Preserving Emperor Ashoka's Palace: A Glimpse into Patna's History

Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a city steeped in history and cultural heritage. Efforts are underway to safeguard and preserve its rich historical legacy. In a significant move, the National Monuments Authority (NMA) has released a draft of heritage bylaws aimed at conserving the area believed to house Emperor Ashoka's palace. This blog post delves into the details of this exciting development, highlighting the significance of Ashoka's palace and the steps being taken to protect it.

 

The National Monuments Authority's Initiative

The NMA, a body operating under the Union Ministry of Culture, has taken a proactive role in preserving the historical treasures of Patna. The key objectives of this initiative include:

- Conservation of the area where Emperor Ashoka's palace is believed to be located.

- Development of the surrounding areas to ensure a holistic approach to heritage preservation.

 

Why Emperor Ashoka's Palace Matters

Emperor Ashoka, an iconic figure in India's history, ruled during the Maurya period (322–185 BCE). The palace, believed to be situated in Kumhrar, Patna, holds immense historical significance. It is here that archaeological remains, including an 80-pillared auditorium, have been unearthed. These remnants offer a glimpse into the glorious past of Patna, spanning from 600 BC to 600 AD.

 

Draft Heritage Bye-Laws: A Step Towards Preservation

The draft heritage bye-laws, issued under Section 20 (E) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958, are a pivotal aspect of this preservation effort. They are based on extensive field surveys conducted by the competent authority. The key functions and responsibilities of the NMA in this context include:

 

1. Protection and Conservation: NMA is responsible for safeguarding and conserving monuments and sites, managing prohibited and regulated zones around centrally protected monuments.

 

2. Permission for Construction: NMA evaluates and grants permissions for construction-related activities within prohibited and regulated areas.

 

Unearthing the Past

The excavation efforts in Kumhrar, conducted between 1951 and 1955, revealed the cultural sequence of the site from the Maurya period to 600 AD. Furthermore, additional bases of the pillars of the Maurya pillared auditorium were discovered, shedding more light on the historical treasures beneath the earth's surface.

 

The Living Signs of Patna's Glorious Past

Vijay Kumar Choudhary, the executive director of the Bihar Heritage Development Society (BHDS), emphasizes the importance of these heritage bylaws. He underscores that these regulations are essential for the central conservation of Ashoka Mahal, subject to NMA approval. He also highlights that the excavated remains of the ancient Maurya/Ashoka palace at Kumhrar are a testament to Patna's illustrious history.

 

Conclusion

The preservation of Emperor Ashoka's palace is a testament to Patna's rich historical heritage. The draft heritage bylaws issued by the National Monuments Authority are a significant step towards protecting this invaluable piece of history. As we look to the future, these efforts ensure that the living signs of Patna's glorious past will continue to thrive, offering insights into a bygone era for generations to come.