The Sabhyata Dwar, on the lines of the ‘Gateway of India’ in Mumbai and the ‘India Gate’ in New Delhi, was opened to the public in Patna last week. The 32 metre high monument, symbolising secularism, is located on the banks of the Ganges. It cost the exchequer Rs 5 crore.
“It is a wonderful tribute to the people of the ancient metropolis of Pataliputra, the current Patna, which reminds us of its rich and glorious history and its legacy bequeathed to the world. My late father, Lt Gen SK Sinha, who had originally conceived the project and worked tirelessly to make it a reality, would’ve been particularly pleased to see his dream realised. As a proud son I salute his vision,” said Yash Sinha, the Indian high commissioner to London.
Seeking to encapsulate the state’s past, flanked by gardens, the Dwar is inscribed with preachings of Gautama Buddha, Jain Tirthankara Mahavira, Emperor Ashoka and Greek historian Megasthenes. The common thread binding the great men is Pataliputra – the ancient name of Bihar’s capital.
In fact. Megasthenes described Patliputra as the greatest city in the world when he visited it in the 4th century BCE. The Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, was born at Patna Sahib.
Red and white sandstone from Rajasthan has been used to construct the structure that has an Ashoka Stambh on the top, that is illuminated with LED lights after sunset.