Maner, Bihar


Maner, also known as Maner Sharif, is a historic town and a block in Patna district of Bihar, India. Situated approximately 24 km west of Patna on NH-922, it is renowned for its Mughal-era dargahs and as an important Sufi pilgrimage center.

Etymology

The ancient name of Maner was Maniyar Mathan, meaning "musical city" in local tradition. The suffix "Sharif" was added due to its association with Sufi saints.

History

A now-lost copper plate grant found at Maner, dated to 11 May 1124, indicates that Maner was the seat of a paṭṭalā at that time. The grant records that the Gāhaḍavāla king Govindachandra donated two villages called Guṇāve and Paḍalī, both in the paṭṭalā of Maṇiari, to a brāhmaṇa named Gaṇeśvaraśarman. The villages of Guṇāve and Paḍalī were presumably located somewhere near Maner, but their exact locations are unknown.
Later, Maner gained prominence during the medieval period as a center of Sufism:
The town flourished as a center of Islamic learning during the Mughal period.

Geography

Maner is located at on the southern bank of the Ganges river. The Son River meets the Ganges at Haldi Chhapra near Maner.

Climate

Maner has a Humid subtropical climate with:

Demographics

As of the 2011 census:
  • Population: 26,912
  • Gender ratio: 947 females per 1000 males
  • Literacy rate: 71.12%
  • Major languages: Magahi, Hindi

Administration

Maner is a community development block consisting of 38 villages. It is part of the Maner Assembly constituency and Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency.

Landmarks

Religious sites

Bari Dargah: Tomb of Shah Daulat, fine example of Mughal architectureChhoti Dargah: Tomb of Makhdoom Yahya ManeriHaldi Chhapra: Confluence of Son and Ganges riversManer Jain Temple: Ancient Jain pilgrimage site

Other attractions

Maner Fort: Ruins of an ancient fortBritish-era bridge over Son River

Culture

Festivals

Urs: Annual festival at the dargahs attracting thousandsChhath Puja: Celebrated at Haldi Chhapra ghat

Cuisine

Maner ka Laddu: Famous sweet made with ghee and chhana

Economy

Maner's economy is primarily based on:
The town is famous for its sweet shops, particularly Maner Sweets established in 1935.

Transport

Road: Connected via NH-922 to Patna and ArrahRail: Nearest station is Danapur Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport

Education

Notable educational institutions:

Notable people