Bihar, the bastion of Buddhism, is said to be named after a Sanskrit word “vihara” or a Buddhist monastery, as this is the land from where the great religion of Buddhism originated and spread all around the world. This ancient land is also sacred by the Jains, as 6 Jain Tirthankaras were born, and 22 out of 24 Tirthankaras attained nirvana (salvation) at this sacred land. Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, was born and stayed here for 42 years. Also associated with this land of great religions is Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, Patna’s birthplace. The sacred land of monasteries is studded with some important Hindu, Jain, Muslim, and Sikh shrines. Bihar was also a great center of learning. The ruins of the worlds’ earliest university still reflect the grandeur of the bygone era.
The State has a very ancient, glorious, and colorful history. India’s first significant empires, which held sway over the region before the Christian era, rose and fell here. Some of the great rulers and dynasties to have ruled the land include, Bimbisara; Udayin, founder of Patliputra city; Chandragupta Maurya, and Ashoka, the great of Mauryan dynasty the Sungas, Kanvas, and Kushans followed by Chandragupta Vikramaditya of the Gupta dynasty. During the medieval period, it came under the reigns of Muslims, and finally, the Britishers occupied the region.
The holy river Ganga flowing through the State has enriched the plains and made the region so fertile and plentiful that its natural prosperity nurtured a veritable fountainhead of political and cultural civilizations down the millennia. Today, Bihar is a quaint interface of ancient and anon.
Jharkhand spread tantalizingly over Chhotanagpur Plateau, and Santhal Paragana is a land endowed with rare natural gifts. It came into existence on 15th November 2000 as the 28th State of the Indian Union. This homeland of tribals is full of stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, verdant valleys, serpentine rivers, beautiful waterfalls, lush green forests, and exotic wildlife. It seems as if Mother Nature has magnanimously bestowed much of its charm to the State and presents her best form – pure, pristine, picturesque, and phenomenal.
The mineral-rich Chhotanagpur plateau accounts for over 41 % of the country’s total mineral production. Thus, many mineral-based industries can be seen over here, which blend nicely with the landscape. Besides large mineral deposits, numerous rivers crisscrossing the State are perfect for harnessing the power, and rich forest resources are sure to make Jharkhand the new epicenter of the Indian industry.
This retreat of peace and beauty has all the ingredients for a perfect offbeat holiday. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
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Regards
Khushi Anand
