On March 22, India will celebrate an important state day whose presence is felt in every field. Despite its rich history and cultural heritage, it is still considered one of the backward states.
Yes, I am talking about Bihar, a state that shares a border with West Bengal and is always considered a high-risk area in criminal terms.
Bihar Day
(Bihar Diwas) is the formation day of a new state in 1912. Every year on this
day, a public holiday is observed, including all schools and government
offices.
The theme for the 111th Bihar Diwas is Saat Nischay Part 2: “Yuva Shakti Bihar Ki Pragati‘.
Bihar Divas is
not celebrated in India alone. Many people from around the world celebrate this
day with great enthusiasm, such as in the USA, Qatar, Germany, the UAE, and so
on.
LET’S DIVE INTO THE REAL BIHAR
HISTORICAL PAST
⏳Bihar has been inhabited since the prehistoric period. Numerous strong kingdoms resided in the area, including the Magadha Empire, which ruled from roughly 600 BCE to 320 BCE.
One of the most successful and powerful empires in ancient India, the Magadha Empire had Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) as its capital, which was a hub of learning and culture.
⏳During the medieval era, Bihar was ruled by a number of dynasties, including the Sena Dynasty and the Pala Empire, which reigned from the 11th to the 12th centuries.
Bihar was a hub of Buddhist learning and culture during this time, and the state is home to many significant Buddhist sites, including Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.
⏳The 18th century saw the establishment of British rule over Bihar, which remained a part of British India until 1947 when India attained independence.
Bihar was a key hub for the Indian independence movement during this time and many notable freedom fighters from Bihar including Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Jayaprakash Narayan.
⏳Bihar joined the Indian Union as a state following India’s independence. Bihar has undergone considerable economic and social change since that time.
The state has struggled with a number of issues, such as corruption, illiteracy, and poverty, but it has also made significant strides in fields like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Bihar, one of India’s states with the fastest current growth, is a place with a thriving culture and a long history.
LANGUAGES
The state’s official language is Hindi, which is widely spoken and understood throughout the state. However, several other languages are spoken in Bihar. Some of the languages spoken in Bihar are as follows:
📜Bhojpuri – Bhojpuri is a language spoken in parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in Bihar and is recognised as the state’s official language.
📜Maithili – Maithili is a language spoken in parts of Bihar and Nepal. It is recognised as the state’s official language, and several newspapers and television channels broadcast in Maithili.
📜Magahi – Magahi is a language spoken in parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. It is recognised as the state’s official language and is closely related to Hindi.
📜Urdu – Urdu is a Bihar language that is widely used in literature and poetry. It has a significant impact on the state’s culture and art.
📜Bengali is a language spoken in parts of Bihar, particularly in districts bordering West Bengal. It has a significant impact on the state’s culture and cuisine.
Aside from these, smaller communities in Bihar speak other languages such as Santali, Kurmali, and Angika.
DISTRICTS
Bihar is split into 38 districts:
FAMOUS PERSONALITIES
💙Aryabhatta was a well-known mathematician and astronomer who was born in Bihar in the fifth century AD. He is best known for his contributions to astronomy, particularly his theory that the earth revolves around the sun.
💙Bhikhari Thakur was a well-known Bhojpuri folk singer and playwright, best known for his satirical and comedic plays.
💙Ustad Bismillah Khan was a world-renowned shehnai player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian classical musicians of all time.
💙Sharda Sinha is a well-known folk singer from Bihar, best known for her Bhojpuri songs.
💙Jyoti Kalash was a well-known painter, sculptor, and art historian from Bihar who made significant contributions to the development of modern Indian art.
💙Ganesh Pyne was a well-known Bihar painter known for his haunting and surrealistic works.
💙Ravi Jha is a contemporary Bihar artist who has gained international acclaim for his vibrant and dynamic paintings.
💙Upendra Maharathi was a well-known painter and sculptor from Bihar, best known for his works that celebrated Bihar’s life and culture.
💙Kishore Kumar was a well-known playback singer, actor, and director who was born in Khandwa but grew up in Bihar.
CUISINES
🌱Litti Chokha – This popular dish is made with roasted wheat dough balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with mashed potatoes, eggplant, and tomato chutney on the side.
🌱Chana Ghugni – A spicy black chickpea curry served with flattened rice, onions, and green chilies.
🌱Sattu Paratha – A sattu (roasted gram flour) flatbread stuffed with onions, green chilies, and spices.
🌱Pittha is a sweet or savory dumpling made with rice flour and stuffed with chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, and spices.
🌱Makhana Kheer – A sweet dessert made with milk, makhana (fox nuts), and sugar that is garnished with almonds and pistachios.
🌱Dalpuri is a deep-fried bread that is filled with lentils, onions, and spices.
🌱Bihari Boti is a tandoor-cooked spiced and marinated mutton dish.
🌱Tilkut – A sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery that is commonly served at festivals.
BUSINESS WORLD
💸Anil Agarwal is the founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources, a multinational natural resources corporation. He was born in Patna, Bihar, and has built a multibillion-dollar empire.
💸Subrata Roy is the founder and chairman of Sahara India Pariwar, a multibillion-dollar conglomerate with interests in finance, infrastructure, real estate, media, and entertainment.
💸Anand Burman is the chairman of Dabur India Ltd, one of India’s largest consumer goods companies based in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, but with strong roots in Bihar.
💸Purnendu Chatterjee is the founder and chairman of The Chatterjee Group, a New York-based private equity firm. He was born in Bihar and has invested in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and real estate.
💸Rana Kapoor is the founder and former CEO of Yes Bank, a leading private-sector bank in India. He was born in Delhi, but his family is originally from Bihar.
BOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES
🌟Manoj Bajpayee is a critically acclaimed actor who has received numerous awards for his roles in films such as “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Aligarh,” and “Pinjar.” He was born in Bihar’s Belwa district.
🌟Shekhar Suman is an actor, comedian, and television personality who has appeared in films such as “Utsav,” “Anubhav,” and “Chor Machaye Shor.” He was born in the Bihar city of Patna.
🌟Shatrughan Sinha is a veteran actor and politician who has appeared in over 200 films, including “Kala Patthar,” “Naseeb,” and “Kalicharan.” He was born in the Bihar city of Patna.
🌟Neetu Chandra is a model and actress who has appeared in films such as “Garam Masala,” “Traffic Signal,” and “Rann.” She was born in the Bihar city of Patna.
🌟Sushant Singh Rajput was an actor who made his Bollywood debut in the film “Kai Po Che” and later appeared in films such as “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story” and “Chhichhore.” He was born in Bihar’s Maldiha district.
🌟Prakash Jha is a filmmaker and producer known for his socially conscious films such as “Gangaajal,” “Raajneeti,” and “Apaharan.” He was born in Bihar’s West Champaran district.
BOLLYWOOD MOVIES
📽Aarakshan (2011) – Prakash Jha’s social drama is set in Bihar and deals with the issue of caste-based reservations in education and employment.
📽Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – Anurag Kashyap’s crime film is set in the coal mafia-dominated town of Wasseypur in Jharkhand, which was a part of Bihar before the state was divided. The plot revolves around a rivalry between two crime families.
📽Manjhi – The Mountain Man (2015) – Directed by Ketan Mehta, this biographical film is based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi, a poor laborer from Bihar who carved a path through a mountain with only a hammer and chisel.
📽Patna Se Pakistan (2015) – Santosh Mishra’s romantic drama Patna Se Pakistan follows the story of a young man who travels to Pakistan to find his love.
📽Super 30 (2019) – Directed by Vikas Bahl, this biographical drama is based on the life of mathematician Anand Kumar, who runs the Super 30 program in Patna to assist underprivileged students in passing the IIT entrance exams.
📽Bheed(2023)–It is an upcoming Bollywood movie that will unfold many heartbreaking feelings of Migrant workers. It will release on 24march starring Raj Kumar Rao and directed by Anubhav Sinha.
FAMOUS PLACES TO VISIT
🚩The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is considered one of the most sacred places in Buddhism because it is believed to be the location where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Every year, millions of people visit the temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
🚩The ruins of this ancient university in the town of Nalanda bear witness to Bihar’s rich intellectual history. The university, founded in the fifth century AD, served as a learning centre for scholars from all over the world.
🚩Rajgir – Once the capital of the Magadha empire, Rajgir is now a popular tourist destination. It is home to a number of important Buddhist and Jain sites, including Vulture’s Peak and Ajatshatru Fort.
🚩Vaishali – It is believed that Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was born in this small town. It is also famous for the Ashokan Pillar, which dates back to the third century BC and is regarded as one of the earliest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.
🚩Patna Museum – This Patna museum houses a large collection of artefacts that highlight Bihar’s rich cultural heritage. Exhibits range from ancient Indian art and architecture to modern history and culture.
🚩Vikramshila University – The ruins of this ancient university in Bhagalpur are yet another significant site in Bihar’s intellectual and cultural history. The university, which was founded in the eighth century AD, served as a learning centre for Buddhist scholars.
🚩Bihar Agricultural University – Located in Sabour, Bihar, Bihar Agricultural University is a leading agricultural research institution. It conducts research in a wide range of disciplines, including crop science, animal science, and agricultural engineering.
🚩Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences – Located in Patna, Bihar, the Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences is a medical research institute. It studies infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and Japanese encephalitis.
UNIQUE GEMS
🔎Madhubani Painting – This painting style originated in Bihar’s Mithila region and is known for its intricate designs and bright colors. It is a popular form of folk art in the region and has recently gained international recognition.
🔎Bamboo Bridge – In many parts of Bihar, bamboo bridges span rivers and streams. These bridges are entirely made of bamboo and built using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
🔎Jute Handicrafts – Bihar is one of India’s leading jute producers, and many artisans in the state use this versatile material to make a variety of handicrafts such as baskets, bags, and mats.
🔎Sattu – Sattu is a nutritious flour made from roasted gram or chana dal that is a popular food item in Bihar. It is used to make a variety of dishes, including the traditional Bihari dish litti chokha.
🔎Sikki Grass Handicrafts – Sikki grass is a type of grass native to Bihar that is used to make a variety of handicrafts such as baskets, coasters, and mats. The craft has been passed down through generations and provides a significant source of income for many families in the area.
POLITICS
Here is a list of Bihar’s Chief Ministers since the state’s inception in 1950:
✒Srikrishna Sinha (1946-1961)
✒Binodanand Jha (1961-1963)
✒Deep Narayan Singh (1963-1967)
✒Mahamaya Prasad Sinha (1967-1968)
✒Satish Prasad Singh (1968-1969)
✒Bhola Paswan Shastri (1969-1970)
✒Daroga Prasad Rai (1970-1971)
✒Kedar Pandey (1971-1972)
✒Abdul Ghafoor (1972-1973)
✒Jagannath Mishra (1975-1977, 1980-1983, 1989-1990, 1990-1995)
✒Ram Sundar Das (1977-1979, 1989)
✒Karpoori Thakur (1977)
✒Ram Sundar Das (1980)
✒Jagannath Mishra (1980)
✒Chandra Shekhar Singh (1983-1985)
✒Bindeshwari Dubey (1985-1988)
✒Bhagwat Jha Azad (1988-1989)
✒Lalu Prasad Yadav (1990)
✒Jagannath Mishra (1990)
✒Lalu Prasad Yadav (1990-1997)
✒Rabri Devi (1997-2005)
✒Nitish Kumar (2005-2014, 2015-2020, 2020-present)
Nitish Kumar has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister for four terms, making him the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Bihar’s government has launched a number of initiatives to improve the lives of its citizens. Here are some of Bihar’s major government schemes:
🎉Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana – This scheme aims to improve the status of girls in Bihar by providing financial assistance to families for their daughters’ education and marriage.
🎉Student Credit Card Scheme – This scheme offers education loans of up to Rs. 4 lakh to students pursuing higher education.
🎉Har Ghar Bijli Yojana – The goal of this programme is to provide electricity to every household in Bihar. The government is providing free electricity connections to households that do not have them under this scheme.
🎉Bihar Skill Development Mission – This scheme aims to improve the employability of Bihar’s youth by providing skill training. The government is working with a variety of training partners to provide training in a variety of fields.
🎉Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana – This programme aims to provide housing for Bihar’s rural poor. The government is providing financial assistance for the construction of houses for the poor under this scheme.
🎉Bihar Vikas Mission – The Bihar government launched this development mission to accelerate the state’s growth. The mission is to improve the state’s infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture.
🎉Bihar Start-Up Policy – This scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship in the state by providing financial and other assistance to new businesses. To encourage start-ups in Bihar, the government is providing seed funding, incubation support, and other incentives.
SPORTS
Here are some well-known sports figures from Bihar:
🏆MS Dhoni is a former Indian cricketer and current captain of the Indian national team. He was born in Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand) and is regarded as one of the greatest captains in Indian cricket history.
🏆Shiva Thapa is an Indian boxer who has won several international medals for his country. His birthplace is Guwahati, Assam, but his family is from Bihar.
🏆Jamuna Devi is a former Indian athlete who won a number of medals in the 1980s and 1990s. She was born in a small village in Bihar and became one of the state’s first female athletes to achieve international success.
🏆Sanjay Kumar is a former Indian football player who represented his country in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He was born in Bihar and is widely regarded as one of India’s best defenders.
FAMOUS STADIUMS
⛳Moin-ul-Haq Stadium – Located in Patna, Bihar, the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium is a cricket stadium. It is named after Moin-ul-Haq, the Bihar Cricket Association’s president. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 people and has hosted several domestic cricket matches.
⛳Nehru Stadium – Located in Bhagalpur, Bihar, Nehru Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium. It has a seating capacity of approximately 25,000 people and has hosted a number of national and international events, including cricket and football matches.
⛳Patliputra Sports Complex – Located in Patna, Bihar, the Patliputra Sports Complex is a multi-purpose sports complex. It has a number of amenities, such as an athletic track, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium. The complex has hosted a number of national and international events, including the 1987 National Games.
⛳Moin-ul-Haq Stadium – Another stadium in Rajendra Nagar, Patna, Bihar, is Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. It is a multi-purpose stadium that has played host to a number of domestic cricket matches.
⛳S.K. Memorial Stadium – Muzaffarpur, Bihar’s S.K. Memorial Stadium is a football stadium. It can seat around 10,000 people and has hosted several national and international football matches.
BHARAT RATNA AWARDEES
💎Dr. Rajendra Prasad – Dr. Rajendra Prasad was India’s first President and is regarded as one of the country’s most prominent freedom fighters. He was born in Bihar and received the Bharat Ratna in 1962 for his services to the country.
💎Jayaprakash Narayan, also known as JP, was a social reformer and political leader who was instrumental in India’s independence movement. He was born in Bihar and received the Bharat Ratna in 1999 for his services to the country.
💎Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a scholar, Islamic theologian, and Indian independence activist. His ancestors were from Bihar, but he was born in Mecca. In 1992, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contributions.
💎Ustad Bismillah Khan was an Indian classical musician who specialised in the shehnai. He was born in Bihar and received the Bharat Ratna in 2001 for his contributions to the Indian music industry.
💎Sitara Devi – Sitara Devi was a Kathak-specialist Indian classical dancer. Her father was from Bihar, but she was born in Kolkata. In 2021, she was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna for her contribution to Indian classical dance.