Nagholkothi

Built of Mughal architecture, Nagholkothi is a palace that is situated in the old city of Patna. The grandiosity of the structure and its architectural brilliance is one of the many attractions in the old city and has been deemed as a historical tourist spot of Patna.

The old city of Patna had flourished as a trading center under the rule of the Mughals. The city was earlier called Pataliputra and earned its prominence under the Mauryan dynasty. The Mughals arrived in Pataliputra in 1574 when the Great King Akbar led his army against the Afghan chief Daud Khan. The city prospered under their influence in commerce and in architecture. Among the various monuments built during the Mughal rule is the mosque constructed by Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal by the River Ganges. The Mughal ruler Aurangazeb inspired by his grandson, Muhamad Azim desired to develop Patna into a city as grand as Delhi. Another ruler, Sher Shah Suri also built a palace by the river whose walls have now been incorporated into the Jalan House which is a museum in Patna with its rare collection of Chinese paintings. After the Mughals, the Nawabs of Bengal inspired architectural growth in the city.

Nagholkothi also stands as an evidence of the Mughal influence in Patna. The palace of Nagholkothi is typical of the Mughal style of architecture. The palace stands erected in all its grandiosity amidst the luxuriant and plush gardens. The splendor and magnificence of Nagholkhoti attracts tourists in large numbers every year to visit it.