Rajyog: Long Live the Capital

Abstract

Patna has always been one of the most important cities through the timeline of India. Through its evolution, the city has gone through several transitions and phases of architecture and planning. The settlement evolved on the bank of the river Ganges around the confluence of the Ganges, the Sone and the Gandak rivers. Through its evolution, the rivers changed their courses. Various rulers ruled or attacked the ancient city effectively changing it.This paper talks about the history, architectural, planning and social aspects of the city Patliputra throughout its evolution. Getting references from the writings of Xuan Zang and Fa Xian along with the Arthashashtra by Chanakya and Indika by Megasthanese, this paper reflects the storyline of the city once called Palibothra and is now known as Patna. One of the largest cities of the ancient times, Pataliputra experienced its highest esteem during the Mauryan Empire. The remains of the Ashokan 80 Pillared Hall and The Arogyavihara are still present at Kumhrar in Patna. This paper focuses on the planning and construction of the city in accordance with the natural and social features in and around it. Pataliputra was once the capital of the huge kingdoms. Through ages, it developed and transformed into the present city of Patna. The paper is revolving around the history, architectural, planning and social aspects of city Patliputra.