First capital of Magadha: Rajgriha (Rajgir) → later shifted to Pataliputra (Patna) by Udayin.
Vajji (Vaishali): World’s first republican confederation — Lichchhavis + Videhas + other clans. Gautam Buddha delivered last sermon here. Lord Mahavira born here.
Digambara (sky-clad; Bhadrabahu) vs Shvetambara (white-clad; Sthulabhadra) — split after Chandragupta Maurya’s time
Patronage in Bihar
Chandragupta Maurya became Digambara Jain monk; went to Karnataka with Bhadrabahu
Buddhism
Point
Detail
Gautama Buddha
Born Lumbini (Nepal), 563 BCE; Kapilavastu (UP) childhood; Enlightenment (Nirvana) at Bodh Gaya (Bihar); First sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartan) at Sarnath (UP); Death (Mahaparinirvana) at Kushinagar (UP), 483 BCE
Four Noble Truths
1. Life is suffering (Dukkha) 2. Suffering has cause (Samudaya) 3. Suffering can end (Nirodha) 4. Path to end suffering (Marga)
Bodh Gaya — Mahabodhi Temple; UNESCO World Heritage Site 2002. Bihar’s most important Buddhist site.
Nalanda — World’s first residential university (5th–12th century CE); Bihar. Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji, 1193 CE.
Vikramshila & Odantapuri — Other important Buddhist universities in Bihar (Pala period).
Vaishali — Birth of Mahavira + Last sermon of Buddha + First republic of world. Triple BPSC significance.
A5. Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE) — Bihar’s Golden Age
King
Period
Key Contributions
Chandragupta Maurya
321–297 BCE
Founded empire with Chanakya’s help; defeated Dhana Nanda; defeated Seleucus Nicator (305 BCE); first pan-India ruler; capital Pataliputra; became Jain monk
Bindusara
297–273 BCE
Called ‘Amitrochates’ (killer of enemies) by Greeks; extended empire south; Ajivika sect follower
Ashoka the Great
273–232 BCE
Kalinga War (261 BCE) — turning point; embraced Buddhism; Dhamma policy; rock & pillar edicts; ambassadors to Sri Lanka, Greece, Egypt; Lion Capital = national emblem of India
Ashoka’s Edicts — BPSC Must Know
Edict Type
Number
Key Content & Location
Major Rock Edicts
14
Dhamma; welfare; religious tolerance; found at Girnar, Sopara, Kalsi, Dhauli, Jaugada, Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra
Minor Rock Edicts
Multiple
Ashoka’s personal conversion to Buddhism; found at Brahmagiri, Maski, Rupnath
Pillar Edicts
7 major + 2 minor
Dhamma; ban on killing certain animals; Lumbini pillar (confirms Buddha’s birthplace)
Separate Edicts
Kalinga Edicts
Separate edicts for Tosali & Samapa — ‘all men are my children’
Ashoka — BPSC Special Facts
Lion Capital (Sarnath): National Emblem of India. Abacus has bull, horse, elephant, lion separated by dharmachakra.
Brahmi script used in most edicts (deciphered by James Prinsep, 1837). Kharosthi used in NW edicts (Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra).
Dhamma Mahamattas: Officials appointed by Ashoka to spread Dhamma — among world’s first welfare officers.
Pataliputra description: Megasthenes (Greek ambassador to Chandragupta) described it in ‘Indica’ — most populated city of ancient world.
Arthashastra: Written by Chanakya/Kautilya — first treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy.
A6. Post-Mauryan & Gupta Period
Post-Mauryan Dynasties (185 BCE – 320 CE)
Dynasty
Period
Key Facts
Shunga
185–73 BCE
Pushyamitra Shunga (Brahmin general); killed last Maurya; Hinduism revived; Sanchi stupa built
Kanva
73–28 BCE
Followed Shunga in Magadha
Satavahana
1st BCE–3rd CE
Deccan rulers; used Prakrit; Gautamiputra Satakarni repelled Shakas
Kushana
1st–3rd CE
Kanishka (78 CE — Shaka Era); patronised Buddhism; Silk Route; Gandhara art (Greek-Buddhist fusion)
Gupta
320–550 CE
See below
Gupta Empire (320–550 CE) — ‘Golden Age of India’
Ruler
Achievement
Chandragupta I (320–335 CE)
Founded Gupta Empire; married Kumaradevi (Lichchhavi princess of Vaishali); started Gupta Era (319–320 CE)
Samudragupta (335–380 CE)
Described as ‘Napoleon of India’ by V.A. Smith; Allahabad Pillar inscription by Harishena; veena player; military conquests
Chandragupta II / Vikramaditya (380–415 CE)
Defeated Shakas; title Vikramaditya; Fa-Hien (Chinese pilgrim) visited; Navratnas at court (Kalidasa, Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, Dhanvantari, Amarasimha etc.)
Kumaragupta I (415–455 CE)
Founded Nalanda University
Skandagupta (455–467 CE)
Repelled Huna invasions; last great Gupta ruler
BPSC FACT FLASH
Aryabhatta (476 CE, Pataliputra): Calculated value of Pi (π = 3.1416); explained solar/lunar eclipses scientifically; Earth rotates on axis; Aryabhatiya (book).
Nalanda University: Founded by Kumaragupta I (~5th century CE) in Bihar. Peak during Harsha and Pala period. Hiuen Tsang studied here.
Fa-Hien (405–411 CE): Chinese pilgrim; visited during Chandragupta II; described Bihar as prosperous, no capital punishment, Buddhism flourishing.
A7. Post-Gupta Period & Harsha (606–647 CE)
Harshavardhana: Capital Kanauj (UP); extended empire to Bihar, Bengal; defeated by Chalukya king Pulakeshin II; last Hindu emperor before Muslim rule.
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang): Chinese pilgrim visited during Harsha; studied at Nalanda; wrote ‘Si-yu-ki’ (Record of Western World) — important source for Bihar’s history.
Banskhera & Madhuban plates: Harsha’s copper plate inscriptions; confirms extent of his empire.
Pushyabhuti dynasty: Harsha’s dynasty; his sister Rajyashri was married to Maukhari king.
Pala Dynasty (750–1174 CE) — Bihar’s Buddhist Kings
Ruler
Achievement
Gopala (750–770 CE)
Founded Pala dynasty — elected by people; first elected monarch in India
Dharmapala (770–810 CE)
Greatest Pala ruler; patron of Buddhism; founded Vikramshila University (Bhagalpur, Bihar) and Odantapuri (Bihar Sharif)
Devapala (810–850 CE)
Expanded empire; patronised Nalanda; ambassador from Srivijaya (SE Asia)
Mahipala I (988–1038 CE)
Restored Pala power; renovated Nalanda and Bodh Gaya
BPSC FACT FLASH
Pala dynasty = greatest patrons of Mahayana/Vajrayana Buddhism in India.
Vikramshila University — founded by Dharmapala, Bihar; rival to Nalanda; also destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji (1203 CE).
Pala bronze sculptures — among finest in Indian art history; Bihar museums hold major collections.
PART B: MEDIEVAL HISTORY OF INDIA & BIHAR
B1. Arab Invasions & Early Turks
Muhammad bin Qasim (712 CE): Arab general; conquered Sind (Sindh); first Muslim ruler in India; Umayyad Caliphate.
Mahmud of Ghazni (971–1030 CE): 17 raids into India (997–1027 CE); famous for sacking Somnath Temple (1025 CE, Gujarat); plunder motive; Al-Biruni wrote ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ during his reign.
Muhammad Ghori (1173–1206 CE): First Battle of Tarain (1191) — defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan; Second Battle of Tarain (1192) — defeated Prithviraj; laid foundation of Delhi Sultanate.
Bihar & Bakhtiyar Khilji — BPSC Most Important
Bakhtiyar Khilji (1193–1206 CE): General of Muhammad Ghori; conquered Bihar (1193 CE); destroyed Nalanda University, killing monks and burning manuscripts.
Significance: Destroyed Buddhism in Bihar — monks fled to Nepal and Tibet. This ended Buddhism as a mass religion in its homeland.
Vikramshila destroyed: 1203 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji. Odantapuri also destroyed.
Bengal conquest: Bakhtiyar then conquered Bengal (Nabadwip, 1203 CE); died 1206 CE.
B2. Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE)
Dynasty
Period
Key Rulers & Facts
Slave/Mamluk
1206–1290
Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Qutub Minar, Dhai Din Ka Jhonpra); Iltutmish (first Sultan recognised by Caliph; daughter Razia Sultan); Balban (iron and blood policy)
Khilji
1290–1320
Alauddin Khilji — market reforms; military campaigns; repelled Mongols; Malik Kafur’s Deccan raids; first revenue settlement in India
Tughlaq
1320–1414
Muhammad bin Tughlaq — shifting capital (Delhi→Daulatabad); token currency failure; taxation. Firuz Shah — many canals; Jizya on Brahmins
Sayyid
1414–1451
Weak rulers; Timur’s invasion aftermath
Lodi
1451–1526
Ibrahim Lodi — First Battle of Panipat (1526) — defeated by Babur; last Afghan ruler of Delhi
Bihar Under Delhi Sultanate
Bihar as a province: Bakhtiyar Khilji’s conquest made Bihar part of Bengal province initially, then a separate subah.
Tughlaq period: Bihar had relative stability; many mosques and Islamic institutions established.
Mallik Ibrahim Bayu: Notable governor of Bihar under Tughlaqs.
B3. Bhakti Movement — Bihar Dimension
Saint
Period
Place
Key Teaching & Bihar Link
Ramananda
14th–15th c
Varanasi
Vaishnava reformer; taught equality; disciple list includes Kabir, Ravidas, Dhanna — all influenced Bihar
Kabir Das
1440–1518
Varanasi/Magahar
No caste/religion distinction; influenced Bihar weavers (Julaha community); Dohas still recited
Guru Nanak
1469–1539
Punjab
Founder of Sikhism; visited Patna (Gurdwara Patnasahib = Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib); Bihar connection
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
1486–1533
Bengal/Navadwip
Vaishnava Bhakti; kirtan; influenced Bengal-Bihar border region
Surdas
1478–1583
Agra
Blind poet; ‘Sur Sagar’; devotion to Krishna
Mirabai
1498–1546
Rajasthan
Krishna devotee; female Bhakti saint
Tukaram
1608–1650
Maharashtra
Varkari movement; abhangas; social equality
BPSC FACT FLASH
Sikh connection to Bihar: Guru Gobind Singh born in Patna (1666 CE). Takht Sri Patna Sahib — one of 5 Takhts of Sikhism. BPSC repeatedly asks this.
Kabir Das: Buried at Magahar (UP) — Hindu-Muslim dispute; legend says flowers appeared instead of body.
Bhakti Movement = spiritual answer to caste discrimination + challenge to Brahminical dominance + vernacular language promotion.
B4. Sufi Movement
Order (Silsila)
Key Saint
Bihar / North India Connection
Chishti
Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer); Nizamuddin Auliya (Delhi); Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
Most popular in India; music (Sama) allowed; open to all
Suhrawardi
Bahauddin Zakariya (Multan)
More orthodox; wealth allowed; Punjab & Sind focus
Qadiri
Abd-ul-Qadir Gilani (Baghdad)
Common in Bihar; Dara Shikoh was a follower
Naqshbandi
Khwaja Baqibillah; Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi
Opposed to Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi; influence on Aurangzeb
B5. Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Emperor
Period
Key Facts & Bihar Connection
Babur
1526–1530
Founded Mughal Empire; First Battle of Panipat (1526) vs Ibrahim Lodi; Second battle (1527) vs Rana Sanga (Khanwa); wrote Baburnama
Humayun
1530–1556
Lost empire to Sher Shah Suri (Battle of Chausa 1539, near Buxar, Bihar; Battle of Kanauj 1540); Regained with Persian help; died falling from library
Sher Shah Suri
1540–1545
BIHAR’S GREATEST RULER — born at Sasaram (Bihar); built Grand Trunk Road (GT Road); efficient administration; introduced Rupee; revenue reforms; Sher Shah’s tomb at Sasaram (Bihar) — finest example of Sur architecture
Akbar
1556–1605
Greatest Mughal; Din-i-Ilahi; Fatehpur Sikri; Navratnas; abolished Jizya; Battle of Panipat II (1556) vs Hemu; Bihar & Bengal under Akbar
Jahangir
1605–1627
Nur Jahan’s influence; Thomas Roe (British embassy); artistic period; rebellions in Bihar (son Khusrau)
Shah Jahan
1628–1658
Taj Mahal; Peacock Throne; Red Fort; Mughal architecture peak; Bihar subah under capable governors
Aurangzeb
1658–1707
Re-imposed Jizya; destroyed temples; Deccan wars exhausted empire; revolt of Jats, Sikhs, Marathas; longest reigning Mughal; Guru Gobind Singh vs Aurangzeb
Sher Shah Suri — BPSC Bihar Special (Most Asked)
Full Name: Farid Khan; title ‘Sher Shah’ after killing a tiger.
Born: Sasaram, Bihar (disputed — also Bajwada, Punjab; but Sasaram tomb is definitive Bihar link).
Tomb at Sasaram: Built in his lifetime; octagonal structure; situated in the middle of a lake; finest example of Indo-Afghan architecture.
Grand Trunk Road: Sonargaon (Bangladesh) to Peshawar (Pakistan) — 2,400 km; also called Sadak-e-Azam / Badshahi Sadak / NH-1.
Rupee: Sher Shah introduced silver Rupee (weighing 178 grains) — forerunner of modern Indian Rupee.
Revenue Reforms: Measured land with ‘Gaz-i-Sikandari’; collected 1/3 of produce as tax; detailed revenue records — basis for Todar Mal’s reforms later.
B6. Vijayanagara & Bahmani Kingdoms
Kingdom
Period
Key Facts
Bahmani Kingdom
1347–1518 CE
Founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah; capital Gulbarga then Bidar; later split into 5 Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar)
Vijayanagara Empire
1336–1646 CE
Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya (Sangama dynasty); Krishnadeva Raya (1509–29) = greatest ruler; Hampi = capital; Telugu literature; Abdur Razzak (Persian traveler) praised it
Nagarjuni Caves (Gaya, Bihar) — Ashoka’s time; Barabar Caves (Gaya) — oldest rock-cut caves in India
Gupta
Nagara temple style; sculpture
Mundeshwari Temple (Kaimur, Bihar) — one of oldest functional temples in India (~4th CE)
Pala
Bronze sculpture; Buddhist manuscript painting
Nalanda Museum, Bihar; finest bronzes of Avalokiteshvara, Tara
Sultanate in Bihar
Indo-Islamic mosques, tombs
Dargah of Makhdum Shah in Maner (Patna), Bihar Sharif tombs
Mughal in Bihar
Garden tombs, Sarai architecture
Sher Shah’s Tomb (Sasaram); Rohtasgarh Fort (Rohtas district, Bihar) — Sher Shah’s massive hilltop fort
BPSC FACT FLASH
Barabar Caves (Gaya, Bihar): Oldest rock-cut caves in India — Ashoka (3rd c BCE). Dedicated to Ajivikas. Inspiration for E.M. Forster’s ‘Marabar Caves’ in Passage to India.
Mundeshwari Temple (Kaimur): One of the oldest functional Hindu temples in the world (~4th century CE). Dedicated to Shiva-Shakti.
Rohtasgarh Fort: Built by Sher Shah Suri; Rohtas district, Bihar. Considered impregnable. Key military fort.
Maner Sharif (Patna): Most important medieval Muslim shrine in Bihar; tomb of Makhdoom Yahya Maneri (14th CE Sufi saint).
PART C: MODERN HISTORY — INDIA & BIHAR (19th–20th Century)
C1. European Advent in India
Event / Battle
Year
Details
Portuguese arrive
1498
Vasco da Gama lands at Calicut; first European sea route to India
Portuguese in India
1510
Albuquerque captures Goa; Estado da India
English East India Co.
1600
Royal Charter by Elizabeth I; first factory at Surat (1608)
Dutch East India Co.
1602
VOC; controlled spice trade initially
French East India Co.
1664
Established by Colbert; Pondicherry 1674
Battle of Plassey
1757
Clive defeats Siraj-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Bengal); marks real beginning of British empire in India
Battle of Buxar
1764
BIHAR’S MOST IMPORTANT BATTLE — British vs combined forces of Mir Qasim + Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daula) + Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II; British victory secured Bengal, Bihar, Orissa
Battle of Buxar (1764) — BPSC’s Favourite Modern History Question
Location: Buxar, Bihar — on the banks of River Ganga.
British Commander: Hector Munro.
Alliance against British: Mir Qasim (ex-Bengal Nawab) + Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh) + Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor).
Result: British victory → Treaty of Allahabad (1765) — Shah Alam II granted Diwani rights (revenue collection) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to East India Company.
Significance: More decisive than Plassey — Britain became real administrative power in India. Foundation of Company’s raj in Bihar.
C2. Revolt of 1857 — Bihar’s Role
Causes of 1857 Revolt
Political: Doctrine of Lapse (Dalhousie); annexation of Awadh (1856); interference in succession.
Economic: Drain of wealth; ruin of Indian handicrafts; heavy taxation; Zamindari system.
Military: General Service Enlistment Act; low pay; racial discrimination against Indian soldiers.
Social/Religious: Missionary activities; Age of Consent Act fears; Enfield rifle cartridge controversy (greased with cow/pig fat).
Bihar in 1857 — Key Events & Leaders
Leader / Place
Role in 1857 Revolt
Kunwar Singh (Jagdishpur, Bihar)
Most celebrated hero of 1857 from Bihar; 80-year-old zamindar; fought British at Arrah, Azamgarh, Jagdishpur; cut off own arm shot by British bullet and offered it to Ganga; called ‘Lion of Bihar’
Amar Singh
Son of Kunwar Singh; continued resistance after father’s death on April 26, 1858; captured Jagdishpur
Hasan Khan
Led uprising at Patna; tried to organise rebellion in Bihar
Peer Ali Khan
Patna-based revolutionary; bookseller; executed by British in 1857; organized Wahabi movement activities
Arrah (Bhojpur)
Hub of 1857 revolt in Bihar; Kunwar Singh’s main base of operations
BPSC FACT FLASH
Kunwar Singh: Born Jagdishpur (Bhojpur district), Bihar, 1777. Died April 26, 1858 — just days after his final victory. His birthday ‘Veer Kunwar Singh Vijayotsav’ is state festival in Bihar.
Arrah (Bhojpur) — British tried to besiege; William Tayler was Commissioner. Famous ‘Little House’ siege.
Jagdishpur: Kunwar Singh’s stronghold; Bhojpur district, Bihar. Site of final battle.
C3. Peasant & Tribal Revolts in Bihar
Revolt
Year
Leaders
Cause & Outcome
Sanyasi Revolt
1763–1800
Majnum Shah, Musa Shah, Bhavani Pathak, Devi Chaudhurani
Against EIC restrictions on pilgrimage & trade; Bengal-Bihar border; inspiration for Bankim’s ‘Anandamath’
Chhota Nagpur Uprising / Bhumij Revolt
1832
Ganga Narayan Singh
Against landlord (thikadars) and Company exploitation; Chhota Nagpur (now Jharkhand — was Bihar)
Santhal Hul / Santhal Uprising
1855–1856
Sidhu & Kanhu Murmu
Against mahajans (moneylenders) and Damin-i-Koh alienation; Bihar-Jharkhand border; ‘Hul’ = revolution in Santali; suppressed brutally; >10,000 Santhals killed
Indigo (Neel) Revolt
1859–1860
Digambar Biswas, Bishnu Biswas
Against forced indigo cultivation; Bengal-Bihar; Nil Darpan play by Dinabandhu Mitra depicted conditions
Birsa Munda Movement
1895–1900
Birsa Munda
See below
Birsa Munda — BPSC Bihar Special
Born: November 15, 1875 at Ulihatu, Khunti (now Jharkhand — then Bihar).
Movement: Ulgulan (Great Tumult) — against British land alienation, missionaries, and dikus (outsiders).
Economic demand: Restore tribal land rights; abolish bethbegari (forced labour); reverse land alienation under Wilkinson’s Rules.
Religious dimension: Claimed divine power; declared himself ‘Dharti Abba’ (Father of Earth); founded Birsait sect — blend of tribal, Hindu, Christian elements.
Death: Died in Ranchi Jail (June 9, 1900) — age 25; officially cholera, suspected British foul play.
Legacy: Jharkhand Statehood (November 15, 2000) was timed on his birthday. Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi named after him.
C4. Indian National Movement — Bihar’s Role
Moderate Phase (1885–1905)
INC founded 1885: A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji (Grand Old Man; Drain Theory), Surendranath Banerjee. Bihar’s representation from early sessions.
Bihar at early sessions: Bihar leaders participated in Calcutta and Bombay sessions. Bengal partition (1905) galvanised Bihar too.
Extremist Phase & Partition of Bengal (1905–1920)
Partition of Bengal (1905): Lord Curzon; created new province of East Bengal and Assam; Swadeshi and Boycott movements erupted.
Bihar’s Swadeshi response: Boycott of British goods; national schools; Mazharul Haque and Sachindra Prasad Singh were early Bihar leaders.
Partition of Bihar (1912): Bihar and Orissa separated from Bengal as separate province — Capital: Patna. Patna became provincial capital on March 22, 1912.
Champaran Satyagraha (1917) — Gandhi’s First Experiment in India
Champaran Satyagraha 1917 — Most Important Bihar-Modern History Topic
Location: Champaran district, Bihar — now split into East & West Champaran.
Issue: Tinkathia system — indigo farmers forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land for planters; no freedom to switch to food crops.
Gandhi’s arrival: Invited by Raj Kumar Shukla (illiterate farmer). Gandhi arrived April 10, 1917; faced arrest orders but refused to leave — first act of civil disobedience in India.
Key associates: Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, Mazhar-ul-Haque, Brajkishore Prasad, Anugrah Narayan Sinha — all Bihar leaders who worked with Gandhi.
Champaran Agrarian Act 1918: Tinkathia system abolished; relief to farmers. Gandhi’s first decisive victory in India.
Significance: Transformed Gandhi from a South African activist to India’s national leader. Showed Satyagraha could work in India.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) — Bihar
Bihar’s response: Massive participation; Bihar Vidyapith established (alternative to British schools); lawyers like Rajendra Prasad gave up practice.
Chauri Chaura (Feb 1922): UP, not Bihar — but Gandhi’s suspension of NCM affected Bihar’s movement too.
Mazharul Haque: Great Bihar leader; founded ‘Searchlight’ newspaper; Sadakat Ashram (Patna) — still significant.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34) — Bihar
Salt Satyagraha (1930): Bihar’s Patna, Gaya, Champaran held salt marches; Sheel Bhadra Yajee and other leaders led marches.
Bihar earthquake (1934): Great Bihar Earthquake (8.1 magnitude) during CDM; Gandhi called it divine punishment for untouchability — Tagore disagreed on superstition grounds.
Poona Pact (1932): Gandhi’s fast against separate electorate for Dalits. Ambedkar-Gandhi agreement. Bihar had significant Dalit population affected.
Quit India Movement (1942) — Bihar
Quit India Movement 1942 — Bihar’s Central Role
August 8–9, 1942: Gandhi’s ‘Do or Die’ call at Gowalia Tank, Bombay. AICC resolution passed.
Bihar was the EPICENTRE of QIM: Most violent and sustained resistance came from Bihar.
Parallel Government in Bihar: Satyen Bose led parallel government in Ballia (UP border). Jayshankar Pandey in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
JP’s escape: Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) escaped from Hazaribagh Jail (then Bihar) in November 1942; organized underground resistance. His escape is legendary.
Education of women; anti-untouchability; Champaran work
C7. Partition & Independence — Bihar Context
Bihar population in 1947: Majority Hindu; significant Muslim minority; no major partition violence unlike Punjab/Bengal.
Formation of Bihar: Bihar & Orissa province since 1912; after independence Bihar became separate state (Orissa separated 1936). Jharkhand carved out from Bihar in November 2000.
Rajendra Prasad: Chaired Constituent Assembly; signed Constitution on January 24, 1950; became first President of India on January 26, 1950.
Bihar’s capital: Patna — one of world’s oldest continually inhabited cities; ancient Pataliputra.
PART D: BIHAR — SPECIAL HISTORY, CULTURE & HERITAGE
D1. Bihar’s Ancient Centres of Learning
Institution
Location in Bihar
Period
Founded By / Key Facts
Nalanda University
Nalanda district (Rajgir area)
5th–12th CE
Kumaragupta I; 10,000 students; 2,000 teachers; 9 million manuscripts; Hiuen Tsang studied here; destroyed 1193 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji; UNESCO Heritage 2016
Vikramshila University
Antichak, Bhagalpur district
8th–13th CE
Founded by Dharmapala (Pala king); rival to Nalanda; tantric Buddhism; destroyed 1203 CE
Odantapuri University
Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district
8th–12th CE
Founded by Gopala (Pala king); oldest of Pala universities; destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji
Valabhi (Gujarat)
Not in Bihar
5th–8th CE
For reference; rival to Nalanda
Modern IIT Patna
Bihta, Patna
2008
IIT established in Bihar under new IIT expansion
D2. Bihar’s Religious Heritage — Key Sites
Site
District
Significance
Bodh Gaya
Gaya
Enlightenment of Gautam Buddha; Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO WHS 2002); most sacred Buddhist site
Vaishali
Vaishali
Birth of Lord Mahavira; last sermon of Buddha; World’s first republic (Lichchhavi); Ashoka Pillar here
Rajgir (Rajgriha)
Nalanda
1st Buddhist Council; Ajatashatru’s capital; Venuvan (first Buddhist monastery); hot springs; Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Pawapuri
Nalanda
Death/Mahaparinirvana of Lord Mahavira; Jal Mandir (marble temple in lake)
Patna Sahib / Harmandir Sahib
Patna
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh (1666 CE); Takht Sri Patna Sahib — one of 5 Sikh Takhts
Nalanda
Nalanda
Ancient university ruins; UNESCO Heritage 2016; Bihar’s most important archaeological site
Kesaria Stupa
East Champaran
Largest Buddhist stupa in the world; where Buddha gave his last bowl to his followers
Vikramshila
Bhagalpur
Ancient Pala-era university ruins
Vishnupad Temple
Gaya
Sacred Hindu temple; Lord Vishnu’s footprint (Dharasila); annual Pitru Paksha Mela
Mundeshwari Temple
Kaimur
One of oldest functional Hindu temples (4th CE); dedicated to Shiva-Shakti
D3. Bihar’s Cultural Heritage — Folk Arts & Traditions
Art Form / Festival
Type / Category
Key Features
Madhubani / Mithila Painting
Folk painting
Originated in Mithila (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi); bold lines; natural dyes; GI Tag 2007; themes — Hindu mythology, nature; Sita, Ram depicted
Chhath Puja
Festival
Bihar’s biggest festival; dedicated to Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya; performed on banks of rivers; strict 36-hour fast; unique in India — no idol worship; UNESCO Representative List consideration
Sonepur Mela
Fair
World’s largest cattle fair; held at Harihar Kshetra (confluence of Ganga & Gandak), Sonepur, Saran; Kartik Purnima; dates to Mauryan period
Jat-Jatin Dance
Folk dance
North Bihar (Mithila); performed during monsoon by young couples; celebrated love
Sama-Chakeva
Festival
Bird-shaped figures made; celebrated in Kartik month; Mithila region; folk song tradition
Bidesia
Folk theatre / drama
Created by Bhikhari Thakur (1887–1971) from Saran district; migrant labour’s tragedy; called ‘Shakespeare of Bhojpuri’
Jhijhia Dance
Folk dance
North Bihar; performed by women during Navratri; vessel with holes and lamp carried on head
Sarhul
Tribal festival
Celebrated by Oraon, Munda, Ho tribes (Jharkhand-Bihar); worship of Sal tree; spring festival
BPSC FACT FLASH
Madhubani Painting GI Tag (2007): India’s first painting to receive GI tag. Now exported globally. Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga districts.
Chhath Puja: Only festival where sun is worshipped during sunset (Sandhya Arghya) AND sunrise (Usha Arghya). Bihar’s identity festival.
Sonepur Mela: Also called ‘Harihar Kshetra Mela’; elephant trading historically famous; runs for a month; mentioned by Chandragupta Maurya’s time.
Bhikhari Thakur (1887–1971): ‘Bhojpuri’s Shakespeare’; born Kutubpur, Saran, Bihar; Bidesia play; social reformer through drama; Padma Bhushan posthumously.
D4. Bihar’s Languages & Literature
Language
Region in Bihar
Key Features / Literature
Maithili
North Bihar (Mithila — Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur)
8th Schedule language; ‘Vidyapati’ (1352–1448) = greatest Maithili poet; called ‘Maithil Kokil’ (Nightingale of Maithili)
Bhojpuri
West Bihar + Eastern UP
Widely spoken; Bhikhari Thakur’s Bidesia; international reach through diaspora
Magahi
Central Bihar (Gaya, Patna, Nawada, Jehanabad)
Language of Magadha; ancient language
Angika
East Bihar (Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger)
Language of Anga region
Hindi
Official language of Bihar
Administrative language; medium of education
Urdu
2nd Official Language of Bihar
Co-official status; significant Muslim population
BPSC FACT FLASH
Vidyapati (1352–1448 CE): Greatest medieval poet of Bihar; wrote in Maithili and Sanskrit; ‘Padas’ (devotional songs to Krishna-Radha); patronised by King Shiva Simha of Tirhut; his songs sung as folk songs in Bihar-Nepal even today.
Maithili in 8th Schedule: Added in 2003 (92nd Constitutional Amendment). Maithili writing uses Mithilakshar / Tirhuta script.
D5. Bihar — Important Administrative History
Event
Year
Details
Separation from Bengal
1912
Bihar & Orissa Province created; Capital Patna; March 22, 1912
Orissa separation
1936
Orissa became separate province under Govt. of India Act 1935 provisions
Independence
1947
Bihar became state of independent India; Shri Krishna Sinha = first Chief Minister
Zamindari Abolition
1950
Bihar Land Reforms Act; abolished zamindari system
First state elections
1952
Congress won; SK Sinha became first elected CM
Bihar Reorganisation Act
2000
Jharkhand carved out (November 15, 2000 — Birsa Munda’s birthday)
Current Bihar
Present
18 divisions; 38 districts; Capital: Patna; Official languages: Hindi & Urdu
PART E: CULTURE OF INDIA — BPSC FOCUS AREAS
E1. Indian Architecture — Timeline
Period
Style
Examples
Harappan
Town planning; burnt brick; no temple
Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira
Mauryan
Rock-cut caves; stone pillars; stupas
Barabar Caves (Bihar); Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali, Sarnath, Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar)
Shunga-Satavahana
Buddhist gateways (toranas); stupa expansion
Sanchi stupa (MP) gateways; Amaravati stupa
Gupta
Nagara (north) temple style; shikhara
Dashavatara Temple (Deogarh, UP); temples in Madhya Pradesh; Bihar’s Mundeshwari
More structured; Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri (Trinity)
Dhrupad
Ancient Hindustani form
Originated from Gwalior; associated with Bhakti; performed in Bihar temples; Darbhanga Gharana of Dhrupad = most famous
Thumri
Semi-classical
Associated with Varanasi, Lucknow; expressive; love/devotion themes; Bihar singers contributed
Bharatanatyam
Classical dance; Tamil Nadu
Oldest classical dance; Devadasi tradition; revived by Rukmini Devi Arundale
Kathak
Classical dance; North India
Associated with Bihar-UP-Rajasthan; court dance under Mughals; Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas
Manipuri
Classical dance; Manipur
Gentle movements; Vaishnava themes; Radha-Krishna
Odissi
Classical dance; Odisha
Based on Mahari tradition; lyrical; Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda
Chhau
Semi-classical; Bihar/Jharkhand/Odisha
Mask dance; Purulia, Seraikela, Mayurbhanj styles; martial elements
BPSC FACT FLASH
Darbhanga Gharana (Dhrupad): Most prestigious Dhrupad singing tradition; based in Darbhanga (Mithila, Bihar); Mallick family. UNESCO consideration for Dhrupad.
Chhau dance: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (2010). Practised in Bihar’s Seraikela-Kharsawan (now Jharkhand), West Bengal’s Purulia, and Odisha’s Mayurbhanj.
Jharkhand carved from Bihar (Nov 15 — Birsa Munda’s birthday)
F3. BPSC Previous Year Questions — History
Ancient History PYQs
BPSC Prelims (Multiple Years)
Which period is also known as the Chalcolithic Age? (a) Old Stone Age (b) New Stone Age (c) Copper Age (d) Iron Age — Answer: (c) Copper Age
BPSC Prelims
Who among the following is associated with the foundation of the Mauryan Empire? (a) Bindusara (b) Chandragupta Maurya (c) Ashoka (d) Kanishka — Answer: (b)
BPSC Prelims
The first Buddhist Council was held at — (a) Vaishali (b) Rajgriha (c) Pataliputra (d) Sarnath — Answer: (b) Rajgriha
BPSC Prelims
Nalanda University was founded by — (a) Chandragupta I (b) Samudragupta (c) Kumaragupta I (d) Skandagupta — Answer: (c) Kumaragupta I
Medieval History PYQs
BPSC Prelims
Sher Shah Suri’s tomb is located at — (a) Delhi (b) Agra (c) Sasaram, Bihar (d) Lahore — Answer: (c) Sasaram, Bihar
BPSC Prelims
Battle of Buxar was fought in — (a) 1757 (b) 1764 (c) 1782 (d) 1800 — Answer: (b) 1764
BPSC Prelims
Who founded the Vikramshila University in Bihar? (a) Gopala (b) Dharmapala (c) Devapala (d) Mahipala — Answer: (b) Dharmapala
Modern History / Bihar PYQs
BPSC Prelims
Champaran Satyagraha was started in — (a) 1915 (b) 1916 (c) 1917 (d) 1918 — Answer: (c) 1917
Rajgir: Rajgriha = ancient capital of Magadha; 1st Buddhist Council; Bimbisara & Ajatashatru’s capital; hot springs; Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Nipponzan Myohoji).
Gaya & Bodh Gaya: Different places! Gaya = Hindu pilgrimage (Pitru Paksha/Vishnupad temple). Bodh Gaya = Buddhist (Buddha’s enlightenment, Mahabodhi Temple).
Patna Museum: Bihar Museum and Patna Museum have most important Bihar archaeological collections — Mauryan, Gupta, Pala artefacts.
Kesaria Stupa: East Champaran; ~30 metre high; world’s largest Buddhist stupa. Built at spot where Buddha distributed his alms bowl.
Bimbisara & Ajatashatru: Haryanka dynasty kings of Magadha. Bimbisara was contemporary of Buddha & Mahavira; Ajatashatru imprisoned & killed his father Bimbisara; hosted 1st Buddhist Council at Rajgir.
BPSC Prelims · History & Culture Notes · Ancient | Medieval | Modern | Bihar · 71st BPSC Ready
