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'''Bihar''' is a state in eastern [[India]], bordered by [[Nepal]] to the north and the Indian states of [[Uttar Pradesh]] to the west, [[Jharkhand]] to the south, and [[West Bengal]] to the east. It is the third-most populous state in India and has played a vital role in Indian history, politics, and religion.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/place/Bihar</ref> | '''Bold text''''''Bihar''' is a state in eastern [[India]], bordered by [[Nepal]] to the north and the Indian states of [[Uttar Pradesh]] to the west, [[Jharkhand]] to the south, and [[West Bengal]] to the east. It is the third-most populous state in India and has played a vital role in Indian history, politics, and religion.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/place/Bihar</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Bihar | Bihar is a beautiful state in eastern India with a very long history of human civilization. It was an agglomeration in the times of civilizations and has, for centuries, been a focal point of power, learning, and religion. | ||
'''Ancient Period''' | |||
Bihar was the nucleus of the ancient Magadha, which came prominently in Indian history at a very early date. There were many dynasties which ruled over Magadha with the first known being the dynasties of Haryanka, which were followed by Shishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, and Gupta dynasties. From Pataliputra (present-day Patna), Chandragupta Maurya established one of the largest empires in Indian history under the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya). His grandson Ashoka is known as the great because after the Kalinga War he embraced Buddhism and started propagating it all over Asia.` | |||
'''Religious Dimensions''' | |||
Bihar is considered a sacred land for Buddhism, Jainism, and, to the extent of Hinduism and Sikhism. Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, whereas Mahavira the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism also saw his birth in this land. Nalanda and Vikramashila ancient universities attracted scholars from across the world well known for Buddhist learning. | |||
'''Medieval Period''' | |||
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Bihar turned power places into their hands from amongst the regional dynasties such as the Palas and Senas. In the 12th century, it fell to the charm of Muslim rule under Bakhtiyar Khilji, who is infamous for demolishing the ancient Nalanda University. Under the rule of the Mughals, Bihar was put into the integration of the empire but, as compared to its contemporaries, did not shine so brightly as a dimension in the administrative scheme. | |||
'''Colonial Period''' | |||
The British East India Company took over control of Bihar after the battle of Buxar (1764). Bihar remained under Bengal Presidency until 1912, when it was carved out as a separate province. During the colonial period, Bihar was in the forefront of India's freedom struggle. The state produced some great leaders, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first Indian President), Jayaprakash Narayan, and Sheikh Gulab. In 1917, the Champaran Satyagraha, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, was conducted in Bihar; it was the first big civil disobedience movement in India. | |||
'''Post-independence period''' | |||
In 1947, Bihar was made a constituent state of the Indian Union. It has faced on-and-off problems of governance, infrastructure, and poverty over the decades. In the year 2000, southern Bihar was carved out along with the new state of Jharkhand. Bihar, despite financial ill-ease, has made its strides in the 21st century in education, infrastructure, and governance reforms. | |||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
Bihar is | |||
'''Bihar''', a state in [[eastern India]], has an important geographical and cultural location. It shares both international and inter-state boundaries, is home to fertile plains and seasonal rivers, and consists largely of agriculture. '''''Location and Area Bihar is located between latitudes 24°20′10″N and 27°31′15″N; longitudes 83°19′50″E and 88°17′40″E. The total area of the state is 94,163 sq km, ranking it 12th in area among the states in India'''''. Boundaries: Northern Boundary: Nepal (International boundary) Eastern Boundary: West Bengal Western Boundary: Uttar Pradesh Southern Boundary: Jharkhand Physiographic Divisions Bihar has largely three different physiographic areas: | |||
• '''Northern Plains''': The area is located between the Ganga River and the [[Nepal]] border. Geologically, this area consists of alluvial soil, making it very fertile. The rivers that go through this area originate in the [[Himalayas]], so flooding is a frequent occurrence. | |||
• '''Southern Plateau Region''': This area covers a portion of southwestern Bihar that borders Jharkhand and includes the hills and rocky terrains of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which is mineral resource rich. | |||
• '''Ganga River Basin''': The Ganga River flows in west to east direction, delineating North and South Bihar. Major tributaries in the north: Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati in the south: Son, Punpun, Phalgu Major Rivers Bihar is a riverine state with more than 20 major rivers, including: Ganga - the lifeline of Bihar, flowing across the. | |||
• Major Rivers | |||
Bihar is a riverine state, with 20+ major rivers such as: | |||
- Ganga - lifeline of Bihar, flowing through Bihar for about 445 km. | |||
- Kosi - "sorrow of Bihar" due to floods. | |||
- Gandak, Bagmati, Son, Punpun, Phalgu | |||
'''Bold text''' | |||
Climate | |||
The climate of Bihar is subtropical monsoon with three seasons: | |||
- '''Summer (March-June)''' - hot and dry with temperatures up to 40-45ºC. | |||
- Monsoon (June-September) - heavy rainfall, particularly in northern Bihar. | |||
- '''Winter (October-February)''' - cool and dry: temperatures can fall below 5ºC in many areas. Average annual rainfall 1,200-1,800 mm; highest amounts in northern districts. | |||
'''Natural Resources''' | |||
'''Soil:''' mostly alluvial and suitable for intensive agriculture. | |||
'''Minerals:''' some mineral resources, including mica, bauxite, limestone, and coal in the southern plateau region. | |||
'''Forest:''' covers about 7% of the area of the state; mainly in southern and eastern districts. | |||
'''Environmental Issues''' | |||
''Flooding: in particular Kosi and Gandak basins.'' | |||
'''Deforestation and land degradation.''' | |||
Soil runoff in the hills | |||
== Capital and Major Cities == | == Capital and Major Cities == | ||
Revision as of 16:55, 14 July 2025
'Bold text'Bihar is a state in eastern India, bordered by Nepal to the north and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, and West Bengal to the east. It is the third-most populous state in India and has played a vital role in Indian history, politics, and religion.[1]
History
Bihar is a beautiful state in eastern India with a very long history of human civilization. It was an agglomeration in the times of civilizations and has, for centuries, been a focal point of power, learning, and religion.
Ancient Period
Bihar was the nucleus of the ancient Magadha, which came prominently in Indian history at a very early date. There were many dynasties which ruled over Magadha with the first known being the dynasties of Haryanka, which were followed by Shishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, and Gupta dynasties. From Pataliputra (present-day Patna), Chandragupta Maurya established one of the largest empires in Indian history under the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya). His grandson Ashoka is known as the great because after the Kalinga War he embraced Buddhism and started propagating it all over Asia.`
Religious Dimensions
Bihar is considered a sacred land for Buddhism, Jainism, and, to the extent of Hinduism and Sikhism. Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, whereas Mahavira the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism also saw his birth in this land. Nalanda and Vikramashila ancient universities attracted scholars from across the world well known for Buddhist learning.
Medieval Period
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Bihar turned power places into their hands from amongst the regional dynasties such as the Palas and Senas. In the 12th century, it fell to the charm of Muslim rule under Bakhtiyar Khilji, who is infamous for demolishing the ancient Nalanda University. Under the rule of the Mughals, Bihar was put into the integration of the empire but, as compared to its contemporaries, did not shine so brightly as a dimension in the administrative scheme.
Colonial Period
The British East India Company took over control of Bihar after the battle of Buxar (1764). Bihar remained under Bengal Presidency until 1912, when it was carved out as a separate province. During the colonial period, Bihar was in the forefront of India's freedom struggle. The state produced some great leaders, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first Indian President), Jayaprakash Narayan, and Sheikh Gulab. In 1917, the Champaran Satyagraha, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, was conducted in Bihar; it was the first big civil disobedience movement in India.
Post-independence period
In 1947, Bihar was made a constituent state of the Indian Union. It has faced on-and-off problems of governance, infrastructure, and poverty over the decades. In the year 2000, southern Bihar was carved out along with the new state of Jharkhand. Bihar, despite financial ill-ease, has made its strides in the 21st century in education, infrastructure, and governance reforms.
Geography
Bihar, a state in eastern India, has an important geographical and cultural location. It shares both international and inter-state boundaries, is home to fertile plains and seasonal rivers, and consists largely of agriculture. Location and Area Bihar is located between latitudes 24°20′10″N and 27°31′15″N; longitudes 83°19′50″E and 88°17′40″E. The total area of the state is 94,163 sq km, ranking it 12th in area among the states in India. Boundaries: Northern Boundary: Nepal (International boundary) Eastern Boundary: West Bengal Western Boundary: Uttar Pradesh Southern Boundary: Jharkhand Physiographic Divisions Bihar has largely three different physiographic areas:
• Northern Plains: The area is located between the Ganga River and the Nepal border. Geologically, this area consists of alluvial soil, making it very fertile. The rivers that go through this area originate in the Himalayas, so flooding is a frequent occurrence.
• Southern Plateau Region: This area covers a portion of southwestern Bihar that borders Jharkhand and includes the hills and rocky terrains of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which is mineral resource rich.
• Ganga River Basin: The Ganga River flows in west to east direction, delineating North and South Bihar. Major tributaries in the north: Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati in the south: Son, Punpun, Phalgu Major Rivers Bihar is a riverine state with more than 20 major rivers, including: Ganga - the lifeline of Bihar, flowing across the.
• Major Rivers Bihar is a riverine state, with 20+ major rivers such as:
- Ganga - lifeline of Bihar, flowing through Bihar for about 445 km. - Kosi - "sorrow of Bihar" due to floods. - Gandak, Bagmati, Son, Punpun, Phalgu Bold text Climate The climate of Bihar is subtropical monsoon with three seasons:
- Summer (March-June) - hot and dry with temperatures up to 40-45ºC. - Monsoon (June-September) - heavy rainfall, particularly in northern Bihar. - Winter (October-February) - cool and dry: temperatures can fall below 5ºC in many areas. Average annual rainfall 1,200-1,800 mm; highest amounts in northern districts.
Natural Resources Soil: mostly alluvial and suitable for intensive agriculture.
Minerals: some mineral resources, including mica, bauxite, limestone, and coal in the southern plateau region.
Forest: covers about 7% of the area of the state; mainly in southern and eastern districts.
Environmental Issues Flooding: in particular Kosi and Gandak basins.
Deforestation and land degradation.
Soil runoff in the hills
Capital and Major Cities
Economy
Bihar’s economy is primarily agrarian, with rice, wheat, sugarcane, and lentils as major crops. Industrial growth is emerging in textiles, leather, and IT. In recent years, the state has focused on infrastructure and education-led development.[3]
Government
Bihar has a bicameral legislature with the Governor of Bihar as the constitutional head and the Chief Minister of Bihar as the executive authority. It sends 40 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and 16 (Rajya Sabha).[4]
Education
Bihar is home to some of the oldest and most significant educational institutions:
- Nalanda University (ancient and revived)
- Patna University
- IIT Patna
- NIT Patna[5]
Culture
Bihar has a rich cultural heritage in music, dance, and festivals. It is known for:
- Chhath Puja
- Madhubani paintings
- Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi literature
Tourism
Key tourist attractions include:
- Bodh Gaya – UNESCO World Heritage site
- Nalanda – Ancient university ruins
- Rajgir – Historic and religious town
- Vaishali, Patna Museum, and Kesariya Stupa[6]
Notable Personalities
- B. R. Ambedkar (elected from Bihar to Constituent Assembly)
- Jayaprakash Narayan
- Rajendra Prasad – First President of India
- Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad Yadav – Noted political figures