History Of Purnia
Purnia region remains a famous destination in the state of Bihar since centuries. This region was once under the control of regional kings and then after many centuries it came under the rule of Mughals who ruled it for a long time. This area also remained one of the crucial places and centers of governance by the British rulers that could easily control it and the nearby areas especially Nepal border area. Strategic location of Purnia has always brought this region into limelight for security purposes. That is why this region has its great history which is an enriched and interesting one.
Origin of the Name ‘Purnia’
Many theories are there about the naming of Purnia. Most believable one that is agreed upon by many researchers and historians are that Purnia got the current name from one of the renowned temples located nearby today’s modern city. Name of that temple is Purana Devi which still exists nearby. According to rest historians Purnia name got popularity due to its inhabitants. Modern Purnia is said to be a modified name of a mix of the words Purna and Aranya that indicated a term ‘Complete Jungle’ and therefore it adopted that current name Purnea to become popular.
Since many centuries Purnia remained an outlying military province from ancient kings era to during Mughal period and then under the British rule thereafter. As it shares border with the neighboring country Nepal it remained important for rulers to initiate the border protection initiatives with ample security measures to keep border safe and secure against various tribes and intruders.
Enriched history of Purnia is of several centuries. While it was ruled by the Mughals it had the area from Sarkar Tajpur to Mahananda River in the east and western portion is surrounded by the Sarkar Purnia River. This region once remained a famous military seat during the Fauzadar rules.
Purnia has been availing extra administrative importance since many centuries no matter who ruled it. East India Company of British founded the modern city of Purnia to give it a new structure on 10 February 1770. Years later Purnia became a Division of Bihar state in independent India. Banaili Zamindari culture was biggest during the colonial rule.
Besides Mughals, Purnia was also under the Magadh Empire and Imperial Gupta Empires in the ancient period. Once upon a time Purnia was also ruled by famous Aauda King from 7th century till Sasanka King captured it. The Pala Kings ruled this region from 9th century until 12th century. By the end of 12th century Purnia came under Muslim King Bakhtiyar Khilji when his government expanded from Bengal to Bihar regions.
Mughal rule impacted a lot in Purnia region as much as it had influence on the rest part of the country. In fact it was during Mughal rule that Purnia emerged into a major military frontier province administered by a Faujdar appointed by Mughal Kings. Huge tracts of lands in Purnia therefore were readied to be used to train troops in this region. Last Mughal Governor in Purnia before British capturing of this place was Md. Ali Khan whom English Supervisor Mr. Ducarrel replaced in 1770. It was in that period that Purnia had to suffer greatly of great famine of 1770 which brought ample loss of life for the region. Very soon several European settlers changed scenario in Purnia region.
Famous Historical Personalities Associated With Purnia
It was in 1929 that Mahatma Gandhi visited Purnia to meet Raja of Nazargunj where he addressed the locals from Bishnupur, Araria, Purnia and Kisahnganj to develop spirit of nationalism in them to fight with the British rulers. It was one of the major attempts to prepare the masses for rebellion and help the country come out of the clutches of colonial rules to lead its independence.
Fascinating History of Purnia Region
Glorious history of Purnia is worth studying. It was during 1757 that Purnia came into the limelight while local governor rebelled against Siraj ud-Daulah and soon Calcutta was captured. The whole region of Purnia including a huge tract of Bengal came under the control of British in 1765. Uniquely designed Ramakrishna Mission building of Purnea showcases the modern architecture in this area. Oldest temple of Mata Puran Devi is located at a distance of mere 5 km from the modern city of Purnia today.Enriched history of Purnia is of several centuries. While it was ruled by the Mughals it had the area from Sarkar Tajpur to Mahananda River in the east and western portion is surrounded by the Sarkar Purnia River. This region once remained a famous military seat during the Fauzadar rules.
Purnia has been availing extra administrative importance since many centuries no matter who ruled it. East India Company of British founded the modern city of Purnia to give it a new structure on 10 February 1770. Years later Purnia became a Division of Bihar state in independent India. Banaili Zamindari culture was biggest during the colonial rule.
Besides Mughals, Purnia was also under the Magadh Empire and Imperial Gupta Empires in the ancient period. Once upon a time Purnia was also ruled by famous Aauda King from 7th century till Sasanka King captured it. The Pala Kings ruled this region from 9th century until 12th century. By the end of 12th century Purnia came under Muslim King Bakhtiyar Khilji when his government expanded from Bengal to Bihar regions.
Mughal rule impacted a lot in Purnia region as much as it had influence on the rest part of the country. In fact it was during Mughal rule that Purnia emerged into a major military frontier province administered by a Faujdar appointed by Mughal Kings. Huge tracts of lands in Purnia therefore were readied to be used to train troops in this region. Last Mughal Governor in Purnia before British capturing of this place was Md. Ali Khan whom English Supervisor Mr. Ducarrel replaced in 1770. It was in that period that Purnia had to suffer greatly of great famine of 1770 which brought ample loss of life for the region. Very soon several European settlers changed scenario in Purnia region.