Sabhyata Dwar (Civilization Gate)
ABOUT
The Sabhyata Dwar, also known as the Civilization Gate, stands tall as a monumental tribute in Patna, Bihar, nestled by the banks of the River Ganga. It celebrates the majestic history of Pataliputra and the vibrant culture of Bihar.
Conceived by former Lieutenant General Srinivas Kumar Sinha, this 32-meter-tall structure surpasses even the iconic Gateway of India. Its construction required an investment of ₹5 crore.
Situated near the Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre, this sprawling monument covers one acre of land. Adorning its arches are inscriptions from historical luminaries like Megasthenes, Ashoka, Buddha, and Mahavira.
On May 21, 2018, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Sabhyata Dwar. Since then, it has proudly served as a symbol of Bihar’s heritage, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient splendor of Pataliputra and the timeless traditions of Bihar.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Alternative names: Civilization Gate
- Location: Patna, Bihar
- Address: Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre, Gandhi Maidan
- Elevation: 10m
- Construction started: 20 May 2016
- Construction Completed: May 2018
- Inaugurated: 21 May 2018
- Cost: ₹ 5 crore (50 million) (2018)
- Height: 32 m (105 ft)
- Diameter: 15m (49 ft)
HISTORY
In 2010, Retired Lieutenant General Srinivas Kumar Sinha, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, proposed an idea. He envisioned constructing a structure similar to Mumbai’s famous Gateway of India, but he named it the Sabhyata Dwar or Civilization Gate.
His proposal aimed to position this monument near the residence of the City Superintendent of Police, adjacent to the River Ganga. The purpose behind this suggestion was to exemplify the historical significance of Pataliputra, an ancient city situated there, which once thrived as a bustling port attracting people worldwide.
Essentially, Sinha aimed to create a symbol evoking the ancient glory of Pataliputra, illustrating its vibrant history as a hub of trade and culture that attracted visitors from distant lands.
CONSTRUCTION
On February 8, 2014, the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, laid the foundation stone for the Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre. This convention center was going to include the Sabhyata Dwar as one of its parts.
A company from Delhi designed the convention center, while the building and construction department of the Bihar government carried out the construction work.
Finally, on May 21, 2018, the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, officially opened the Sabhyata Dwar. The entire project, including the construction of the monument, cost around ₹5 crore (50 million).
Structure and appearance
The Sabhyata Dwar sits on a one-acre area within the grounds of the Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre, positioned north of Gandhi Maidan.
Standing at 32 meters (105 feet) tall, the Sabhyata Dwar is taller than both the Gateway of India and Golghar. It faces the River Ganga to the north.
This monument features two arches, constructed in the style of the ancient Mauryan architecture, with smaller arches on each side. It primarily consists of red and white sandstones.
At the top of the arches, a small stupa holds a four-sided lion capital, believed to date back to the time of Ashoka. A metal alloy crafted this lion capital.
The northern and southern faces of the arches have inscriptions attributed to historical figures like Megasthenes, Ashoka, Buddha, and Mahavira. These inscriptions add to the historical significance of the monument.
IMORTANCE OF SABHYATA DWAR IN BIHAR TOURISM
The Sabhyata Dwar holds significant importance in Bihar tourism for several reasons:
- Cultural Heritage Showcase: The Sabhyata Dwar serves as a symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It highlights the ancient glory of Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) as a center of civilization and cultural exchange, attracting tourists interested in exploring the region’s vibrant history.
- Architectural Marvel: The monument’s Mauryan-style architecture, constructed from red and white sandstones, showcases the skilled craftsmanship of ancient India. Tourists interested in architecture and historical monuments are drawn to Sabhyata Dwar to admire its impressive design and craftsmanship.
- Tourist Attraction: Sabhyata Dwar’s towering height, standing taller than iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India, coupled with its location on the banks of the River Ganga, makes it a prominent tourist attraction in Patna. Tourists visiting Bihar often include the monument in their itinerary to learn about the region’s cultural and historical significance.
- Cultural Significance: The inscriptions attributed to historical figures such as Megasthenes, Ashoka, Buddha, and Mahavira add to the cultural significance of Sabhyata Dwar. Visitors interested in ancient Indian history and philosophy are intrigued by these inscriptions, which reflect Bihar’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage.
- Promotion of Tourism: The inauguration of Sabhyata Dwar has contributed to the promotion of tourism in Bihar. The monument, along with other tourist attractions in the state, attracts visitors from across India and around the world, boosting the local economy and supporting tourism-related businesses.
PHOTOS OF SABHYATA DWAR
FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is Sabhyata Dwar?
- Sabhyata Dwar, also known as the Civilization Gate, is a monumental sandstone arch structure located on the banks of the River Ganga in Patna, Bihar, India.
- What is the purpose of Sabhyata Dwar?
- The Sabhyata Dwar is built to showcase the ancient glory of Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) and the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. It serves as a symbol of the region’s historical significance and traditions.
- Who conceived the idea of Sabhyata Dwar?
- The idea for constructing the Sabhyata Dwar was pitched by Retired Lieutenant General Srinivas Kumar Sinha in 2010, with the aim of highlighting the historical importance of Pataliputra as a center of civilization and cultural exchange.
- Where is Sabhyata Dwar located?
- Sabhyata Dwar is situated within the campus of the Samrat Ashok International Convention Centre, north of Gandhi Maidan, on the banks of the River Ganga in Patna, Bihar.
- What are the architectural features of Sabhyata Dwar?
- The Sabhyata Dwar is built in Mauryan-style architecture, featuring two arches constructed from red and white sandstones. It stands at 32 meters (105 feet) tall and faces the River Ganga to the north. Inscriptions attributed to historical figures adorn the arches.
- When was Sabhyata Dwar inaugurated?
- The Sabhyata Dwar was inaugurated on May 21, 2018, by the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar.
- How much did it cost to build Sabhyata Dwar?
- The construction of Sabhyata Dwar required an investment of ₹5 crore (50 million).
- What historical inscriptions are found on Sabhyata Dwar?
- The arches of Sabhyata Dwar contain inscriptions attributed to figures such as Megasthenes, Ashoka, Buddha, and Mahavira, reflecting the diverse cultural and intellectual legacy of the region.
Other websites
BIHAR
OUR MORE WORK
Author: R R Mohit
I am a Diploma student of Mechanical Engineering at government polytechnic patna-7. I have completed my training of content writing from khabai tech and i am here as a content writer to write blogs.
4 comments