BIHAR
 Bihar is the only state of India where the life of Buddha seems to be linked with certain intimacy. Often called as the land of Buddha, the state of Bihar got its name from the word Vihara which stands for Buddhist Monastery. Bihar has still not got out of its image of being India’s poorest state with pitiable education system, lower per capita and lack of fundamental infrastructure to support the basic needs of people of the state. Absence of all these basic amenities have resulted lowest literacy, lack of knowledge of basic human rights, and communal violence.
But despite the problems, the state is quite rich with natural resources and geographically bordered with country Nepal and other neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. Chotanagpur, a place located in the southern part of the state contributes 40 percent of total India’s mineral wealth. The state was the pioneer of Indian civilisation and has been epicentre of Indian culture and education since time immemorial. This is the very land which introduced the world about some renowned figures of history such as Ashoka: The Great, Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism and Mahivira, the founder of Jain religion. As per the language, apart from Hindi, other local dialects that are spoken here are Bhojpuri, Maithali, Angika and Sarnami.
Patna which is the capital city of Bihar has been centre of freedom struggle of India during British governance. The statue of seven martyrs, who were gunned down by the British troops in their attempt to reach the parliament house to hoist national flag, is positioned in the city. Further, the world famed Nalanda and Vikramshilla universities are the gifts of this land.
History of Bihar
The history of Bihar dates back to its former capital Magadha which remained the epicentre of education, culture and power for thousands years. From Maurya Empire to the one of the world’s greatest religion Buddhism, the state of Bihar remained in touch of glorious history and ascended itself from the region which shaped the land into a contemporary form of Bihar. Patliputra, the former name of modern Patna and also the capital city of the sate was an epicentre of various political, military and economy activities that contributed a lot to facilitate the growth of Indian civilisation during classical phase of history. Most of the greatest and ancient books of religious nature were written in Bihar out of which Abhigyansakuntalam was the famous epic written by Kalidas. etc.
Culture of the State
The cultural aspect of Bihar is rooted in its various handicrafts and festivals. Being a secular state of the secular nation, the state comprises people of different castes and creeds living in peaceful harmony irrespective to their religious difference. Stunning paintings from Mithila and Madhubani district have felt their presence on the world stage. The state has different colours of festivals like Durga Pooja, Bihula, Bhai Duj, Mahavir Jayanti, Chatth Pooja, Budh Jayanti and other festivals of religious importance; all celebrated enthusiastically by the people. Folk songs sung during festivals like Holi represent colourful cultural aspect of the state
Major Tourist Attraction
Nalanda
The site still remembered for being the world’s first Buddhist University is located in located at the distance of 90 kms to the southern part of Patna. The place is believed to frequently visited by Lord Buddha and Mahavira during their sojourns. Lord Buddha found the place quite charming teeming with scenic beauty.
Rajgir
Once being the capital city of Magadha Mahajanpad, the land had its erstwhile name 'Rajagriha' or Girivaraja. Nestled in the forest clad rocky hill, the place is renowned as being the centre of Buddha’s sermons. He is said to have spent several months here in observing meditation and preaching during the time of his sojourns.
Pawapuri
This is the place where Lord Mahavira passed away and was cremated. According to the folk story, the ashes of Mahavira was so much sought after by his followers that the entire area of funeral pyre turned into a water tank in an attempt to grab ashes of Mahavira. There is also a marble built temple called Jalmandir which was constructed in the middle of the tank.
Vaishali
The name of word - Vaishali is said to have derived from the king Vishal whose gallantry deeds are mentioned in the epic Ramayana. The place witnessed happening of second Buddhist council. According to some historians, the place is accredited to hold world’s first assembly election thus opening the door of a republic in around 6th century.
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