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:
  • 13th century: Became associated with Sufi saint Makhdoom Yahya Maneri
  • 1608: Death of Makhdoom Shah Daulat, another prominent Sufi saint
  • 1616: Construction of Bari Dargah by Ibrahim Khan Kakar, the Mughal governor of Bihar
  • 1619: Construction of a mosque by Ibrahim Khan
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:
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 architecture
  • Chhoti Dargah: Tomb of Makhdoom Yahya Maneri
  • Haldi Chhapra: Confluence of Son and Ganges rivers
  • Maner Jain Temple: Ancient Jain pilgrimage site

    Other attractions

  • Maner Fort: Ruins of an ancient fort
  • British-era bridge over Son River

    Culture

Festivals

  • Urs: Annual festival at the dargahs attracting thousands
  • Chhath Puja: Celebrated at Haldi Chhapra ghat

    Cuisine

  • Maner ka Laddu: Famous sweet made with ghee and chhana
  • Traditional Bihari dishes: Litti chokha, Khaja, Thekua

    Economy

Maner's economy is primarily based on:
  • Agriculture
  • Small-scale industries
  • Religious tourism
The town is famous for its sweet shops, particularly Maner Sweets established in 1935.

Transport

Notable educational institutions: