Stambh, a Heritage Podium

Brahmyoni Hill, Gaya (Source: Author) Nature reflects the beauty of the city and when we talk of Bihar, Gaya district has been endowed with the rich natural heritage in form of hills, sarovars, kunds, springs, rivers and the scattered forests throughout the district. Today let’s open our arms and feel the scenic beauty of Gaya city. The city finds it’s mention in Vayu purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddha charit and has a rich historic importance from time immemorial.  When we talk of the city, it is surrounded by hills from three sides and river Falgu from the fourth side. There are many stand-alone hills, which are geographically located within the city boundary. Another hill has its range, which has even crossed the city boundary, the Brahmyoni hill. Let’s explore the historicity of the Brahmyoni hill and its scenic beauty and importance for Gaya city. Brahmyoni Hill, Gaya (Source: Author) Gaya is geographically located on the intermediary zone of chotanagpur plateau and gangetic

  Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author) The land of Gaya is full of architectural marvels. One of them is "Rai Surajmal Jhunjhunwala ki haveli" which is also commonly known as "Tilha Dharamshala". The elegant structure built in 1909 with eye- catching carvings, beautiful human figured cornices,  decorative parapets with mouldings and carvings is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture with colonial influence. In its construction, Rai Surajmal Prasad Jhunjhunwala Bahadur, the grandson of Seth Ramcharan Das ji and great-grandson of Tuganramji, resident of Ravetri Rajputana located in Chidwa area, played the main role. This Dharamsala was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bengal, Lord Walker.   Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author) The structure is situated on Ramsagar road of Navagarhi area in the old historic core of Gaya. Carved stucco works on the facade, Floral stucco on the spandrels of arc

  Vishnupad Temple complex Gaya is known as the pre-vedic city and is one of the oldest existing cities in the world. The city of Gaya has been historically important from time immemorial. It’s interesting to learn that Gaya has gone through various phases of historic development. The present culture and heritage as we perceive have developed in layers through passage of time. It is very interesting to know that not only has the culture been developed through ages, but the city name has also been changing from time to time. The influence of the local and provincial powers has been clearly reflected in the naming of the city. The city got it’s different names from the  pre-vedic  period till today. Since the evolution of the city dates back to the  purana age , it has a rich historic importance among the hindu pilgrims visiting the city. Gaya was the major attraction of rulers in all times and thus they have been visiting the city and have creatively influenced the name of the city. Let

  Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Thomas Fraser Peppé in 1865) The temple is one of the few surviving ancient Hindu Temple in a small 'market town' of Konch CD Block under Tekari subdivision in Gaya District of Bihar state. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and inspite of its historicity and beauty, the place is very less visited even by the local people and is one of the lesser known tourist destinations. The temple was built in Nagara style in 8th century AD.   Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Thomas Fraser Peppé in 1865) Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library,  Joseph David Begglar in 1870s. ) The temple's remain was first noticed and described by 'Buchanan', during his survey of Gaya District on 3rd December 1811. The temple also finds its mention by several other surveyors/travellers, who visited the site during the "Raj" like Cunningham, Thomas F Peppe etc. Even the local

Sujata Stupa or Sujata Garh, Bodhgaya  Many of us from Gaya might have visited Gol Pathar chowk or are aware of it. I have always been curious why it has been named so. There is nothing 'Gol' (round) at the chowk. Here is the answer.   Mr. Boddam, a British officer at Gaya was in search of good quality red burnt brick for the construction of his bungalow in Sahibganj at Gaya. This led him to visit Bakraur, where he found a large heap of bricks covered with mud. He procured many bricks from the site for his building at Gaya. While digging for the bricks, he found an Ashokan Pillar which was round in shape and hollow. He transported the piller to Gaya and erected it in Sahibganj area at a prime location (at a road intersection). Due to the round shape of the pillar erected at the intersection, it came to be known as Gol Pathar Chowk.   Ashokan Pillar At Mahabodhi Temple Complex Later, when Cunningham as the first DG of ASI started excavation and research at Bodhgaya, it was found

  Lal Kothi, White House Compound, Gaya (Source: Author) The Maharaja of Tekari built two magnificent buildings namely White house and Red house in a common compound of around 100 acres with approximately 60 and 40 acres for white house and red house respectively. Later known as white house compound and red house compound. The compound comprises orchards, gardens, lawns, a pond and wooded area. There were out houses, horse stables, a garage to house the fleet of cars, servants, staff and guard quarters, chabutaras and swimming pool. The whole campus was properly landscaped.   Lal Kothi, White House Compound, Gaya (Source: Manish Sharma) At some point of time Maharaja Gopal Sharan Narain Singh of Tekari resided here in the white house. It was believed that the red house was built by the Maharaja to house meetings and other conferences. The 37th conference of Indian National Congress was held here in the red house compound in 1922, where Motilal Nehru and Chitranjan Das formed the &q

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