Capital - Patna
No. of Districts - 38
Population - 104,099,452
Area - 94,163 sqkm
Pop. Density - 1,102/km2 (2,850/sq mi)
GDP - 6.86 lakh crore (US$96 billion)
Literacy Rate - 61.8%
Gender Ratio - 918
Official Website - http://gov.bih.nic.in/
Bihar is a state located in the eastern part of India, rich in history, culture, and natural resources. Here are some key facts about Bihar:
Capital: The capital city of Bihar is Patna, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
Geography: Bihar is bordered by Nepal to the north, West Bengal to the east, Uttar Pradesh to the west, and Jharkhand to the south. It lies in the fertile Gangetic plains and is crisscrossed by rivers like Ganga, Gandak, and Sone.
History: Bihar has a rich historical background and was the center of ancient kingdoms like Magadha, Maurya, Gupta, and Pala. It played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism.
Economy: Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Bihar, with crops like rice, wheat, maize, lentils, and sugarcane being cultivated. The state also has some mineral resources, including limestone, mica, and bauxite.
Education: Bihar has a significant focus on education with institutions like Nalanda University, one of the oldest centers for learning in the world. However, the state faces challenges in terms of literacy rates and education infrastructure.
Culture: Bihar has a diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its long history and various traditions. Festivals like Chhath Puja, Sonepur Mela, and Teej are celebrated with great fervor. Bhojpuri is one of the primary languages spoken in the state.
Tourism: Bihar is home to several important historical and religious sites such as Bodh Gaya (where Buddha attained enlightenment), Nalanda (ancient center of learning), Vikramshila (Buddhist monastery), Mahabodhi Temple, Patna Sahib Gurudwara, and Vaishali (associated with Lord Mahavira and Buddha).
Politics: Bihar plays a significant role in Indian politics and has produced prominent political leaders. It has a bicameral legislature with a Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) and Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council).
Challenges: Despite its rich cultural and historical heritage, Bihar faces various challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and social issues like caste-based discrimination.
Recent Developments: In recent years, Bihar has seen some development initiatives focusing on infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, the state continues to grapple with developmental disparities and socio-economic challenges.