Tarikh-i Daʾudi 10: Foundation of the Fort of Patna.

10

Sher Shah, on his return from Bengal (in 948 H., 1541 A.D.), came to Patna, then a small town dependent on Bihar, which was the seat of the local government. He was standing on the bank of the Ganges, when, after much solid reflection and sage determination, he said to those who were standing by, "If a fort were to be built in this place, the waters of the Ganges could never flow far from it, and Patna would become one of the great towns of this country; because this place is situated to the west, on the banks of the Ganges which flows from the north. The strength of the stream is broken, and it cannot advance towards the north." He therefore ordered skilful carpenters and bricklayers to make out immediately an estimate for building a fort, where he then stood. These experienced workmen submitted an estimate of five lacs, which on the spur of the moment was made over to trustworthy persons. The fort was completed, and was considered to be exceedingly strong. Bihár from that time was deserted, and fell to ruin; while Patna became one of the largest cities of the province.