Hubbry Logo
Patna CollegePatna CollegeMain
Open search
Patna College
Community hub
Patna College
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Patna College
Patna College
Patna College
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Patna College is a constituent state aided College of Patna University which was established in 1863[2] during the British Raj. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in science, arts and commerce as well as some vocational courses like BBA, BMC and BCA. The college is affiliated to Patna University.[3] It is also considered to be the oldest institution of higher education in Bihar.[4]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Patna College is the oldest institution of higher education in Bihar. Nearly every major college of Patna- Patna Law College, Engineering College (National Institute of Technology, Patna at present), Patna Science College and Vanijya Mahavidyala, has their roots from this college. Patna College was established on 9 January 1863, during the British Raj.

Patna College

After the split-up of old Patna University into Patna University and Bihar University on 2 January 1952, the institution saw a significant shift. Until January 1952, the college was a government college and it functioned as an independent unit, but later it became an implied college of Patna University and became responsible only for Undergraduate studies due to the shifting of the burden of Post-graduate learning on University. After the centralisation of two years of special honours-teaching, the honours of all art subjects remained in this college. Honours teaching was carried out by the nominated teachers of the Faculty of Arts from all the colleges of the university. In the first two hours, the students of Arts of Honors classes, of other colleges also used to come to study in this college.

But due to the gradual increase in the number of students, up to the end of the eighth decade, honours classes of various art courses were conducted in their respective colleges.

In 1957, all but the Geography, Sociology and Psychology post-graduate departments were shifted to Darbhanga House. However many teachers of Patna College still have been bearing the responsibility of postgraduate education by attending the departments in Darbhanga House.

There is hardly any change in post-operative activities. Maximum old councils, clubs as well as hostels are still under the Principal of the college.

On 9 September 1974, the Economics department was split from the Patna College and it took form into Vanijya Mahavidyala. Presently Vanijya Mahavidyala is in the college's yard itself.

Patna College is the first college in Bihar that celebrated the centenary ceremony in 1963 itself.

The college is also associated with E. M. Forster's novel, A Passage to India. According to Adwaita P. Ganguly, the institution known as Chandrapore College in the novel is "a replica of Patna College". Forster met Charles Russell and V. H. Jackson, who were professors of the college, in the course of writing his novel, A Passage to India. Forster had collected Hiuen Tsang's Indian Diary from Russell before he made his visit to Barabar Caves that appear as an important location in the novel. A hostel in the campus of the college is named after Jackson.

The legendary filmmaker, Satyajit Ray, used the picturesque campus of the college for his award-winning film, Seemabaddha.[5]

Campus and buildings

[edit]
View of Patna College, Administrative Block in the middle
Western Corridor Gateway of Patna College
View of college from Western Corridor

The administrative block of the college is the oldest of all the buildings. It used to be the site for an opium storehouse and a Dutch factory in the 17th century, much before the college was started. Other buildings were constructed gradually over a period of time.

Some of these are the western wing (1871), the eastern (1880), the portico and the present BA lecture theatre (1882) connected with the main building by the long western corridor named after principal Ewbank. Later the hostels like Jackson, Minto, New and Iqbal and quarters for the principal and professors were constructed.[6]

Western Corridor Patna College with the language wing in the far
Language Wing connected with Western Corridor

The college building has been declared to be a heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India.[6]

Ground Floor Stairway
Upper Stairway

Departments

[edit]

Arts & Commerce

[edit]
  • English
  • Hindi
  • Urdu
  • Maithili
  • Bangla
  • Sanskrit
  • Arabic
  • Farsi(Persian)
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • Psychology
  • Philosophy
  • Sociology
  • Geography
  • Mass Communication
  • Ancient Indian history and Archaeology

150th anniversary

[edit]

A number of celebrations were organised during 2012 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the college.[7] Coinciding with the anniversary is the centenary of the Bihar Legislative Council, which held its first session in the seminar hall of Patna college in 1913 and returned there to mark the occasion on 20 January 2012.[8][9]

Notable alumni

[edit]

Notable faculty

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Patna College

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Patna College is a constituent college of in , , , established on 9 1863 in a Dutch building, rendering it the oldest institution of higher education in the state. Affiliated with , it provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines including , sciences, , and vocational fields such as BBA, BCA, and BMC, maintaining high academic standards amid a historic campus featuring colonial-era architecture. Since its founding during the , the college has served as a pivotal center for intellectual and cultural activities in , fostering advancements in fields like and producing notable alumni who have influenced politics, literature, and academia, including historians Kashi Prasad Jaiswal and poets like .

History

Establishment and Early Years (1863–1917)

Patna College was established on January 9, 1863, evolving from the Patna Collegiate School founded the previous year, as part of British colonial efforts to expand higher education in following the Indian Education Dispatch of 1854. The institution initially operated in a 17th-century Dutch building, originally used as an opium warehouse, to which classes were transferred from in February 1863. This site, featuring Gothic, Romanesque, and architectural elements with intricate wall sculptures, served as the core of the college's early infrastructure. Originally intended to provide intermediate-level education, the college expanded to degree programs by the 1865–66 , offering honors courses in arts and sciences with a small staff of four M.A.-qualified instructors. Affiliated to the until 1917, it functioned as the primary center for higher learning in , though enrollment remained limited due to societal , caste-based hesitations toward hostels, and exclusion of women and much of the rural . By 1911–12, only 89 students across and Orissa had earned arts or science degrees through such affiliated institutions. Key early leadership included J.W. McCrindle, who served as headmaster of the predecessor school from February 1867 to December 1879 before becoming principal, and contributed to the history department by linking ancient to classical sources like "Palibothra." Infrastructure grew with the addition of a western wing in 1871 and an eastern wing in 1880, while the teaching staff doubled by 1917 in anticipation of Patna University's formation. These developments positioned the college as Bihar's pioneering higher education hub, laying groundwork for regional academic autonomy post-1917.

Post-Independence Expansion and Integration (1917–1990s)

In 1917, following the establishment of on October 1, the college transitioned its affiliation from the , integrating into the new regional university system that centralized higher education for and Orissa. This shift doubled the teaching staff to eight M.A.-qualified instructors, enabling expanded offerings in honors-level courses across arts and sciences, with students achieving notable success in university examinations. Prior to this, as Bihar's sole degree-granting institution, the college had supported only 89 graduates across and Orissa in the 1911–1912 academic year, underscoring the integration's role in scaling access. Post-World War II, the college experienced departmental growth, particularly in the History Department, which attracted scholars such as Kalikinkar Dutt and Ramsharan Sharma, leading to the creation of a postgraduate program amid rising enrollment demands. This period aligned with broader post-war recovery in Indian academia, though Bihar's limited infrastructure constrained rapid scaling compared to metropolitan centers. After India's independence in 1947, several disciplines—, , , and —emerged as independent departments, previously subsumed under , reflecting national emphases on diversified humanities education. By 1957, most postgraduate departments except , , and Psychology relocated to Darbhanga House within Patna University, with Patna College faculty continuing to contribute teaching there, which streamlined the college's focus on undergraduate instruction while maintaining its constituent status. This reconfiguration supported integration into the state-aided framework under Patna University, though Bihar's socioeconomic challenges limited further physical expansions or enrollment surges through the 1990s, with the college producing influential alumni like historian Kashi Prasad Jaiswal and poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar amid persistent resource constraints.

Recent Developments and Reforms (2000s–Present)

In the 2010s, Patna College undertook initial steps toward institutional quality enhancement, including the adoption of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in select departments to promote flexible curriculum options and interdisciplinary learning. This reform aligned with national higher education guidelines from the University Grants Commission (UGC), emphasizing student-centric evaluation through continuous internal assessments, unit tests, and transparent grading mechanisms. The establishment of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) on December 10, 2018, marked a pivotal reform aimed at systematic quality monitoring and improvement across teaching, research, and administration. In May 2019, the college submitted its Self-Study Report (SSR) for the first cycle of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluation, focusing on infrastructure audits, faculty development (with over 93% of full-time teachers holding Ph.D.s in recent years), and experiential teaching methods such as field visits, internships, and group discussions in departments like Geography, Sociology, and vocational programs. These efforts addressed longstanding challenges in an affiliated college structure under Patna University, prioritizing empirical metrics over unsubstantiated administrative claims. Digitization initiatives post-2015 included campus connectivity, admission and fee systems, biometric tracking introduced in 2018, and smart classrooms equipped with projectors for enhanced . Vocational courses such as BBA, BCA, and BMC were integrated alongside traditional arts and science offerings, with the rollout of four-year undergraduate programs (e.g., B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. for sessions starting 2023–27) and exam processes by January 2025, reflecting adaptations to shifts toward multidisciplinary . Infrastructure plans post-2019 encompassed automation via software like Bus, e-content development, adoption, , and additions like a new gymnasium and to support student welfare. Ongoing reforms emphasize and , with the college recognized as a heritage site by the , necessitating balanced preservation amid modernization. While NAAC remains pending as of 2025, these measures represent incremental progress amid Bihar's broader educational constraints, including resource limitations in state-affiliated institutions.

Campus and Infrastructure

Historic Buildings and Architectural Features

The administrative block of Patna College, constructed on the site of a 17th-century Dutch factory and godown, represents the oldest structure on campus and exemplifies Dutch colonial architectural influence with its red brick construction and high ceilings. This block, repurposed after the college's founding in , features twin-order architecture incorporating Doric and Ionic columns, blending utilitarian warehouse origins with neoclassical elements adapted during British expansion. The Western Corridor, also known as the Ewbank Corridor after a former principal, connects various campus wings and showcases a distinctive elevated double-decker with Ionic and Doric columns, constructed as part of early 20th-century extensions beginning in 1905. Its gateway serves as a prominent entry feature, highlighting the campus's progression from colonial trade outpost to educational hub. The Language Wing links directly to the Western Corridor, forming part of the interconnected heritage infrastructure that underscores Patna College's status as a protected site recognized by the for its colonial-era buildings. Overall, these structures reflect a fusion of Dutch, British neoclassical, and functional adaptations, preserved amid ongoing maintenance challenges to retain Bihar's educational heritage.

Facilities, Maintenance, and Challenges

Patna College features a range of facilities supporting academic and student life, including five residential hostels—Jackson, Minto, New, Iqbal, and Nadvi—accommodating approximately 400 students, with some hostels over 100 years old. The library, known as Gyan Mandir, houses around 100,000 books, rare manuscripts, and provides access to digital resources via Wi-Fi, INFLIBNET, NDL, and e-Shodhganga, with ongoing efforts. Classrooms number over 55, supplemented by four lecture theatres, two halls, and laboratories for subjects like and , alongside computer facilities with more than 40 machines across departments and campus-wide under Bihar's "7 Nischay" scheme. Sports amenities include three playgrounds totaling over 160,000 square feet, equipment for , football, , and indoor games in common rooms, though the gymnasium requires repairs. Maintenance procedures at the college emphasize systematic upkeep of physical, academic, and support facilities through established protocols, with the Works Department handling major building, , and sports infrastructure repairs according to government schedules. Minor repairs and supplies are funded via contingency grants from tuition fees and revenues, without a dedicated fund, relying instead on allocations from , state, and central governments. Annual financial audits, such as those conducted by Barun & Co. from 2014-2018, oversee expenditures, which ranged from INR 0.74 in 2013-14 to INR 2.41 in 2015-16 for maintenance activities. Challenges in maintenance stem primarily from the institution's heritage status, with many 156-year-old buildings demanding regular but underfunded upkeep, leading to deteriorating furniture and inadequate sports infrastructure despite available grounds. In June 2025, cracks appeared in heritage structures, including those at Patna College, attributed to nearby metro rail tunneling, prompting inspections and repair promises from project officials following complaints. Funding constraints and reliance on external grants exacerbate these issues, as noted in the college's 2019-20 self-study report, hindering timely renovations like those planned for hostels and the gymnasium. Experts have highlighted the need for urgent architectural and institutional restoration to preserve the campus's historic integrity.

Academic Programs and Departments

Arts and Commerce Offerings

Patna College, affiliated with , maintains departments in focused on , social sciences, and languages, offering undergraduate honors programs under a four-year semester-based structure aligned with India's National Education Policy 2020. These programs emphasize core disciplinary knowledge alongside skill development, with admissions determined by merit-based entrance or qualifying exam scores followed by counseling rounds. Specific honors subjects include , English, , , , Political Science, and , alongside language options such as , Maithili, Persian, and . Postgraduate arts programs are limited but available in select areas, such as M.A. in , spanning two years and requiring a relevant with merit-based selection via spot rounds or entrance. The curriculum integrates traditional scholarship with contemporary analysis, supported by faculty specializing in these fields, though enrollment and offerings may vary annually based on university directives and student demand. In commerce and vocational streams, the college provides a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) honors program over four years, covering accounting, business law, and financial management essentials. Complementary vocational undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) for management training, Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) for IT skills, and Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC) for media studies, each designed to foster employability in professional sectors. These offerings reflect the college's adaptation to modern economic needs while rooted in its historical emphasis on liberal education.

Science Revival and Curriculum Evolution

Patna College, established in 1863 under the , initially incorporated science into its curriculum through undergraduate honours programmes in physics, chemistry, and , alongside and social sciences. Following its affiliation with the newly formed in 1917, the college expanded its science offerings by introducing MSc programmes in physics, chemistry, and in 1919, reflecting a period of growth in higher scientific . A pivotal shift occurred in 1927 when science instruction was detached from Patna College and reassigned to the dedicated Patna Science College, which was formally inaugurated in November 1928; this separation redirected Patna College's focus toward arts, commerce, and related disciplines, with and statistics retained as ancillary subjects but not as core science streams. Over subsequent decades, the curriculum evolved to emphasize traditional arts and social sciences honours degrees, aligning with the institution's role as a constituent college of while science education consolidated elsewhere. In 2025, responding to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's push for multi-disciplinary institutions, Patna College initiated plans to reinstate courses after nearly a century, with the proposal receiving approval from Patna University's academic council and syndicate. A comprehensive submission detailing prospective subjects, faculty requirements, and infrastructural needs is under preparation for state government approval, aimed at enhancing the college's NAAC and reviving its foundational contributions to scientific training. Principal noted that post-implementation, "the college will also get a better grade from the NAAC," underscoring the strategic intent behind the realignment. Specific science subjects remain under selection, with implementation targeted for the near term pending regulatory clearance.

Research and Extracurricular Academic Activities

Patna College established a Research Committee in 2023, in compliance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines issued on February 3, 2023, to promote initiatives among faculty and students. This committee oversees activities such as faculty publications, student projects, and potential collaborations, reflecting the college's efforts to align with national higher education policies emphasizing output. Faculty members across departments contribute to , with several holding Ph.D. qualifications and producing publications in specialized fields. For instance, Dr. Shital Sharma has published on reproductive and child health in urban slums, appearing in journals like Jigyasa Research Journal. Other faculty, including Dr. Deepti Gupta in mathematics and , and Dr. Kiran Kumar in , list as a core expertise alongside teaching. The Sociology Department specifically encourages undergraduate students to participate in empirical , including surveys on social issues to build analytical skills. Extracurricular academic activities at Patna College include department-led initiatives for skill-building in methodology and critical , such as those in and , though formalized programs like dedicated student clubs or annual conferences remain limited based on available institutional records. The college issues periodic newsletters, such as Patna College Vibes (8 issues from January to August 2024), which document academic events and may highlight -related discussions. These efforts support a balanced approach integrating extracurricular learning with core academics, albeit on a modest scale compared to specialized research institutions.

Administration and Governance

Organizational Structure and Affiliation

Patna College operates as a constituent unit of , an arrangement formalized following the university's establishment on October 1, 1917, after which the college transitioned from prior affiliation with the . This status integrates the college directly into the university's administrative and academic framework, with degrees awarded under Patna University's aegis and adherence to its statutes, ordinances, and regulations. The college is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) since 1956, enabling eligibility for central funding and grants. The organizational structure emphasizes decentralized and participative governance, headed by the Principal, who coordinates academic and administrative functions, convenes staff meetings, finalizes plans, oversees evaluations, and supports extracurricular initiatives like NSS and NCC. Current Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Sinha assumed office on December 23, 2023. Beneath the Principal are Heads of Departments (HODs) for disciplines including English, , , , and vocational programs such as BBA and BCA, alongside non-teaching staff like accountants and librarians. Statutory bodies facilitate core operations, including the Staff Council for faculty input, Admission Committee for enrollment processes, Library Committee for resource management, Building and Purchase Committees for infrastructure and procurement, and alignment with university-level entities like the Senate and Syndicate. Non-statutory bodies address specialized needs, such as the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC, established December 2018) for quality enhancement, Grievance Redressal Cell, Anti-Ragging Committee, and Gender Sensitization Cell. An Administration Committee, comprising the Chancellor (Shri Arif Mohammed Khan), Patna University Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh), Principal, IQAC Coordinator (Dr. Kiran Kumari), and hostel superintendents, provides oversight on key administrative matters. Recruitment and service rules for faculty and staff follow Patna University's procedures, involving public advertisements, interviews, and formal appointments, with financial operations subject to regular audits for transparency. This structure supports from UGC, allocations, student fees, and contributions, while ensuring compliance with the Patna College Act for participative decision-making.

Leadership, Policies, and Reforms

The principal of Patna College serves as the , overseeing academic and operational functions under the of . As of July 2025, Dr. Anil Kumar, a chemistry , was appointed principal through a lottery-based selection process among eligible candidates recommended by the . He succeeded Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Sinha, who held the position from December 23, 2023. Historical leadership includes multiple short tenures by figures such as Dr. Ranvijoy Kumar, who served intermittently from 2005 to 2016, reflecting periods of administrative instability in the college's . Student policies emphasize discipline and decorum, requiring attendees to wear decent attire and carry valid identity cards at all times. Violations of conduct rules, including disruptions or non-compliance with attendance norms, may result in disciplinary actions as per institutional guidelines. These regulations align with broader standards to maintain order in a historic constituent environment. A key reform in 2025 involved 's adoption of a lottery system for principal appointments across its colleges, including Patna , to address longstanding delays and allegations of favoritism in prior selections. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, as , directed the method to ensure a random draw from pre-qualified candidates, aiming for impartiality after complaints of political interference. Critics, including academics and political figures, have questioned its efficacy, arguing it prioritizes chance over merit and expertise, potentially exacerbating governance challenges rather than resolving them. This approach marked a departure from traditional merit evaluations, though its long-term impact on leadership stability remains under scrutiny.

Achievements and Contributions

Educational and Societal Impact

Patna College, established on January 9, 1863, as Bihar's inaugural institution of higher education, has profoundly shaped the region's academic landscape by providing foundational access to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in , sciences, and , thereby addressing colonial-era educational deficits and laying groundwork for subsequent institutions affiliated with . As a pioneer, it originated key departments such as , , , and , evolving its to include honors, minor, and multidisciplinary courses under the , which emphasize 80 credits in major subjects to promote interdisciplinary learning and skill development. This progression has sustained high academic standards, producing scholars who advanced fields like —evident in faculty-led excavations at sites such as Antichak and —and contributed to nationalist and Marxist interpretations of Bihar's past. The college's societal influence manifests through its alumni, who have occupied pivotal roles in India's political and cultural spheres, including Bihar's first Chief Minister Sri Krishna Singh (1912 graduate), national poet , and historian , whose works documented the 1857 revolt and Bihar's freedom struggle, fostering regional identity and civic awareness. Prominent figures like and [Ravi Shankar Prasad](/page/Ravi Shankar Prasad), both national-level politicians, alongside Padma Shri awardees such as Prof. Ravindra Raj Hans and Gajendra Narayan Singh, exemplify the institution's output of leaders in governance, law, and , extending its reach to formulation and judicial administration. These contributions underscore Patna College's role as a nursery for administrators, jurists, and intellectuals who propelled post-independence Bihar's administrative and literary frameworks. Beyond individual achievements, the college has reinforced societal progress via alumni-driven initiatives, including scholarships for meritorious students, donations to departmental libraries, and enhancements like roads, boundary walls, and water facilities, which sustain in a historically underserved state. It has also hosted seminars, heritage walks, and events commemorating events like Partition Horrors Day, enriching Bihar's cultural discourse and promoting historical realism amid ongoing developmental challenges. By prioritizing rigorous education over , Patna College has indirectly bolstered , as higher education correlates with initial-stage development in resource-constrained regions like , though its impact is tempered by broader state-level barriers such as gaps.

Rankings, Accolades, and Historical Recognition

Patna College, established in 1863, is recognized as Bihar's oldest constituent college of higher education, playing a foundational role in the region's academic development during the British colonial . Its historical prominence earned it the moniker "Oxford of the East" in contemporary accounts, reflecting its early status as a premier center for learning in eastern . The institution's campus structures are designated as a heritage site by the , underscoring their architectural and cultural value from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In accreditation assessments, Patna College received a Grade C from the (NAAC) during its first accreditation cycle, achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.62. This evaluation highlights baseline compliance with quality standards but indicates areas for improvement in parameters such as teaching-learning processes and research output. The college does not appear in prominent national rankings such as the (NIRF) for colleges, where other Patna-based institutions like have secured positions in the 101-150 band as of 2025. Historical accolades center on its enduring legacy rather than contemporary awards, with no major institutional honors documented in recent government or peer-reviewed evaluations beyond its foundational contributions to Bihar's educational infrastructure.

Criticisms and Challenges

Declining Academic Standards and Faculty Issues

In 2019, Patna College received a C grade from the (NAAC), with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.62 out of 4, reflecting poor performance across critical parameters including curricular aspects, teaching-learning processes and evaluation, and research activities. This assessment underscored deficiencies in instructional quality and academic rigor, contributing to the institution's failure to rank in national frameworks like the (NIRF) in subsequent years, unlike select institutions that appeared in lower bands. Historically regarded as the "Oxford of the East" during its founding era in the , Patna College has experienced a documented erosion in academic standards over decades, marked by reduced enrollment interest and operational challenges within affiliates. By 2025, undergraduate admission applications to , which oversees Patna College, had plummeted to approximately 8,000 from peaks exceeding 30,000 in prior years, signaling diminished student confidence in program quality and outcomes. This trend aligns with broader critiques of Bihar's higher education sector, where inadequate faculty engagement and evaluation mechanisms have perpetuated subpar learning environments. Faculty-related concerns have compounded these issues, with persistent shortages of qualified teaching staff and allegations of nepotistic appointments undermining merit-based hiring. In July 2025, implemented a system for assigning principals to five of its colleges, including mechanisms to counter entrenched favoritism in roles that had previously prioritized political or familial connections over expertise. Such practices have been linked to inconsistent teaching quality and administrative inertia, as evidenced by NAAC evaluations citing faculty disinterest in core academic duties at comparable institutions. Despite these interventions, systemic understaffing persists, with public universities in relying on underqualified or part-time personnel, exacerbating the gap between sanctioned positions and effective instruction.

Infrastructure Deterioration and Political Interference

The historic buildings of Patna College, many constructed in the colonial era over 150 years ago, have suffered significant deterioration due to chronic neglect and inadequate maintenance. Hostels and corridors, once emblematic of the institution's prestige as the " of the East," have become symbols of decay, with crumbling infrastructure posing safety risks and deterring full utilization. A incident on April 5, 2023, in the college's administrative block underscored deficiencies, prompting experts including historians and architects to call for comprehensive restoration with modernized systems to prevent further hazards. In July 2023, the college principal highlighted the extent of this decay, noting that several hostels remained closed pending upgrades to modern facilities and security measures, a situation exacerbated by years of deferred repairs amid Bihar's broader institutional challenges. While renovation efforts have been announced, including identification of 31 hostels across affiliates for repair, replacement of outdated furniture, and electrical upgrades as of February 2025, implementation has lagged, reflecting persistent funding and execution gaps. Political interference has compounded these infrastructural woes by undermining administrative autonomy and fostering campus unrest at , of which Patna College is a constituent. Student politics, often manipulated by external , has led to recurrent and disruptions, with non-student affiliates of parties like RJD and BJP using unions as proxies for broader gains, as reported in incidents through 2025. This politicization extends to governance, where education department officials have overstepped into university affairs, prompting vice-chancellors' complaints to the chancellor in January 2024 about jurisdictional interference that hampers decisions on maintenance and reforms. Such meddling, including high-profile cases like accusations against JD(U) figures for influencing 2018 student polls at , diverts resources from infrastructure to managing conflicts and legal battles, perpetuating a cycle of neglect rooted in Bihar's post-1960s political instability. Efforts to insulate appointments and audits from , as suggested in 2025 analyses of university lotteries, remain unimplemented, leaving heritage structures vulnerable.

Notable Individuals

Prominent Alumni

Patna College has produced alumni who have made significant contributions to India's independence struggle, governance, and cultural landscape. (1902–1979), a prominent socialist leader and independence activist often referred to as Lok Nayak, enrolled at Patna College around 1920 for science studies but departed just 20 days before his examinations in response to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's call to abandon English education and join the Non-Cooperation Movement. He later became a key figure in the and led the 1974–1975 against corruption, influencing national politics. (1887–1961), the first Chief Minister of Bihar serving from 1946 to 1961, joined Patna College in 1906 while it was affiliated with the , earning degrees that prepared him for a career in law and politics. As a Gandhian freedom fighter, he participated in the and held multiple ministerial portfolios post-independence, shaping Bihar's administrative framework. In literature and arts, Usha Kiran Khan (1945–2024), a Hindi and Maithili writer awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 for her novels and stories including Bhamati, graduated from Patna College in 1964 with honors in history. Her works often explored historical and social themes rooted in Bihar's context. Similarly, Ravindra Rajhans, a Hindi poet and former professor awarded the Padma Shri for satirical and humorous verse, was an alumnus recognized by the college for his literary contributions. Gajendra Narayan Singh (1930–2018), a musicologist and former chairman of the Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy who received the Padma Shri for his work in Indian classical music and arts, studied at Patna College from 1957 to 1959. These individuals exemplify the college's early role in fostering leaders during Bihar's formative years under British rule and post-independence.

Distinguished Faculty

Ram Sharan Sharma (1919–2011), a leading Indian historian known for his Marxist analysis of ancient and early medieval , joined Patna College as a in the Department in 1946 after brief stints at colleges in and . He later headed the department at from 1958 to 1973, authoring over 100 books including Sudras in Ancient India (1958) and Indian Feudalism (1965), which emphasized economic and material factors in historical causation over idealist interpretations. Sharma's work challenged traditional narratives by highlighting class struggles and feudal structures, influencing subsequent scholarship despite debates over his materialist lens. Kalikinkar Dutt (1905–1982), a specialist in modern Indian history, served as a lecturer and professor in the History Department, contributing to the initiation of postgraduate teaching at Patna College. He authored detailed studies on Bihar's role in the Indian freedom struggle and co-edited An Advanced History of India (1946) with R.C. Majumdar and H.C. Raychaudhari, providing a comprehensive narrative grounded in archival evidence. Dutt later became Vice-Chancellor of Magadh University, where he promoted historical research, but his foundational work at Patna College strengthened empirical approaches to regional history. Syed Hasan Askari (1901–1990), focused on medieval Indian , enriched understandings of Bihar's Sufi traditions through translations of Persian chronicles and analyses of regional Islamic cultural synthesis. His scholarship, including works on medieval Bihar, drew on primary sources to document socio-religious interactions, earning him the Padma Shri in 1971 for contributions to literature and . Other notable figures include Jagdish Narayan Samaddar, who emphasized Magadha's archaeological heritage, such as the Didarganj Yakshini statue, and early department head John McCrindle, who linked Patna to classical accounts of "Palibothra" using Greek and Roman texts to bolster Indian historical geography. These faculty members elevated Patna College's Department as a hub for rigorous, source-based from the early 20th century onward.

References

  1. https://patnacollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SSRBRCOGN1007792019-20.pdf
  2. https://patnacollege.ac.in/course-offered/
  3. https://patnacollege.ac.in/glorious-past/
  4. https://patnacollege.ac.in/history/
  5. http://love4bihar.blogspot.com/2012/04/history-of-patna-university.html
  6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/of-dutch-factory-and-patna-college/articleshow/11403907.cms
  7. https://patnacollege.ac.in/patna-college-history/
  8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/when-headmasters-served-as-pu-college-principals/articleshow/122798705.cms
  9. https://www.collegedekho.com/articles/patna-college-the-oldest-college-of-patna-university/
  10. https://patnacollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AQAR-REPORT-2020-21.pdf
  11. https://patnacollege.ac.in/
  12. https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/patna-collectorate-iconic-living-heritage-demolition-will-be-colossal-loss-pu-historians/story-QLBmwfBbfTJFCHk0UsTzDL.html
  13. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patnas-temple-of-talent/articleshow/13883648.cms
  14. https://odishatv.in/news/patna-college-an-eventful-journey-of-150-years-31451
  15. https://www.biharwadimission.com/blog/2023/12/11/architecture-and-aculpture/
  16. https://patnacollege.ac.in/infrastructure/
  17. https://patnacollege.ac.in/sport-games/
  18. https://patnacollege.ac.in/maintenance-policy/
  19. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/pu-heritage-buildings-develop-cracks-after-metro-tunneling-officials-promise-repair/articleshow/121598540.cms
  20. https://zeenews.india.com/news/bihar/patna-college-needs-urgent-restoration-say-experts_902401.html
  21. https://patnacollege.ac.in/ug-admission-session/
  22. https://patnacollege.ac.in/teaching-staff/
  23. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-college-plans-revival-of-science-courses-after-nearly-a-century/articleshow/123882198.cms
  24. https://www.htsyndication.com/ht-patna/article/161-yr-old-patna-college-to-begin-science-stream/93251352
  25. https://patnacollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/research-committee.pdf
  26. https://patnacollege.ac.in/profile/dr-shital-sharma/
  27. https://patnacollege.ac.in/profile/dr-deepti-gupta/
  28. https://patnacollege.ac.in/profile/dr-kiran-kumar/
  29. https://patnacollege.ac.in/sociology/
  30. https://patnacollege.ac.in/publication-by-research/
  31. https://testbook.com/question-answer/when-was-the-patna-college-established--67920fe8866a609b6fca2c53
  32. https://patnacollege.ac.in/list-of-principals/
  33. https://patnacollege.ac.in/administration-committee/
  34. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/patna-university-colleges-lottery-principals-10104188/
  35. https://patnacollege.ac.in/rules-regulations/
  36. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/governor-defends-appointment-of-principals-in-patna-university-colleges-through-random-lottery/articleshow/122233849.cms
  37. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/dear-editor-i-disagree-assigning-principals-through-a-lottery-will-not-reform-bihars-education-system-10131231/
  38. https://theprint.in/india/mayawati-slams-lottery-system-for-college-principals-in-bihar/2679434/
  39. https://m.economictimes.com/industry/services/education/patna-college-oxford-of-the-east-in-need-of-restoration/articleshow/28545717.cms
  40. https://patnacollege.ac.in/alumni/
  41. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/is-patna-college-still-oxford-of-bihar/articleshow/45830311.cms
  42. https://patnacollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CURRENT-STUDIES-2019.pdf
  43. https://patnacollege.ac.in/iqac-audit.php
  44. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/only-two-out-of-36-bihar-varsities-have-naac-tag/articleshow/97471413.cms
  45. https://www.nirfindia.org/Rankings/2025/CollegeRanking150.html
  46. https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/oxford-of-the-east-declared-c-grade-naac-wakeup-call-for-bihar-s-higher-education/story-WOlTvOMh2saAb19awoaeHL.html
  47. https://educationworld.in/naac-bihar-rankings-a-wake-up-call-for-the-states-higher-education-systemoxford-of-the-east-declared-c-grade-naac-wakeup-call-for-bihars-higher-education/
  48. https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/nirf-rankings-2024-reality-check-for-bihar-institutions-in-nirf-ranking-pu-comes-in-reckoning-for-1st-time-101723540379791.html
  49. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/pu-struggles-to-fill-ug-seats-applications-plunge-to-8000/articleshow/121393414.cms
  50. https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/lack-of-excellence-tag-a-matter-of-misfortune/cid/339793
  51. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-science-college-struggles-hard-to-fill-sanctioned-seats/articleshow/122051727.cms
  52. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/patna-universitys-lottery-appointment-tries-to-fix-nepotism-it-isnt-just-a-bihar-problem/2686108/
  53. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-forms-4-panels-to-improve-health-of-beleaguered-higher-education-101624777024784.html
  54. https://m.thewire.in/article/education/patna-panaji-no-ones-taking-university-faculty-shortages-seriously
  55. https://www.news18.com/education-career/buildings-of-patna-college-pu-should-be-restored-with-proper-electric-wiring-system-historians-architects-after-fire-incident-7475635.html
  56. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-college-principal-lamentsdecay-urges-all-to-stem-decline/articleshow/102155050.cms
  57. https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/higher-education/31-students-hostels-in-city-identified-for-renovation/118531931
  58. https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/campus-violence-marred-oxford-east-patna-university-10037610/
  59. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/vcs-complain-against-education-departments-interference-meeting-with-chancellor/articleshow/106682685.cms
  60. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/bjp-mlas-accuse-prashant-kishor-of-interference-in-univ-polls/articleshow/66937203.cms
  61. https://swarajyamag.com/infrastructure/the-patna-paradox-how-the-capital-became-an-isle-of-progress-in-the-sea-of-stalled-bihar
  62. https://www.99notes.in/blog/current-affairs/appointment-by-chance
  63. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jayaprakash-Narayan
  64. https://www.mkgandhi.org/jpnarayan/eyears.php
  65. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=148928
  66. https://bhaskarenglish.in/bihar-election/news/bihar-cm-shri-krishna-singh-political-story-nehru-congress-election-2025-135981922.html
  67. https://banyaninfomedia.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-patna-college-glorious-legacy.html
  68. https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/author-elated-over-padma-honour-patna-college-felicitates-alumna-after-bagging-award-for-novels-stories/cid/1543038
  69. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-college-alumna-usha-kiran-felicitated-for-padma-shri-award/articleshow/46035091.cms
  70. https://viewpatna.blogspot.com/2015/02/padma-shri-professor-ravindra-rajhans.html
  71. https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/salute-to-musical-old-boy/cid/1544628
  72. https://cpim.org/ram-sharan-sharma-peoples-historian/
  73. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/marxist-historian-passes-away/article2379796.ece
  74. https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/article30177003.ece
  75. https://ia601405.us.archive.org/10/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.96997/2015.96997.Indian-Historical-Records-Commission-Proceedings-Of-Meetingsvol14december-1937.pdf
  76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsfXDE4R7Is
  77. https://www.professorsyedhasanaskari.com/chronology
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.