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BIHAR THE HERITAGE STATE

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BIHAR
THE HERITAGE STATE

By - Shivam Kumar Singh

Email – [email protected]

Guidance under Jeevan Darshan Foundation (JDF), in association with

School of Creative Arts & Cultural Heritage with active support of JDF
Research Center.

https://jeevandarshanfoundation.com/
 2

CHAPTERISATION

1. INTRODUCTION

2. MONUMENTS AND ARCHITECTURE

3. NATURAL HERITAGE

4. TRADITIONAL ARTS AND PAINTINGS

5. RELIGIONS AND TRIBES

6. FESTIVALS AND FAIRS

7. CONCLUSION

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://jeevandarshanfoundation.com/
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Bihar, a land of rich cultural heritages. The ‘Karambhumi’ of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir.
A state full of history, cultural, and natural beauties. A state which has been integral part of
India form ancient time. Bihar is home of many tourists attraction. Around 6 million tourist
which Bihar every year. Its has monuments and architecture which are thousands of years
old. This land is also one of the oldest inhabited places on world. Its has some oldest
cultural heritages. Predominant themes are from myths and legends of Hinduism. The Hindu
deities, Lord Rama and his consort Sita and Lord Shiva. A land of many Buddhist
Monasteries, known as land Buddha, where Buddha attained Enlightenment. Jainism also
finds its route form Bihar, and Mahavira was also born in Vaishali. Bihar is also famous for
its folks dances and traditional paintings, from Patna Qalam school of painting to famous
Mahbubani painting.

1.1 Geography
Bihar is bounded by Nepal on the north, West Bengal on the northeast,
Jharkhand on the south and Up on the west. Bihar is located in eastern parts of India
between latitudes 24°20ˈ10ˈ north to 27°31ˈ15ˈ north latitudes and 83°19ˈ50ˈ east to
88°17ˈ40ˈ east longitudes. Bihar is the third largest state by population. It has a vast stretch
of fertile plain drained by river Ganga. Others rivers of Bihar are Koshi, Bagmati, Gandak,
Son, Falgu, Ghaghra. Bihar is situated mostly in plain landscape but have some hills in
central parts like, Rajgir hills, Banka hills. Bihar has subtropical monsoon climate with mild and
dry winter and hot summer. May is the hottest month, with temperatures regularly
 4

exceeding 35°C, from June to October its time for monsoon rains and during this period
Bihar suffer flood. During winter temperatures goes down to 5°C. The normal rainfall varies
from about 100cm to 150cm.
Natural vegetation of Bihar is deciduous forest,
but only a small portion of the total is forested. Most of the forest area is located in
Himalayan foothills, as large area of plain land is cultivated. Soil type is mostly Alluvial
which supports agrarian economy. Bihar has a notified forest area of 6,764 sq.km which is
7.1 km of its geographical population.

1.2 History
Bihar has occupied an important position in the early history of India. From
centauries Bihar has been centre of Indian culture and civilization. Different dynasty formed
and ended here. The name Bihar is derived from ‘Vihara’ meaning Monastery. Bihar has
been great religious centre for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It begins with Lord Ram and
Sita, where goddess Sita was princess of king Janaka, who was king of Videha, which is
situated north of river ganga. Others kingdoms where Magadh (Rajgir), Anga (near Bhagalpur).
It was during Magadh empire buddha developed religion Buddhism and Mahavira, who was
born in Vaishali reformed Jainism. Its was Bihar were famous Ashoka was born and become
king of Bharat. During Gupta dynasty this region saw some development in arts and
architecture, different stupas and temples were built. Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited this
time take and took teachings of Buddhism with himself.
Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh was
also born in Patna district in 1666. Bihar was part of Bengal Presidency under British until
1912, when Bengal was divided and Bihar and Orissa formed. Bihar also played important
role in Indian nationalism, Gandhiji started his first movement Satyagraha from champaran
district. Birsa Munda the great Santhal tribal leader was also from Bihar who fought against
British. After independence in 2000 Bihar was divided and a new state Jharkhand was
formed.

1.3 Tourism Interest

Bihar is famous for religious and cultural heritages sites. The most
important religious and heritages sites are Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vikramshila, etc which
we will discuss in detailed in next chapters. Tourist numbers in Bihar has seen increasing
numbers along the years. The growth of world tourist was registered as 4.5 percent. Total
numbers tourist in 2000 was around 6 million, in 2010 it touched 1.6 crore and 2019 was
around 3.5 crore (ministry of tourism data). Tourism of any state cannot be accomplished
without proper development of support and infrastructure facilities. As per SWAT analysis
Bihar has strength in rich tourism resources both natural and man made. Its weakness is
lack of safety and security measures for tourist. Its has a threat of being isolated due to
lack of infrastructure, transportation facilities, public facilities such as toilets and
refreshments centres. Bihar has opportunity and potential for development of new ideas in
heritage tourism, health tourism, Entertainment tourism, and Waterfront tourism.
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When we talk about Heritages of Bihar then its historic monuments, architecture, Museums
and excavation sides definitely comes in the mind. Bihar has numbers of such heritages
whether its Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, or Vikramshila ruins. As per ASI there are 30 protected
monuments, 21 museums, around 25 archaeological sites are there in Bihar. In this chapter
we will go through some of these sites and monuments in details.

2.1. Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is famous for its Mahabodhi temple where buddha attained enlightenment.
Mahabodhi temple consists of four corners that give balance to the structure. Inside the
main temple there is glided image pf buddha. The carved railings round the temple are the
oldest remains at Bodhgaya. There is no specific evidence for the origin of this temple but
some traditions says it occurred during 3rd century BC. The temple was repaired and restored
in 1880 by Cunningham under the orders of Lt. Governor of Bengal. Bodh Gaya also consist
of tree known as Bodhi tree. It is the most sacred Pipal tree under which Siddhartha
become Buddha and attained enlightenment. It is believed to have continued exist since
days of Buddha. As per some Buddhist tradition, the queen of Ashoka destroyed the tree
out of rage but king revived it immediately. There are various other monasteries also
located near Mahabodhi temple like Royal Bhutanese Monastery, Terger Monastery, Karma
Dhargye Monastery, Taiwanese Temple. There two museum also located which consist Hindu
and Buddhist artifacts. There is large 80 foot statue of Buddha is also situated is backside
of Mahabodhi temple which attracts tourists. Bodh Gaya is biggest pilgrimage site of
Buddhist and it is so connected by different means of transport. Neary airport is Gaya
airport which is around 30km from the Mahabodhi temple.
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2.2 Nalanda
Nalanda is also famous location with different cultural and heritages sites
which are historically important as well as attracts large numbers of tourists.
Great Ruins of Nalanda an excavation site in about 14 hectares. The ruins contains large
numbers of Buddhists stupas and chaityas, monasteries, hotels, cells and rooms on four
sides with central courtyard lecture. The university at Nalanda was founded in 5th century
and flourished for next 700 years until Bakhtiyar Khilji invaded and destroyed it. The subject
taught at Nalanda included Buddhist sculptures, philosophy, theology, grammar, and medicine.
Chinese traveller Hiuen-Tsang arrived and gained knowledge here. There is a beautiful
structure that has been created in the memory of him named Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall.
There is also on-site museum situated near ruins where a good number of archaeological
findings are there of various eras.

Ruins of Nalanda Shanti Stupa

2.3 Vihwa Shanti Stupa

Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a large stupa in Rajgir. The Statue of
Buddha are mounted on the stupa in four directions. Its also has a small Japanese Buddhist
Temple with a large park. There is temple near the stupa where prayers are conducted for
universal peace. The initial pagoda was completed in 1969, but new initiatives in 1993
resulted its present form . It is one of the 80 Peace Pagodas which have been built around
the world by Neo-Buddhists organisation. This Stupa is located on Ratnagiri hills, and its is
120 ft tall with the diameter of 103 ft. This stupa attracts large Buddhist tourist around the
world.
Veerayatan, which is a unique centre for education, social service for Jain religion is
also situated in Rajgir on the foot of Vaibhargiri hills. Its consist of a museum which contains
beautiful artifacts depicting the life and preaching’s of Lord Mahavira.

2.4 Jalmandir Pawapuri

Jalamndir, which is also known as Apapuri, the sinless town,
which is a very scared Jain pilgrimage destination. According
to belief, Lord Mahavira, attained Nirvana here. Hundreds of
thousands of his and devotees took away the ashes after his
cremation and the rush was so great that even the soils of
the area was also taken away and it become a tank like
structure and later on water fill into it. Then a beautiful
Jalmandir
temple of white marble was constructed in the centre of the
water tank in the memory of Lord nirvana.
 7

2.5 Mandar Hill

Mandar hill is 4km from Bausi and 48km from Bhagalpur
town. The hill is 700ft high that consists of huge mass of
granite overgrown near the low jungle. This hill is extremely
sacred in Hindu mythology. The famous Puranic story amrit
manthan associated with this place as this hill was used to
extract amrit. This place has also a temple between water on
hill foothills of Hindus. On the top of the hill there are two
temples of Jains because of which is become important
pilgrimage centre for Jainism.

2.6 Bihar Museum

Bihar Museum is located in Patna bailey road near high court. It was opened in 2015. In
October 2017 it was opened fully for all public. Its was planed as a history museum for the
state of Bihar, and its construction in October 2013 with a budget of 498 crore. It is a
25000 sq.m museum and marketplace concept was developed. It is a six story building
spread over 5.6 hectares. Bihar museum has several galleries. These include Orientation
gallery, the children gallery, the regional gallery, the contemporary gallery, the historical art
gallery and the Bihari diaspora gallery. Each gallery is huge and has many artifacts on
display including ones dating back to 4th century. This museum in recent year has attracted
a huge amount of domestic and foreign tourist.

2.8 Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib

Sri Harmandir Ji sahib is considered as the second holiest
Thakhat and one of the most important pilgrimage site
of Sikhism. It is the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh,
10th guru among the Sikh gurus. The symbol of valour
and fearlessness, the shrines inspires a great piety in
pilgrims and holds pride of place in the glorious heritage
of Patna City. Takhat Sri Harmandir is also known as
Patna Sahib. This temple has a centre structure where
Guru granth sahib is kept and 3 others building. One with
hall where langar are served and other 2 are 3 story
building which are shelters for Sikhs devotes.
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2.9 Vikramshila
Vikramshila was one of the most important centres of
learning in India during the Pala empire, along with
Nalanda. Vikramshila was established by King Dharmapala
in response to supposed decline in the quality of
scholarship at Nalanda. It was destroyed by the forces of
Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji around 1200. Vikramshila is
located 50km east of Bhagalpur and about 13 km north-
east of Kahalgoan. Carved pillars, Votive Stupas, Buddhist
images, images of Hindu dities etc have been recovered
from this ancient site. Its altitude is 52m. It also have
and Museum inside the campus which has large collection
of historical antiques.

2.11 Gol Ghar - Gol Ghar is a massive granary devised by Captain Jhon Garstin of
Bengal Engineers and constructed in 1786 in Patna, the capital city of Bihar. The depositary
has a capacity of 14k tonnes, was built after the orders of Warren Hastings. It was part of
plan to store grains in case of famines. It was dome shaped structure reaching up to a
height of 29 metres. The top of Gol Ghar is reached by taking the 145 step staircase. Now
this monument is a huge tourist attraction owing to its beautiful natural setting and a
peaceful ambience. A drive to renovate and repair the structure was carried out in 2002.

2.12 Maner Sharif - Its is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the
extreme northwest of Danapur subdivision, about 32 km west of Patna. In the early ages
maner was centre of learning and it is said that grammarian paini, Andalso Bararuchi lived
here. Maner contains two well known Mohammedan tombs, which of Shah Daulat, known
as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri called the Bari Dargah. The
building is exceptionally fine one with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high
finish. It stands on a raised platform, and at each corner rises a tower of graceful
proportions. A great drone crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carbed inscriptions
from the Quran.

2.11 Sitakund - This is a village and Hindu pilgrimage site in Sitamarhi district of Bihar.
It has an ancient Hindu temple in irregular shape of 450ft. which is famous for visitors.
Temple has middle area with hallow tank where it is said that goddess Sita bathed. A great
mela is held is held there on the Ramanavami when several thousands of Hindus assemble
to honour to Rama and Sita. There are several temples and shrines around it, A Vishnu
temple, and other is an image of Ravana, with 20 arms and 10 heads. Another temple is of
goddess Durga with an image of killing two buffalo demons. Sitakund is also famous for its
hot springs. Some say story is that Sita, participated in the fire Agni Parishka and that her
body absorbed the fire and then she transferred this inner heat to the spring water.
 9

3.1 Valmiki National Park - Valmiki national park is a tiger reserve in the west
champaran district of Bihar. It is the only national park in Bihar. This national park covers
approx. 898 km sq. It has a hills, valleys, cliffs, ridges, dense forest, open woodlands,
grasslands, swamps, and riverine system. The dense forest has combination of bhabar and
terrai tracts. Wildlife found in Valmiki tiger reserve are Tiger, sloth bear, Leopard, Wild dog,
Wild boar, deer, flying foxes, langur, monkey etc. The tiger population in the reserve was
10 in 2010, which increased to 22 in 2013 and 40 in 2018. At present 241 bird species
have been reported in Valmiki national park. Some of them are paradise flycatcher, green
willow, pied hornbill, emerald dove.
In Plant diversity there are seven types of forest found
in Valmiki tiger reserve. Bhabar Dun Sal Forest, Dry Siwalik Sal forest, West Gangetic Moist
Deciduous forest, Khair Sissoo Forest, Cane Grasslands, Barrigtonia swamp forest. Famous tree
species found here are Asan, Simal, Mandar, Piper, Teak, Sissam, Banjan, Sal, Satsal.

3.2 Kakolat Waterfalls - Kakolat waterfall is situated on the Kakolat hill which is 33km
form nawada district in Bihar. The kakolat waterfall of Bihar fall down from a height of
between 150 and 160 feet and forms a natural reservoir at the base of the waterfall. The
scene is panoramic due to the all around green forest area. Kakolat falls is a popular
tourist spot in India due to its natural scenic beauty. During festivals held at the waterfall
for Vaisakhi or Chait Sankranti, many devotees take bath in the waterfall. This waterfall had
a history in Hindu mythology, the Pandavas during their exile used to visit this waterfall.

3.2 Rajgir Hills - Rajgir hills are also known as Rajgariha hills, which lie near the city of
Rajgir in Bihar. It is surrounded by five hills named Ratnagiri, Vipaulachal, Vaibhavagiri,
Sonagiri and Udaygiri. This hill also consist important Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage
site. The hill consist two parallel ridges extending around 65km. The hills rise to an altitude
of 338 meters. These hills are important destination of Pilgrimage Tourism, Adventure
tourism and picnic spot.
 10

3.3 Kaimur Range and Waterfalls - Kaimur range is the east portion of the
Vindhya Range which is about 483 km long, extending from state of Madhya Pradesh to
Rohtas district in Bihar. The range has two rivers Son on the south and Tons on the north.
The hill range of Kaimur have some area with dense forest which are great for biodiversity
and wildlife tourism. Kaimur falls have hundred of waterfall ranging in height between 15m
and 180m are found due to various fault line river. Some of these waterfalls have become
famous tourist destination over the years. The famous waterfalls are –

(a) Karkat Waterfall - Karkat waterfall is located in the karkatgrah village which lies in Kaimur
district of Bihar. This waterfall is located on Karmanasa River. It is a natural habitat of the
crocodile and Government of Bihar is developing it as crocodile conservation reserve and as
a eco-tourism spot. At least 75 crocodiles were spotted around it and in Karmanasa River.
In Mughal and British times this fall was a place for crocodile hunting but from 1979 the
hunting of Crocodile and other animal are prohibited around this area.

(b) Telhar Fall - Telhar fall also known as Telhar Kund is most popular waterfall in Bihar. It
attracts lot of tourist from around the world because of its spectacular beauty. This
waterfall is on the Rohtas Plateau which is close to Durgavati River. There are various
attractions near the fall including the Maa Mundeshwari Temple which is located 28km from
it. The waterfall also has a dam known as Karamchat Dam located near it, surrounded by
amazing views on all sides and is perfect for a picnic spot. The waterfall ends into the
Telhar Kund Lake that is situated at the bottom of the fall and is a popular spot for tourist
to come and take a dip.

Telhar Falls
Karkat Falls

3.4 Hot Springs Rajgir - Hot springs at is located at the foot of the Vaibhava Hill in
Rajgir. A staircase leads up to the various temples. Separate bathing places have been
organized for men and women and the water comes through spouts from Saptdhara, the
seven streams, believed to find their source behind the Saptaprni Caves up in the hills. The
hottest of the spring is the Brahmakund with 45°C.

3.4 Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary - This bird sanctuary is located in Jamui only 15 km
from Jhajha Railway Station. The total area of the sanctuary is 3.32 sq.km. Migratory birds
are visible during winter are red crested, pochard, common pochard, pintall ducks, pond
heron, egrets, swamp patridges.
 11

3.5 Bhimband Wildlife Sanctuary - This wildlife sanctuary is located in south-west

Munger district of Bihar. According to Hindu Mythology, Bheema, one of the pandavs,
constructed the dam and hence it is called Bhimbandh. The forest area of this sanctuary
covers an area of 681 sq.km on the hills. Bhimband is situated near Ganges River. The
faunal diversity found here are tiger, leopard, peafowl, wild bear, Indian hare, Langoor,
Nilgai, python, jungle cat, Bengal fox, golden fox. In flora there are two biomes present,
grasslands and forest. The sanctuary area has mainly Sal forest, bamboo forest and other
grasslands.

3.6 Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna zoo) - Patna zoo was established in the
year 1973 with a biological garden. The total area of Park is 153 acres. It stands almost as
a forest houses for more than fifty varieties of animals and birds whose total number
exceeds 500. Important animal species are Rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Leopard cats,
European Fallow Deer, Lion, Deer, Antelope. This zoo is situated in the heart of Patna city
and is major tourist spot for domestic tourist.

3.7 Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary - This sanctuary is located in

Bhagalpur district of Bihar. It extends from Sultanganj to Kahalogoan in the middle of
Ganga. Dolphins inhabit mostly the area of junction of rivers. Due to construction of
Farakka Dam, the dolphin population has become isolated and fragmented. Gangetic dolphins
are national aquatic animal of India and are classified as endangered on 2006 under IUCN
Red List. The best time to visit and saw dolphins are October and June. The sanctuary also
contains rich diversity of other threatened aquatic wildlife, including Indian smooth coated
otter, Ghariyal and a variety of freshwater turtle.

3.8 Gogabill Bird Sanctuary - Gogabill sanctuary has a total area of 217 acres and is
situated at a distance of 26km from Katihar town. Gogabill is an oxbow lake formed
through meander of River Kankar. This wetland is rich and flora and fauna and migratory
birds. The Gogabill has a great global, national and regional significance because of which
government of Bihar has declared it as a closed area.
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3.9 Glass Bridge (Rajgir) - Glass Bridge in the Rajgir is the second of its type in
India apart from Rishikesh. In bid to boost tourism in the state, an interesting 200 ft glass
bridge was built on Rajgir hills, in Nalanda district. This bridge is 85 ft long and 6 ft wide
and lies between five hills. It can accommodate up to 40 visitors at a time. This is a great
place of attraction those who want adventure. This bridge is opened for tourist from 1st
January 2022.

3.10 Ramshila Hill - Ramshila hills is situated on the south-east side of Gaya and is
considered to be the most sacred place as it is believed that Lord Rama has offered pinda
on this hill. A number of stone sculptures belonging to the ancient period can be noticed
on the hill. There is a temple which is situated on the top of the hill called as Ramesvara
temple which was originally built in 1014 AD. In front of this temple pindas are offered by
the Hindu devotees during Pitrapaksh month.

3.11 Pretshila Hill - This hill is 873 ft high and is situated 8 km from Gaya and 10 km
form Ramshila Hill. Right below this hill there is Brahma Kund where people take a dip
before going for pinda – daan. Their is a temple on the top of the hill which is dedicated
to Lord Yama, the god of death. The queen of Indore Ahilya Bai built this temple in 1787.

3.11 Aerial Ropeway, Rajgir - This ropeway is built over Ratnagiri, one of the five
hills in Rajgir. The ropeway is 1100 ft long and chairlift people from the foothill to the top
of the hill providing the wonderful view of the Peace Pagoda from upside. This ropeway is
major attraction for tourist who visit Rajgir and want some adventure.

Pretshila hill

Ropeway
 13

Bihar has a rich historical past. Right from the ancient to the present Bihar arts has been
centre of attractions for historians. Bihar is rich in its varied arts and paintings because of
the different kingdoms and periods have influenced its history. The unique features of art
and paintings in Bihar are the natural beauties and great creativeness. These creative
beauties have been preserved in various from like in ancient stone. Wooden structures,
grass-cloths, and metal wares. The fine skill and perfection of Bihar arts man is clearly
manifested from archaeological excavations in Kumhrar, Nalanda, Vikramshila and other
places. Paintings are the reflections of various aspects of human life. As Bihar was the
centre of many ancient civilization it has rich heritage and antiquities of painting. They are
important part of Bihar culture and tourism. Some of the famous traditional arts and
paintings of Bihar are –

4.1 Madhubani Painting

Madhubani painting are among the most famous paintings in the world. This popular belongs
to the Mithila region of Bihar. This painting expresses the creativity and sensitivity of its
people. Like any traditional art, it also shows the psychology of the society to which it
belongs, it reflects moral, values and customs of the region in a very interesting way. This
style of painting has been mostly done by the women of this region.
Madhubani painting
are characterised by figures that have prominent outlined, bulging fish – like eyes and
pointed noses. Originally the painting was done on freshly plastered mud and walls of hut,
but now it is also done on cloth, paper and canvas. These paintings are done using fingers
and twigs as well as matchsticks and pen ribs in the modern day. Usually bright colours are
used in the painting and there is rarely any blank spaces in this paintings.
 14

4.2 Manjusha Painting

Manjusha Art is a heritage of Ang Pradesh (Bhagalpur). This art has been prevalent in
Bhagalpur for a long time. Manjusha art came to the forefront between the time periods
of 1931-1948. This art is also called as scroll painting because of its sequential form of
story display. Manjusha art was traditionally carried out in two parts by two different
castes. The Kumbhakar caste was associated with shaping the pots on which the Manjusha
art was painted. The Malakar caste was responsible for preparing the actual Manjusha’s
and painting the art on different structures.

4.3 Sikki Works

Sikki is a grass or a weed thrived on most of the river bank. Sikki work is a craft whereby
the craftsman turn these unnecessary riverside weed into beautiful decorative objects. This
craft is particularly practised by women artisan in Bihar. Beautiful toys, wares, chairs are
manufactured out of this grass. After collecting and drying they stitch these grass into
various shapes. Various dazzling colours are also put on these objects to make it more
attractive.

4.4 Tikuli Works - Tikuli is a form of art made from broken glass. The craftsman
first melt the broken glass and then they give shape and design. Patna and harihans cities
are vary famous for manufacturing of this art. These art forms are of considerable cultural
value and have a vast heritage attached to it. It also acknowledged the means of women
empowerment as women are mostly associated with these arts. Tikuli word itself means
Bindi, a dot worn by women’s between the eyebrows and is a part of Hindu tradition.
 15

Bihar has a vast population and it is third largest state in terms of population in India.
And all of them follow some beliefs, rituals and gods. There are also some tribals which are
found in some of the forest range of Bihar. Bihar religion demographic is influenced from
history. Early in ancient India Bihar was hotspot for Buddhism, Jains and Hindu religions.
Mahavira was born here, Buddha attained enlightenment here only. Hindu gods Rama and
Sita also finds its root from here. During Mughal period this reason saw rise in Islam
region. Christianity arrived with the arrival of British in this region.
Bihar population by 2020
was around 12.4 crore and is estimated to 12.83 in 2022 (UDAI records). Bihar has five
religion. Hindu (9. 4 crore), Islam (2.4 crore), Christianity ( 1.30 lakh), Sikhism (25 thousand),
Buddhism (27 thousand), Jainism (20 thousand). Bihar has some forest cover where peoples
live and are dependent on them known as tribes. It has around 30 tribes which have been
notified under scheduled tribes. Some important tribal communities in Bihar are -

5.1 Santhal Tribes - Santhal are the largest tribe in Bihar. They are also found in
other states like Assam, Jharkhand, Orissa. Due to lack of archaeological records, the
original homeland of the Santhals are not known but some folk of Santhal claims they have
came from Hihiri. The Santhals have social organisation for rituals called kunti. Sohrai is the
principal festival of Santhal community. They traditionally do many of their dances during
this festival using two drums. Chadar Badar is a form of puppetry known as Santhal
puppetry. Important decision matters is done through a village council headed by a person
titled as Majhi. The total population of Santhal tribes in Bihar is about 4 lakhs and they
around cantered in Bihar in region of Bhagalpur and borders area to Jharkhand and west
Bengal.

5.2 Oran Tribes - Oran tribes are Dravidian ethnic group. They primary speak Kurukh
as their native language. Oran depends upon the forest and farms for their ritual and
economic livelihood. The Oran community, the village level political organisation is called
Praha, which consist a post of headman Pahan. The Oran celebrate traditional festivals like
Sarhul, Karma, Dhanbuni. The Oran people have a great rich of folk songs and dances. The
Mandar, Nagara and Kartal . Some of their dances are Karma dance, Jadur, Jagra, Matha,
Benja Naina Their population in Bihar is about 1.4 lakhs.

5.3 Kharwar Tribes - The Kharwar tribes gets it name from khar which means grass.
They don’t cut or damage the grass while growing. The Kharwar have their origin from
Palamu region in Jharkhand. Kharwar are dependent upon agriculture for their economy.
They are also based on forest works like fishing, hunting, trapping. The population of
Kharwar tribe in Bihar is about 1 lakh and it is the third largest tribe.
 16

As Bihar is home of different cultures and traditions. Almost all types of religion are found
in Bihar. With different religion different festivals come associated with it. Its rich culture
brings different fairs through its history. More than 20 fairs and festivals of different
religion are held and celebrated in Bihar. Here are the some of the important fairs and
festivals -

6.1 Sonpur Mela - Sonpur mela is vey famous fair in Bihar. It attracts lot of tourist
from domestic and international. Sonpur mela is also called as Animal fair and its is also
the biggest animal fair in Asia. This fair is held in the month of Kartik Poornima over the
months of November and December in Sonpur city along river Gandak. This fair last
between 15 days to 1 month. This fair has showcase of verity of Cattels, goats, camel,
dogs, donkey, rabbits, elephant, horses etc.

6.2 Chatth Puja - Chatth puja is probably the most famous festival of the State. This
is actually an ancient Hindu festival which is dedicated to the god Sun and take place 6
days after Diwali. It is an expression of thanks giving and seeking blessings from the god
sun for sustaining life on the earth. During the festival the person keep fast for 36 hours til
the final day.

6.3 Shravani Mela - This festival or mela is observed every year during month of
Shravan. It is and important month-long ritual which is held along 108km route linking
town of Deogarh and Sultanganj. They devotees walks barefoot carrying Kanwarias on their
shoulder and wearing saffron coloured clothes. This festival draws thousands of people
around the year.
 17

6.4 Buddha Jayanti - The Buddha Jayanti is celebrated during the month of May, on
the Baisakh Purnima fool moon day. It is believed that Buddha was born, enlightened and
passed away on the same full moon day. Thus this festival Buddha Jayanti is celebrated.
This is especially celebrated in Bodh Gaya and Rajgir. This day marks the prayer and
celebration at the Mahabodhi Temple.

6.5 Mahavir Jayanti - Mahavir Jayanti is the festivals of Jains which is also popular
in Bihar. According to Jain text, the Mahavir was born in this day in Vaishali in 599 BC. On
this day the idol of Lord Mahavir is carried out on a chariot called Rath Yatra. The Jain
devotees engage in some prayers, pujas and vratas.

Through this whole project we have saw the rich and diverse culture of Bihar. Its different
monuments and natural heritages. Its fairs and festivals which attracts lot of tourism. Its
people and their religion. Bihar is a true state full of history. It arts, crafts and paintings
all have uniqueness. But in present time this history of Bihar seems to be fading slowly.
Bihar could have been the hotspot for tourism in the country because of its historical
culture and heritage. This state have that potential that it can become the tourism hub of
the country in the coming years. International tourist are much interested in viewing India
culture and Bihar can play its important role in it. But for this we need some rules
promotion of tourism and development of Bihar infrastructure. Today Bihar is considered as
one of the poorest state with very less literacy rate. We not only need infra development
but also social where all peoples get their basic education and can play there role
development of state economy. The people of Bihar has to learn about their rich state
history and government has also to play its important part in making Bihar as a major
tourism hotspot specially for culture tourism. Government and peoples have also to take
care and conserve the monuments and heritages of state from all the odds in the recent
times. A sustainable development approach must be carried out which implies that the
natural, cultural, and other resources of tourism are conserved for continuous use in
future, while bringing benefits to the present society. This approach is actually very
important for mass tourism development for Bihar state.
 18

➢ History of Bihar, Radhakrishnan Choudhary, 1958

➢ Bihar art and culture, Vikash Patel
➢ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Bihar
➢ https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-
04/04%20BIHAR%20TOURISM%20ANNUAL%20STATISTICS%2
0%20REPOT%20Final.pdf
➢ https://bihar.pscnotes.com/category/art-and-culture/
➢ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Bihar
➢ Bihar - History | Britannica
➢ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Bihar
➢ https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en
➢ https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-
v2/en.html
➢ Bihar tourism website
➢ https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-
05/INDIA%20TOURISM%20STATISTICS%202020.pdf
➢ https://state.bihar.gov.in/bihartourism/cache/44/02-Jun-
21/SHOW_DOCS/Annual_Report_2016-17.pdf
➢ https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-04/Bihar.pdf

• PIC SOURCES

➢ https://instagram.com/theundiscovered.in?utm_medium=copy_link
➢ https://instagram.com/igaurav010?utm_medium=copy_link
➢ Google images

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