History of Bihar

The history of Bihar has been very golden period of Indian history. Chandragupta Empire, Ashoka’s Dhamma Policy, Ser Shah Suri Administration, Buddhist Philosophy, Jainism, Mithila Painting, Patna Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha and other glorious aspects of Bihar have set important directive roles to the world.

Thousands of years ago; a beautiful princess Sita was born in Bihar where the holy stream of Ganga flows. This daughter of Bihar married prince Rama of Ayodhya. Sita is the central female character and one of the central figures in the world’s greatest epic “The Ramayana”.

According to ancient legends, Mithila Painting was started with Sita’s marriage when her father King Janaka asked women to create pictures on the walls of their houses. Mithila Painting now appears in two new forms Mass Crafts and Folk Art. Both are making their own identity in the international market by becoming a personal art.

Magadha was ruled by the Nanda Dynasty during the 4th century BC. Chandragupta Maurya defeated empire of Nanda Dynasty through the clever guidance, politics and diplomacy of Brahmin Acharya Chanakya became king at the age of 20. India’s first real empire was born in Bihar by the stabilization of Maurya Dynasty. Chandragupta Maurya became the first emperor of south Asia subduing southern region. The capital of this empire was Patliputra now known as Patna. Later, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the empire and adopted Jainism.

The 24th Jain religious god Mahavir was born in Vaishali district of Bihar who preached the principles of Jainism that every living creature wants to live and he must get the right to live.

Emperor Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and son of Bindusar. Earlier Emperor Ashoka was known as a tyrannical Ashoka but after mass destruction in Kalinga war, there was a great change in them. Ashoka then adopted Buddhism and established Dhamma policy. Ashoka's Dhamma policy made its vast empires on the basis of social, Philosophical and moral values. He was the first ruler of the world who respected the life of both humans and animals. This way, Bihar's great son Ashoka gave a new thought to the world.

Bihar has got its name from Vihar of the Buddhism religion. Gautama Buddha gained knowledge under a Peepal tree in Bodh Gaya. Gautama Buddha gave his early education in Saranath, then in Bihar where he gathered the students. After 14 years, he announced the most important lecture at Gridhakuta hill of Rajgir. Buddhism was born in Bihar. it is considered as the most peaceful and tolerant religion in the world. Nalanda University was built by Gupta ruler in the 5th century. It was the best center of education. The name of Bihar in ancient history is recorded as important center of higher learning.

6th century, Bihar can be called the period of big thinking. In the sixth century, Lichchavi king who ruled Vaishali in Bihar created the world's first democratic republic. This lineage conceived the world's first written constitution.

The year 1857, there was rebellion throughout the country against British Government. On 25th July, three regiments of Danapur revolted and joined the battle of Kunwar Singh. The 80-year-old landlord Babu Kunwar Singh of Jagdishpur District was already fighting a war against the British in Ara. On August 3, the British defeated Veer Kunwar but could not stop the struggle of Veer Kunwar Singh. In a fight when the bullet of the British rule took place into one of his arm; he cut his hand with his sword and dedicated it to the river Ganga. Today we know this warrior of Bihar as Veer Kunwar Singh who set an example at the age of 80.

The farmers in Champaran district of Bihar had to suffer the exploitation of British rule. Rajkumar Shukla called Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to Champaran to fight for the rights of the farmers. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi started living at Bhitiharawa Ashram with his wife Kasturba. He met the farmers to find the root of their problems. They promoted education and self-dependency for the upliftment of the poor. Gandhiji started the tradition of running spinning wheel in Champaran district of Bihar. Neel farmers' demands were met with the efforts of Gandhiji's non-violent protest. Thus Gandhiji's first non-violent movement was successful. Non-violent movement i.e. Satyagraha was a revolutionary thought whose first examination took place on the land of Bihar.

Earlier, Non-violent policy was preached by the Buddha on the land of Bihar that was also followed by Emperor Ashoka and Mahatma Gandhi.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of independent India. He gave leadership to the nation for 12 years. Later in the 1970's while Congress Party had been wining, the public was struggling with corruption. Then 72-year-old Jayaprakash Narayana led the movement to save democracy. He became immortalized in the modern history of India by the name of Loknayaka.

Sher Shah Suri was born in 1486 at Sasaram in Rohtas district of Bihar. Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Sur Empire in North India after taking control of the Mughal Empire in 1540. He also built several monuments including Rohtas Fort, Sher Shah Suri Masjid in Patna and Qila-i-Kuhna mosque at Purana Qila, Delhi.

The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is in the Sasaram town of Bihar state that was built in memory of Emperor Sher Shah Suri is famous today for its own beauty. He is believed to be the first one to introduce "Rupaiya" and "paisa'. He is also credited with the introduction of custom duty, which is followed even today.

Art on a handmade paper of general activities done by people apart from kings with lite colors was known as Patna Kalam. In 1810, the first Patna Kalam painting exhibition took place in England. Bihar's Patna Kalam is a treasure of the world's art heritage which is elegantly displayed in many museums in the world.

Bihar is famous for stories and musics. Gaya city is its best example. Gayasur monster is lying under Vishnupad temple. Gaya has found its name from Gayasur. Gayasur has got a boon that if organism of a person is kept in his stage then the person will reside at the Brahmalok, Shivlok and Vishnulok. As well as a dead person must come daily in the cremation ground. Gayasur monster will stand up if the condition fails. Since then, the practice of funeral started in this temple of Bihar.

Bihar has not only directed Hindustan but the whole world with its tradition and culture.