The early history of Maner is shrouded in mystery. Maner has been extensively referred to in medieval documents, and portions of its history have been related. Its earliest mention is made in texts only in connection with the conquest of Bihar and Bengal by Bakhtiyar Khilji.

But from the remains at Maner and popular local traditions, it is clear that Maner has been important in historical times, even before it gained prominence after the advent of Islam. It was visited by Francis Buchanan on 27th February, 1812, and he has described the same in his Journal of Patna and Gaya. He has mentioned that he had gone to Maner which was large and populous by “passing along the Son the whole way, for it now joins the Ganges at Serpur, and not at Moner as in the time of Mr. Renell.” A systematic account is found in Kuraishi’s list, and in an article on Maner by Hafiz Shamsuddin Ahmad, published in the proceedings of the Oriental Conference of 1930.

According to Firishta, Maner was founded by one Firuz Rai, son of Kesho Rai, who was a descendant of Noah, eight degrees removed. In fact the date for Kesvaraja by Ferishta is around 1429 B.C., while Feroz-Ra is placed around 1209 B.C. But these appear to be purely legendary personages, for they are not known from any historical source.  Hafiz S. Ahmad mentions that the origin of Maner may date back to some pre-Christian era; and it may have been a centre of Buddhist culture.

As on date a few mutilated remains of that period such as the stone Lion called Singh Sadaul, near the north-eastern entrance of the Bari Dargah, still survive as a reminder of its earlier history.  Kuraishi’s List also mentions about the antiquity of Maner and that “Evidence of the former existence of Hindu or Buddhist buildings at Maner is to be seen in a damaged stone tiger now lying near the north gate of the Bari Dargah. It is a medieval sculpture, and depicts a tiger crushing an elephant between its fore-legs.”

To be continued.........