Bihar: From Glory to Struggles and the Path to Reclaiming Its Future

 

Bihar: From Glory to Struggles and the Path to Reclaiming Its Future 

            By Abhay Pandey 

Let's talk about a state whose regional festival has spread across the whole country, inspiring people not only on social media but also in real life. This is Chhath Puja, the integral festival of Bihar. The festival's presence on social media has sparked my curiosity to learn more about Bihar and understand how a state with such a glorious history has come to be known for underdevelopment, corruption, and violence. What sort of developments did occurred which turn the term "Bihari" as an insult?

 A Legacy of Power, Wisdom, and Spirituality

Can we imagine the history of India without mentioning the state of Bihar? It's hard to ignore this land that was once home to powerful empires like the Mauryas, Nandas, Guptas, and Pala dynasties. Bihar played a crucial role in India's golden age, particularly under the Gupta Empire, which is known for advancements in science, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. The Mauryan Empire, for instance, chose Patliputra (modern-day Patna) as its capital due to its strategic central location. Under the Mauryas, Patliputra grew to be one of the largest cities of the ancient world, renowned for its efficient governance and thriving economy.

Culturally, Bihar has long been a center of religious and spiritual significance. The state is closely tied to the epic Ramayana, with many believing it to be the in-laws' home of Shri Ram. Bihar is also the birthplace of major religious movements like Buddhism and Jainism. It was in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, that Lord Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, and today, the Mahabodhi Temple stands as one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. Similarly, Jainism traces its roots to Bihar, with the state considered the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara.

Bihar's historical significance is also marked by its contributions to education and intellectual life. The ancient university of Nalanda, located in Bihar, was a global center of learning long before universities in Europe came into being. Scholars from all over the world, including China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, traveled to Nalanda to study subjects like mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and medicine. Renowned teachers like Aryabhata, and others contributed to a rich tradition of knowledge that shaped not only Indian thought but also influenced other civilizations. 

 The Decline from Prosperity to Political Chaos

Under British rule, Bihar faced severe hardships, primarily due to the exploitative zamindari system and the forced cultivation of indigo. The colonial government’s policies drained the region’s resources and left its people impoverished. After India gained independence, Bihar, rich in natural resources like coal, was seen as a strategic hub for industries. However, things began to take a turn in 1952 with the implementation of the Freight Equalisation Policy . This policy allowed industries to set up anywhere in the country by subsidizing the cost of transporting raw materials, which led to industries flocking to coastal areas, far away from Bihar. The state also faced a significant loss when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar in 2000, taking with it a substantial portion of the region’s mineral resources. This further compounded Bihar’s economic struggles.

Bihar’s underdevelopment can largely be attributed to its political instability and the lack of consistent leadership. Between 1960 and 1990, the state saw 25 different Chief Ministers and experienced four instances of President's Rule. This revolving door of leadership created a lack of long-term vision, leaving the state mired in poor governance. Bihar has often been cited as a glaring example of how identity politics can hinder development. In the 1990s, when Lalu Yadav came to power, he famously launched his campaign with the slogan "Vikas nahi, Sammman chahiye" (We want respect, not just development). While this message resonated with many who had suffered from caste-based discrimination, it diverted focus from essential developmental goals. 

While fighting for social justice was important, the pursuit of development became a secondary concern. During Lalu's tenure, several schemes, like the Gaushala Scheme (cattle-shelter initiative), were announced, but many of these funds were either misappropriated or siphoned off by political leaders. The state was soon labeled as “Jungle Raj,” where corruption, crime, and political manipulation took precedence over growth.

 Under poor administration and a lack of law enforcement, Bihar became a breeding ground for criminal syndicates, mafias, and even Naxalism (a form of left-wing extremism). The state’s law and order situation deteriorated to such an extent that it became infamous for being a "lawless land." Naxal insurgencies spread in the rural areas, making it difficult for the government to exert control in many parts of the state. Bihar's business environment also suffered. The state became less attractive to investors, and many companies avoided setting up operations there due to concerns about safety, corruption, and infrastructure. In fact, Bihar ranks a lowly 26th among Indian states in terms of the Ease of Doing Business ranking, which speaks volumes about the challenges businesses face in the state.

Despite the state's vast resources and potential, the situation in Bihar remains dire. According to recent data, Bihar continues to rank among the lowest in India in terms of human development indicators. The state has the highest poverty rate, with over 33% of its population living below the poverty line. Education remains a major issue, with literacy rates still much lower than the national average. Bihar also struggles with poor health indicators, including high infant mortality and maternal mortality rates.

 Bihar’s Battle: Migration, Stereotypes, and the Fight for Identity

Bihar has long struggled to generate sufficient employment opportunities, which has led to a significant migration of its people to other states in search of work. Typically, those with educational qualifications and specialized skills find better opportunities, but the majority of migrants end up working as laborers in various industries. These individuals often accept lower wages, making them attractive to business contractors and companies looking to cut costs and increase their profit margins. However, this influx of Bihari labor has sparked resentment in the native populations of the receiving states. Many locals feel that Biharis are taking away their jobs, which has been exploited by some political leaders seeking to gain electoral advantages. As a result, these leaders have launched campaigns like "Hum Bihar Ke Logon Ko Nahi Ghusne Denge" ("We will not let Biharis enter"). For instance, in the 1980s, the Maharashtra government began favoring Marathi-speaking individuals and took a strong stance against the employment of Biharis in the state. This anti-Bihari sentiment led to increased tensions and discrimination against migrants, especially in the fields of construction and manual labor.

Moreover, many Bihari migrants, especially those who are uneducated and working for low wages, are vulnerable to falling into illegal activities. Some have become involved in crime, including robbery, often as pawns in larger criminal networks. These individuals, desperate for money and opportunities, are frequently caught in the web of organized crime, and their involvement only perpetuates negative stereotypes about Biharis.

Now, turning to the portrayal of Bihar and its people, the film industry has often reinforced these stereotypes. In popular media, particularly in Bollywood and even the Bhojpuri film industry, Biharis are depicted as violent, alcoholic, and prone to sexual misconduct. While the Bhojpuri film industry should ideally highlight Bihar's rich cultural heritage and traditions, it has instead capitalized on sensationalism and vulgarity. Many music composers and filmmakers in the industry rely heavily on explicit content, including sexual scenes and lewd language, to attract attention and boost ratings. This trend has contributed to a distorted image of Bihar and its people, portraying them as crude and backward.               

As a result, many Biharis prefer to conceal their identity when they migrate to other states. Admitting to being from Bihar often leads to ridicule, alienation, and discrimination, particularly in urban centers where "elite" groups mock Bihari culture and language. This stigma can have a significant impact on their social standing and opportunities for integration.

Bihar’s reputation for corruption and misgovernance only adds to this negative perception. The state's ongoing struggles with infrastructure and governance issues have further tarnished its image. For example, in 2024 alone, within a span of a few weeks, twelve bridges collapsed across the state, highlighting the persistent failures of local authorities to maintain basic infrastructure. This incident became a talking point nationwide, with many using it as a symbol of Bihar's neglect and administrative inefficiency.

 From Setbacks to Success – A Vision for Bihar’s Future

To transform Bihar’s future, we must focus on improving its infrastructure, governance, and overall economic development. There is immense untapped potential in Bihar, and with the right steps, it can reclaim its lost glory and move beyond the historical challenges that have hindered its growth. Central to this transformation is addressing deep-rooted issues like caste-based divisions, which continue to shape both the political and social landscape of the state. While initiatives such as the caste-based survey aim to gather data, it is crucial to move beyond caste as a divisive factor and promote unity across all communities. The real challenge is to create a society that rises above caste, where opportunities are defined by merit rather than identity.

One of Bihar’s greatest untapped resources is its rich cultural heritage. From the ancient city of Nalanda, the birthplace of Buddhism in Bodh Gaya, to the historical remains of Vikramshila and the many Jain pilgrimage sites, Bihar has a lot to offer to tourists. In recent years, states like Rajasthan and Kerala have capitalized on their cultural heritage and transformed it into a booming tourism industry. Bihar can do the same by investing in better infrastructure, promoting its cultural assets, and ensuring that these heritage sites are well-preserved. This can not only improve the economy but also foster a sense of pride and identity among Biharis themselves. Moreover, Chhath Puja’s spread beyond Bihar is a powerful reminder of the state’s cultural relevance. It can be used as a symbol of pride and unity, fostering a positive image of Bihar both domestically and internationally. The state government should invest in promoting Chhath Puja as part of its tourism agenda, drawing visitors to witness the cultural spectacle firsthand. 

Bihar also needs a concerted effort to modernize its transport infrastructure and digital connectivity. Building reliable roads, upgrading rail networks, and improving air connectivity will attract businesses and tourists, thus boosting Bihar’s economy. A focus on creating seamless connectivity will ensure that Bihar is no longer an isolated region but a thriving hub for trade, commerce, and investment.

Another key area is education. Bihar’s education system has long struggled with low literacy rates and inadequate resources. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), Bihar has a handful of universities, but most of them rank far below institutions in states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. To address this, Bihar needs to invest more in schools, colleges, and vocational training centers, ensuring that the youth are equipped with skills that are relevant in today’s job market. Improving the quality of education will not only help reduce unemployment but also encourage young people to stay in Bihar, contributing to its long-term growth.

Bihar’s reputation for lawlessness also needs urgent attention. Improved governance, a stronger police force, and stricter enforcement of laws will not only make the state safer but also attract investors. A focus on local governance and community policing can help rebuild trust in the state's legal system, ensuring that the people feel safe and secure in their environment. Crime reduction is a key factor in changing Bihar’s negative image and improving its standing in the eyes of the country.

Conclusion 

Bihar's journey from glory to struggle has been long, but its potential for a bright future remains vast. As the state works to overcome challenges like caste-based politics, poor governance, and underdevelopment, it can harness its rich cultural heritage and natural resources to create lasting change. The path ahead is clear: invest in education, modernize infrastructure, and foster unity. Bihar’s history of resilience is its strength, and by focusing on progress rather than division, the state can rebuild its identity and stand tall once again. As the saying goes, "The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Let Bihar create a future of hope, pride, and prosperity.

ABHAY PANDEY 

Undergraduate Student of political science 

Ramjas college, Delhi university 

Follow me on instagram @abhaypandey623