Bihar Archives - Page 48 of 48

Buddhism in Bihar

Bihar as a state
Bihar is a state of the Indian union situated in the eastern part of the country. With its capital at Patna (ancient Patliputra, the capital of ancient India), Bihar was once the most developed region of the ancient India. Ruled by the great Mauryans and the Guptas, Bihar is also the land of the famous diplomat Chanakya, the author of ‘The Arthashatra’ (literally ‘the Science of Material Gain’ in Sanskrit). But, today this land of Karna (of Mahabharata) Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Gobind Singh and Ashoka, is unfortunately one of the most under-developed states of India.

Irrigated by the holy Ganges, Bihar is pre-dominantly an agricultural land, which is a sufferer in the hands of political anarchy prevailing in the state, but it still has a lot to offer to its tourists.

Significance of Buddhism in Bihar
The term ‘Bihar’ derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Vihara’, which means abode and it itself explains the relation of Bihar with the viharas, used as the Buddhist abode. The land of Bihar is considered to be the richest one in context of Buddhism as it showered the divine light of enlightenment on a young ascetic, Siddhartha Gautama, who had denounced all the luxuries of life in search of the truth. The Tathagata preached many of His sermons in different places of Bihar like Vaishali and Rajgir or Rajgriha to name a few. Even after His Mahaprinirvana, His disciples carried on the doctrine of Buddhism in the regions of Magadha or Bihar by setting up several monasteries and universities of Nalanda and much later, at Vikramshila. However, the contribution of the Indian emperor Ashoka(whose capital was at Patliputra, modern Patna) in the history of Buddhism cannot be ignored as it was he, who after becoming a Buddhist, patronised Buddhism as his state religion and spread its doctrine, Dhamma in different parts of India and abroad as far as Sri Lanka, Greece and Egypt.

Major Buddhist Places in Bihar

    * Bodhgaya : Bodh Gaya is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bihar. It was at Bodh Gaya, where a young ascetic, Siddhartha Gautama in His search of the reality of life, meditated under a Peepal tree, attained enlightenment and became the Buddha or the Tathagata. Today, Bodh Gaya, a home to Maha Bodhi temple, Maha Bodhi tree and numerous monasteries, is a venerated place among the Buddhists from all the corners of the world, who visit the place to mark the enlightenment of the Buddha.

    * Nalanda : ‘Nalanda’, which means the place that confers the lotus, emerged as an important Buddhist university and religious centres in the 4th-5th century CE. The scholars of the Nalanda monastic university such as Bodhidharma and others took Buddhism to other parts of the world, China, Korea and Japan to name a few. Though in ruins today, Nalanda is an inseparable part of the state and its history.

    * Vaishali : Located in Bihar near Patna, Vaishali was the first place visited by Siddhartha Gautama in India, when he left home as an ascetic. Once again, it was at Vaishali, where the Tathagata had announced His soon to arrive death or Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali, a place jeweled with stupas(One contain Buddha’s relics), monasteries and temples, is frequently visited by the Buddhists, Jains(for birthplace of Mahavira) and other tourists.

    * Rajgir : Siddhartha Gautama had once visited Rajgir(Rajgriha) during His search for an enduring truth and again returned back at this place as the Buddha, this time to spend some years over here. It is believed that two rock cut caves at Rajgir were the favourite retreats of the Tathagata and He preached two of His sermons here. The small city of Rajgir with its numerous attractions such as Vaibhav hill, Ajatshatru’s fort and Swarna Bhandar among many others, is a holy place for the Hindus and Jains as well.

Major Buddhist Monuments in Bihar

    * Maha Bodhi Temple : A world heritage centre declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO), the Maha Bodhi complex in Bodh Gaya homes an ancient temple of the Buddha, built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Pampered with a superb and magnificent architecture, the temple houses a 150 feet high tower, which further contains a gilded colossal image of the Buddha in the ‘bhumisparsha mudra’ or touching the ground pose.

    * Maha Bodhi Tree : The Maha Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya is the most revered place for all the Buddhists as it was under one of the predecessors of this ficus(peepal) tree where a young man, to fulfill His thirst of the truth, meditated and achieved the divine light of enlightenment. The 160 years old Maha Bodhi tree, fifth generation plant of the original one, stands as high as 80 feet, and a major centre of pilgrim for the Buddhists from all over the world.

    * Nalanda Monasic University : The Nalanda monastic university in Nalanda, though in ruins today, was once one of the most famous learning centres of the world. Established during 4th-5th century CE, the Nalanda university was destroyed by the Islamic invaders in the 12th-13th century CE, and is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.

    * Vikramshila University : The remains of the Vikramshila university near Bhagalpur(50 kilometers) is a major Buddhist attraction of Bihar. Built during 8th century CE by Dharampala, the Vikramshila learning centre flourished as a centre for Tantric Buddhism or Tantrayana.

Other Major Attractions

Patna : The state capital of Bihar, Patna is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges or the Ganga. Earlier known as Patliputra, Patna is not only a major gateway to all the Buddhist destinations in Bihar, but at the same time, the city in itself has always been a major historical, cultural and political centre of the state. A home to several monuments like GolGhar, Sadakat Ashram and Harmandirji, and several museums such as that of Kumhrar, Patna was also visited by the Buddha while crossing the river Ganga.
Bhagalpur : Famous as the ‘silk City’, Bhagalpur is one of the major cities of Bihar. The historic place of Bhagalpur was once a part of the 16 Mahajanpadas or the republics, but then was known as Anga. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Bhagalpur today is the district administrative centre as well as an agricultural market. The city is also famous for the remains of the ancient Buddhist monasteries along with its silk, fabric weaving and sugar milling.
Gaya : A home to Bodh Gaya(8 kilometers), the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Gaya in Bihar is sacred for the Hindus as well, who visit the famous ‘Vishnupad temple’, where the God Vishnu is bekieved to have preached the reality of death. The city is also famous for industries of cotton, jute, sugar and stones along with the trade of tobacco and betel leaves.
Madhubani : The heart of art and culture in Bihar, Madhubani is worldwide famous for its paintings, the finest folk art carried by the women of the region. Besides, Madhubani is also famous for the tantric practices in the temples of the Hindu goddess Kali and the ruins of the palaces of the earlier heads of the princely state of Darbhanga.

Climate
The months of December and January are the cold ones, while April, May and June are the hot ones. The temperature during winters go as low as 5 degree Celsius, while in summers, it is as high as 46-47 degree Celsius. The months of July, August and September witness a good rainfall. October, February and March are the ideal months to visit the place owing to the pleasant whether.

How to Reach

By Air – The Indian state of Bihar is easily accessible by air as besides other small airports, there are two major ones – Lok Nayak Jayaprakash airport at Patna, and Gaya airport. Patna airport is basically an domestic airport, and is directly connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ranchi, while the Gaya airport is a small International airport connected to Colombo(Sri Lanka) and Thailand(Bangkok).

By Rail – A vast rail network connects Bihar with other parts of the country(India). Almost all the major cities of the state such as Patna, Bhagalpur, Barauni, Muzzaffarpur, Gaya and Samastipur have a direct rail access to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.

By Road – Bihar has a vast network of National and state highways, and are connected to different parts of India as well as neighbouring country Nepal.

Tourist Spots in Darbhanga

Details of Tourist Places, Religious Places and its importance

Ahilya Asthan

It is famous historical temple, situated about 3 Kms. South of Kamtaul Railway Station in Jale Block. This place is known as Ahilya gram. There is a well known in the Ramayan about Ahilya. According to Ramayan when Lord Ram was his way to Janakpur his feet touched a stone and it turned into a woman who was non-else but Ahilya. Her husband Gautam Rishi cursed the Ahilya to fun into stone. The temple is dedicated to Ahalya, wife of Gautam Rishi. Large fairs are held every year on the occasion of Ramnavami in the Hindi month of Chaitra and Vivah Panchami in Agrahayan. There are various other temples and mosques in the village.

Brahmpur

The village is situated about 8 kms. away from Kamtaul and 19 kms. south east of Jogiara. The village is noted for the Gautam Kund and a temple of Gautam Rishi, which are located very close to it. According to the Puranic tradition Lord Brahma appeared before Gautam Rishi at this place after the chastity of his wife, Lord Indra and Chandrama had violated Ahalya. The village derives its name from this occurrence. In regard to the Gautam Kund, it is believed that God Brahma himself created the tank by piercing the earth with seven arrows, so that Gautam might not have to travel a long distance for bathing in the Ganga. Kamtaul. The village is a rail head in Jale block. The village has a Khadi Gamodyaog centre and a Khadi store. It is the rail head for visitors to Ahalyasthan and Gautamsthan.

Chhaprar

The village is situated in Bahadurpur block, at a distance of about 10 Kms. from District Headquarter. It has a temple of Lord Mahadeva on the bank of the Kamla River around which fairs are held on the occasion of Kartik and Maghi Purnima.
Dekulldham. The village falls in Biraul block and is noted for is large temple of Lord Shiva. Devotees congregate here every Sunday. A large annual fair is held on the occasion of Shivaratri.

Kusheshwar-asthan

It is an important religious place, situated about 16 Kms. east of Singhia and 22 Kms. northeast of Hasanpur Road railway station on the Samastipur, Khagaria Branch line of North Eastern Railway. It is noted for the temple of Lord Shiva known as Kusheshwarasthan. Pligrims visit this place all the year round for worship. The origin of this temple is traced to the epic period.

The water logged fourteen villages of Kuseshwarasthan block covering an area of 7019 acres and 75 decimals, due to their greater ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and natural importance has already been declared as Kuseshwarasthan Bird Sanctuary under Wild Life Protection Act 1972 (as amended upto 1991). The following table shows the names and status of some important migratory birds seen in Kusheshwarasthan Bird Santuary and their native countries.

Names and Status of Important Migratory Birds seen in Kusheshwarasthan Bird Sanctuary
Serial Number	Species	Status
1.	Dalmatian pelican (Pelicanus erisups)	Endangered, International Council of Bird Preservation (ICBP), Bird Red Data Book estimates only 665-1000 pairs in the world.
2.	Indian darter (Anlinga rufa)	Species in fered to decreasing all over the country.
3.	Bar-headed goose	A threatened species due to hunting, egg collecting, habitat loss.
4.	White winged wood duck (Cairiva scutulata)	Included in ICBP Red Data Book. Threatened by hunting and habitat loss
5.	Marbled teal (Marmaronetta anqustirostris)	Listed in Red Data Book V
6.	Baers Pochad (Aythya baeri)	Listed in Red Data Book V. Threatened by hunting and habitat loss . Due to wellenddrainage for agriculture.
7.	Siberian Crane (Grus leuogranus)	Western population of this species is on the verge of extinction. About 2000 birds exist in eastern population.
8.	Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis)	Comes to wetland plains of India during winter from Bangladesh.
9.	Oriental qoosander (Merqus qoosander)	Endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Native Countries of Migratory Birds :Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Mongolia & Siberia and others.

KUSHESHWARASTHAN BIRD SANCTUARY AREA

Introduction

Wet land areas of Darbhanga district in general andKusheshwarasthan block (Biraul Sub-division) in particular is the WINTER CAPITAL of approx 15 rare and endangered species of MIGRATORY BIRDS. The WINGED GUESTS coming from over eight countries swarm the vast water bodies spread in approx 8100 hects. during winter between November and March.

Location: Longitude: 85 degree 40′ -86 degree 25′ East, Latitude: 25 degree 53′ – 26 degree 27′ North

Height from sea level: 49 meters.

Approx 45 Kms East of Darbhanga Town.

Santuary Area: 6700 hects Chour Area, 1400 hects of Low land area. No. of Ponds/Chours – 202 govt. 412 Private.

Name of Birds

Local Name:- Lalshar, Dighouch, Mail, Nakta, Gairi*, Gagan*, Silli, Adhani, Harial, Chaha, Karan, Ratwa, Gaiber (White and Black)

Biological Names:- Dalmation pelican, Anlinga rufa (Indian darter) Barheadedgoose, Cariva Scutulata, (White wing wood duck), Marmaroneta (Marbled teal), Baers Pochad, Sibrian Crain, Indian Skimmer, Oriental Goosanderek. (* Rarely Seen)

Sanctuary Area in Biraul Sub-Division (In Hect.)

Blocks Name	Area	Cultivable Area	High Land Area	Mid Land Area	Low Land Area	Chour Area
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Biraul	20994	16600	1000	3000	2500	2750
Ghanshyampur	25649.08	19993	2000	2500	3000	3750
Kusheshwarasthan	23792.01	16000	600	600	1400	6700

Mahinam-Mahadeo-sthan

It is temple of Lord Shiva situated at a distance of about 5 Kms. from the Darbhanga-Biraul pucca road. Large annual fairs are held here on the occasion of Kartik and Maghi Purnima.

Makranda

Situated about 5 Kms. south of Manigachhi railway station, the village is known for its old temple called Baneshwaristhan.

Newri

The village likes about 13 Kms. west of the block head quarters at Biraul and contains the remains of an ancient fortress associated with Raja Lorick.

Nawadah Durga-sthan

It is famous temple of Goddess Durga Located on the Majkora Nawadah Road. The place is visited by hundreds of devotee’s everyday. The Dussehra festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

Raghopur

The village is situated about 5 Kms. south of Sakri railway station. It is noted for its earthen mound, known as Sheosingh-garh, which is believed to cover the ruins of a building, built by Raja Shiva Singh.

Shyama Temple Shyama Temple is just one KM west of Darbhanga Railway Station. It is situated in the picturesque and peerless Lalit Narayan Mithila University. In fact it is private graveyard of Darbhanga Raj Royal family and temples have been build upon the graveyard of the ancestors of the Royal family. Shyama Temple is one of them. It was built in 1933. A huge statue of Goddess Kali is enshrined in this temple. This temple is famous not only for its grand our beauty and lively men but also for the faith that people here get there in desire fulfilled if they worship with holy heart.

Sati Asthan

Sati Asthan is situated in the famous graveyard of Subhankarpur, which is about one km west of Darbhanga Maharaji bridge. Maharaj Rameshwar Singh who was also a great Tantrik used to visit here daily in mid night for his Tantra Sidhi. Late Pandit Harinandan Mishra father of Late Lalit Narayan Mishra, Ex, Railway Minister, Government of India, also held in this premises. Now a days people use to visit this place on every Monday and Friday.

Manokamna Temple

Manokamana Temple is situated in the University Campus just beside Nargauna Palace. This temple has constructed with the Marvel. In fact it is a Hanuman temple where a little but most beautiful statue of Hanuman is build of marvel. A lot of crowd came to visit this place every day.

Malechchhed Mardani Temple

Malechchhed Mardini temple is one km south west of Darbhanga Railway station. It is temple of the Godden who destroy the faints. This temple is of utmost importance for Shakti people.

Kankali Temple

Kankali temple is two km north west of Darbhanga Railway station in the premises of Qila of Darbhanga Mahraj. This temple is of utmost importance for Shakti people.

Kaitholic Church It was old type of Baungla Church established in 1891 where training is to given to Christen Pandit.. It is just situated one km north form the Darbhanga Railway Station. This building was demolished in the earthquake of 1897 and later on it was constructed. The pray was started in this building from 25 December 1991. The name of this church is Holy rosary Church. A lot of crowds were assembled on every Friday. Here Christmas festival is organized between Dec 25-31 and Anand Mela is organized on October 7 on each and every year. In the front of Church a most attractive symbol of Isamashi is also situated.

Bhikha Salami Majar
It is situated at one km southeast from Darbhanga Railway station on the bank of Gangasagar pond. A fair is to be organized between 12th and 16th day during the Ramzan.

Masjid at Darbhanga Tower

It is situated at two km west from the Darbhanga Railway Station and just neat at Darbhanga Tower. It is the most attractive and religious place for the Islam religion. A crowd people are assembled on every Friday for pray their Namaj.

The Mazar of Makhdoom Baba
It is situated at two km northwest from Darbhanga Railway Station and just between the both universities. It is the very popular secularism place. Here daily people from Islam religion as well as Hindu religion assemble for offering their prayers.

Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum

Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum was established on 16th September 1977. It is situated just west south of Darbhanga Railway Station. This Museum can be visited every day except Monday. Its opening and closing time is 10.00 AM and r.30 PM respectively. There is no entry fee.

Brief History

Royal family of Darbhanga is well known for its love and affection with art and culture. Prince Subheshwar Singh gifted the invaluable and immemorial items and Durlabh Kalakritiya in order to establish this museum. The then District Magistrate of Darbhanga Shree Ramashankar Tiwari had also played an important role in the establishment of this museum. This unique museum is situated on the eastern bank of Mansarover Lake.

Salient features

There is rare collection of a number of objects and weapons made of Gold, Silver, Tusker teeth all collection has been scientifically organized and placed into eight different chambers.

Hall Number 1: This hall is known as Raj Singhasan Kash. Royal throne of Maharaj Rameshwar singh jee has been placd in this Hall. This throne is symbol of Power, wealth and dignity of the royal family. It is made of gold, silver and precious stones. Besides royal throne, silver made Palang(BED), Nalki and a number of other such items has also been placed in this hall which are pleasant memory of yester years of royal family. Royal throne and Silver Bed are unique examples of Sculptural excellence.

On the basis of design and decoration the Royal throne can be divided into five parts.

It is made of wood, which is square in shape. The beauty of this part is pasting of flowers leaves and its finder brines made of ivory. The shape and size of this flower and leaves are so accurate that it looks like natural.
Just above it there is a six-inch plate of silver all round the throne elephants of small size are shown on it. Although it is small in size but very natural in its look.
Just above silver plate there are elephants an each corner of the throne at the distance of two feets. There are hole in the back of these elephants. Most probably silver rod would have been used to decorate the throne as per desire.
All round he throne there are square gold and silver plates a which various types of animals has been shown in their different natural possess. Group of elephants playing in water, roaring lions, Panther climbing on the tree. Fighting bull and running deer are some of them.
Precious stones were presented at every angles of the throne. The monogram of royal family FISH is in the middle of the throne.

Hall Number 2: Hall of Metallic artifacts: A number of attractive artifacts have shown in this hall and among these unique globe made of copper and circular shield are can be of attraction. In these two artifacts important events of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna-Leela has been reflected.

Hall Number 3: Hall of stone idols and artifacts:

Statue made of marble and other stone made artifacts have been shown in his hall. A circular table made of a single piece of marble is treat to watch. A number of women have been inscribed one it in Greek – style. The clothes hair and physique of there women reflects the clear impact of greekan style. Just like greekan style the clothes are transparent and its fold are such that it seems it has been blown up by air. The curly hair looks very natural.

Hall Number 4 & 5: Ivory Hall. There is a unique collection of the artifacts made of ivory. Mat, Net, flowers, leaves and a lot of other things, made of ivory, are just superb in its presentation. A spulse made of ivory is so lively that visitors get mazes after seeing it. Beside this Ivory mad lions and sofa-set also attract the visitors very much.

Hall Number 6: Hall of weapons. Weapons of the various kings have been shown in this hall.

Hall Number 7 & 8: Hall of wooden artifacts. These two halls painting wooden artifacts have been shown in so natural that it works like metal.

Chandradhari Museum, Darbhanga

This museum was established on 7 December 1957 on the north bank of Mansarowar Lake. Late Chandradhari Singh of Ranti Dyordhi (Madhubani) donated all the artifact and other rare objects. It was shifted in double story building in 1974. There is no entry fee for visiting the Museum. It remains open for public on everyday except Monday. On the basis of arrangement and materials of the Museum it can be devided into eleven type of Halls.

Aims of the Museum

To collect, to preserve and to display the artifacts of historical, archaeological and cultural importance of the region in the public interest as well as to educate the students through the exhibited materials.

Galleries

On the basis of arrangement and materials of the Museum, it is divided into eleven gallery. Short description of same very important gallery are below:-

Glass Gallery In this gallery beautiful objects of Baljium cutting glass are displayed.

Textile Gallery Traditional dress of Mithila as well as dress of Royal family have been shown in this Gallery.

Miniature Painting Gallery

In this gallery rare miniature paintings of different styple and school are displayed. Among these the paintings of Krishna leela with Gopies, based on Geet Govind of Jaidev are peerless. Besides this the miniature paintings of Mughal Kings and their queens in Mughal style are also of much importance.

Modern Paintings

Water colour paintings of modern style based on Ramayan and Mahabharta theme such as “Raja Janak Darbar” and “Mahabharta War” can be seen here.

Stone Sculpture Gallery

Sculptures in black Basalt stone of Hindu and Buddha religion have been shown in this gallery. Most of the sculpture belongs to the 8th & 9th century A.D.

Wood Gallery

Various types of wood objects having floweral design and inlay work are displayed in this gallery.

Mother of Pearls Gallery

In this gallery several types of beautiful exhibit made art of mother of pearls can be seen. A replica of Taj Mahal, made of mother of perals on a single piece of tuch stone is an unique one.

Natural History Gallery

Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear and different types of horns of deer have been displayed in this gallery.

Ivory Gallery

Various types of beautiful icons and objects of ivory are displayed in this gallery.

Brass Gallery

Statues in brass, brought from Rajnagar of Madhubani District have been shown in this gallery. These statues are of Nepalese and Tibetan style.

Special Gallery

Eak mukhi Rudraksha Garlands of semi preceious stones, Mico paintings, Ancient and Modern Coins Flowers pots of Zade stone, Ivory etc are beautifully arranged and displayed.

Strong Room

In this room ring of preceious stones, Gold coins, Pancha Janya Sankh, Dakshina Vartaya sonkh, Shree chakra etc are will preserved.

Library

This museum has its own small library, having different types of historical and cultural books along with same manuscripts.

Sikki Nirmit Tajmahal in Chnadradhari Museum, Darbhanga

Bansbriksha of Darbhanga Maharaj

Darbhanga town Darbhanga town attained the status of a city (population 1 lakh and above) in 1961. Darbhanga is the seat of the Maharaja of Darbhanga. Laheriasarai that is the seat of district and divisional administration is a part of the Darbhanga town. The Raj area is a well developed and beautifully laid-out complex of palaces, temples, offices, parks, gardens and ponds. There are a number of palaces built by the successive Maharajas, important among them being Nargauna Palace, Anandbagh Bhawan and Bela Palace. A number of buildings are in the use of Sanskrit University and L.N.Mithila University. The old Raj Library has been taken over by the Mithila University. The Maharajas of Darbhanga have traditionally been very great patrons of art and literature and through their magnificence have always provided encouragement to the scholars of Maithili and Sanskrit. Mahesh Thakur who founded the Raj was a renowned scholar of Sanskrit. Emperor Akbar who was very much impressed by Raghunandan Jha, a scholar and disciple of Mahesh Thakur, conferred the estate upon him.

The town is noted for its trade in fish, mango and makhana. Among its educational institution are Chandradhari Mithila College, the Medical College, the Women’s College, The Engineering School and various other institutions.

A Brief History of Bhojpuri Film

1960-1970

The first Bhojpuri Film was ‘Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Charaihbo’ which was released in 1961 by Vishwanath Shahabadi. Other films like ‘Jekra Charanwa mein lagal paranwa’, ‘Lage Nahi Chhute Ram, ‘Bhauji’, ‘Bidesia’, and ‘Loha Singh’ came later and did reasonably good business.

1970-1980

Later on in 1978, Ashok Jain gave a mush needed fillip to Bhojpuri Film with Sliver Jubalee Film ‘Dangal’. The respected actor Nazir Hussain also produced a very memorable film ‘Balam Pardesia’

1980-1990

The 80’s showered the Bhojpuri people with many notable as well as run of the mill film like ‘Bitia Bhail Sayan’ , ‘Chandwa ke take Chakor’, ‘Hamar Bhauji’, Ganga Kinare Mora Gaon’ – A very Popular Film, ‘Sonwa ke Pinjra’, ‘Senur’, ‘Ganga Ghat’, ‘Saiyya Tere Karan’, ‘Dharati Maiyya’ – Again a super success, ‘Ganag Maiyya Bhar de Ancharwa hamar’, ‘Piya Nirmohiya’, ‘Sampoorna Tirth Yatra’, ‘Bhaiya Dooj’, ‘ Bansuriya Baje’, ‘Ganga Ke Tir’, ‘Bairi sawan’, ‘Dulha Ganga par ke’, Ganga Mare Laheria etc…

1990-2000

Data not available but the production of Bhojpuri Film is not encouraging in this decade.

ProducersAshok Jain is the leading producer of the Bhojpuri Films. Vishwanath Shahabadi, Nazir Hussain, Mohan ji Prasad, Dilip Bose, K Pervez, Akabar Balm, Prem Kumar Dutta are very notable and successful Bhojpuri film maker.

Places of Interest in Nalanda

Founded in the 5th century BC, Nalanda was one of the world’s great universities and an important Buddhist centre. When renowned chinese scholar and traveller Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda between 685BC and 762BC, 10,000 monks and students resided here. Nalanda was frequently visited by Lord mahavira and lord Buddha in the 6th century BC.

Patna, 90 km away is the nearest airport. Nalanda can be reached by rail and road from other major towns of Bihar.

Nalanda university archaeological complex
The entire excavation area stretches to around 14 hectares. The buildings are divided by a central walkway that goes north to south. On either side of this walkway one can find monasteries and temples. A small chapel retains a half broken statue of the Buddha.

The Nalanda archaeological museum
This place houses the Nalanda university seal, sculptures and other remains found at the site. It also contains a number of small Buddhist and Hindu bronzes and some undamaged statues of the Buddha.

Nava Nalanda Mahavira
This is a relactively new institute, which is devoted to the study of pali literature and buddhism. A number of foreign students come here to study.

Hieun Tsang memorial hall
One of the newest buildings here, it was built as a peace pagoda by the chinese. Hieun tsang spent 5 years here as student and teacher.

‘By reinventing Bihar Tourism, we hope to give a boost to the tourism sector’

Vinay Kumar IAS, director, Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar spoke to Joy Roy Choudhury of the dept’s major plans

What are the major tourism infrastructure development projects being implemented in the state now?

For the first time, a comprehensive Tourism Policy has been formulated and is being implemented. Tourism has been accorded the status of industry in the state, and a Tourism Protection Force shall be in existence very shortly. Very serious and planned steps have been taken to build, improve and renovate infrastructure. Selection and training of tourist guides are under way. A Tourism Enterprise Survey has been conducted with the assistance of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Two more studies, namely, Visitor’s Motivation Survey and Visitor’s Expenditure Surveys, are under consideration. Buddhist circuit roads are to be converted into four-lane highways with the cooperation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. There are also plans for empanelment of travel businesses and complete overhaul of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC). Major infrastructure projects include creation of meditation and convention centres in Bodhgaya and Rajgir, development of circumambulatory paths in Bodhgaya and Rajgir, development and beautification of all tourist sites, creation of new sites, and development of tourism-related roads and wayside amenities.

How are you promoting the Buddhist circuit in the state?

The Department of Tourism intends to promote, among others, the Buddhist heritage, the Jain circuit, rural tourism, the Sufi circuit, Gangetic and eco-tourism. Bihar Tourism believes that Bihar is to the Budhhists what Saudi Arabia is to the Muslims.

We organised a two-day International Buddhist Conclave in Nalanda in February this year in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Over 150 foreign delegates, mainly drawn from south-east and east Asian countries, were invited. We attend all major tourism events in the country and the London and Berlin events abroad. BSTDC has prepared special Buddhist packages which have been a hit. We hold Rajgir and Bodhgaya Festivals in the months of December and January which have become reputed. We are initiating negotiations with major airlines of Buddhist countries to bring regular and chartered flights to Bodhgaya. The Mahaparinirvana Express, run by the IRCTC, has been another powerful vehicle to bring tourists to the state.

The state government is advocating Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to promote tourism in the state. Tell us about the major private-sector projects under implementation/on the anvil in the state.

As I mentioned earlier, tourism enjoys the status of industry in the state and by virtue of it all major policy concessions and exemptions are available to tourism ventures of the private sector. An important example of private-public partnership is the Ganga Cruise, which is quite popular among foreign tourists. Another such partnership in the making is setting up of star-category hotels on properties of BSTDC on long-term lease basis.

How are you planning to position the state as a favourable tourism destination for both domestic and foreign tourists?

Bihar currently receives about four and a half lakh foreign tourists every year. By reinventing Bihar Tourism, improving the infrastructure and building up the brand image, we hope to give a boost to the tourism sector.

Bihar Government has been trying hard to provide employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youths of the state. Selection and training of guides is one important initiative. Promotion of various tourism enterprises in hotel and restaurant businesses will be the main focus of the government.

Know about Patna Museum – Bihar

Patna Museum is the state museum of the Indian state of Bihar. Built in 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artefacts found in the vicinity of Patna,it is in the style of Mughal and Rajput architecture and is known locally as the Jadu Ghar.
Patna Museum

Location of Patna
in Bihar, India

Open: 10.30 am- 4.30 pm
Days: Tues- Sun

Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, thankas, bronze images, and sculptures and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists.[1] It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a fine collection related to the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

The fossil of a tree said to be more than 200 million years old is on display, as is a casket — unearthed in 1958 by archaeologist A. S. Altekar at the Relic Stupa of Vaishali — said to contain the sacred ashes (relics) of Gautama Buddha. The world-famous Didarganj Yakshi statue, discovered on a Ganges riverbank in 1917, is the museum’s most prized collection.

Beginning November 2009, a project was started to build a replacement museum in Patna to enable the display of larger collections of up to 20,000 objects.

This excellent museum contains metal and stone sculptures dating to the Mauryan and Gupta periods, terracotta figures and archaeological finds from sites in Bihar such as Nalanda. It is a destination that is worth your luxury or cheap flights to India because of its rich history and cultural treasures. The Patna Museum also houses the world’s longest fossilized tree -16m long and 200 million years old. There is a fine collection of Chinese paintings and thangkas.

Patna Museum was established in the year 1917. The aim behind the establishment of the museum was to impart a scientific vision to understand the evolution of history, culture and art tradition of the land. Patna archaeological museum boasts a huge collection of artifacts found during the excavations of ancient sites in Bihar.

Patna museum has a large collection of sculptures of the Gandhara and the Mathura style art. These sculptures belong to the Kushana period. The Gandhar style sculptures, also known as ‘Greeco-Buddhist Art’ are made of blue-schist of Swat valley and the collection includes figures of Buddha. Other than Lord Buddha, several statutes of Bodhisattvas have also been kept in the Patna Museum. Patna Museum preserves holy relic casket of Lord Buddha containing his ashes.

Patna Museum houses many historic items found during excavations in different parts of Bihar. Some belong to the pre-historic phase and some are from early centuries of first millennium. Post-excavation, archeologists found many things including some historic objects, stone sculptures, bronzes, terracotta, paintings – miniature and thanka paintings and coins, which all are important to know the history and development of Bihar.

The museum at Patna has some pre-historic objects of great interest including of Palaeoliths, microliths and neoliths. These objects were found from different parts of India. Certain objects like Paleolithic tools found at Bariar (M.P.) and Lalitpur (U.P.), Attirampakkam (Tamilnadu) have also been kept in display in the museum.

The museum also displays sculptures from the Kushana period, which include the famous trio from Devangarh in the Nawada district. Three deities Ekanamsa, Balarama and Vasudeva have been separately depicted here which is unconventional and not found anywhere else. Other than these, the museum also has three images of Avalokitesvra, Maitreya and Buddha in bhumisparsh posture. These images were excavated from Vishnupur of Gaya districts. There are some door frames with the figures of Ganges and Yamuna depicted on the sides of them.