Paṭnā is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in eastern India after Kolkata. Patna is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Ancient Patna, known as Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Pala and Suri dynasties.Pataliputra was also a seat of learning and fine arts. Its population during the Maurya period (around 300 BCE) was about 400,000. The walled old area, known locally as Patna City, is a major trading centre.

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