Bihar

Bihar is a state situated in the eastern part of India, known for its rich historical legacy, cultural diversity, and agricultural prominence. It is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the Indian subcontinent, having played a pivotal role in the development of ancient Indian civilisation. The state has been a cradle of major religions, educational centres, and political movements that have significantly influenced the course of Indian history.

Geographical Overview

Bihar lies in the eastern part of India, sharing its borders with Nepal to the north, and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, and West Bengal to the east. The Ganges River flows from west to east across the state, dividing it into two nearly equal halves. The northern part of Bihar is a fertile alluvial plain, while the southern region consists of slightly elevated land with small hills and plateaus. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterised by hot summers, a monsoon season from June to September, and cool winters.

Historical Background

Bihar’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word Vihara, meaning monastery, reflecting its ancient association with Buddhist learning centres. The region was once part of several powerful kingdoms and empires, including the Magadha Empire, which flourished around the 6th century BCE. It was under the Magadhan rule that two of India’s major religions—Buddhism and Jainism—emerged.
The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya with its capital at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), marked one of the most glorious periods in Indian history. Emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest rulers of ancient India, propagated Buddhism from this very region. The Gupta Empire, which succeeded the Mauryans, also ruled from Pataliputra and oversaw a golden age of art, science, and literature.
During the medieval period, Bihar witnessed invasions by Muslim rulers, followed by Mughal dominance. In the colonial era, the state became part of the Bengal Presidency under British rule. Bihar played an instrumental role in India’s freedom struggle, with leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad—India’s first President—and Jayaprakash Narayan leading major movements for independence and democracy.

Administrative and Political Structure

Bihar became a separate province in 1912, after being carved out of Bengal. Post-independence, it was reorganised several times, and in 2000, the southern region was bifurcated to form the state of Jharkhand. The state is divided into 38 districts, grouped under nine administrative divisions. Patna serves as the capital and political centre.
The government follows a parliamentary system with a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Bihar Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the Bihar Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). The Governor is the constitutional head, while the Chief Minister serves as the executive leader.

Economy and Agriculture

Bihar’s economy has traditionally been agrarian, with agriculture employing the majority of its population. The state’s fertile plains, enriched by the Ganges and its tributaries, make it ideal for cultivating rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds. Recently, horticultural crops like mango, litchi, and banana have also gained prominence.
Despite its agricultural strength, Bihar remains one of India’s less industrialised states. However, efforts have been made to promote sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, and information technology. The state has shown steady growth in its gross state domestic product (GSDP) over recent years, supported by infrastructure development, better connectivity, and investment in education and healthcare.

Education and Learning Heritage

Bihar holds a distinguished position in the history of education. Ancient universities such as Nalanda and Vikramashila attracted scholars from across Asia and were centres of intellectual excellence. Nalanda University, established during the Gupta period, was among the world’s first residential universities, offering studies in Buddhist philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
In modern times, Bihar is home to several notable institutions such as Patna University, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, and Central University of South Bihar. The literacy rate has shown considerable improvement, though challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to quality education, especially in rural areas.

Culture and Society

Bihar’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its traditions, festivals, and folk arts. The people of Bihar, predominantly speakers of languages such as Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi, uphold a rich oral and artistic heritage. Festivals like Chhath Puja, Holi, Diwali, and Eid are celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state.
Folk music and dance forms, including Jat-Jatin, Bidesia, and Kajari, reflect the social life and emotions of the people. Mithila painting (Madhubani art), originating from the Mithila region, has gained international recognition for its intricate designs and vibrant colours.

Demography and Urbanisation

Bihar is one of the most densely populated states in India, with a population exceeding 120 million. The majority of its inhabitants live in rural areas, though urban centres such as Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga are experiencing rapid growth. The population is youthful, with a significant proportion under 25 years of age, which offers both opportunities and challenges for employment and education.

Transport and Connectivity

Bihar enjoys strategic connectivity through an extensive network of roads, railways, and rivers. The National Highways connect major cities within the state as well as neighbouring regions. The East Central Railway zone, headquartered at Hajipur, plays a vital role in passenger and freight transport. Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and Gaya International Airport serve as the state’s major air gateways. Efforts are underway to expand air connectivity to other cities like Darbhanga and Purnea.

Tourism and Heritage Sites

Tourism is a growing sector in Bihar, supported by its wealth of historical and religious sites. Important destinations include Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment; Rajgir, associated with both Buddhism and Jainism; and Nalanda, the site of the ancient university. The Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Vaishali, Pawapuri, and Patna Sahib Gurudwara are also significant pilgrimage and heritage sites attracting visitors from across the world.

Contemporary Challenges and Development

Bihar continues to face challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits. Flooding in northern districts during the monsoon remains a recurring problem due to the state’s riverine geography. However, various government initiatives have focused on improving road networks, rural electrification, healthcare facilities, and educational infrastructure. Programmes like the Bihar Start-up Policy and Chief Minister’s Cycle Scheme have been introduced to encourage youth empowerment and innovation.