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| Gol Ghar in Gandhi maidan Patna. en.wikipedia.org |
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| Stupa like Golghar, Patna en.wikipedia.org |
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| Golghar,Patna,Flicker.com |
Golghar meaning "Round House," is an iconic granary located west of Gandhi Maidan in Patna, the capital of Bihar, India. Built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers under the East India Company, this massive structure was part of a broader British plan to prevent famines in the region following the devastating Bengal famine of 1770. Its construction was completed on 20 July 1786.
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| 96 ft tall iconic Golghar,Patna,Bihar,times.com |
Constructed in the architectural style of a Buddhist stupa, Golghar stands 29 meters high with walls 3.6 meters thick at the base. The structure is entirely pillar-less, allowing grain to be stored without internal obstructions. It features a 145-step spiral staircase that wraps around the exterior, enabling workers to carry grain up one side and descend from the other. The grain was dropped trough an opening at the top into the dome-shaped interior.
Although originally intended as the first of a series of granaries, no further structures were built. Interestingly, the granary has never been filled to full capacity. A long-circulated myth suggested that the inward-opening doors would be impossible to open if filled completely. However, later assessments confirmed the doors actually open outward.
Patna’s most famous heritage structure, the Golghar in the middle of 2017 was repaired and conserved because it had developed cracks in some places due to its proximity to the busy road and heavy vehicular movement that caused vibration. Besides there had been unregulated footfall for some years. As it is monument of national importance under the ASI, special care was taken to repair it with meticulous care. To avoid possible lightning strike, a lightning conductor is fixed at top the 96 feet tall old granary. Plans were afoot to built a compound wall around the structure. The number of visitors to Golghar will be restricted to avoid over crowding. It took about five years to carry on the conservation and other work.
The major restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve and beautify this heritage site. Since 2002, initiatives have included cleaning, structural reinforcement, and improved lighting. A sound-and-light show now attracts tourists, offering insights into its colonial history. The summit of Golghar provides a panoramic view of Patna city and the Ganges River, making it a popular viewpoint and cultural attraction.
Golghar stands today not only as a reminder of colonial-era planning but also as a preserved monument reflecting Patna’s historical and architectural legacy.
