Kumhrar Ruins Visit

About

Kumhrar is the name of an area of Patna, where remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra were excavated. This includes the ruins of a hypostyle 80-pillared hall(Mauryan Palace). The excavation dates back to 600 BCE from the ancient capital of Ajatshatru, Chandragupta, and Ashoka, and collectively the relics range from four continuous periods from 600 BCE to 600 CE.(Wikipedia)

The Plan

Mains 2020 has been tiring to both body and mind. The pertinent demand to be at peak of performance of almost two weeks is what makes it all the more challenging. Post examination, I needed some rest but the momentum gained didn't allow the mind to settle or sleep. I had to engage in something stimulating. For a history buff like me visit some archeological site was the answer.

The Experience

The ruins are protected in a small museum in a large park. Park mostly visited by young many and museum by few (Of my 2 hours at that place I remained the only visitor ). The museum provided some great insight and information about the significance of the place. From ancient history class, I had some idea about 80 pillared hall and its comparisons with the Achaemenid palace in Persepolis but the place being the location of Arogyavihar of Dhanwantri (Celebrated medical practitioner) and venue of 3rd Buddhist council was a revelation.

While the pillar has been preserved to some extent, the location where they stood and where Arogyavihar was, has faced the test of time and human negligence. It is no way is preserved on the same scale as compared to Nalanda university's ruins. The photographs at the museum showed that when 1st ASI excavations were done in the early 1900s (Funded by Tata) much of the structure was still visible but now no more.

Importance of preserving

"To be able to bring change in future ,one must act in present and learn from past "

Our rich history, its achievements, its glories, its art, and architecture are sources of inspiration to the present generation. They not only provide continuity to our existence but act as guide in our struggles for excellence and prosperity. This has more salience in the case of Bihar, the region which was at the center of geopolitical, economic, and educational excellence once but is struggling to find its feet in present times. Though much has changed in recent years, It still has a long perception battle to fight. And in this fight, the soft power of its glorious past can be its first soldier