Kumhrar: A Glimpse into Patna's Ancient Majesty

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
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  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
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  [Kripya]
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  [Dhanyavad]
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  [Kshama karein]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
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  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दें
  [Kripya mujhe bhugtan karne dein]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
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  [Chale jao!]
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  [Police ko bulao!]
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• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
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• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [Main ... kharidna chahunga/chahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi 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/सकती हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte/sakti hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
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• Half past (10)दस बजे बीस मिनट हो रहे हैं
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• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
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  [Kal]
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• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
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  [Kya aap mujhe dikhya sakte/sakti hain (nakse 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)]

Kumhrar, located in the modern-day Patna, has roots that stretch back to the ancient city of Pataliputra, which was the capital of the Maurya Empire around the 3rd century BCE. The archaeological excavations in Kumhrar have unearthed remnants of ancient structures, including the ruins of the famed Mauryan Pillars, which highlight its significance as a political and cultural hub during ancient times.

During the reign of Emperor Ashoka, Kumhrar was adorned with impressive architecture, most notably the Ashokan Pillars, which were built to spread the principles of Buddhism. These pillars, made from polished sandstone and intricately carved with animal motifs, stand as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Mauryan period and are pivotal in understanding the spread of Buddhism in the region.

Kumhrar also played a crucial role during the Gupta period (approximately 4th to 6th centuries CE), which is often referred to as the Golden Age of India. This era saw a flourishing of arts, literature, and science, with Kumhrar contributing to the intellectual and cultural advancements of that time. The remnants of structures from this period reflect the architectural styles and urban planning innovations that emerged.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Kumhrar, like much of Patna, experienced the impacts of colonial rule. The British colonial administration undertook various modernization projects, which changed the landscape of the area. Despite these changes, the historical significance and archaeological heritage of Kumhrar continued to attract attention, leading to more systematic excavations and preservation efforts in the 20th century.

Today, Kumhrar is recognized as an archaeological site of national importance. The site has been developed into a park, with preserved ruins and informative displays that educate visitors about the history of Pataliputra. It serves as a vital link to understanding the region's past and continues to be a focal point for historians and tourists interested in the rich tapestry of Indian history.

Kumhrar is well-connected to the rest of Patna. The nearest major railway station is Patna Junction, from where you can take a local taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Kumhrar in about 15-20 minutes. Buses also operate from various parts of Patna, including the Patna City Bus Terminal, frequently heading towards Kumhrar. If you're arriving from Patna Airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps, which typically take around 30 minutes to reach Kumhrar.

Kumhrar is relatively small and can be explored on foot, especially the archaeological sites and local markets. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are commonly available for short distances. Local buses run through Kumhrar, connecting it to other neighbourhoods. For a more personalized experience, consider renting a bicycle to leisurely explore the area.

Kumhrar is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it’s advisable to remain vigilant, particularly around the Kumhrar archaeological site where crowds may gather.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for ambulance services. Local hospitals, such as Patna Medical College and Hospital, are equipped to handle emergencies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to know the location of nearby pharmacies for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially near religious sites. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; always remove shoes when entering temples. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly and women. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite 'Namaste.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food, but ensure it’s from clean establishments. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may offend.

To experience Kumhrar like a local, visit the local markets where you can find fresh produce and traditional snacks. Engage with the locals, many of whom are keen to share stories about the historical significance of the area. Don't miss the ancient Mauryan relics at the Kumhrar archaeological site, and consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. Also, try to participate in local festivals if your visit coincides with one, as they offer a vibrant glimpse into the community’s culture.