GOLGHAR – IT WAS A GODOWN FOR GRAINS

Gol means round so it is GOLGHAR, means round house. It was attraction of my childhood days and also now when I am growing old. Now my child also likes it. Not only people like me but so many persons always been fascinated by this piece of colonial architecture. Golghar built in architectural Style of Buddha Stupa.

It is on of the wonders of Bihar. It is  located to the west of the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. It was built by Captain John Garstin in 1786 to store grains for the British Army. It was served as a storehouse during the times of famines.  it has a storage capacity of nearly 140000 tonnes.  In this Golghar there are no pillars to support the building with a spiral staircase. There are two separate staircase for going up and coming down.

In 1770, a huge famine had killed millions of people and hence the British decided to make a building where they could simply store grains. On 20 jan 1784 construction work was started and it took two years to complete. Since 1999 it was used as stockyard.  Now it serves as a picnic spot.

I remember the year 1979, when I was a student of class third. It was great day for me when I reached on top of Golghar with my father. Again in 2013 It was great day for my son Anadi when he was on the top of Golgahr. You can see backdrop of Golghar in so many Bhojpuri films also. Patna, capital of Bihar has a identity with Golghar.

Some year ago cracks on the internal  walls of Golghar was found.  In 2010, Bihar state archaeological directorate, the custodian of Golghar, had asked the ASI's Patna circle to carry out restoration work on the outer and inner walls of the iconic structure. After this request archaeological survey of India started restoration work of the colossal granary.

Now you can enjoy laser light show in the campus of Golghar. You can see a short audio-visual clip depicting the history of Golghar completed the show package. It is a  half-an-hour show for visitors. It costs Rs 30 only. This is an innovative effort by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).

Written on Stone of GOLGHAR

  In part of a general Plan

Ordered by the GOVERNOR GENERAL and Council

20th of January , 1784

For the perputual prevention of Famine

In thefe Provinces

THIS GRANARY

Was erected by CAPTAIN  JOHN GARSTINE Engineer

Completed on the 20th of July , 1786

Firft filled and publickly clofed by.

GOLGHAR  AT A GLANCE

1786 AD year of construction

146 stairs total.

29 meter total hight.

125 meter diameter.

3.6 Meter  thick wall 

1,40,000 tonnes storage

04 entrance gate at the base.

A View of Patna city from the top of GOLGHAR- Photo- VIDYUT

-       vidyutp@gmail.com