Vaishnavi Sharma
A cradle of civilisation, birthplace of religions and seat of the imperial powers, Bihar occupies a paramount place when you look back at its glorious past. Meaning ‘abode’ in Sanskrit, Bihar is truly the home of a rich cultural heritage.
The first stop on our journey to this historic land is Nalanda University.
An undisputed seat of learning, the Nalanda University is one of the oldest in the world. It was a residential university which attracted learners from all over the world. Philosophers such as Huien Tsang who stayed there, described the architecture, ambience and lifestyle of the monks in their accounts and enumerated the unique type of learning which was imparted to the students.
The site which was ruined by invasions is now protected by UNESCO. Nalanda University is flocked by hundreds of tourists, who come to visit this ancient centre of knowledge.
From Nalanda we travel to the Jehanabad district to visit the oldest surviving rock caves of the Mauryan Era - the Barabar Caves. Carved out of granite, they saw the use of the Chaitya Arch in stone for the first time. The seven rock cut caves are also referred to as Lomas Rishi Caves, Sudama Caves or the Vishwamitra Caves by the locals. They were used by monks belonging to the Ajvika Sect and the inscriptions show how they thrived under the Imperial Mauryan Patronage. Hindu and Jain sculptures which are found here are believed to have been carved from huge boulders dating back to the third century. It is said that the designs of these caves influenced the construction of rock sculptures for the next few centuries, as similar architecture has been found in other caves in India and South Asia.
In the summer of 2020, archaeologists recovered several old sculptures from the district of Sheikhpura in Bihar. Made from granite, historians, on the basis of preliminary observations, deduced that the Pala Dynasty must be ruling the region at one time. It is believed that more valuable antiquities will be found which will help throw light on different facets of the state’s history. The spontaneous recovery of sculptures and other archaeological evidence has kicked off the demand for a museum where the artifacts found can be preserved and maintained. People are rallying together to ensure that their culture doesn't stay buried in the books of history.
This historically rich land is also known for its luscious cuisine. While litti chokha might be the most recognized dish from Bihar, the state has a lot more to offer. For instance, Biharis have their own version of dumplings in the form of a dish called ‘Pittha’. An added bonus is that it is available in both, sweet and savoury flavours. While both versions have a rice flour covering, one has a spicy lentils stuffing while the other has a stuffing of ‘khoya’. It is enjoyed by children and adults alike and is something that I too have come to love. An amazing dish, Champaran Mutton is something I discovered during my recent trip to Bihar. It gets its name from the Champaran district in Bihar which is its place of origin. It is also known by other names like ‘ahuna mutton’ and ‘matka gosht’. It is cooked in an earthen pot or matka and has a rustic charm. This delicious dish is served with rice or roti and is a popular one pot meal. I would definitely recommend it to tourists going to Bihar.
In the final leg of our journey, we witness a grand festival, celebrated with pomp and flair in Bihar known as Chhath Puja. It is celebrated to appease the Sun God and dates back to the time of the Mahabharata. It pays reverence to the elements of nature and spreads the message of oneness with nature.
Individuals from all backgrounds and religions come together at river banks or ponds to offer their prayers.
Chhath Puja is celebrated after Diwali and is a four day affair. Fasting forms a major part of the festival and is quite rigorous as devotees perform rituals without having any food or water. The fast on the third day is the most rigorous as devotees go about their day without food or water. Other traditions involve filling bamboo baskets with seasonal fruits, sweets and taking it to the riverside. There, the devotees take a dip in the water and offerings are presented to the rising sun on the third and fourth day of the festival. Chhath Puja has scientific and agricultural significance as well.
Since time immemorial, Bihar has been home to a vibrant culture. From architectural wonders like the Nalanda University to artforms like Madhubani, Bihar boasts of a rich heritage. The present society reflects its cultural prosperity and it is heartening to see how the people of Bihar respect their traditions and protect their legacy.
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