59+ Unknown Facts About Bihar You Must Know !
Looking for amazing facts about Bihar? From being the birthplace of Buddhism and the world's first republic to producing the most IAS officers, discover the untold secrets of this ancient land.
The name 'Bihar' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Vihara', which means a monastery or resting place for monks. ð
Vaishali in Bihar was the world's first republic (Lichchhavi), establishing democracy long before ancient Greece. ðģïļ
Nalanda University was the oldest university in the world, attracting students from China, Korea, and Greece. ð
Nalanda was so vast that when invaders set its library on fire, it reportedly burned for three months continuously. ðĨ
The Great Ashoka, who ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent, ruled from Pataliputra (modern-day Patna). ð
Aryabhata, the mathematician who gave the world the digit 'Zero' and calculated the value of Pi, was from Bihar. 0ïļâĢ
Chanakya (Kautilya), the master strategist and author of the Arthashastra, lived and taught in Bihar. ð§
Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana, lived in the forests of present-day Bihar (Valmiki Nagar). ð
Sher Shah Suri, the ruler who built the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road), came from Sasaram, Bihar. ðĢïļ
Bihar produces the highest number of IAS and IPS officers in India relative to its population. ðŪââïļ
The 'Super 30' program by Anand Kumar, which trains underprivileged students for IIT-JEE, originated in Patna. ð
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of Independent India, was from Ziradei, Bihar. ðŪðģ
Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), who led the movement against the Emergency in the 1970s, was a Bihari icon. â
Bismillah Khan, the legendary Shehnai maestro and Bharat Ratna awardee, was born in Dumraon, Bihar. ðš
Bihar is home to the 'Mahatma Gandhi Setu', which was one of the longest river bridges in India for decades. ð
Litti Chokha is the most famous dish of Bihar, made of sattu-stuffed wheat balls baked over coal. ð―ïļ
Sattu (roasted gram flour) is considered a 'Superfood' in Bihar for its cooling properties and high protein. ðĨĪ
Mithila Painting (Madhubani Art) is a globally recognized folk art form that originated in the Mithila region. ðĻ
Originally, Madhubani paintings were done by women on freshly plastered mud walls of their homes. ðïļ
Chhath Puja is the biggest festival in Bihar, unique because it worships the setting sun as well as the rising sun. âïļ
Chhath is renowned as one of the most eco-friendly festivals, involving no idols and only natural offerings. ðŋ
The Sonepur Cattle Fair is the largest animal fair in Asia, where elephants and horses were historically traded. ð
Bihar has a unique 'Longest Human Chain' world record (2017) aimed at supporting prohibition and de-addiction. ðĪ
Khaja, a crispy layered sweet from Silao (near Nalanda), has a GI Tag and is a must-try delicacy. ðĨ
Malpua, a sweet pancake soaked in syrup, is a staple dessert in Bihari households during Holi. ðĨ
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. ðģ
The Bodhi Tree standing there today is a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha sat. ð
Pawapuri is a holy site for Jains, as it is the place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana. ðïļ
The Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur is considered the oldest functional Hindu temple in India. ð
Gaya is a significant spot for Hindus to perform 'Pind Daan' (offerings to ancestors) for the salvation of souls. ðŊïļ
The 'Kesaria Stupa' in East Champaran is the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world. ðïļ
Vikramshila University (ruins in Bhagalpur) was another major center of Buddhist learning alongside Nalanda. ð
Valmiki National Park is the only Tiger Reserve in Bihar, located on the India-Nepal border. ð
The Gangetic Dolphin, India's National Aquatic Animal, is found in abundance in the Ganges near Bhagalpur. ðŽ
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Asia dedicated to these dolphins. ð
Kakolat Waterfall in Nawada is a popular natural spring where the water is said to be cold year-round. ðŋ
Telhar Kund is a massive waterfall in Kaimur famously featured in the movie 'Tumbbad' (though shot elsewhere, the location inspired it). ðĨ
Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary has natural hot springs where the water temperature stays high even in winter. âĻïļ
Contrary to stereotypes, Bihar was historically the center of power, learning, and culture for over 1,000 years. âģ
The 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi, who carved a path through a mountain alone for 22 years, was from Gaya. â°ïļ
Bihar has a village called 'Pakistan' in Purnia district, though no Muslims live there; it was named in memory of residents who left. ðĩð°
Seemanchal region in Bihar is known for its unique geography where rivers change course frequently, causing floods. ð§ïļ
Bihar has a unique language diversity: Maithili, Magahi, Bhojpuri, Angika, and Bajjika are all spoken here. ðĢïļ
Bhojpuri cinema is a massive industry, with its own stars and a huge audience across the globe (Mauritius, Fiji, etc.). ðŽ
The 'Golghar' in Patna was built by the British as a granary to store grains after the famine of 1770. ð
Golghar has a unique whispering gallery effect; a whisper at one end can be heard at the other. ð
Patna is one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the world (over 2,500 years). ð°ïļ
