Bihar, the land of ancient wisdom and rich cultural heritage, celebrates its foundation day every year with great enthusiasm. Bihar Diwas is a significant occasion for the people of Bihar, as it marks the day when the state was carved out of the larger province of Bengal in 1912.
Bihar Diwas promises to celebrate the occasion on a grand level, it proves itself as it not only commemorates the state’s history but also embraces its vibrant present. To enhance your understanding of Bihar’s heritage, culture, and contributions to the nation, we’ve compiled a list of 30+ General Knowledge (GK) questions and answers that cover various aspects of this beautiful state.
Bihar Diwas 2023: 30+ GK Questions and Answers
- When is Bihar Diwas celebrated?
Ans. Bihar Diwas is celebrated on March 22nd every year.
- What does Bihar Diwas commemorate?
Ans. Bihar Diwas commemorates the day when Bihar was carved out of the province of Bengal in 1912.
- What is the significance of Bihar’s historical name “Vihara”?
Ans. The name “Bihar” is derived from the ancient Buddhist monasteries or “Viharas” that were abundant in the region during ancient times.
- Who was the first Chief Minister of Bihar?
Ans. Bihar’s first chief minister was Sri Krishna Sinha.
- Which river flows through the heart of Bihar?
Ans. The Ganges, also known as the Ganga, flows through Bihar, making it one of the most fertile regions in India.
- What is the state flower of Bihar?
Ans. The state flower of Bihar is the Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata).
- Which dance form is associated with the Maithili culture of Bihar?
Ans. The Madhubani painting and JatAns.Jatin dance forms are closely associated with the Maithili culture of Bihar.
- What is the famous Chhath Puja, and where is it celebrated?
Ans. An ancient Hindu holiday known as Chhath Puja honours the Sun God. It is prominently celebrated in Bihar.
- Who is the author of the famous book “The Immortals of Meluha”?
Ans. Amish Tripathi, a renowned Indian author, wrote “The Immortals of Meluha.”
- Which king of the Magadh empire is often referred to as “Chandragupta Maurya”?
Ans. Chandragupta Maurya, also known as Chandragupta Maurya, was the founder of the Maurya Empire and the first emperor of the Mauryan dynasty.
- What is the historical significance of Nalanda?
Ans. Nalanda is famous for its ancient Nalanda University, which was a center for learning and knowledge during the Gupta period.
- Who composed the famous song “Bihar’s official anthem,” titled “Bihar Sthapana Divas Geet”?
Ans. Dr. Manan Lal was the composer of Bihar’s official anthem.
- Which historical figure from Bihar played a key role in the Indian independence movement and was known as the “Loknayak”?
Ans. Jayaprakash Narayan, also known as Loknayak, was a prominent freedom fighter from Bihar.
- What is the literal translation of the word “Bihar”?
Ans. The word “Bihar” can be translated as “Vihar” in Sanskrit, which means “abode of monks” or “vihara.”
- What is the official language of Bihar?
Ans. Bihar’s official language is Hindi.
- Which festival is known as the “festival of harvest” in Bihar and is celebrated with much enthusiasm?
Ans. Makar Sankranti, also known as “Khichdi,” is celebrated as the festival of harvest in Bihar.
- Which ancient language was widely spoken in Bihar during the reign of the Maurya and Gupta empires?
Ans. Sanskrit was the ancient language widely spoken and used for scholarly and religious purposes in Bihar.
- Which is the most important traditional dish of Bihar?
Ans. Litti-Chokha is considered the most traditional and famous dish of Bihar.
- What is the geographical significance of the Vindhyachal Range in Bihar?
Ans. The Vindhyachal Range marks the southern boundary of the state and is an important geographical feature of Bihar.
- Who is the first woman Chief Minister of Bihar?
Ans. Rabri Devi served as the first woman Chief Minister of Bihar.
- In which year did Mahatma Gandhi launch the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar?
Ans. In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi began the Champaran Satyagraha.
- Which is the largest city in Bihar in terms of population and urban development?
Ans. Patna is the largest city in Bihar in terms of both population and urban development.
- Who was the mathematician from Bihar who made significant contributions to number theory and algebra?
Ans. Aryabhata, the ancient Indian mathematician, was from Bihar and made significant contributions to mathematics.
- Which traditional Bihari dance is performed during the festival of Chhath Puja?
Ans. The traditional Bihari dance performed during Chhath Puja is known as “Kathak.”
- Which famous mathematician was born in Madhubani, Bihar, and is known for his work on zero and the decimal system?
Ans. Aryabhata, who was born in Madhubani, Bihar, is renowned for his work on zero and the decimal system.
- Which river in Bihar is associated with the legend of the Sonepur Mela?
Ans. The Gandak River in Bihar is associated with the Sonepur Mela, which is one of Asia’s largest cattle fairs.
- Who is the famous Indian cricketer hailing from Bihar who has made a significant impact in the cricketing world?
Ans. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also known as MS Dhoni, is a famous cricketer from Bihar.
- What is the state animal of Bihar?
Ans. The state animal of Bihar is the Gaur, also known as the Indian bison.
- In which city is the famous Nalanda University located?
Ans. The ancient Nalanda University is located in the city of Nalanda, Bihar.
- What is the significance of Bodh Gaya in Bihar?
Ans. Bodh Gaya is the place where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and it is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
- Who is the author of the famous book “Godan” and hails from Bihar?
Ans. Munshi Premchand, a renowned author, wrote the famous book “Godan” and was from Bihar.
- What is the literacy rate of Bihar, as per the 2011 census?
Ans. As per the 2011 census, the literacy rate of Bihar was 61.80%.
- Which famous Indian politician, also known as the “Bhishma Pitamah of Indian Politics,” was born in Bihar and served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India?
Ans. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was born in Nadiad, Gujarat, has often been referred to as the “Bhishma Pitamah of Indian Politics.” He played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.
- Which ancient city in Bihar is known for its archaeological ruins and is believed to be the capital of the Magadh region during the Mauryan Empire?
Ans. Rajgir, an ancient city in Bihar, is known for its archaeological ruins and was believed to be the capital of the Magadh region during the Mauryan Empire.
- What is the traditional Bihari sweet made from dried and roasted gram flour and jaggery, often prepared during the winter season?
Ans. The traditional Bihari sweet made from dried and roasted gram flour and jaggery is known as “Tilkut.”
- Which wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the Indian wild ass?
Ans. The Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the Indian wild ass.
- Which renowned Indian economist, often regarded as the “Father of the Green Revolution,” was born in Bihar?
Ans. Dr. Norman Borlaug, known as the “Father of the Green Revolution,” was born in Sasaram, Bihar.
- What is the historical importance of the city of Vaishali in Bihar?
Ans. Vaishali is considered one of the oldest republics in the world and holds historical importance as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
- Which major river in Bihar is known for its annual flood plains and is a lifeline for the state’s agriculture?
Ans. The Kosi River in Bihar is known for its annual flood plains and is vital for the state’s agriculture.
- Who was the first President of India and a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, born in Bihar?
Ans. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, born in Ziradei, Bihar, was the first President of India.
- What is the traditional art of painting that originated in the Mithila region of Bihar and is often done on walls and floors?
Ans. The traditional art of Madhubani painting, sometimes referred to as Mithila painting, has its roots in the Mithila area of Bihar.
- Which famous Indian actor, known for his versatility and iconic roles, hails from Bihar?
Ans. Shatrughan Sinha, a renowned Indian actor, known for his versatility and iconic roles, hails from Bihar.
- Which ancient university in Bihar was a center of learning for various subjects, including astronomy, medicine, and mathematics?
Ans. The Vikramshila University, situated near Bhagalpur in Bihar, was an ancient center of learning that specialized in subjects such as astronomy, medicine, and mathematics.
- Which famous festival in Bihar involves the worship of the Sun God, taking a holy dip in rivers, and is known for its vibrant rituals and traditions?
Ans. Chhath Puja, celebrated with great fervor in Bihar, involves the worship of the Sun God and taking a holy dip in rivers, along with vibrant rituals and traditions.
- Who is the first woman in India to receive the Nobel Prize, and she was born in Bihar?
Ans. Mother Teresa, born in Skopje (now in North Macedonia), was the first woman in India to receive the Nobel Prize for Peace.
- Which renowned Indian poet and writer from Bihar is known for his contributions to Hindi literature and was the first Indian to receive the Jnanpith Award?
Ans. Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar,’ a renowned Indian poet and writer from Bihar, was the first Indian to receive the Jnanpith Award for his contributions to Hindi literature.
- Which ancient Buddhist stupa in Bihar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to contain relics of Lord Buddha?
Ans. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to contain relics of Lord Buddha.
- Which is the state tree of Bihar?
Ans. The state tree of Bihar is the Peepal tree, also known as the sacred fig tree.
- Which famous Indian classical musician, a maestro of the sitar, was born in Bihar?
Ans. Pandit Ravi Shankar, a legendary Indian classical musician and sitar virtuoso, was born in Varanasi, which is geographically close to Bihar.
- What is the total number of districts in Bihar as of 2023?
Ans. As of 2023, Bihar is divided into 38 districts.
