Key Facts
- Located in the eastern part of India.
- The third-largest state in India by population and the twelfth-largest by territory.
- It shares borders with Uttar Pradesh to the west, Nepal to the north, the northern part of West Bengal to the east, and Jharkhand to the south.
- Recognized as the world’s third-most populous subnational entity.
- The state features the convergence of main cultural regions, including Magadh, Mithila, and Bhojpur.
- The Bihar plain is bisected by the river Ganges, flowing from west to east.
- Ranks as the fourth-largest producer of vegetables and the eighth-largest producer of fruits in the country.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Ethnic group | Agaria, Baiga, Bedia, Gond, Gorait, Khond, Kora, Munda, Savar, Kawar, Kol, Tharu |
| Rivers | Ganga, Saryu-Yamuna, Gandak, Kosi, Panar, Pun-Pun, Saura, Bagmati, Ghagra, Koshi, Son, Mahananda, Sapt Koshi, Bhutahi Balan |
| Art Forms | – Madhubani/Mithila painting – Madhubani’s marsh sikki |
| Crafts | Grass is used to make baskets, dolls, toys, etc. Sujini Kantha embroidery is a specialization of Bihar |
| Dance Forms | – Jat-Jatin dance of the Mithila region – Bidesia, the songs of Vidyapati – Chau Tribal dances – Jhijhian dance – Kajari dance – Sohar-khilouna dance – Jhumeri dance |
| Festivals | – Chatth Puja – Sama-Chakeva – Ramnavami – Makar-Sankranti – Bihula – Madhushravani |
| State Flower/Tree/Bird/Animal | Genda (Marigold) / Peepal / House Sparrow / Bullock |
| Lakes | Kanwar Lake, Baraila Lake, Kusheswar Nath Lake, Udaypur Lake Nagi Dam, Nakti Dam (Man-Made) |
| World Heritage Sites | – Mahabodhi temple complex at Bodh Gaya – Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda |
| Ramsar Sites | Kanwar Taal or Kabartaal Lake |
| Protected Areas | – Valmiki National Park (18th Tiger Reserve of India) – Barela Jheel Salim Ali Bird Wildlife Sanctuary – Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary – Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary – Kanwarjheel Wildlife Sanctuary – Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary – Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Wildlife Sanctuary – Nagi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary – Nakti Dam Wildlife Sanctuary – Pant (Rajgir) Wildlife Sanctuary – Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary – Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary – Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary |
| GI Tags | – Madhubani Paintings<br> – Applique (Khatwa) Work of Bihar – Sujini Embroidery – Sikki Grass Products – Bhagalpur Silk – Applique (Khatwa) Work – Bhagalpuri Zardalu – Katarni Rice – Magahi Paan – Shahi Litchi<br> – Silao Khaja |
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