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How did the ancient city of Pataliputra become modern Patna?
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Bihar
Mahabodhi Buddhist temple, built in the 2nd century ce, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The ancient city of Pataliputra, founded in the 5th century BCE by Ajatashatru, served as a prominent capital for the Magadha kingdom and the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. However, the city experienced a period of decline and was largely deserted by the 7th century CE.1
The site was eventually refounded as Patna in 1541 by an Afghan ruler. Following this revival, the city regained prosperity under the Mughal Empire, during which time it was also known as Azimabad. In 1765, control of the city passed to the British. Today, Patna stands as the capital of the Bihar state in India, having evolved from its ancient roots into a major modern urban center along the Ganges River.1