Bihar – The Crucible of Indian Civilisation

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.