Bihar Basics
Bihar GK · बिहार मूल बातें
📋Quick Overview
Bihar is one of India's most historically significant states, located in eastern India. Its name derives from the Sanskrit/Pali word 'Vihara' meaning Buddhist monastery, reflecting its deep Buddhist heritage. The state is bounded by Nepal to the north, West Bengal to the east, Jharkhand to the south, and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
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Bihar was formed on March 22, 1912 when it was separated from Bengal Presidency. March 22 is celebrated as Bihar Diwas (Bihar Day) every year.
📖Key Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Capital | Patna (ancient Pataliputra, on Ganges) |
| Area | 94,163 sq km (12th largest state) |
| Population | ~12.4 crore (3rd most populous, Census 2011) |
| Formation | March 22, 1912 (separated from Bengal Presidency) |
| Districts | 38 districts |
| Divisions | 9 divisions |
| Literacy Rate | 61.8% (Census 2011, below national avg 74.04%) |
| Sex Ratio | 918 females per 1000 males (national avg: 943) |
| Population Density | 1,106 per sq km (highest in India) |
| Name Origin | From 'Vihara' (Buddhist monastery) |
📖State Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| State Animal | Gaur (Indian Bison) | Bos gaurus — largest wild bovine |
| State Bird | House Sparrow (Gauriya) | Passer domesticus |
| State Tree | Peepal | Ficus religiosa — sacred fig tree |
| State Flower | Kachnar (Orchid Tree) | Bauhinia variegata — purple/white flowers |
📖Administrative Structure
- •9 Divisions: Patna, Magadh (Gaya), Nalanda, Munger, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Darbhanga, Tirhut (Muzaffarpur), Saran (Chhapra)
- •38 Districts — largest by population: Patna; largest by area: Paschim Champaran
- •101 Sub-Divisions, 534 Blocks, 8,463 Gram Panchayats, ~45,000 villages
- •Bihar shares 726 km border with Nepal to the north
📖Languages of Bihar
| Language | Status/Region |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Official language |
| Urdu | Second official language |
| Maithili | 8th Schedule of Constitution, North Bihar (Mithila region) |
| Bhojpuri | Western Bihar (Bhojpur region), widely spoken |
| Magahi | Central & Southern Bihar (Magadh region) |
| Bajjika | Vaishali, Muzaffarpur area |
| Angika | Bhagalpur and Anga region |