Bihar: The Civilisational Crucible

Bihar is the historical heart of Indian state formation and philosophy. Situated in the fertile **Ganga basin**, it facilitated the rise of the **Mauryan and Gupta Empires**, establishing India's earliest centralised administrations at **Pataliputra**. As the cradle of **Buddhism and Jainism**, Bihar’s spiritual legacy is global, anchored by the lives of Buddha and Mahavira and ancient intellectual hubs like **Nalanda University**. In the modern era, the state became a pivotal site for colonial resistance, notably the **Battle of Buxar** and Gandhi’s **Champaran Satyagraha**. Post-independence, Bihar has driven national discourse on **social justice** and caste empowerment. Today, it leverages its demographic potential and rich cultural heritage—including **Madhubani art**—to navigate contemporary developmental challenges. Understanding Bihar is essential for any study of Indian civilisation and democracy.