PRESENTATION ON THE TOPIC "PATNA UNIVERSITY AND ITS HERITAGE BUILDINGS." THROUGH POSTER DISPLAY

Today I got an opportunity to present before revered alumni of Patna University;  a set of twelve pictures of ‘HERITAGE BUILDINGS and illustration of THE GANGA RIVER-FRONT CAMPUS OF PATNA UNIVERSITY’ through the kaleidoscope of time. It was presented at ‘Kahaanighar' on Monday (December 25, 2017).

Each poster was not only presenting the ‘visual of heritage buildings’ but also taking ‘One and All’, to A JOURNEY IN THE PAST because “The Historic Ganga River-Front Campus of Patna University” is part of the great ‘Magadhan Capital of Pataliputra - Patna – Azimabad’;  which includes Bankipur locality of the colonial period, Muradpur locality of the medieval, and Mahendru locality of the ancient periods respectively.  

[Prabuddha Biswas at Kahaanighar today presenting “Patna University and its Heritage Buildings”]

Indeed, it was the unique way of celebrating the on-going Centenary of their beloved Patna University as admitted by all who were present and they include Retd. Prof (Dr.) Mala Ghosh, Former Principal Magadh Mahila College; Retd. Prof. Shaileshwar Prasad Sati, Retd. Prof. Dr. N. K. Chaudhary, Former HOD, Economics (PU) and Principal, Patna College; Retd. Prof. (Dr.) Padmalata Thakur, Ex-HOD History (PU); Prof. (Dr.) B. K. Mishra, HOD, Geology (PU); Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmad, Former Director, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library among others. 

The poster series include the heritage buildings with ‘history in motion’ of Patna University Administrative Building, Wheeler Senate House, Patna College, Magadh Mahila College, Bihar National College, Patna Medical College, Darbhanga House, Science College, Patna Women’s College, NIT (formerly Bihar College of Engineering) among others.

The unique depiction of the history of the Patna University, through posters was conceived jointly by Kahanighaar and Forgotten Past (A site dedicated to Heritage and Culture).

PARTICIPATION ON INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY DATED MAY 18, 2017 AT PATNA MUSEUM

My deliberation was on

 "THE STRATEGIC LOCATION OF TELHARA, CONNECTING UTTARAPATH WITH MAGADH HEARTLAND"

The International Museum Day was organised by the Department of Art, Culture & Youth at Patna Museum Campus with series of programme including workshop, painting competition of children and initiation of month-long exhibition of artefacts unearthed in TELHARA EXCAVATION.

Copyright of Prabuddha Biswas

Please visit my website: - www.forgottenpast.in

GEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF TUNNELS OF NORTH INDIA

MY lecture to PG Geology students of Patna University on March 21, 2017 on the topic: - GEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF TUNNELS OF NORTH INDIA on the occasion of World Water Day.

It was a great feeling to address students of PG Geology in the lecture theatre, where I used to attend classes as a student.

I am really obliged to my respected teachers, who were also present to hear my deliberation.

HERITAGE SITES OF PATNA UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS

It was a great privilege......... as I was given the opportunity  to speak before the august audience on the inaugural day of the Centenary Celebration  of the Patna University (i.e. April 20, 2017); held at Wheeler Senate House, about the history and heritage sites related with Patna University Campus.

[PRABUDDHA BISWAS SPEAKING AT WHEELER SENATE HOUSE]

[PU COLLEGES]

[PATNA UNIVERSITY]

RESPONSE IN THE PRESS

1. THE TIMES OF INDIA

http://m.timesofindia.com/city/patna/pu-academics-bemoan-poor-state-of-varsity/articleshow/58285762.cms

My deliberation was on the topic: - HERITAGE SITES OF PATNA UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS (through PPT).

[DECORATED WHEELER SENATE HOUSE, IN THE EVENING]

[ON THE DAIS]

[DANCE PERFORMANCE]

Visit my website: - www.forgottenpast.in

PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD HERITAGE DAY FUNCTION ON APRIL 18, 2017; AT KUMRAHAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AT PATNA

It was a great pleasure to attend the World Heritage Day function on April 18, 2017; with school kids at the Kumrahar Archaeological site organised by the Patna Circle of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

I delivered a lecture on the topic: GLIMPSE OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND SITES OF PATALIPUTRA - PATNA.

Dr. C. P. Sinha, former Director of Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute (KPJRI) was the Chief Guest in the function. 

Dr. Shankar Sharma from ASI; anchored the programme.

THE SUMMARY OF THE KPJRI LECTURE DATED MARCH 11, 2017: - "GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF BUDDHIST MONASTERIES IN MAGADH HEARTLAND" DELIVERED BY PRABUDDHA BISWAS

The ancient environment of the region, where later emerged the great City of Patliputra; was between two rivers; (i) River Ganges along the north and (ii) the River Sone flowed along the south. Now River Punpun flows through the southern edge of the ‘Old bed of the River Sone’. As a result, the area south of Patliputra had been termed as river terrain or marshy land or ‘Jalla’ during subsequent historical times, because the area remain water-logged during rainy season and slowly recedes through Punpun in the east.

The ‘Magadh Heartland’ is surrounded by (i) Mokama Tal (which has its extent from Fatuha to Lakhisarai region) in the ‘north and east’; (ii) Hilly and Jungle Terrain in the south; and (iii) River Sone in the west; which formed its outer security cover during ancient times. In the Magadh Heartland, twin centres; (i) Rajagriha (ancient Magadh Capital and abode of Sakya Muni) (ii) followed by Bodh Gaya (centre of Enlightment of Gautam Buddha) emerged as the nucleus and rallying point of the Buddhist World.

There were two entry-points of Magadh Heartland, and they include: -

(i)     Northern Entry Point: - In the ancient period, the road from Patliputra to ‘Gaya – Bodhgaya’ via Fatuha – Hilsa – ‘Telhara-Ekengarsarai’ - Islampur was the common and popular route for pilgrims and merchants.

(ii)   Eastern Entry Point: - From post Gupta period, Lakhisarai – Sheikhpura – Barbigha - Odantapuri (Biharsharif) – Gaya – Bodhgaya route became popular as Buddhist population were abound in the East.

After crossing Ganga near Pataligram , Buddha must have proceeded east upto Fatuha (after crossing River Punpun) and then took the southern route of the present day alignment of Fatuha – Daniawan – Hilsa – ‘Ekengarsarai – Telhara’ – Islampur and from there one can move in all directions: - i.e.

(i)  Eastward movement towards Rajgir,

(ii)  Southward movement towards Gaya, Bodh Gaya;

(iii) Westward movement towards Dharawat (Gunamati), Rock-cut cave shelters of Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills (Gorathgiri), Silabhadra Monastery (Kaua Dol).

This ‘North-South Corridor’ continued to be the most important communication route till Gupta period. Initially, major monasteries emerged out along this ‘North-South Corridor’ of ‘Patliputra – Bodh Gaya – Rajagriha’ alignment. These monasteries were located at Patliputra, Teladika (Telhara), Gunamati, Shilabhadra Monastery, Bodh Gaya, Jivakarama (Rajagriha) among others.

In the Gupta period, Nalanda Mahavihara started functioning and it emerged as an important junction point for visiting both Rajagriha and Bodhgaya.

After the slow demise of the city of Patliputra, 700 AD onwards; the eastern doorway of the Magadh heartland gradually opened up through Lakhisarai – Barbigha – Sheikhpura - Odantapuri corridor. Hence, Odantapuri (later Biharsharif) emerged as the important junction point in Magadh region as it was connected with Gaya-Bodhgaya & Rajgir valley region with three alternate routes. In this phase, monasteries of Nalanda and Odantapuri came into great prominence.

To shorten the entry-point to the Magadh Heartland; another route opened up further east; bypassing Odantapuri-Barbigha portion also and i.e. Lakhisarai – Sheikhpura – Warsaliganj – Giriyak – Rajgir – Bodhgaya route. In this route, newer monasteries came to origin and they included Pigeon Monastery (Daryapur Parvati). 

Among all monasteries; the Nalanda and Odantapuri Mahaviharas emerged as two of the  five great Universities in the world during 8-12 Century AD. Interestingly, all monasteries (universities) lay in the important highways of the time, so that aspiring students, from far-off places, could reach easily for higher studies.

Photographs, Courtesy - Heritage Society

(My website: - www.forgottenpast.in)

K. P. JAYASWAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (KPJRI) SEMINAR ON 'MAGADH' DATED MARCH 11, 2017 AT PATNA MUSEUM AUDITORIUM

DATED MARCH 11, 2017 

TIME - 11 AM

VENUE - PATNA MUSEUM AUDITORIUM

[Dr. Bijay Kumar Chaudhary]

In the seminar, four papers were read  and they included the following: -

[Prof. (Dr.) G. P. Singh]

1. Key-note address was given by Prof. G. P. Singh, Professor Emeritus, Manipur University. The Topic was  'Magadh from the time of Alexander's Invasion of India to Chandragupta as told by Classical Historians'

2. Research Writer and Freelance Journalist Sri Prabuddha Biswas  gave the deliberation on the topic: - 'Geographical Location of Buddhist Monasteries in Magadh Heartland'.

[Sri Prabuddha Biswas]

3. The Archaeologist from ASI, Patna Circle; Dr. Shankar Sharma gave the deliberation on the topic: - 'New Perspective in Archaeology of Magadh Region in the Light of Recent Discoveries'.

[Dr. Shankar Sharma]

4. Dr. Anantashutosh Dwivedy from 'VIRASAT' gave the deliberation on the topic: - 'Archaeological Perspective of Ancient Magadh'.

[Dr. Anantashutosh Dwivedy]

The Director of KPJRI Dr. Bijay Kumar Chaudhary gave the inaugural lecture and steered the meeting

There was Qn & Ans session, after  presentation all four papers

The former Director of KPJRI, Dr. Jagdishwar Pandey was the Chief Guest of the Seminar who also shared his views.

[Prof. (Dr.) Kameshwar Prasad]

The former HOD of Historyof Patna Unversity Prof. (Dr.) Kameshwar Prasad gave the Presidential deliberation.

Dr. Surendra Tiwary, the Decipherment Expert from KPJRI gave the 'Vote of Thanks'.

Don't forget to visit my website: - www.forgottenpast.in

PG HISTORY, PATNA UNIVERSITY HERITAGE LECTURE DATED MARCH 2, 2017; THURSDAY, DEIVERED BY PRABUDDHA BISWAS

KNOW AND LOVE YOUR HERITAGE CAMPAIGN

Students of Post Graduate Department of History, Patna University attended the Heritage Lecture on the topic: -

THE MAKING OF THE FIRST CANTONMENT OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT IN PATNA, 1757-1768. 

Venue: - Library Hall, PG History, Patna University, Darbhanga House, Patna

Dated March 2, 2017; Thursday

Time: - 12.30 PM

Faculty of PU History Department were also present to hear the deliberation given by Prabuddha Biswas.

Senior Professor (Dr.) Daisy Narayan introduced the topic and the speaker to students.

Don't forget to visit my website: - www.forgottenpast.in

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, DANAPUR HERITAGE LECTURE DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2017; SATURDAY DEIVERED BY PRABUDDHA BISWAS

KNOW AND LOVE YOUR HERITAGE CAMPAIGN

Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Danapur Cantonment (morning session) attended the Heritage Lecture on the topic: -

THE MAKING OF THE FIRST CANTONMENT OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT IN PATNA, 1757-1768. 

Venue: - Computer Hall, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Danapur

Time: - 11.30 AM

PGT teachers Sri Prashant Kumar, Sri D. K. Singh and Sri Rakesh Ranjan also attended the lecture delivered by Prabuddha Biswas

Sri Prashant Kumar gave vote of thanks.

Please go through my website: - www.forgottenpast.in