Bihar, a state steeped in history and culture, is often overlooked. However, this ancient land holds many surprises. Here are 21 intriguing facts about Bihar:

1. Birthplace of the Buddha: Bihar is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Lumbini, the exact birthplace, is now in Nepal, but much of Buddha’s early life and teachings are associated with places in Bihar like Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir.
2. Ancient University of Nalanda: Nalanda was one of the world’s first universities, attracting scholars from across Asia. It was a center of learning for centuries, particularly in Buddhism, Hinduism, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and logic.
3. The Great Mauryan Empire: The Mauryan Empire, one of India’s greatest empires, was founded by Chandragupta Maurya and reached its peak under Ashoka the Great. Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire, was located in modern-day Patna.
4. The Gupta Golden Age: The Gupta Empire, another golden age in Indian history, also had its roots in Bihar. This period saw significant advancements in art, science, literature, and mathematics.
5. The Land of Bodhi Trees: Bihar is home to several ancient Bodhi trees, including the one under which Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. These trees are revered by Buddhists worldwide.
6. The Vikramshila University: Another ancient university, Vikramshila, was founded by the Pala dynasty. It was a center of learning, particularly in Buddhist philosophy and logic.
7. The Magnificent Rock-Cut Caves: Bihar boasts numerous rock-cut caves, including the Barabar Caves and the Nagarjuna Caves. These caves were used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study.
8. The Holy City of Gaya: Gaya is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. It’s believed that performing rituals and offering prayers in Gaya can liberate one’s ancestors from the cycle of rebirth.
9. The Magnificent Rajgir: Rajgir, once known as Rajagriha, was an ancient capital of the Magadha kingdom. It’s surrounded by hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
10. The Nalanda Museum: This museum houses artifacts from the ancient Nalanda University, including sculptures, manuscripts, and coins.
11. The Makhana: Bihar is the largest producer of fox nuts or makhana in India. These crunchy, nutritious seeds are a popular snack and are often used in various dishes.
12. The Litti Chokha: This delicious dish, made of wheat flour balls stuffed with spiced potato filling and served with roasted eggplant, is a popular street food in Bihar.
13. The Chhath Puja: One of the most significant festivals in Bihar, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God. Devotees offer prayers to the rising and setting sun during this four-day festival.
14. The Mithila Paintings: These intricate paintings, also known as Madhubani paintings, depict mythological and religious themes. They are a unique art form of Bihar.
15. The Bihari Language: Bihari is a group of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in Bihar and neighboring states. It has a rich literary tradition.
16. The Bihar School of Painting: This school of art, which flourished during the Mughal period, produced many talented painters.
17. The Gandhi Maidan: This large public ground in Patna is often used for political rallies and cultural events.
18. The Patna Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Mauryan, Gupta, and Pala periods. ¹
19. The Golghar: This massive granary, built during the British Raj, is a prominent landmark in Patna.
20. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to the endangered Gangetic dolphin, one of India’s national aquatic animals.
21. The Wildlife Sanctuary of Valmiki Tiger Reserve: This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and deer.

Bihar, with its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty, offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, religion, art, or nature, Bihar is a fascinating place to explore.