Sasaram

Sasaram is a city in the Magadha region of Bihar, India. The town contains three tombs of Sur kings and a couple of related monuments. Sasaram lies on the Grand Trunk Road, which was refurbished by Sher Shah Suri. There are also a couple of forts near Sasaram. Sasaram also has a couple of ancient Hindu Temples, an Ashokan Rock Edict, megaliths and rock paintings.

Understand

Tomb of Sher Shah Suri

Palace Complex of Rothasgarh Fort

Sasaram is a city in the Rohtas District of Bihar. It is an ancient city and home to Sahasrabahu, a legendary warrior of Indian mythology. It is also the citadel of the Sur Dynasty, which ruled large portions of North India between 1540 - 56.

Geographically Sasaram lies west of the Sone River. It lies on the Kaimur Range, which is an eastern extension of the Vindhya Range. The undulating landscape is home to several waterfalls.

Get in

Sasaram is well connected both by Road and Railways by major metros like New Delhi and Kolkata.

By train

Sasaram is a junction railway station on the Howrah - Mughalsarai line. It is also connected to Patna via Arrah

• 1 Sasaram Junction railway station. (updated Mar 2021)

By car

Sasaram lies on the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) and is well connected to Delhi and Kolkata

Get around

Tomb of Sher Shah Suri

Mausoleum of Sher Shah

Tomb of Hasan Shah Suri

Incomplete Tomb of Islam Khan Tomb

Tomb of Alawal Khan

Kandahar Quila

Palace Complex of Rothasgarh Fort

Ganesh Temple, Rohtasgarh Fort

Sasaram doesn't have a proper public transport system. Walking is the best option to explore the town. For places near the town auto-rickshaws (also referred to as autos) need to be booked. For places further, opt for booking a car.

See

Sasaram was the seat of Sur Dynasty, who ruled large portions of North India between 1540 - 56. The town contains three tombs of Sur kings and a couple of related monuments. The town also has a couple of ancient Hindu Temples, a Ashokan Rock Edict, megaliths and rock paintings. There are a couple of forts and several water falls nearby.

In Sasaram

• 1 Tomb of Sher Shah Suri (Pani Roza). The Tomb of Sher Shah Suri follows the Indo - Islamic form of architecture. It was constructed by Mir Muhammad Alawal Khan and was constructed between 1540 - 45. The octagonal tomb stands on an artificial island located at the center of a square man made lake, hence the name Pani Roza. Each side of the square lake measuring 427 meters. The entire complex is fenced and the entry is through a dome pavilion styled gateway on the north side. The Tomb is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The island, housing the tomb, is connected to the main land by a causeway from the north side. The causeway was broken and was reconstructed by ASI in 1914 - 15. The causeway has two arched openings connecting the both sides of the lake. The island is surrounded by battlement with four octagonal chatris at the four corners. Each of the three sides (excepting the one on the west) have two projected square chhatris. The main tomb is octagonal and has two levels. There are chatris at the corner of each level. The upper level is crowned with a huge dome measuring 20 meters in diameter. The lower level have triple arched entrances on each side, Seven of the eight inner walls of the lower stage have arched gateways in the centre and is flanked with recessed arches on both side. The eight or the western side have no entrance. There are several graves inside but the one of Sher Shah is covered with decorative cloth. The western wall has the kibla and the tomb doubles up as a mosque. Apart from Sher Shah's grave there are several graves inside. The interiors are accessible and one has to remove his/her shoes to access the interiors. The eastern side of the pond houses a few chatris and a structures with steps leading down to the water. ₹25 and ₹25 for camera. (updated Mar 2020)
• 2 Tomb of Hasan Shah Suri (Sukha Roza). Hasan Shah Suri was Sher Shah's father and his tomb lies just east of his son's tomb. This also is designed by Mir Muhammad Alawal Khan and is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The architecture pattern is same as Sher Shah's Tomb but it is smaller in size and is located on ground, hence the name Sukha Roza. Hasan Shah’s Tomb is surrounded by a high wall with gateways on three sides. The western wall houses a mosque and has no gate way. The boundary wall houses four chatris in the four corners. Unlike the Sher Shah's Tomb the lower level has no chatris at the corner, instead the space between the first and second level is filled up with 24 small domes, 3 each on the eight sides. the interior contains the grave of Hasan Shah along with several other graves, sadly the interior is kept under lock and key and access is denied. Sadly the Tomb of Hasan Shah is not well maintained and local boys play cricket in the tomb complex. (updated Mar 2020)
• 3 Tomb of Islam Shah Suri (Tomb of Salim Shah). Islam Shah, also known as Salim Shah, is the son of Sher Shah. He is the second ruler of the Sur Dynasty, and ruled from 1545 - 54. The tomb follows the plan of Sher Shah's Tomb, but it was supposed to be bigger and the pond larger, Sadly it was never complete. Today the unprotected monument lies in utter neglect and a few pillars and arches are all that remains of the incomplete tomb. The pond also has lost its former glory and so have the causeway. Interior contains several graves, which are exposed to the open sky. Some of the graves are new and it seems the interior of the tomb still functions as an active graveyard. (updated Mar 2020)
• 4 Tomb of Alawal Khan. Mir Muhammad Alawal Khan (Alawal Khan) was the architect of the tombs of both Hasan Shah and Sher Shah. Sher Shah commissioned a third tomb in Sasaram, which was meant for the architect himself. It was Sher Shah's unique way of paying tribute to his favourite architect, something unparalleled in the history of the world. Today the tomb lies in the southern end of Sasaram. Sadly it lies inside the compound of an active Muslim Graveyard and is not easily accessible. The tomb actually is a walled complex with an entry gate on the east, The gate was crowned with two chatris one of which have collapsed. The interior contains a mosque and the grave of the master architect. (updated Mar 2020)
• 5 Kandahar Quila. This small fort like structure is located in the vegetable market area of Sasaram. Locals refer to it as the Kandahar Quila and nothing much is known about the history of the structure but it is in a very sad condition. The area in front of the structure is used as a garbage dump and also doubles up as an open public urinal. The interiors of the structure are used by locals for playing card and drinking alcohol. (updated Mar 2020)

Outside Sasaram

Temples

• 6 Maa Tara Chandi Temple (It is on GT Road about 5 km south east of Sasaram). Maa Tara Chandi Temple is one of the "52 Shakti Peetha". The right eye (Netra) is said to have fallen here. It is dedicated to Maa Durga or Maa Shakti. (updated Mar 2020)

Forts

• 7 Rohtasgarh Fort. The massive fort of Rohtasgarh stands on top of the Kaimur Hill and is about 45 km south east of Sasaram. The fort is constructed on a plateau at a height of 1600 ft above sea level. The fort gets its name from the mythological character Rohiteshwa, the son of King Harischandra, but there are no historical evidences regarding supporting this fact. The exact origin and history of the fort is not known but the earliest structure of the fort dates back to the time of king Sashanka of seventh century AD. It was also captured by Prithviraj Chauhan but the Rohtasgarh Fort came into prominence after it was captured by Sher Shah, from a local Hindu king, in 1539. In 1558, Raja Man Singh, Akbar's general and governor of Bengal and Bihar, took charge of the fort. Raja Man Singh made considerable addition to the fort including the famous Hati Pol or Elephant Gate. In the later years the fort sheltered rebels, dacoits and even Maoist guerillas In 2010s the Rothasgarh Fort has been cleared of Maoist rebels. Today the ruins of the fort are spread over a large area. There are four gateways and several structures inside the walled complex. the palace complex is the most well preserved and most visited area of the fort and is directly accessible by car. There are several trekking routes in the fort and one can chose a different combination of gates and routes. The Elephant Gate lies on the southern part of the palace complex. The sand stone gate way, with white marble ornamentation, was constructed by Man Singh and is flanked with sculpture of elephants. It leads to the diwani aam or public court. At the centre of the complex lies the Raja and Rani Mahal, which was connected by a causeway. there are several structures in the palace complex with ornate oriel windows and cupolas. Outside the palace complex stands the Jami Masjid, which was constructed by Sher Shah. Apart from these there is a Ganesh Temple. The Masjid and the Ganesh temples is located just south of the palace complex. About 4 km east of the palace complex lies the Rohtasgarh lies the Rothasgarh Devi Temple along with a Shiva Temple. The Rohtasgarh Devi Temple is a domed structure while the shiva temple has a towering structure and is located atop a small hill. The shiva temple is approached aby a long flight of stairs. (updated Mar 2020)
• 8 Shergarh Fort. Located on the Kaimur Range and east of the Durgabati River the Shergarh Fort is lying unattended for more than 400 years. It is located 32 km south west of Sasaram. It is a natural hill fort sited amidst gorgeous scenery. The top of hill, now a mass of ruins commands a magnificent view of the distant range of hills and the valley of Durgawati. Although named after Sher Shah it is quiet likely the fort was constructed at an earlier date by a local Hindu king and was later teken over by Sher Shah. Much smaller in size than the Rohtasgarh Fort, the fortification of Shergarh is visible from a distance. The nearest motorable point is Badalgarh, From Badalgarh one has to walk for about 1.5 km to the reach the stairways leading to the fort. The fort stands on a plateau, which has two different elevation. The depression between the two levels served as a natural reservoir, which was feed by rain water. The lower side of the plateau lies on the north and probably had no structure; now it is covered with thick jungle. The southern and the higher side contains several palatial buildings, which were probably erected by Sher Shah. The palatial building contains an intricate network of underground passages, rooms and even a well. Shergarh lacks basic tourist infrastructure, which includes approach roads and absence of local guides make exploration difficult.. (updated Mar 2020)

Waterfalls

• 9 Maa Tutla Bhawani Waterfall. Maa Tutla Bhawani Water fall is located 30 km south of Sasaram. Next to the waterfall is the temple of Goddess Maa Tutula Bhawani. (updated Mar 2020)
• 10 Budhan Waterfall. Budhan Waterfall is about 3 km from Maa Tara Chandi Temple and about 9 km from Sasaram. (updated Mar 2020)
• 11 Manjhar Kund and Dhua Kund Waterfall. Both the water falls are about 3 km south of Budhan Waterfall and are next to each other. (updated Mar 2020)

Eat

Litti chokha dipped in ghee

Litti with Chicken being prepared at Sasaram

The 2 Post Office More. (updated Mar 2020) area has a number of food options including small restaurants and street food stalls. Litti, a dough ball made up of whole wheat flour and stuffed with sattu (roasted chickpea and barley flour), is the most popular dish. Litti is served with alu chokha (mashed boiled potato) or begun bharta (rosted eggplant) are popular dishes. Also available is non veg litti. The non veg litti is served with a dash of chicken or fish.

Sleep

Sasaram has a handfull of basic hotels with prices ranging from ₹ 700 to ₹ 2000

• 1 Hotel BNS International. (updated Mar 2020)
• 2 Hotel Janta Deluxe. (updated Mar 2020)
• 3 Hotel Maurya Royal, ☏ +91 6184 222117. ₹1,200- 2,100. (updated Mar 2020)
• 4 Hotel Rohit International, ☏ +91 6184 222033. Well-furnished rooms and a restaurant ₹2,100-7,500. (updated Mar 2020)
• 5 Shershah Vihar, ☏ +91 6184 221267. Run by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) ₹630-1,260. (updated Mar 2020)
• 6 Mountain View Resorts. ₹2,500-3,500. (updated Mar 2020)

Connect

There are many internet cafes scattered throughout the town. All the hotels listed above have internet access. Following Service provider provides there Mobile Services in this city.

• BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) covered all parts of this city with true band GSM 850,900,1900.
• Airtel.
• Idea.
• Vodafone.
• Reliance (GSM & CDMA).
• MTS.
• Tata indicom (CDMA).
• Docomo.

Go next

• Bodh Gaya (123 km): one of the most revered of all Buddhist sacred sites
• Varanasi (119 km): on the banks of the Ganges River, it is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.