Bihar, situated in the central part of the northeastern region of India, is a renowned historical state, with its capital in Patna. It ranks as the third most populous state in India, while in terms of geographical area, it is the twelfth largest. On November 15, 2000, the southern part of Bihar was separated to form a new state, Jharkhand. To its north lies Nepal, to the south is Jharkhand, to the east is West Bengal, and to the west is Uttar Pradesh. The region is characterized by fertile plains along the Ganges River and its tributaries. The Ganges flows through it from west to east. Bihar stands as one of India's significant states.
The majority of Bihar's population resides in rural areas, with only 11.3 percent living in urban centers. Additionally, 58% of Bihar's population is under the age of 25.
In ancient times, Bihar was a stronghold of vast empires, educational centers, and culture. The origin of the name Bihar is derived from the word "Vihar," which refers to the abode of Buddhist monks. The term 'Bihar' is considered a derivative of the word 'Vihar.' One notable historical connection is that Trimohini Sangam, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed on February 12, 1948, is located in Bihar among the twelve sites of immersion along the banks.
