Bihar: Arts, Culture and Famous Personalities
Overview
Bihar is one of India's oldest civilisations, home to Nalanda, Vikramshila universities, Maithili literature, Madhubani painting, and birthplace of leaders like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, and modern icons like Dr Rajendra Prasad. Its arts, music, dance, festivals, and personalities are frequently tested in UPSC and BPSC exams. Understanding Bihar's cultural heritage—from Chhath Puja to Sonepur Mela—gives aspirants a decisive edge in both Prelims and Mains papers.
Typed Notes
Classical Arts and Painting Traditions
Bihar's most celebrated art form is Madhubani (Mithila) Painting, practised in the Mithila region (Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi districts). It uses natural colours, geometric patterns, and depicts mythological themes—Ram-Sita, Krishna, nature. It received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2007. Sujni embroidery (Bhusura village) and Tikuli art (gold-leaf work, Patna) are other notable crafts. Bihar School of Yoga, founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in Munger, is globally recognised. Manjusha art, unique to Bhagalpur (Anga region), depicts the folk tale of Bihula-Bishari and uses box-shaped panels.
Music, Dance and Festivals
Bihar's folk music includes Vidyapati Geet (devotional songs by poet Vidyapati), Sohar (birth songs), Kajri, and Birha. Classical dance form Jat-Jatin is popular in North Bihar. Chhath Puja, Bihar's grandest festival, is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya; observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi (4 days). Sonepur Mela at the confluence of Ganga and Gandak rivers is Asia's largest cattle fair, held on Kartik Purnima. Sama-Chakeva is a bird festival of Mithila celebrated during Kartik month. Bihula-Bishari is a famous folk tale of the Anga region.
Literature and Language Heritage
Maithili, spoken in the Mithila region, was added to the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution by the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. Vidyapati (14th–15th century), called 'Maithil Kavi Kokil' (Nightingale of Maithili), wrote Kirtilata and Padavali. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, born in Simaria, Begusarai, was a Rashtriya Kavi (National Poet) who won the Sahitya Akademi Award (1959) and Jnanpith Award (1972) for Urvashi. Phanishwar Nath Renu, from Araria, wrote Maila Aanchal (1954), a landmark Hindi novel. Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay spent formative years in Bhagalpur.
Famous Personalities of Bihar
Dr Rajendra Prasad (Ziradei, Siwan) — India's first President (1950–1962), authored India Divided. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire (321 BCE) with Pataliputra as capital. Emperor Ashoka (Pataliputra) spread Buddhism after Kalinga War (261 BCE). Aryabhata, the great mathematician-astronomer, is associated with Kusumapura (Patna). Guru Gobind Singh, 10th Sikh Guru, was born in Patna (Patna Sahib Gurudwara). Jayprakash Narayan (JP), born in Sitabdiara, Saran, led the 1974 Total Revolution movement. Kunwar Singh of Jagdishpur (Bhojpur) was a hero of the 1857 revolt. Sher Shah Suri, born in Sasaram, founded the Sur Empire and built the Grand Trunk Road.
Key Concepts
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- 01Madhubani (Mithila) Painting received GI Tag in 2007 and originates from Mithila region of Bihar.
- 02Chhath Puja is Bihar's most important festival dedicated to Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated on Kartik Shukla Shashthi.
- 03Sonepur Mela (Harihar Kshetra Mela) held at Sonepur, Saran district, is Asia's largest cattle fair, held on Kartik Purnima.
- 04Maithili language is included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution (added in 2003 by 92nd Constitutional Amendment).
- 05Dr Rajendra Prasad, born in Ziradei, Siwan, Bihar, was India's first President and a key figure of the Indian National Congress.
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
What is the significance of Madhubani Painting in the context of GI Tags, and which region of Bihar is it associated with?
Who was Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and why is he important for Bihar GK?
Explain the importance of Sonepur Mela and its geographical and cultural significance.
By which Constitutional Amendment was Maithili added to the 8th Schedule, and what is its cultural importance?
Who was Kunwar Singh, and what is his connection to the 1857 revolt in Bihar?
Bihar's cultural identity is shaped by Madhubani painting, Chhath Puja, Sonepur Mela, Maithili literature, and towering personalities like Rajendra Prasad, Ashoka, Aryabhata, and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. Its folk arts, languages in the 8th Schedule, and historical figures from Chandragupta to JP Narayan make Bihar GK a high-scoring area in UPSC and BPSC examinations.
Chapter-end quiz
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Q1.Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, was born in which city of Bihar?
Q2.Which folk art of Bihar is uniquely associated with the Bhagalpur (Anga) region and depicts the story of Bihula-Bishari?
Q3.Ramdhari Singh Dinkar won the Jnanpith Award in 1972 for which work?
Q4.Vidyapati, the celebrated Maithili poet, is also known by which title?
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