Bihar Sharif is situated on the site of the ancient city of Odantapuri. It is 80 km from Patna. The town was once the capital of the Muslims rulers of Bihar and enjoyed their patronage as a set of culture from the 13th to the 16th century. The tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharfuddin is the main attraction in the town, drawing visitors from all parts of India. Makhdum Shah Sharfuddin died in 1379 and, for almost six centuries, an unbroken line of disciples kept alive his tradition. The other architectural attraction is the tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya (13th century).
Sasaram, a small township in the Shahbad district, lies 150 km from Patna on the Grand Trunk Road. It has several historical monuments, most important of them being the mausoleum of Sher Shah.
Sher Shah was the greatest Muslim sovereign of Bihar. A Pathan chieftain of a small principality, he extended his kingdom both in the west and in the east, thus coming into conflict with the Mughal emperor Humayun. After a series of Battles, Sher shah defeated Humayun to become emperor of Delhi. He completely identified himself with the interests of his Hindu subjects and, by legislative and fiscal reforms, brought peace and prosperity to the country. He began buildings his mausoleum in Sasaram. After Sher Shah’s death in AD 1545, it was completed by his son, Salim Shah.