Map of Bihar

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Map of Bihar Pashchim Champaran Purba Champaran Sheohar Sitamarhi Muzaffarpur Vaishali Patna  Nalanda Nawada Aurangabad Gaya Bhojpur Buxar Rohtas Haimur ( Bhabua) Saran Siwan Gopalganj Arwal Jehanabad Sheikhpura Lakhisarai Begusarai Khagaria Bhagalpur Munger Banka Jamui Samistipur Darbhanga Madhubani Saharsa Supaul Madhepura Purnia Katihar Araria Kishanganj UTTAR PRADESH JHARKHAND WEST BENGAL BANGALADESH NEPAL BHUTAN
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Location Map of BiharBihar District MapRiver Map of Bihar Bihar Road Network MapBihar Rail Network Map

About Bihar



Bihar, Located in the Eastern part of India. It is the third-largest state by population in India, while 12th in terms of area. It covers an area of 94,163 km2 (36,357 sq mi). The bifurcation of Bihar took place on November 15, 2000, and a new state Jharkhand was born. Bihar is divided into 38 districts.

The state shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh to the west, Nepal to the north, the northern part of West Bengal to the east, and with Jharkhand to the south.

History of Bihar



The state has a rich history and culture which dates back to ancient times. It was once a great center of learning and many powerful empires originated from here. It was also the center of Buddhism as the religion originated from here. During the (sixth centuries BCE to fourth centuries BCE) Mahajanpadha era or 'the period of the Vedas', Magadha (the region in Bihar) was one of the 16 kingdoms that existed in ancient India. But, it soon came to encompass the other kingdoms and by the time of Mauryas, especially Ashoka who was the greatest Emperor of India, its extent had spread to include parts of Iran and Afghanistan.

Bodh Gaya is associated with the revered sage Buddha as it was here that he gained enlightenment under a pipal tree. Some prominent Universities of ancient times of India are: Nalanda University located about 55 miles southeast of Patna and Vikramashila one of the prominent places of learning in India during the Pala dynasty, located near Bhagalpur district in Bihar.

The decline of Bihar started during the medieval period with the advent of the Muslim rulers. Following the battle of Buxar, Bihar passed under British rule and became a part of the Bengal Presidency. In 1912, Bihar, along with Orissa were separated from the Bengal Presidency, while on April 1, 1936, Bihar and Orissa (now Odisha) became two separate provinces. Following India's independence in 1947, it became a part of independent India.

Economy of Bihar



Currently, Bihar has one of the fastest-growing economies in terms of gross state domestic product. Mainly an agricultural economy, the state is one of the largest producers of vegetables in the country. It is famous in the horticulture sector. Production of different kinds of fruits is substantial in Bihar.

The state has also made considerable progress in the industrial sector with an oil refinery in Barauni and a power plant in Muzaffarpur. A satellite town located in the Patna Metropolitan Region, Fatuha is well known for its farm tractor and scooter industries. The LPG bottling plant of Bharat Petroleum is also operating from Fatuha. Other than this, Bihar is also known for sugar industries.

Places of attraction



Bihar is a fascinating tourism destination and is known for its monuments and relics dating from the ancient to medieval times. Some treasures worth visiting in the state are the Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, Barabar Caves- one of the oldest rock-cut caves, Vikramshila Monastery, Buddha Smriti Park, ruins of the ancient city of Vaishali, Bodhi Tree, and the Mahabodhi Temple. Takht Sri Patna Sahib, built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in honor of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who was born in Patna.

Language of Bihar



The official language of the state is Hindi. Urdu is the second language of Bihar. The other languages that are spoken by people in the state are Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Bajjika (a dialect of Maithili), and Angika (considered as one of the oldest languages of the world) Of these other languages; the government of India recognizes only Maithili, which has got a place in the eighth schedule of the constitution of India.

Education in Bihar



Bihar is home to many educational institutes. Some prominent educational institutes in the state are the National Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, National Institute of Fashion Technology, and AIIMS. Some other prime institutes are Patna University, Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Bihar Agricultural University, B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, and others.

Bihar State Information

CapitalPatna
Date of formation26/01/50
GovernorRajendra Arlekar
Chief MinisterNitish Kumar
Tourist attractionsRajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Pawapuri, Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila, Gaya, the ancient city of Patliputra
FestivalsChatth Puja, Sama-Chakeva, Nag Panchami
Major dance and music formsJat-Jatin dance of the Mithila region, Bidesia, the songs of Vidyapati, Chau Tribal dances
Arts and craftsMadhubani painting; Madhubani's marsh `sikki. Grass is used to make baskets, toys, dolls etc; Sujini kantha embroidery is a specialisation of Bihar.
LanguagesHindi, Urdu, Santhali
Size94,163 sq. km
Population (Census 2011)104099452
RiversKosi, Ganga, Saryu, Gandak, Kamla, Panar, Saura, Pun-pun
Forests and wildlife sanctuariesValmiki NP, Rajgir WS, Bhimbandh WS, Gautam Buddha WS, Udayapur WS
State animalGaur (Mithun)
State birdHouse sparrow
State flowerKachnar (Phanera variegata)
State treePeepal
Major cropsPaddy, wheat, maize
FactoidsA peepal or Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya marks the spot where Buddha achieved Enlightenment.
 Nalanda University, a seat of Buddhist learning, was founded around the 5th century AD by King Kumaragupta I
No. of District38


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Last Updated on: 03 October 2023