Bihar

Bihar is a state in eastern India, bordered by Nepal to the north and by the states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, and West Bengal to the east. The state capital and largest city is Patna. Bihar lies mainly in the Ganges River basin, with the Ganga and its tributaries shaping a fertile alluvial plain that supports agriculture, the backbone of the state’s economy.

Historically, Bihar is part of the ancient Magadha kingdom and was the site of early Buddhist and Jain learning. It housed prominent centers such as Nalanda and Bodh Gaya, where the Mahabodhi Temple stands. Pataliputra (modern Patna) was an ancient capital of empires including the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. In modern times, Bihar became a province of British India and, after independence, was reorganized. In 2000, the southern part of the state separated to form Jharkhand.

Demographically, Bihar is one of India's most populous states, with a diverse mix of communities. The official language is Hindi; Urdu is also widely used, and regional languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi are spoken across its regions. Literacy and development indicators have historically lagged behind national averages, though progress has been made in recent decades.

Economy and culture: Bihar remains heavily agriculture-based, with rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane among the major crops. The state has growing sectors in textiles, services, and small manufacturing, driven by improving infrastructure and education initiatives. Cultural highlights include Bodh Gaya, the Vaishali region in Mithila, and historic sites associated with Nalanda and Patna.

Transport and infrastructure: Patna Junction is an important railway hub; Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport serves the capital. The state is linked by road and rail networks and hosts several fairs and religious events, such as Chhath Puja and the Sonepur animal fair, reflecting Bihar's enduring cultural traditions.