Capital march from Patna to Delhi

I was born in Patna, the ancient capital of India called Pataliputra then from where once the mighty Mauryan emperors, such as Chandragupta and Ashoka, ruled over India. Even today the capital of Bihar holds its own charm, especially for those who have grown up there. Wandering on Ashok Rajpath or amid the ruins of Kumhrar, there is an overwhelming feeling of walking on the land that had once the footprints of Chandragupta, Kautilya, Ashok, and perhaps even Lord Buddha.

On visit to Patna Museum as a teenager and seeing the relics there, I would feel as if I was living among the pages of a history book. There was also the feeling of pride that my birthplace was once the cradle of civilisation, and played a key role in shaping the history of India.

Once called Jaldurga as the city is located strategically at the confluence of the Ganges, Gandak and Son, going to the banks of the Ganges to see it flow had its own thrill.

My world changed when I got admission to JNU and moved to Delhi. Now sometimes while spotting the historical landmarks of Delhi like the Qutub Minar, I get nostalgic about the Golghar of Patna where I would go occasionally. Visits to the National Museum in Delhi, however, bring some solace when I spot the relics from Bihar, and the feeling being a part of the historical continuum called India continues.

Anushka Sinha, New Delhi