Golghar, Patna

About Golghar

Golghar is a historic granary located on Ashok Rajpath in Patna, constructed in 1786 under the British East India Company. Designed by Captain John Garstin after the devastating Bengal famine of 1770, Its purpose was to store grain to avoid future shortages. The structure reflects colonial engineering priorities and has become an important cultural landmark overlooking the Ganges. The Golghar, built on a large circular base approximately 125 meters in diameter, forms a distinctive landmark in the cityscape. Its beehive-like shape, spiral staircases, and intricate design distinguish it from traditional Indian monuments.

Architecture of Golghar

The Golghar is an example of utilitarian colonial architecture that focuses on durability and climate-responsive design. Built in 1786 during the rule of the British East India Company, the structure was designed by Captain John Garstin as a famine-preventing granary. Constructed using bricks bound with lime mortar, the monument has walls approximately 3.6 meters thick at the base to control the internal temperature and support the heavy load of grain. The dome-shaped profile ensures structural stability and efficient weight distribution.

The absence of internal pillars was an engineering innovation, allowing uninterrupted storage space. A spiral staircase with 145 steps runs along the exterior, leading to the top, while small ventilator openings aid air circulation. The inward-opening door design, though later criticized, reflects early colonial engineering practices.

• Main circular granary structure
• External spiral staircase
• Top viewing platform
• Ventilation openings

Interesting facts about Golghar

• Golghar was built specifically as a famine-prevention granary.
• The structure uses thick lime-mortar masonry for thermal control.
• With a large storage capacity of 140000 tonnes of grain, the Golghar is one of the largest food storage structures in modern history.
• The monument is surrounded by a winding staircase which offers a beautiful view of the city and the river Ganges flowing from the banks.
• There are more than 600 steps and one has to walk 300 steps to go up and 300 to come.
• The Golghar is constructed in such a way that it opens from inside, so one has to go inside the Golghar from above and then he can open the door.

How to reach Golghar