Bihar

Chandragupt maurya Birla mandir 6 dec 2009 (31) (cropped)

Dr Rajendra Pd. DR.Anugrah Narayan Sinha

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View of Patna city from the top of Golghar

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Kanwar Lake Begusarai by Ziddi Photowala

Vishnupadh Temple

Bihar is a state in the eastern part of India. It is the third-largest state by population and the twelfth-largest by territory, with an area of 94,163 square kilometers (36,357 sq mi) and a population of over 104 million. Bihar is bordered by Nepal to the north, the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, and West Bengal to the east. The state capital is Patna.

History

Bihar has a rich history that dates back to ancient India. It was the center of power, learning, and culture in ancient and classical India. The region was known as Magadha in ancient times and was home to the Maurya and Gupta Empires, which are considered golden ages of Indian civilization. The ancient university of Nalanda is located in Bihar, which was one of the first great universities in recorded history.

Geography

Bihar lies in the fertile Gangetic Plain. The Ganges River flows through the middle of the state from west to east, joined by its tributaries such as the Son, Bagmati, Gandak, and Kosi that flow from the Himalayas. The northern part of Bihar, a part of the Terai region, is more fertile and is known for its agriculture, while the south, being a part of the Chota Nagpur plateau, is more forested and less populated.

Economy

The economy of Bihar is mainly based on agriculture, with rice, wheat, maize, and lentils being the major crops. The state has also seen growth in the service sector and has started to attract foreign investment. However, Bihar remains one of the least developed states in India, with a low GDP per capita.

Culture

Bihar has a diverse culture that includes various festivals, art forms, and cuisines. The state celebrates festivals like Chhath Puja, a unique festival dedicated to the Sun God, and has a rich tradition of folk music and dance. Madhubani painting, a style of Indian painting practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar, is internationally recognized.

Education

Bihar has made significant progress in the field of education, with improvements in enrollment rates at primary and secondary levels. The state is home to historical universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila, which were ancient centers of learning. In modern times, it has institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology Patna and Nalanda University, aiming to revive the ancient glory of Bihar in education.

Politics

Bihar has a multi-party system, with politics dominated by regional parties like the Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal, as well as national parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. The state has played a significant role in Indian politics, producing several prominent political leaders.

Demographics

The population of Bihar is ethnically diverse, including various social groups like the Yadavs, Kurmis, and a significant Muslim population. Hindi is the official language of the state, while languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi are also widely spoken.

Challenges

Bihar faces several challenges, including poverty, corruption, and political instability. The state has one of the highest poverty rates in India and struggles with issues like unemployment and illiteracy. Despite these challenges, Bihar has shown signs of development and progress in recent years.