Category: Bihar

Sarnath Museum-Bihar

Sarnath Museum-Bihar
About:
Peaceful Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon more than 2500 years ago has a site museum whose prize exhibit is the enormous lion capital. Now the emblem of independent India, this capital once surmounted an Ashokan pillar erected to mark the spot where the Buddha preached. Carved in pale yellowish-grey sandstone with black flecks, the sculpture has the characteristic highly polished surface. At the entrance hall are two figures of Buddha, one of which portrays the historic events at Sarnath.  

There are many other Buddha and bodhisattva figures on view. Among these the most outstanding is the Gupta period Buddha with hand raised in Abhaya or protection. Archaeological museum Sarnath is the oldest site museum of Archaeological Survey of India. In order to keep the antiquities found from the site, a decision was taken in 1904 by the Government to construct a site museum adjacent to the excavated site at Sarnath. It was due to initiative of Sir John Marshall the then Director General of Archaeology in India, that this museum was created.

Sarnath became a prominent center of Buddhism in the Gupta period. It has been eloquently told by the profusion of exquisitely carved sculptural art, which got a new dimension in the hands of the Gupta artists, and it became a main center of Gupta art. The Sarnath School of Art is known for its elegance, simplicity of forms and sublimity. The images of Buddha, displayed in Shakyasimha gallery, represent this school of Art. Standing figure of profusely ornamented Tara is one of the best specimens of Late Gupta sculptural art of Sarnath. The single most famous exhibit of this museum is the lion capital which has four back-to-back lions.

The Lion capital of Ashoka has been adopted as the National symbol of India. Below this are representations of a lion, an elephant, horse and the bull.The Sarnath Museum has a small but amazing collection of Buddhist artifacts. Among the things to see is a beautiful sculpture of the Buddha from the 5th century. The Buddha sits cross-legged, with eyes downcast in deep meditation, and a halo around his head.

The stone sculptures from the site of Sarnath are divided in several museums, the major chunk being in the local museum. The Director General of Archaeological Survey of India has loaned some pieces discovered from Sarnath to this museum. They represent deities of the Buddhist and Brahmanical pantheons.Of other Buddhist remains there is an impressive and amazingly beautiful, life-size standing Bodhisattva and a delicate image of the Bodhisattva with a lotus and yet another bronze sculpture showing the Bodhisattva with multiple arms
Location info:
Address:Sarnath Museum,Bodhgay,Bihar,India
District:Bodhgay
Nearest City:Bodhgay
Best time to visit: October to March
Climate/Weather:
Summer- Max. 43, Min. 21. Winter – Max. 20, Min. 6. Rainfall: 120 cms.
History:
The museum atSarnath also houses an excellent collection of figures and sculptures from the Mauryan, the Kushana and the Gupta periods. Prominent of them is the earliest Buddha image found at Sarnath and many images of Hindu Gods dating from the 9th to 12th centuries. Sarnath has yielded a rich collection of sculptures, artifacts and edifices comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images and other ancient remains.  
To house all the findings and excavations at Sarnath, the Archaeological Survey of India established a site Museum at Sarnath. Finest specimens of Buddhist art and other important remains have been housed at the museum. While the single most famous display of this museum is the lion capital, the Sarnath museum has a small but awe-inspiring collection of Buddhist artifacts. Among the things to see is a beautiful sculpture of the Buddha from the fifth century. The Buddha sits cross-legged, with eyes downcast in deep meditation, and a halo around his head. Also worth exploring are several beautiful figures of the several beautiful bodhisattvas.
Interesting things to do:
 
Interesting things to Visit:
Chaukhandi Stupa:
Chaukhandi Stupa is an impressive earthen mass covered by brickwork. The square base structure surrounded by an octagonal tower. It is believed that Emperor Ashoka erected the original structure.  

Dhamek Stupa:
Dhamek Stupa is the most remarkable stupa at Sarnath. Cylindrical in shape, the stupa is 28 m in diameter at the base and 43.6 m in height. The stupa is built partially of stone and partially of brick. The stone facing the lower part is embroidered with delicate floral carvings in Gupta style.

Mulgandha Kuti Vihar:
Mulgandha Kuti Vihar is a modern temple erected by the Mahabodhi Society. Japan`s best painter, Kosetsu Nosu, painted the beautiful murals in the temple. The temple has a expensive collection of the Buddhist literature. The ancient Mulagandha Kuti temple is among the brick remains of Sarnath.
Mobile range info:
 
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Sarnath itself has a railway station that is connected to Varanasi and Gorakhpur by passenger trains
Nearest Airport:Varanasi Airport at Babatpur is near about 30 kilometers from Sarnath.
Road Transport:Sarnath is well connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh by roadways. The nearest mega terminus is at Varanasi that is 10 kilometers from the downtown Sarnath. Varanasi in turn is well connected by bus to cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, Kanpur, Allahabad, Agra and Mathura. Both Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation as well as Private players operates these buses
Nearest Visiting places:
Gaya:
The ancient town of Gaya, located 100 kms south of Patna, is of great significance to Hindus and Budhhists. It is on the bank of Phalgu river. Here Lord Budhha preached the essence of life and Lord Vishnu preached the reality of death. It is believed that this place has been blessed by Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers to the “Atma”.The well known Vishnupad temple is situated at Andhargaya on the bank of river Phalgu and about 3 Kms from the heart of the town whereas Bodhi briksha (Bodhi tree) and Mahabodhi temple is situated at Bodhgaya which is about 11/ 13 Kms from the heart of the town.Legend has it that a gentle demon named Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest died for the world. Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is a “tirtha” – a crossing across the celestial divide.  

Pawapuri:
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, it is believed that all sins for a devout Jain end here. Lord Mahavira who was the last Tirthankar breathed his last here around 500 B.C and was cremated on the bank of a large lake, overflowing with beautiful lotuses. Pawapuri, the place where Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained his enlightenment is located 38 kms from Rajgir and 90 kms from Patna.Legend has it that after the cremation of Mahavira, in order to meet the demand for his ashes, a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water-tank. The beautiful marble Jalmandir was later built in the middle of the tank. Jal Mandir, the white marble temple in the middle of this lake, blooming with beautiful lotus flowers affords a breathtakingly enchanting sight. A large number of Jain pilgrims throng here. Samosharan, another Jain temple, is also located here. There are five other temples in the vicinity.

Vaishali:
The world’s first democracy with a duly elected council– Vajji, had its seat of administration in Vaishali. Being associated with Buddha and Jain Tirthankars, Vaishali has emerged as a historical and scenic place. Lord Buddha came thrice here and also gave his last sermon at Vaishali. Amrapali, a courtesan, gifted a mango grove to Buddha and later she became a Buddhist nun. Vaishali was also the venue for the second Buddhist council, 100 years after the death of Buddha.Vaishali is also considered to be the birthplace of Jain Tirthankar, Mahavira, by the Swetambar sect of Jains. Many historical monuments and material were found in the excavations at Vaishali

Barabar caves:
The Barabar caves, generally found in the shape of a cottage or hut, open on one side with other three sides walled with stone. With their interiors smooth and soothing, these caves also served as retreats for the Jain and Buddhist monks. Among the Buddhist caves, the Lomas Rishi cave is the finest example of the world famous Indian Buddhist Chaitya arch style.

Barabar hills:
Barabar hills located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Gaya in Bihar, comprises numerous temples constructed from black granite stones. Built for the first time during Ashoka’s reign with contributions in the later period also, these caves look like wood from a distance.

Nagarjuna caves:
The Nagarjuna caves, large in size, depicts the Jataka tales. An excellent work of architecture, these caves includes bow shaped arches at the entrance, circular halls and mini caves, all polished from inside. The Sudama cave, a two chambered structure with polished interiors, is the perfect example of this type of cave. Towards the north of the Sudama cave lies Karan Choper or Supriya cave, which is a single chambered structure with a vaulted roof and small gate. Secondly, the caves of the five Pandavas form another part of the Barabar caves. THese caves, used by five brothers, the Pandavas in their exile in the Mahabharata period, are small in size.

Swarna Bhandar:
The Swarna Bhandar or the King Bimbisara’s treasury, is also known as the twin rock cut caves in Rajgir. a major tourist destination, two cave chambers were hollowed out of a single massive rock, one of which is believed to have been the guards’ room. The rear wall or the doorway which has two straight vertical lines and one horizontal line cut into the rock, is supposed to lead to king Bimbisara’s treasury. The inscriptions carved on the wall in Sankhalipi or shell script has not be deciphered yet and considered to be the clue to open the golden treasury.

Bodhi Tree:
This tree is worshipped as holy, divine and as a giver of enlightenment and wisdom. It is under this banyan tree (a pipal tree) that Lord Buddha meditated after renouncing all worldly pleasures and attained wisdom and divine enlightenment.The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana (the posture in which he meditated), the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.

Mahabodhi Temple:
Buddhism is today a world renowned religion. It is this temple that witnessed the divine enlightenment of Gautama Siddartha who renounced all worldly pleasures to find the answers to the questions that stirred his soul. He meditated under a pipal tree here and attained insight and wisdom that he preached to the world. This tree is also referred to as the “Bodhi tree”. A visit to this holy place will explain to you why the UNESCO declared it as a World heritage site in the year 2002.The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya built around 6th-7th centuries, is the largest but is a later structure constructed on the site of the Bodhi Shrine of Buddha. This temple was constructed by the famous Emperor Asoka who embraced Buddhism after feeling guilty of leading a life of war and destruction.
The temple is 170 ft high consisting of nine storeys of pyramidal towers. The structure has a stupa-shaped dome at the top. At the base of the main tower are four towers at each of the four corners. On the edifice are several niches with Buddha images depicting scenes from his life. As you enter the temple you can see the main shrine which is built where Buddha attained Enlightenment. The place is called “the Navel of the Earth” (puthavinabhim) where Buddha gained wisdom, knowledge and light and later experienced this joy of liberation for the next seven days sitting there.

TARA STHAN:
It is situated at a distance of about 16 Kms west of Saharsa in village Mahishi where an ancient temple of Bhagwati Tara is built. The idol of Bhagwati Tara is said to be very old and draws devotees from far and wide. On either side of the main deity, there are two smaller female deities which are worshipped by the people as Ekjata nad Nil Saraswati.

Chandika Sthan at BIRATPUR:
Biratpur village under Sonebarsa block of this district is famous for an ancient temple of goddess Chandi. This village is also associated with King Birat of the Mahabharat age. During exile the Pandavas had lived here for 12 years.The tantric Scholars and devotees attach much significance to this Chandi temple, which is said to form an equilateral triangle (TRIK) WITH Katyayani temple near Dhamhara ghat and Tara temple at Mahishi. During the Navratra people from distant places visit the village to offer prayers to the goddess of power.

Madan Bharti Asthan:
The place is situated in Mahishi Block. It is said that a religious discourse (Shastrath) was held between Shankaracharya and the local scholar Mandan Mishra. Bharti, wife of Madan Mishra, who was also a great scholar, was named as Judge for the discourse. It is also said that Shankaracharya, after his initial victory over Madan Mishra was challenged by Bharati, was outwitted by her and he (accepted defeat).

SUN Temple at Kandaha:
Like Deb (in Aurangabad district), the SUN Temple at Kandaha village is an important religious and historical place which has been duly recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India. The idol of sun god riding seven horsed chariot, has been carved on a single granite slab. At the door of the sanctum sanctorum, there are inscriptions which a deciphered by historians, confirm that this sun temple was built during the period of king Narsimha Deo of Karnata dynasty who ruled over Mithila in the 12th century. It is said that a brutal Mughal emperor named Kalapahad had damaged the temple which was however renovated by the famous saint poet Laxminath Gosai.

Laxminath Gosai Sthal at Bangoan:
The famous saint and poet of which is hardly 9 Km away from the district head quarter. The huge bunyan tree under which the remains of Gosaiji have been preserved is the centre of great reverence for the people of the district.

Dewan Ban Mandir:
One Shiv Ling is established in the temple situated in Sahpur-Manjhoul of Nauhatta block. It is said that the Ling was established by Maharaja Shalivahan some time in 100BC. The Hindus celebrate a festival called jitiya after the name of Jimutbahan who was the son of Maharaja Shalivahan. Description of this place is found in Shri Puran. The ancient shrine at Dewan Ban was washed away by the turbulent Koshi river. The local people have however build another temple in the adjacent area.

Nauhatta:
It is an old village, important since the time of Mughals and is presently the head quarters of the block of the same name. The village has a ‘Shiva temple’ about 80 feet in height. The temple which was damaged in the earthquake of 1934 was reconstructed by Raja Srinand Singh of Srinagar Estate. There is a grave of Madho Singh on an earthen mound about 50 feet high. Madho Singh had become a martyr in the battle of Ladri Ghat. Offerings are made on he rave both by Hindus and Muslims.

Bihar School of Yoga:
Bihar School of Yoga houses a Yoga Research Library. Comprising of a well-stocked and large collection of books and data, the library is an asset in itself. Here, you will find the school’s publication on Yoga, health techniques and research, apart from other books on yoga. The school, located at Ganga Darshan, is built over a large hill overlooking the Utter-Vahini Ganga. The location of the training is very apt, as it provides the perfect ambience for the establishment of such a training centre.

Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary:
Occupying an area of about 682 sq km, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the south-west of Munger District of Bihar. The sanctuary falls to the south of the river Ganges and is at a distance of 56 km from Munger. Besides being famous for its wildlife, the place is also well accounted for its hot water springs. These hot springs are basically found at the valley portion and the foothills of Bhimbandh.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump Dobhi Gaya:Gaya,Bihar,India
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Lotus Nikko Bodhgaya Hotel:Bodhgaya,Gaya,Bihar,India   Hotel Pankaj:Tekari Road,Gaya,Bihar,India,MO:09955811250 Hotel Gharana:South Church Road,Near Gandhi Maindan,Gaya,Bihar,India,ph:0631 2225512
Things to carry:
 
Tips & Suggestions:
 
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Government Hospital:Jehanabad,Bihar,India
Holy Family Hospital:Koderma,Jharkhand,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:

Sikh Regimental Centre

Sikh Regimental Centre-Jharkhand
About:
The Sikh Regiment is a regiment of the Indian Army. It is currently the highest decorated regiment in the Indian Army, and was at one stage the highest decorated regiment in the British Empire.  

The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi, which is the capital of the state of Jharkhand in India. The Centre was earlier located in Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Over its life of more than 150 years, the regiment has participated in various actions and operations both in the pre and post-independence era in India and abroad, including the First and the Second World War.With a humble beginning of two battalions, today the fraternity has grown to a regiment of over 1 training, 17 regular infantry and two reserve battalions strong. Enlisted soldiers are strictly recruited from Sikh community, while officers are recruited from all regions and areas of India .

The Sikh Regiment is one of the oldest and highest decorated Regiments of the Indian Army. The Regimental Centre is located at Ramgarh, South Bihar. With 73 Battle Honours, the largest collection of Victoria Crosses-Param Vir Chakras and equivalent, the Saga of Saragarhi, the young soldiers of the Sikh Regiment are proud to wear the regimental colours of India’s highest decorated regiment. Since it’s raising more than 150 years ago, the regiment has been in the vanguard of various actions and operations both in the pre and post-independence era in India and abroad.

To separate Fort Gulistan and Lockhart, 10000 Orakzai and Afridi Lashkars attacked Saragarhi on September 12, 1897 at daybreak. The attack was initially rebutted with the enemy sustaining a loss of over 60 killed. Lt Col J Haughton, the then Commanding Officer, took all efforts to hold Saragarhi. However, the battalion was forced to retreat initially as the enemy repeatedly attacked Saragarhi. Without losing heart, the Sikhs did not move back from the fort. One Sepoy took control of the guardroom and shot down not less than 20 enemies, before tribesmen set the guardroom on fire and burnt him to death. By about 3 pm, men and ammunition ran short and the assailants destroyed the battalion post by putting it on fire. Thus, the brave Sikhs killed 450 tribesmen before making the supreme sacrifice.
Location info:
Address:Sikh Regimental Centre,Ranchi,Jharkhand,India
District:Ranchi
Nearest City:Ranchi
Best time to visit: October to March
Climate/Weather:
Temperature ranges from maximum 37 to 20 °C during summer, and maximum 22 to 10 °C
History:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh brought the well built and courageous people, of the then Punjab, Dogras from Kashmir and other martial tribes and formed “Khalsa Army”. Following numerous heroic and valiant battles by the Khalsa Army, XIV Ferozepur (1 Sikh, now 4 Mechanised Infantry), and XV Ludhiana (2 Sikh) were raised from the soldiers of the vanquished force on August 1, 1846. The Sikh Regiment came into existence on 1 August 1846, with the raising of Regiment of Ferozepore Sikhs and Regiment of Ludhiana Sikhs by Captain G. Tebbs and Lieutenant Colonel P. Gordon respectively and were used in great effect in the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
Interesting things to do:
 
Interesting things to Visit:
The Museum of the Regimental Centre displays a record of the Sikh Regiment in four halls viz:   The Religious/motivational HallThe Hall of Heritage,The Regimental Glory HallThe Peripheral Gallery.Victoria Crosses
Honours & Awards: 

2 Param Vir Chakras,
2 Ashok Chakras,
14 Maha Vir Chakras,
14 Kirti Chakras,
64 Vir Chakras,
15 Shaurya Chakras,
75 Sena Medals
25 Vishisht Seva Medals.

Ranchi Hill:
Ranchi, being located at an altitude of 21,40 feet from sea level, is a popular health and holiday resort and a place of sacred pilgrimate.Some comely sights in the town include Ranchi Hill,Tagore Hill,Ranchi Lake etc. A panoramic view of the town can be behond from the hill top. The Shiva Temple situated on the top of the hill,is an added attraction for the devotees for whom it assumes the places of reverence during Shravanmas same as that of Baijnath Dham (Deoghar). Offers a panoramic view of the town from its summit. There is a Shiva temple on the top of the hill.

Tagore Hill:
On the periphery of Ranchi is “Tagore Hill”, named after Rabindra Nath Tagore who is believed to have written a part of famous Gitanjali here, besides other poems. Ram Krishna Ashram is situated at the foot of the hill. This hill is very attractive and bigger than “Ranchi Hill”.

Kanke Dam:
On the other end of Ranchi is the “Kankedam” which is ever crowded with tourists. It is a popular picnic spot.
Mobile range info:
 
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Ranchi railway station is on the South Eastern Railway and is directly connected with Calcutta, Patna, Rourkela etc.
Nearest Airport:Ranchi airport is connected by regular Indian Airlines services with Calcutta, Patna, Bombay and New Delhi.
Road Transport:Ranchi is situated on National Highway No.23 & 33 and there are nets of good roads around it. Ranchi is directly connected by regular bus services with all the main places in the state and also outside the state.
Nearest Visiting places:
Hundru Falls:
45 kms on Ranchi – Purulia road, where the Subarnrekha river cascades down from an altitude of 320 feet is a sight not to be missed especially in monsoon or when the wind sets the motion. The pools at the base of the falls are favorite picnic and bathing spots.  

Jonha Falls:
40 km, on Ranchi -Purulia road also known as Gautam Dhara, is another enchanting retreat amidst rich flora and fauna beside the Kanchi river. The scenery it is very picturesque and it is a popular picnic spot. To admire the fall one is required to descend 500 pared steps.

Sita and Dassam Falls:
Adjacent to Jonha Falls is Sita falls which can be seen at its best in the morning. Afternoon may best be saved for the Dassam falls (34 kms on Ranchi – Tata road) where Kanchi river falls from a height a of 114 feeHirni Falls is another fascinating water fall with beautiful surroundings. It is situated 75 kms form Ranchi .

Breeding Center:
km from Ranchi is Mutta Muggar. Breeding center in Ormanjhi which took off with 3 Bihari muggars (Crocodiles) and 2 from Chennai. Today they account for over 50. Nearby is the biological park replete with valuable samples of wild life.

Mc Calukieganj:
60km from Ranchi on haighway 47 is a very sleepy hamlet amidst green forests. The name evokes nostalgia and one gradually discovers the place popular with Anglo-Indian community. During 1950s there were no less than 100 Anglo-Indian families with their typical cottages, clubs and shops.

Hatia Dam:
There is another dam known as “Hatia Dam”. It is about 12 kms from the city.Ranchi is picturesquely situated in the heart of Chotanagpur at an altitude of 2140 feet (654.5 metres) above sea level, in the nucleus of the region.Once the summer capital of Bihar, Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, water falls, barren rocks and hillocks. It has a number of industrial complexes which are very important in the industrial life of a country. While on the one hand beautiful and exciting water falls are scattered around this town, on the other hand huge industries are also to be seen there which do attract visitors. There are many scenic attractions in and around Ranchi which hold tourists for days together. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life and offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Bihar Tribal Research Institute and museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar . One can consider some of the village rich in tribal life and above all, it is the central point of Chotanagpur which one cannot miss to visit. Due to its good climate, lot of people come here for health sake too. It gets 1530 mm rain annually.

Tribal Research Institute and Museum:
The museum located at the Tribal Research Institute building at Morabadi Road has a collection of stone sculptures, terracottas and arms as well as ethnological objects. It also exhibits life and history of tribal people of Chotanagpur.

Tagore Hill:
Tagore hill named after the famous Tagore family is located near Ram Krishna Mission Ashram at Morabadi. It is said that Ravindra Nath Tagore wrote several of his books at the top of the hill which is at a height of around 300ft. Besides the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, the Centre of Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute is also situated at the foot of the hill.

Baidynathdham :
Baidynathdham or Babadham is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center. There is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. In Shrawan month, huge number of devotees come on foot from all over India to pay homage to Lord Shiva.
Machali Ghar:
This aquarium is located near CCL headquarters on Kanke Road. There is a several species of fish here.

Gonda Hill :
Situated 9 km north of Ranchi, the pleasant and calm Gonda hills is an ideal place for a picnic. There is rock garden here with several structures or statues made of stone. It is similar in design to the Rock Garden of Jaipur. At the foot of the hill, there is a big lake known as Kanke Dam.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Sanjeet Petrol Pump:Rohtak road,Ranchi,Jarkhanad,India   Zenith Petrol Pump:Ramdayalu Nagar Muzaffurpur,Roshpa Tower Main Road,Ranchi,Jharkhand,Inida,Phone: +91 651 – 9835121022
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
BNR Hotel:Gosaintola,Ranchi,Jharkhand,India  
Hotel Arya:Lalpur Chowk, H.B. Road,Ranchi,Jharkhand,Ph:09334713996Hotel Capitol Hill:Mahatma Gandhi Rd,Ranchi,Jharkhand,India,ph:0651 2331330
Things to carry:
 
Tips & Suggestions:
 
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:Sadar Hospital:Ranchi,Jharkhand,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:

Anil Agarwal (Chairman of Vedanta)

Anil Agarwal

Anil Agarwal (born 1954, Patna, Bihar, India) is an Indian metals, mining magnate and the founder and chairman of the UK-based Vedanta Resources Corporation. His personal wealth is US$6.4 billion as of 2010.

Early life and background

Anil Agarwal was born in Patna, Bihar in 1954. His father was a small-businessman. His father was into making aluminium conductors. Mr. Agarwal, was a matriculate from Miller High School, Patna. Lalu Prasad Yadav was his classmate and he also claim to be his great fan. He is strict vegetarian.

Career
Anil Agarwal founded Sterlite Industries, a business operating in the industrial sector in 1976[1] and then in 1986 established Vedanta Resources bringing together a variety of businesses owned by the Agarwal family.[2].Mr. Agarwal served as Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Resources Plc. from November 27, 2003 to March 2005. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sterlite Industries India Ltd.(subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc) from 1980 to October 19, 2004. Mr. Agarwal has over 31 years experience as an industrialist. He has been an Executive Chairman of Vedanta Resources Plc since March 23, 2005 and its Executive Director since May 16, 2003. Mr. Agarwal has been Chairman of Sterlite Industries India Ltd. since October 20, 2004. Mr. Agarwal has been Non Executive Chairman and an Additional Director of Sterlite Technologies Limited (a/k/a, Sterlite Optical Technologies Ltd.) since October 30, 2006. He serves as an Executive Chairman of BALCO( acquired by Sterlite). He serves as Chairman of the Board of Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. (BALCO) and Sterlite Gold Ltd. Mr. Agarwal also serves as a Director of SOVL, Vedanta Alumina and Sterlite Paper Limited. He has been Director of Sterlite Gold Ltd. since January 1999 and Sterlite Industries India Ltd. since 1978. He serves as Director of Copper Mines Of Tasmania Pty Ltd., and Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. (BALCO). Mr. Agarwal has been an Executive Director of Vedanta Resources Plc since May 16, 2003. He serves as a Director of Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) , Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited and VAL.

Anil Agarwal is the Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group. Mr Agarwal, who founded the Group in 1976, is also Chairman of Sterlite and is a Director of BALCO, HZL, and Vedanta Alumina Ltd. Since 1976 the Group has grown under his leadership, vision and strategy. Mr Agarwal has over 30 years experience as an industrialist.

Vedanta Resources is a diversified metals and mining company with revenues in excess of USD 8 billion. It is the first Indian manufacturing company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Anil Agarwal serves as the President of Operations at Orient Ceramics & Industries Ltd. Mr. Agarwal has over 31 years experience as an Industrialist. Mr. Agarwal founded Vedanta Resources plc in 1976 and served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 27, 2003 to March 2005. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sterlite Industries India Ltd., a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc from 1980 to October 19, 2004. He has been the Executive …  Chairman of Vedanta Resources Plc since March 23, 2005. Mr. Agarwal has been the Chairman of Sterlite Industries India Ltd. since October 20, 2004. Mr. Agarwal has been the Non Executive Chairman of Sterlite Technologies Limited (a/k/a, Sterlite Optical Technologies Ltd.) since October 30, 2006. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. (BALCO) and Sterlite Gold Ltd. He serves as the Chairman of the Board at Sterlite Energy Ltd. and has been its Director since November 2007. He has been an Executive Director at Vedanta Resources Plc since May 16, 2003. Mr. Agarwal also serves as a Director of SOVL, Sterlite Opportunities and Ventures Ltd., Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Sterlite Metal Rollings Mills Private Limited, Finsider International Limited, Thalanga Copped Mines Pty Limited and Sterlite Paper Limited. He has been a Director of Sterlite Gold Ltd. since January 1999 and Sterlite Industries India Ltd. since 1978. He serves as a Director of Copper Mines Of Tasmania Pty Ltd. He serves as a Director of Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited and VAL. He served as a Director of Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) from April 11, 2002 to March 2009. He received the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 award.

Wealth
Having ranked eighth in 2003,[3] as of November 2006, he was the eleventh-richest Indian, with a personal fortune of US$4.5 billion.As of 6 October 2007, Agarwal’s net worth was estimated at $12.7 billion, making him the 6th richest Indian.As of 11th March 2010, his net worth is estimated at $ 6.4 billion

Personal life
Mr. Agarwal is based in UK, where he lives in London, is married and has two children.


Languages in Bihar

Language ISO 639-3 Scripts No. of Speakers Geographical Distribution
Angika anp Anga Lipi, Devanagari 30,000,000 Eastern Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Nepal
Bajjika   Devanagari 11,738,000 North-Central Bihar Eastern Terai
Bhojpuri bho Kaithi, Devanagari 23,384,562 Western Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Central Terai
Fiji Hindi[7] hif Roman and Devanagari 460,000 Fiji Islands
Kudmali kyw N.A. 37,000 Bihar West Bengal Orissa Assam.
Magahi mag Kaithi, Devanagari 11,362,000 Southern Bihar
Maithili mai Maithili, Devanagari 13,500,000 Northern Bihar Delhi Eastern Terai and .Maldives.
Majhi mjz N.A 21,841 Eastern Bihar, Nepal
Musasa smm N.A 50,000 Eastern Bihar, Nepal
Panchpargania tdb N.A. 274,000 West Bengal Jharkhand Assam
Sadri sck N.A. 165,683 Jharkhand Bihar and Bangladesh
Sadri, Oraon sdr N.A. 1,965,000 Jharkhand and Bangladesh
Sarnami Hindustani[8] hns N.A. 150,000 Suriname
Surajpuri sjp N.A. 273,000 Kishanganj, Katihar & Araria.