Bihar

The cradle of Magadha, Nalanda and Buddhism, and one of India's youngest populations.

The story of Bihar runs from early settlement and regional kingdoms through the colonial period to its present constitutional form.

Bihar is governed under the Indian Constitution with an executive seated at Patna.

Electoral politics here reflects the region's linguistic, caste and economic composition.

Bihar is divided into 38 districts, each led by a district magistrate or collector.

Travel in Bihar spans heritage sites, landscape and living culture.

Cultural life in Bihar blends classical forms, folk traditions and contemporary practice.

Hindi, Urdu, Maithili are in everyday use across Bihar.

Everyday and festive clothing in Bihar reflects climate, weave traditions and community identity.

Cooking here is built around rice, freshwater fish, mustard oil and delicate sweets.

Bihar records a gross state domestic product of about ₹8.5 lakh crore.

Farming remains a major source of livelihood across Bihar.

Industrial activity clusters around Patna and other urban nodes.

Outbound trade from Bihar reflects its resource and industrial base.

Inbound goods support both industry and consumption in Bihar.

Schooling and higher education in Bihar are administered from Patna.

Sport in Bihar spans traditional games and organised competition.

Bihar has produced notable figures in public life, arts, science and sport.

Recognition here spans civilian honours and regional state awards.

India's World Heritage list includes sites across every zone.

Bihar is served by riverine routes alongside major rail junctions and growing ports.

The region experiences humid summers and a heavy south-west monsoon.

Around 12.9 crore people live across 94,163 km².

Religious life in Bihar is plural and locally rooted.

The calendar in Bihar mixes national, harvest and local festivals.

Key indicators for Bihar at a glance.

A visual record of Bihar is being assembled.

Curated video explainers cover Bihar in depth.

Bihar in brief: The cradle of Magadha, Nalanda and Buddhism, and one of India's youngest populations.

Continue exploring from Bihar.