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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" (meaning noble) was added due to its association with Sufi saints.

History

Excavation near Maner in 2012-13 found evidence of habitation as far back as the Chalcolithic period, including a soakage pit, a drain connected to the pit, and various pottery samples such as jars, bowls, and basins. A later period is attributable to the Northern Black Polished Ware culture ( 700-200 BCE), based on the presence of a few tiny shards of the namesake pottery itself. Various other pottery samples from this period were also found, as well as an iron spearhead and some thirty metal discs apparently made out of an alloy of copper and lead. Evidence of habitation during the Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, and post-Gupta periods was also found.

A now-lost copper plate grant found at Maner, dated to 11 May 1124, indicates that Maner was the seat of a paṭṭalā (district) at that time. The grant records that the Gāhaḍavāla king Govindachandra donated two villages called Guṇāve and Paḍalī, both in the paṭṭalā of Maṇiari (i.e. Maner), 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 (Köppen Cwa) with:

  • Hot summers (April–June)
  • Monsoon rains (July–September)
  • Mild winters (November–February)

Demographics

As of the 2011 census:

  • Population: 26,912
  • Gender ratio: 947 females per 1000 males
  • Literacy rate: 71.12% (higher than state average)
  • Major languages: Magahi (94.24%), Hindi (5.76%)

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 (1616), 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

Economy

Maner's economy is primarily based on:

  • Agriculture (rice, wheat, maize)
  • Small-scale industries
  • Religious tourism

The town is famous for its sweet shops, particularly Maner Sweets established in 1935.

Transport

Education

Notable educational institutions:

  • Ram Nagina Singh Inter College (established 1948)
  • Government Girls High School
  • Maner high school (affiliated to Bihar board)
  • Topper classes maner (for class 10th and 12th)

Notable people

References

External links