Collection

The Education archive documents the intellectual and institutional evolution of the city from the late nineteenth century onward. This section preserves rare records from foundational institutions such as Patna City School, Bankipore Girls' High School, Patna College, Patna Law College, and landmark libraries including the Bihar Hitaishi Library and the Khuda Bakhsh Library.

From early twentieth century school records and historical pamphlets to documents reflecting the transformation of specialized medical schools, the collection provides a unique look at how education and social welfare shaped modern Bihar. By preserving these records, the Foundation offers researchers and history enthusiasts an intimate glimpse into the formative moments that established Patna as a premier center of learning in eastern India.

Our collection of archival documents reconstructs the city's 20th-century cultural zenith. This section brings to life a golden age where the Wheeler Senate Hall hosted legendary musical performances by Pt. Omkar Nath Thakur and K.L. Saigal, while the Elphinstone Picture Palace hosted historic Bharatanatyam recitals by Rukmini Devi Arundale. The archives further track the evolution of regional media, preserving the history of Bihar's first film studios and iconic venues like the Regent Cinema and Dinapore's Diana Cinema, which serve as milestones in the transition from colonial administration to a vibrant modern identity.

The collection also captures the grassroots intellectual vigor of Patna, highlighting the city's deep-seated love for literature and local theater. By safeguarding the records of active dramatic societies like the Mahabir and Adalatganj Dramatic Clubs, the archive preserves the legacy of performances such as Satya Harishchandra and Sat-bhai Champa.

The Sports section traces the intersection of European athletic traditions and local sporting practices. This collection highlights sports such as wrestling, hockey, cricket, football, and Lawn Tennis through rare tournament records and correspondence from the Bihar and Odisha Olympic Association, detailing the region's early integration into the global Olympic movement. By preserving these documents, the collection illustrates how sports functioned as a vital social bridge between colonial administration and the local population, shaping Patna's modern competitive identity.

Moving beyond abstract concepts of faith, the archive preserves multi-lingual invitation cards and community records that reveal how festivals like Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, and many more were celebrated as collective social events. These records highlight the prime notations of communal syncretism. By housing these rare prints, Planet Patna provides an authentic, documented lens into the secular spirit and cultural resilience that defined the city's identity across the twentieth century.

Expanding beyond regional history, this section situates Patna within the broader national narrative. This collection highlights how residents of Patna engaged with the broader social and historical fabric of India during the twentieth century. It showcases rare archival materials, including colonial-era postcards and official correspondence related to national landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and India Gate, providing a unique perspective on these iconic symbols of Indian heritage.

Beyond architectural history, this section documents significant national events and state visits, often captured through the Jalan family's personal network. It is enriched by rare brochures and private letters that discuss the national political shifts and state exhibitions occurring in cities like Delhi and Agra. By presenting these primary sources, Planet Patna highlights the interconnectedness of local intelligentsia and national identity formation.