Patna: The Heart of Ancient and Modern India

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिए
  [Kshama keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमैं समझ नहीं पा रहा हूँ
  [Main samajh nahi pa raha hoon]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू देखना चाहूं
  [Kripaya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे चुकाना है
  [Kripaya mujhe chukana hai]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूंगा...
  [Main khareedna chahunga...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?समय क्या है?
  [Samay kya hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजकर पंद्रह मिनट हैं
  [Das bajkar pandrah minute hain]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Patna, known historically as Pataliputra, was founded in 490 BCE by Ajatashatru, the king of Magadha. The city became the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, making it a thriving center for commerce and politics in ancient India. Pataliputra was a grand city with wooden palaces, fortified walls, and a bustling marketplace, serving as a hub for scholars, merchants, and artisans.

Under the Mauryan Empire, especially during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, Pataliputra reached its zenith. Ashoka, who initially expanded his empire through warfare, later embraced Buddhism and turned Pataliputra into a major center for Buddhist learning and culture. The city housed various stupas and monasteries, attracting monks and pilgrims from across Asia.

The Gupta Empire, which ruled from the 4th to the 6th century CE, is often referred to as the 'Golden Age of India.' Pataliputra flourished as a center of art, science, and literature during this period. The city's universities and libraries attracted scholars such as Aryabhata, who made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy. The artistic achievements of this era, including intricate sculptures and temples, are still celebrated today.

Following the fall of the Gupta Empire, Pataliputra faced periods of decline and transformation. The city was invaded by various dynasties, including the Huns and later the Muslim rulers. By the medieval period, the city's prominence had diminished, though it continued to be an important regional center under the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.

During British rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, Patna regained some of its importance as a commercial and administrative center. The city became a key point in the opium trade and the indigo plantations, and its strategic location along the Ganges River made it a vital hub for transportation. British colonial architecture from this period still stands in parts of the city, reflecting its historical significance.

Patna played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. The city was a hotbed of political activity, with leaders like Rajendra Prasad, who later became the first President of India, hailing from the region. The Quit India Movement and other nationalist activities saw strong participation from the people of Patna, making it a crucial site in the struggle for freedom.

Today, Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and a bustling metropolis. The city seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern advancements. Landmarks like the Golghar, Patna Museum, and the Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara reflect its diverse cultural history. Modern Patna is also an educational center, home to prestigious institutions like Patna University and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Patna is well-connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road. The Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) in Patna offers both domestic and limited international flights. Major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate regular flights to and from Patna. Patna Junction Railway Station is a major rail hub, with trains connecting to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other cities. National highways NH31, NH30, and NH19 connect Patna to various parts of India, making it accessible by road.

Within Patna, transportation options include auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are also available. The city’s bus service, operated by Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), covers most of the city. For a more local experience, consider hiring a cycle-rickshaw for short distances. Renting a car is another option, but traffic can be congested, so be prepared for delays.

The official currency in Patna is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful in Patna, with major banks like State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank providing 24/7 services.

Patna is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less crowded areas. Some neighborhoods with higher crime rates include areas around Patna Junction and certain parts of old Patna City. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like markets and public transport.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for fire, and 102 for medical assistance. Major hospitals like Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and AIIMS Patna offer emergency medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacists are available and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Handshakes are also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like Litti Chokha and Sattu Paratha. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Patna like a local, visit the local markets such as Hathwa Market and Maurya Lok Complex, where you can buy traditional Bihari goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting historical sites like Golghar, Gandhi Maidan, and Patna Sahib Gurudwara. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Ganges River during sunset.