settlement. King Ajatashatru of Magadha fortified it to defend against the Vaishali-based Licchavi rulers. Later, in the 5th century BCE, King Udayin shifted the Magadha capital from Rajgir to Patliputra, recognizing its strategic and trade advantages.

The Greek ambassador Megasthenes, who visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya, described Patliputra in his famous work Indica, referring to it as Palibothra. He detailed the city’s advanced municipal administration, wooden fortifications, deep defensive moats, and the grandeur of the Mauryan royal palace. Archaeological excavations conducted between 1892 and 1955 validated many of Megasthenes’ descriptions.

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Chinese travelers Fa-Hien and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) also documented Patliputra’s prosperity and later decline, noting its transformation from a thriving center of learning into ruins over the centuries. Despite losing its capital status, the city remained historically significant under the Pala dynasty.

Today, the Patliputra Gallery at Kumrahar Park preserves and presents this remarkable legacy through artifacts, models, and visual narratives, making it a vital cultural destination in Bihar, India.

During the inspection, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Secretary Kumar Ravi, District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan S.M., and senior officials of the Archaeological Survey of India were present.

The visit reaffirmed the Bihar government’s resolve to work with the Government of India to transform Kumrahar Park, Patna, into a world-class heritage and tourism destination while safeguarding its invaluable archaeological legacy.

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