The word ‘Bihar’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vihara’ meaning abode or home. It has been an abode for people from numerous cultures since time immemorial.
Bound by Nepal on the north, West Bengal on the northeast, Jharkhand on the south, and UP on the west, Bihar is known as the ‘Karmabhumi’ of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir. Bihar has been a major centre of learning, home to the ancient universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila, making it the world’s knowledge capital in its golden era.
The landmass presently known as Bihar has a long and illustrious history. It dates back to the start of civilization. The Sanatana (Eternal) Dharma – the oldest myths and stories of Hinduism – are linked to Bihar. Sita, Lord Rama’s consort, was a Bihar princess and daughter of King Janak.
The culture of Bihar is a rich tapestry shaped by diverse religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. It encompasses art, dance, music, and festivals, with folk traditions and handicrafts like Madhubani paintings. The state’s linguistic diversity includes Hindi, Urdu, Maithili, Bajjika, Bhojpuri, Angika, and Magadhi. Bihar’s cultural heritage is a unique blend of traditions, making it a fascinating destination for exploring India’s diverse cultures.
It is the same land where the seeds of first republic were the seeds of the world’s first republic were sown and which cultivated the first crop of democracy.
A list of ancient and Modern greats from Bihar goes endless including Aryabhatta, the famous mathematician and astronomer, Chanakya, Vatsayana, Chandragupta Maurya, Samudragupta, Vikramaditya, Ashoka, Guru Gobind Singh, Panini, Rahim, Sher Shah Suri, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Mazharul Haque, Veer Kunwar Singh, Bhikhari Thakur, Jayprakash Narayan, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, George Orwell, Ustad Bismillah Khan and many more.
The Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic & Persian University takes great pride to follow the footsteps of the same glorious legacy that has given birth to numerous intellectuals who have been spreading the light of knowledge and wisdom across the globe.