Education, Culture & Social Development
Education in Bihar
Historical Background
- Bihar was once a global education hub:
- Nalanda University (5th century): World’s first residential university.
- Vikramshila University (8th century): Renowned for Buddhist studies.
- Decline of ancient institutions post 12th century invasions.
PYQ (68th BPSC): Location of Vikramshila → Bhagalpur
Present Status of Education
- Literacy rate (2021–22): 70.9% (India: 77.7%)
- Male: 80.5% | Female: 60.5%
- Gender gap: ~20% – among the highest in India.
- Districts with highest literacy:
- Patna, Bhojpur, Rohtas
- Lowest literacy: Purnea, Katihar, Sitamarhi
School Education Initiatives
- Bihar Shiksha Mission – to improve school infra & enrolment.
- Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana:
- Boosted girl enrolment in secondary schools by 30%+.
- Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM):
- Provides training under Kushal Yuva Program.
- Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC):
- Executes Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in Bihar.
PYQ (65th BPSC): Cycle scheme primarily aimed at which group? → Girl students
Higher Education
- Central Institutions:
- IIT Patna, AIIMS Patna, NIT Patna, Nalanda University (Rajgir)
- State Universities: 17+
- Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Low (~13–15%)
- Challenge: Faculty vacancies ~40%+ in state colleges.
Culture of Bihar
Language & Literature
- Official language: Hindi
- Regional languages: Maithili (8th Schedule), Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika
- Famous poets: Vidyapati (Maithili), Nagarjun (Hindi–Maithili)
PYQ: Is Maithili included in 8th Schedule? → ✅ Yes
Dance, Music & Arts
- Folk Dances:
- Jat-Jatin, Jhijhiya, Bidesia, Chhau, Sohar
- Bidesia:
- Created by Bhikhari Thakur, blends theatre + folk music
- Madhubani Painting:
- Origin: Mithila region
- Themes: Nature, mythology, women
- GI Tag: ✅
PYQ (BPSC Teacher): Origin of Madhubani → Mithila (Bihar)
Festivals of Bihar
- Chhath Puja:
- Dedicated to Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya
- Rituals on riverbanks; unique to Bihar & eastern UP
- Other cultural events: Sama-Chakeva, Jivitputrika (Jitiya), Sonepur Mela
- Sufi–Sant tradition: Syed Shah Makhdoom, Kabir, Malang Baba
Social Development
Demographic Indicators
- Population (Census 2011): 10.41 crore (India’s 3rd most populous)
- Sex Ratio: 918 females/1000 males
- Urbanization: Only 11.3% (one of the lowest in India)
Scheduled Castes & Tribes
- SC population: 15.9%
- ST population: 1.3% (mainly in Purnea, Kishanganj)
- Notified tribes: Santhal, Tharu, Kharwar
PYQ: Main ST community in Bihar? → Santhal
Women & Child Welfare
- Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana:
- Financial support from birth to graduation
- Cycle Yojana + Uniform Yojana → boost to girl education
- Child Sex Ratio: 935 (below national average)
- High malnutrition & anaemia (NFHS-5):
- Stunted children: 42.9%
- Anaemic women (15–49): 63%
Poverty & Unemployment
- Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2021:
- Bihar: ~52% population multidimensionally poor (worst in India)
- Unemployment Rate (2024): ~7–8% (above national avg)
- Govt schemes like Jeevika, StartUp Bihar, Kushal Yuva aim to reduce poverty/unemployment
PYQ: Bihar’s MPI rank among states → Poorest
Quick Revision Facts
- Literacy: 70.9%, Gender gap: ~20%
- Ancient Edu. Centres: Nalanda, Vikramshila
- Folk Art: Madhubani (GI tagged)
- Major dance: Bidesia
- SC: 15.9%, ST: 1.3% → Santhal
- MPI Poor % (NITI 2021): ~52%
- Major Festivals: Chhath, Jitiya, Sama-Chakeva
- Central Institutions: IIT, AIIMS, NIT, Nalanda Univ.
Sources
- Eduteria Bihar Tathya Sangrah (2024)
- eDrishti Bihar Compilations
- Ghatna Chakra Bihar Special
- BPSC PYQs (60th–69th BPSC Prelims & Mains)
- NFHS-5 Report
- Census 2011, NITI Aayog MPI
- Bihar government education and culture portals