Bihar
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 has a rich historical legacy and was once home to the powerful Magadha empire. It played a central role in the rise of Buddhism and Jainism with important sites like Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.[2]
The region was also prominent during the Maurya and Gupta Empires and was later part of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire before falling under British control. Bihar became a separate state in 1912 and remained significant during India’s freedom struggle.[3]
Geography
Bihar is primarily a fertile alluvial plain drained by the Ganges River and its tributaries. It is divided into three major regions:
- North Bihar
- South Bihar
- The Chotanagpur Plateau (now in Jharkhand)
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.[5]
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).[6]
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[7]
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[8]
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