ABOUT BIHAR A Timeless Nexus of Spiritual Heritage
Bihar is located in the eastern part of the country (between 83°-30' and 88°-00' longitude). It is an entirely landlocked state. Bihar lies midway between the humid West Bengal in the east and the sub-humid Uttar Pradesh in the west, which provides it with a transitional position in respect to climate, economy, and culture. It is bounded by Nepal in the north and by Jharkhand in the south. The Bihar Plain is divided into two unequal halves by the river Ganga, which flows through the middle from west to east.
Bihar's spiritual heritage is woven from diverse faith traditions that have shaped its identity for centuries. The state holds a revered place in Jainism as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira in Vaishali and the site of his nirvana at Pawapuri, attracting devotees and seekers from across the world. Bihar is equally significant in Sikhism, being home to Takht Sri Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Patna Sahib stands as a symbol of faith, courage, and spiritual enlightenment, further enriching Bihar's enduring legacy as a confluence of religious and cultural traditions. Bihar's global spiritual prominence is further enhanced by Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. The iconic Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to this transformative event and attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Gaya Ji, also has Vishnupad Temple stands as a symbol of devotion and faith. The temple is believed to bear the footprint of Lord Vishnu and holds immense importance in Hindu tradition. It is particularly renowned for the ritual of pind daan, through which devotees pay homage to their ancestors and seek spiritual blessings. The state is also deeply connected to the cultural and religious narrative of the Ramayana. Sitamarhi, widely revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, occupies a special place in the hearts of millions and serves as an enduring symbol of virtue, devotion, and resilience.
Bihar has long been recognized as a land of profound spiritual significance, serving as a historic center of sacred geography, pilgrimage, and ancient religious traditions. The state is home to several revered sites that continue to attract devotees, scholars, and visitors from across the world.
Cradle of Ancient Global Learning
Bihar holds a distinguished place in global educational history as one of the world’s earliest and most influential centers of learning, whose civilizational impact extended across Asia by pioneering organized higher education and shaping enduring intellectual traditions. Nalanda University, founded around the 5th century CE, epitomized this legacy as the world’s first fully residential university, offering a comprehensive curriculum spanning philosophy, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and linguistics.
This tradition of excellence was further strengthened by Vikramshila University, established in the 8th century CE by the Pala ruler Dharmapala, which emerged as a premier center for advanced Buddhism. Together, these universities formed a vibrant network of intellectual hubs that fostered an unprecedented exchange of ideas, research, and scholarly discourse.
Reorganization of State Boundary
The present-day State of Bihar has evolved through a series of administrative and territorial reorganizations. During British rule, Bihar formed part of the Bengal Presidency until the creation of the Province of Bihar and Orissa in 1912. In 1936, Bihar became a separate province following the bifurcation of Orissa. After India's independence in 1947, Bihar continued as a constituent state of the Indian Union. The most significant territorial reorganization occurred on 15 November 2000, when districts were carved out to form the new State of Jharkhand, resulting in the present geographical boundaries of Bihar. The undivided Bihar presented a complementary economic structure; while the northern plains were agriculturally productive, the southern region (now Jharkhand) housed major industrial centers such as Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, and Bokaro.
Consequently, Bihar evolved into a predominantly agrarian economy with a renewed focus on human capital, governance reforms, and service-led growth. Administratively, Bihar is divided into 9 divisions and 38 districts, further subdivided into 101 subdivisions and 534 community development blocks. It has 8,406 Panchayats and 45,103 villages, forming the backbone of its rural administration.
Economy and Development Trajectory
Today, Bihar is characterized by its strong agricultural base, with a large proportion of its population dependent on farming. The state is among India’s leading producers of fruits and vegetables, supported by its fertile alluvial soil and abundant water resources.
Over the past two decades, Bihar has demonstrated significant economic resilience, characterized by consistent improvements in GSDP and per capita income, as well as sectoral diversification. As per the latest quick estimates for 2024-25, the GSDP at constant prices increased by 8.6%, while at current prices it expanded by 13.1%. These figures place Bihar among the fastest-growing states in India.
Recently, Bihar has witnessed steady economic growth driven by public investment, infrastructure development, and institutional reforms. With a young population over half below the age of 25 the state holds significant demographic potential for driving future growth and innovation. According to the Census of 2011, the population in the age group of 15 to 59 years constituted approximately 58.8% of the total population. Around the year 2041, the share of the population in the age group of 20 to 59 years is projected to be about 58.3%, making it one of the youngest states in India and a huge future workforce base.
According to the NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023–24, Bihar currently has a composite SDG score of 57. Bihar improved its SDG ranking score from 48 (2018) to 57 (2023–24), reflecting steady progress across several sectors while also indicating areas where additional efforts are required. Multidimensional poverty has declined substantially in recent years due to expanded welfare programs and improved access to basic services. The MPI headcount ratio declined from 51.9% in 2015–16 to 33.8% in 2019–21, representing the largest absolute reduction among Indian states.
The state has implemented pioneering initiatives to enhance women’s participation in governance and economic activities. These include 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, 35% reservation for women in government jobs, and extensive support for women’s self-help groups under the JEEViKA program, which has become one of the largest community-based livelihood initiatives in the country.
As India moves decisively towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047, states are the primary engines of transformation. Gauravshali Bihar @ 2047 is anchored in the national resolve of high growth, inclusion, sustainability, and institutional excellence while responding to Bihar’s unique demographic, economic, and spatial realities.
Bihar today stands at a critical juncture, leveraging its historical strengths and demographic dividend to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development. Through improved governance, technological integration, and participatory planning, the state aims to transform its urban and rural landscapes, strengthen economic resilience, and enhance quality of life for all citizens.