Does Patna exist in Scotland or India? News flash, both counties have their own Patna! India’s Patna is now a developing modern city perched on the banks of the divine Ganga, while Scotland’s Patna is a countryside village with a slow life amidst the lush mountains and, surprisingly, also near River Doon. Makes you wonder if they were identical twins, separated by lands and sea, doesn’t it? Let’s delve into the connection between Patna in India and Patna in Scotland.
This 19th Century Village In Scotland Is Named Patna, Just Like Bihar’s Capital
In a strange turn of history (and fond memories) there’s a little village in #Scotland called #Patna, set up in 1802 by one William Fullarton, who was born in Patna, #Bihar. Several of his family members worked for the East India Co. 👇 pic.twitter.com/3S2An8SN3I
— Damayanti Datta (@DattaDamayanti) March 22, 2021
A picturesque village in Scotland goes by the name of Patna. No, we are not talking about Bihar’s capital. There is indeed a Patna outside of India! This quaint village is set in East Ayrshire, which is around 7665 km away from Patna, Bihar and takes more than 12 hours of air travel to reach.
We cannot ignore the obvious similarities between these locations! First and foremost, they are both located directly beside rivers. River Doon passes through Doon Valley and the village of Patna, while India’s Patna has the River Ganga. Rice-growing agricultural land comes next in line with similarities. The insanely large paddy fields of Patnas are a mesmerising sight to behold.
Seems like a piece of India’s Patna was broken, taken across continents and set in Scotland. Despite the geographical locations, there is definitely a unique cultural, historical and heritage blend.
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Is There Any Connection Between Them?
Visiting Patna, a village in Scotland (named after Patna, the capital of my home state Bihar in India) @VisitScotland @VisitBihar pic.twitter.com/s33beA54Rp
— Prof Nadimul Faisal (@nh_faisal) April 20, 2019
John Fullarton was posted in Bihar’s Patna as a General Major in the British Army and soon made close connections and relations in the locality. His son, William Fullarton, was born in Patna, India, in 1774 and spent a considerable amount of his childhood there. In the early years of the 19th century, William moved to Scotland for coal and limestone mining. That is when he established Patna in East Ayrshire.
He named it as an ode to his birthplace in India and provided housing for his mining workers. The place has a university, bridge, church, clubs, golf courses, school and many more things that bear the name of Patna. Interestingly, you might find an Indian Patna resident in the Patna village in Scotland.
Also Read: Lost & Found! 8 Ancient Indian Cities That Were Once Lost & Discovered Later
You now know about a fascinating historical connection between our national and international Patnas!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@worst_animal
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First Published: June 20, 2024 8:41 PM