Bihar was India’s first cradle of civilization after Indus Valley, around 6th B.C., when a dynamic combination of geographical and political factors ensured its hegemony over the entire sub-continent. Bihar remained powerful till the late Gupta’s era. Given the boundless fertility of its soil, the unparalleled treasure of its mineral wealth, many natural resources in its forest wealth and the potential manpower embodied in its populous; Bihar should have maintained its progress and prosperity.

Interestingly, its Geographical and bountiful natural resources still exist as they did in the 6th B.C. Today, Bihar is waiting to translate its existing potential into reality; a dream which can come true only by the confidence and hard work of its people, who although, exploited for centuries have an inimitable tenacity to rise from throes of despair and fight for their rights.

Bihar is a true example of a ‘rich state’ inhabited by ‘poor people’. Its south Ganga plain are among the most fertile region in the world. It still remains the treasure trove of minerals in Chhotanagpur area. Iron, Coal, Mica, Bauxite, Uranium and other minerals abound. It has a vast labour force and expanding market.

Being an agriculture dominated economy, the thrust of economic development has been agriculture as reflected in State Government five year plans, geared towards improving agriculture output, effecting land reform, providing subsidies and institutional support to farmers.

When we speak of Bihar we are remembered of ancient India when Buddhism was evolving into what now is an universal religion.The Word "Bihar" has been coined from "Vihara" meaning Buddhist Monasteries. At one time in the epoch of history these "viharas" were all strewn over the landscape of Bihar, around villages and cities alike.

Patna its capital city today, Patliputra in those times was home to one of the greatest monarchs in the history of the world who ruled over much of the Indian - Subcontinent and extended as far as Iran and Afghanistan to the West.Bihar is the fascinating land of great religious leaders like Gautama Buddha, Lord Mahavir and Guru Gobind Singh.

Bihar is the home of Emperor Ashoka who preached "ahimsa" or non-violence and spread the message of Buddhism throughout the world. The tradition of "ahimsa" has been carried into the modern times and the land was witness to the "Satyagraha (or non-violence) Movement" of the Father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi.

Bihar is situated in the eastern part of India with the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal to its north and the states of Orissa, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh flanking its sides. It is today home of more than 90 million Indians. The state is endowed with an enviable mineral resources base, has some of the finest industries, is country's one of the largest producers of fruit and the second largest producer of vegetables. However, this rich state in terms of natural and human resources and the second most populous in the country has been slow to harness its natural and human resources for the development of the state and its people.

This state which gave the nation the first President of the Indian Republic, Dr Rajendra Prasad is taking slow but confident steps to join the mainstream of economic growth and occupy its rightful place in the country's economy in the next millenium.

Bihar follows a rich cultural. In the north, the predominant themes are from the myths and legends of Hinduism. The Hindu deities, Lord Rama and His consort Seeta; and Lord Shiva and His consort, Parvati, form the main theme of folk paintings. Lord Krishna and His consort, Radha, are not as common a theme as they are in the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Also included, either under the guise of the Hindu deities as couples, or more overtly by paintings of man and woman as husband and wife, is the theme of procreation. These paintings frequently adorn the nuptial chamber, the kohbar, of a newly married couple on their wedding night. One of the art forms of Bihar, the Madhubani School of Painting, has lately received much attention and poularity.