Explore Bihar's rich history, culture, rivers, national parks, economy, and polity. Learn about its festivals, heritage sites, demographics, and major economic hubs like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gaya in this detailed state profile.
theIAShub | 08 May, 2025 | 2522 | 0 |
Bihar, one of India’s historically significant states, has played a central role in the country’s political, religious, and intellectual evolution. Known as the land of ancient universities and empires, the state is a confluence of heritage, spirituality, and evolving economic aspirations. Covering an area of 94,163 square kilometers, Bihar ranks 13th in India by area. According to the 2011 Census, Bihar is home to over 104 million people, making it the third most populous state in the country. Patna, situated on the southern bank of the Ganga, is the capital and the administrative and commercial hub.
Also Read: Indian States and Their Capitals
Historical Background of Bihar
The history of Bihar dates back to the ancient era, with the region forming the core of powerful empires and religious movements. It was the cradle of the Magadha Empire (6th century BCE), followed by the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, under which India saw significant advancements in governance, trade, and education.
Bihar is also closely associated with the origins of Buddhism and Jainism. Cities like Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir were important centers of learning and spirituality. Nalanda and Vikramshila universities attracted scholars from across Asia.
In the medieval period, Bihar was part of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. During British rule, it became part of the Bengal Presidency. In 1912, Bihar was carved out as a separate province.
Post-independence, Bihar remained a key agricultural state, but in 2000, Jharkhand was carved out of southern Bihar, forming a separate state and significantly altering Bihar’s resource profile.
Also Read: Andhra Pradesh
Geography and Climate of Bihar
Bihar is a landlocked state in eastern India, bordered by Nepal to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, and West Bengal to the east.
The state’s geography is primarily composed of:
Climate: Bihar has a humid subtropical climate marked by:
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh
Bihar: Neighboring States and Boundaries
Bihar is located in eastern India and shares its borders with:
It shares an international border with Nepal to the north. Bihar is landlocked and does not have a coastline.
As per the 2011 Census, Bihar had a population of 104 million, with a high population density of 1,106 persons per square kilometer—the highest in India. The sex ratio is 918 females per 1000 males.
Literacy Rate: Bihar recorded a literacy rate of 61.8%, with male literacy at 71.2% and female literacy at 51.5%.
Languages Spoken in Bihar:
Every state has its own set of State Symbols, Following are the symbols of Bihar:
| Symbol | Name |
| State Animal | Gaur (Indian Bison) |
| State Bird | House Sparrow |
| State Tree | Peepal (Sacred Fig) |
| State Flower | Kachnar (Bauhinia Variegata) |
Bihar follows a bicameral legislature system, comprising the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). This structure reflects its historical importance in India’s constitutional framework.
The state of Bihar has been politically influential in post-independence India and has produced several notable national leaders.
Nitish Kumar, the leader of Janata Dal (United), assumed office as the Chief Minister of Bihar after the 2020 assembly elections. A key political figure in the state, he has served multiple terms and is known for his focus on infrastructure, law and order, and social welfare schemes.
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has been serving as the Governor of Bihar since February 2023. A senior political leader and former Governor of Himachal Pradesh, he represents the constitutional head of the state.
High Court: The Patna High Court is the principal judicial body in Bihar, located in the capital city, Patna.
The Chief Justice of the Patna High Court is Hon’ble Justice K. Vinod Chandran. He assumed office on March 29, 2023, after his nomination by the Chief Justice of India and appointment by the President of India.
Also Read: Chattisgarh
Bihar’s culture reflects a deep historical legacy shaped by ancient civilizations, religious diversity, folk traditions, classical art, and vibrant festivals. Its cultural richness draws from its role as the cradle of Buddhism, Jainism, and ancient empires like Magadha and Maurya.
Classical Dance of Bihar
While Bihar does not have a classical dance form like Andhra Pradesh’s Kuchipudi, it has contributed to classical performance arts through its connection with traditions of Kathak.
Kathak: Though Kathak is more associated with North India as a whole, Bihar has been a part of its historical development, especially through royal patronage and temple traditions.
Features: Characterized by intricate footwork, pirouettes, and storytelling through hand gestures and facial expressions.
Themes: Stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Krishna Leela.
Unique Aspect: The dance often blends spiritual themes with courtly grace and is performed in both solo and group formats.
Bihar has a longstanding folk theatre tradition that continues to engage audiences in rural and urban settings.
Bihar’s folk music is rich and varied, resonating with the rhythms of rural life and spirituality. It is traditionally oral and tied to social customs.
Bihar has contributed significantly to Hindustani classical music and has nurtured many renowned musicians.
Notable Personalities:
Performing arts are central to Bihar’s cultural expression, especially during festivals and community events.
Bihar is known for its traditional crafts, sacred architecture, and artistic heritage.
Bihar is home to unique ecosystems, preserved through its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Bihar has one designated national park:
Valmiki National Park (West Champaran District)
Bihar has one Ramsar wetland of international importance:
Kanwar/Kabartal Lake (Begusarai District)
Bihar has one official UNESCO World Heritage Site and additional sites on the tentative list:
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (Gaya District)
Known for: The site of Buddha’s enlightenment; important Buddhist pilgrimage center.
Tentative List Sites:
Bihar has one tiger reserve under India’s Project Tiger:
Valmiki Tiger Reserve (West Champaran District)
Also Read: National Parks in India
The economy of Bihar is primarily agriculture-driven, with emerging growth in services and small-scale industries.
The following districts are major contributors to Bihar’s GSDP:
Patna leads the economic output with strong performance in trade, services, and real estate.
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Bihar, with its ancient historical roots, cultural depth, and evolving economic landscape, stands as a key state in Eastern India. From its legacy of learning and spirituality to its emerging urban centres and infrastructure development, Bihar exemplifies resilience and growth. Understanding Bihar’s economy, heritage, and governance is essential for aspirants of competitive exams and students of Indian polity and regional diversity.
Major rivers include the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and Son, all vital to the state’s agriculture and prone to seasonal flooding.
Bihar's culture is rich in folk music, theatre, Madhubani art, and festivals like Chhath Puja and Sama-Chakeva.
Bihar’s economy is service-driven, with agriculture employing the majority and industry growing in sectors like food processing and textiles.
Valmiki National Park and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary are key biodiversity zones in Bihar.
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