Patna, the capital and largest city of the state of Bihar, is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited places in the world. It was founded in 490 BC by the king of Magadha, as Pataliputra and was a seat of learning and fine arts. Many great Indian scholars of ancient India including Aryabhata, Panini, Vatsyayana and Chanakya were associated with Patna.
Patna is located on the south bank of the river Ganges and is an excellent starting point for visiting various Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres in the state of Bihar.