The Land of Buddha 
Bihar is known as the land of Buddha. Bihar was the only state where Buddha spent the major part of his life. In Bihar there are many sacred places which are connected with the life of Buddha. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were the two states where Buddha’s travel was confined. Bihar therefore is sacred to Buddhists all over the world who come here for pilgrimage, especially to BODHGAYA, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
The state of Bihar covers on area of 173,876sq.km. and is surrounded by West Bengal , Orissa , Uttar Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh and Nepal. Most of the people in Bihar earn their living by cultivating rice. It is also one of India’s most backward states. Yet it has huge reserves of rice, high grade Iron Ore, Coal, Bauxite, Chromite and Kyanite, which are now gradually being exploited. The farmers of Bihar are slowly adopting modern agriculture tools. The irrigation and hydroelectric works like the Damodar valley project are slowly changing the outlook of Bihar. A bill has been introduced in the Indian Parliament to divide Bihar state into two parts. The other part, Jharkhand will be now called Vananchal. The tribal essentially inhabits this area.
When in Bihar, some of the places not
to be missed are:Venuvana, where a monastery built by King Bimbisara, is situated. This monastery served as a residence of Lord Buddha and was the King’s first offering to him.
Sasaram located 193km from Patna, is another well-known place which holds immense historical significance, as it is the seat of the famous MAUSOLEUM OF SHER SHAH. SHER SHAH had planned and executed the construction of the Mausoleum himself, but his son gave the final touches. ( Sher Shah was a competent administrator who reigned in India from 1539AD to 1545AD) A beautiful artificial lake encloses his Mausoleum in India, with verdant hilly terrain surrounding it from all sides.This place has one of the finest buildings of medieval India- the tomb of Sher Shah Suri. Sher Shah is remembered as a great builder who gave India its first set of roads that connected major cities. To this day the national Highway or Grand Trunk road is named after him.
BIMBISARA'S JAIL is another place worth visiting, where King Bimbisara was imprisoned . Infact , the King chose the site himself as he could get a clear view of the Griddhakuta hill, where Lord Buddha spent a lot of time . One can also see the Japanese Pagoda or the ‘Shanti Stupa’ atop this hill from the jail.KARNADA TANK is an important archaeological site where Lord Buddha used to bathe. The CHARIOT ROUTE and SHELL INSCRIPTIONS found here have great mythological significance as it is popularly believed that Lord Krishna’s Chariot cut through the rocks, forming two parallel furrows, when he entered the city of Rajgir as depicted in the epic Mahabharta.
25 kms away from Rajgir is the town of Bihar Sharif , which houses the famous tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharif- ud –din , a muslim saint of 14th century. It is located on top of a craggy rock and is an important pilgrimage centre.
The world famous university of Nalanda is another must see. Founded in the 5th century AD this university was home to almost 2000 teaches and 10000 students who learned the Buddhist scriptures and understood the Buddhist way of life . The ruins bear testimony to the greatness of this university.
HISTORY
Emperor Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor, ruled over the entire Indian subcontinent from Patna (which then was known as Patliputra), the capital of Bihar. He spread the message of Buddha not only in India but also beyond its shores. During the third century B.C in Askoha’s time, Buddhism spread to the former Soviet Republic and Afghanistan in the west and Thailand, China, Japan and Indonesia in the east. In ancient times, Bihar witnessed the rise and fall of great Empires. In history, different parts of the Anga, Videh and Vaishali, Bihar was the part of the famous empire of the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. At that time Patliputra was the capital of India and the Indian sub-contient was ruled from this place.
The antiquity of Magadha is established from the Vedas. The Kings of Magadha were so mighty that Alexander the great decided to retreat from India apprehending defeat. During the end of 4th Centuary B.C Magadha became a great power under Maurya and his grandson, Chandragupta.
Bihar is the state where two great religions of the world were born - Buddhism and Jainism. Also in the state of Bihar, both Buddha and Mahavir lived and preached.
Arts And Crafts Of Bihar
The state of Bihar is rich in its arts and crafts, which is quite evident from the fact that it is home to some of India's first paintings, including the famous Madhubani paintings and the miniature paintings done on oaoer and leaves, wall decorations, patchwork, applique work and local handicrafts.
Mithila, a region situated to the north of Bihar, is the place where the Madhubani paintings are believed to have originated. These paintings are Bihar’s most unique folk art, done on either paper or canvas by the women of Mithila. This skillful art is passed down from mother to daughter and is thus carried through generations. Madubani paintings came into existence centuries ago, when they were drawn by the women folk on the walls and floors of their mud houses to mark religious or ceremonial occasion. The dominating theme of this art form is Indian Mythology, though the designs also include figures of gods and goddesses and animals such as fish and tortoise, which symbolize long life fertility. Originally, vegetable dyes prepared from flowers, leaves and sap were used, but now colored powder mixed with goat's milk is used. These paintings make gift items such as greetings cards and wall hanging.
The Miniature paintings make use of leaves or paper and depict the lives of Buddha or Mahavira. They are sold to the pilgrims and tourists in Bodh Gaya and are quite popular.
Bihar is also famous for stone pottery, white metal statuettes, bamboo artifacts, wooden toys and leather goods. Infact, Bihar export leather footwear in large quantities wood inlay is another ancient craft quite famous here, and specific to Patna city. In this craft, the craftsmen use different wood and metal to create inlaid designs for table toys, wall plaque and trays. In the Madhubani district, a special material called "SIKKI GRASSI" is found which when dyed in bright colours and woven with the natural grass makes excellent attractive baskets, boxes and figures.