Situated in Eastern India, Bihar is a state rich in history and undergoing exciting changes. It's the third most populous and the 12th largest by area in India. Bordered by Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Nepal, Bihar is divided by the Ganges River.
In ancient times, it was a hub of power and learning, giving rise to India's first empire and spreading Buddhism. Today, it's home to a youthful population, with over half below 25 years old.
Despite past challenges, Bihar is making strides in development, with better governance, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and reduced crime and corruption. Bihar's story is one of embracing its heritage while looking ahead to a brighter future. The capital of Bihar is Patna.
The name Bihar originates from the Sanskrit word vihāra, meaning "abode," reflecting its historical significance as a region abundant with Buddhist vihāras. In ancient times, Bihar was a centre of political and cultural activity, with regions like Magadha and Mithila playing prominent roles. Dynasties like the Maurya and Gupta Empires emerged here, shaping India's history.
However, the region faced a decline during the medieval period due to invasions, leading to the destruction of prestigious centres of learning like Nalanda and Vikramashila.
Despite challenges, Bihar remained resilient, contributing to movements like the Champaran Satyagraha and the peasant movement led by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati.
Post-independence, Bihari migrant workers have encountered discrimination and violence in various parts of India, underscoring ongoing struggles for integration and acceptance.
Bihar, with an area of 94,163 square kilometres and an average elevation of 173 feet above sea level, is surrounded by Nepal to the north, Jharkhand to the south, West Bengal to the east, and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
Geographically, it comprises three main regions: the Southern Plateau, the Shivalik Region, and the Gangetic Plain. Divided by the Ganges River into North Bihar and South Bihar, the state is prone to flooding due to its river network, including the Gandak, Koshi, and Bagmati.
Despite its predominantly subtropical climate, Bihar experiences variations in temperature, with hot summers and cold winters. The state boasts a forest area covering 7.1% of its land, featuring diverse flora such as Sal, Toona, and Khair trees.
Its wildlife includes protected species like the Bengal tiger in Valmiki National Park and the South Asian river dolphin in Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary.
Bihar is also rich in natural resources, holding 95% of the country's pyrite reserves and recently discovering significant gold deposits in Jamui district, contributing substantially to India's mineral wealth.
Bihar, India's third most populous state, hosts 104,099,452 people, with a density of 1,106 persons per square kilometre. It boasts the country's highest youth population, with almost 58% under 25 years old, and has witnessed a 20% urbanisation rate.
Adult literacy stands at 68.15%, with disparities between genders. Religious diversity is evident, with 81.99% practising Hinduism and 17.70% Islam. The state is primarily Indo-Aryan-speaking, with significant Bihari language usage like Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi.
Hindi is the official language, but calls exist to recognise other languages. Ethnic diversity includes communities of Punjabi Hindu refugees and smaller Bengali and Surjapuri populations.
Under the Constitution of India, Bihar's government is led by the Governor, appointed by the President, and the Chief Minister, who heads policy decisions with their cabinet. The state's bureaucracy, overseen by the Chief Secretary, includes officials from various services.
The judiciary, headed by the Chief Justice, operates from Patna. Bihar is administratively divided into 9 divisions and 38 districts. Politically, the state has shifted from forward caste dominance to backward castes emerging as political elites.
Nitish Kumar's tenure as Chief Minister focused on economic development, crime reduction, and social equality, with initiatives such as property confiscation from corrupt officials and prohibition of alcohol sales since 2016.
Bihar's public health system faces significant challenges, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to other Indian states. Despite federal initiatives like the National Health Mission and the Clinical Establishments Act of 2010, Bihar struggles to effectively utilise allocated funds for healthcare improvement.
Privatised hospitals play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, but their dominance contributes to high costs and corruption, exacerbated by a lack of transparency in health reporting. The state also suffers from a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, with glaring shortfalls in physicians and specialists.
Public health infrastructure, including sub-health centres and community health centres, falls well below national standards. Despite these obstacles, Bihar has made modest progress in areas such as female health workers and mortality rates, indicating some improvement in the face of persistent challenges.
Bihar's economy has experienced significant growth, with its gross state domestic product (GSDP) reaching ₹3,683.37 billion in FY 2013–14. The state's economy is largely service-oriented, although agriculture plays a crucial role, employing about 80% of the population.
Despite challenges like floods and droughts, Bihar has emerged as one of the fastest-growing state economies, with a growth rate of 17.06% in FY 2014–15. Efforts to attract investments and develop infrastructure are underway, particularly in industrial centres like Begusarai and Patna.
However, income distribution remains unequal, with certain districts recording higher per capita gross district domestic products. Bihar also faces disparities compared to other Indian cities, reflecting historical inequalities and land ownership issues.
Bihar boasts a rich cultural heritage, encompassing various art forms and traditions. Traditional painting styles like Mithila painting, also known as Madhubani art, have been practised for generations, depicting scenes from ancient epics and daily life.
Bhojpuri painting, primarily found in the Bhojpuri region, showcases motifs of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and natural objects. The Patna School of Painting, also known as "Company Painting," emerged in the 18th century, blending Mughal miniature techniques with local themes.
In performing arts, Bihar has produced renowned musicians like Ustad Bismillah Khan and dhrupad singers from Darbhanga and Bettiah Gharanas. The state is also known for its vibrant cinema industry, with a focus on Bhojpuri-language films.
The annual festivals of Chhath Puja and Durga Puja are celebrated with great fervour, showcasing Bihar's deep-rooted religious and cultural traditions. These festivals bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and celebration across the state.
Bihar is a popular tourist destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually, including over 1 million from overseas.
Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya and the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara—Bihar boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Khuda Bakhsh Library in Patna houses a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and paintings.
Attractions like Valmiki National Park and Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary offer unique experiences for ecotourism enthusiasts. The state's religious significance draws pilgrims to sites associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, such as Sitamarhi, Bodh Gaya, Champapuri, and Vaishali.
Gaya, renowned for the Śrāddha ritual during Pitru Paksha, hosts a lively fair during this period. With its diverse offerings, Bihar promises an enriching travel experience for all.
Bihar's transport network is robust and varied, facilitating easy travel for both domestic and international visitors. With three operational airports, including Gaya Airport, offering international flights and a well-connected rail network spanning 3,794 km, travellers enjoy efficient connectivity across the state.
Infrastructure projects like the Gaya-Darbhanga Expressway and plans for the Patna Metro further enhance transportation options. The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation operates interstate and international buses, complementing the extensive network of state and national highways.
Additionally, inland waterways along the Ganges River provide alternative transportation routes. Overall, Bihar's transport infrastructure ensures seamless travel for commuters and tourists alike.
With a rich history of learning dating back to ancient universities like Nalanda, Bihar continues to prioritise education. From esteemed institutions like Patna University to modern additions like IIT Patna and AIIMS Patna, Bihar hosts a diverse range of educational opportunities.
Initiatives such as the Bihar Knowledge Center aim to equip students with essential job-market skills. Bihta is emerging as an educational hub, housing institutions like IIT Patna and AIIMS Patna. Bihar's graduates rank among the country's top in terms of quality and employability, showcasing the state's commitment to nurturing talent.
In conclusion, Bihar stands as a testament to the fusion of its rich historical legacy with the aspirations of its progressive present. As the state continues to chart its course forward, it embraces its cultural diversity, navigates through economic challenges, and strives for inclusive development.
With a burgeoning youth population and a commitment to education, Bihar holds the promise of a brighter future. Through its vibrant cultural heritage, burgeoning tourism sector, and robust transport infrastructure, Bihar invites the world to explore its treasures and witness the remarkable journey of history and progress unfold.