Bihar is a paradox. It is the land that gave the world Buddhism and Jainism, the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka, and Nalanda — a university that drew scholars from across Asia. It is the land of Aryabhatta’s astronomical genius, of the world’s first republic in Vaishali, of the Jayaprakash Narayan movement that shook Delhi in the 1970s.
And yet, for all its cultural and intellectual riches, Bihar today stands as one of India’s poorest states. The gap between its glorious past and its present condition is wide, and widening further in the eyes of its citizens.
The Weight of History
In the 6th century BCE, Vaishali established the world’s first recorded democracy. Around the same time, Mahavira and the Buddha preached messages of non-violence and compassion that spread across continents. Magadha rose to dominate the subcontinent, with Pataliputra (modern Patna) as a capital of power and innovation. Under Ashoka, the empire turned from conquest to dharma, and under the Guptas, Nalanda flourished as a seat of global learning.
This was the Bihar that shaped civilizations. But history’s arc bent away. Nalanda was burned, Mughal priorities shifted power elsewhere, and British colonialism reduced Bihar to a resource frontier. After independence, industrialization bypassed the state. What could have been a renaissance became stagnation.
The Pendulum of Power
If Bihar’s ancient history was about bold new ideas, its modern political story is about the survival of one man: Nitish Kumar. Since first taking office in 2005, he has carefully — critics say cynically — shifted alliances to ensure he remains Chief Minister, no matter the arithmetic.
- In 2015, he walked away from the BJP and stitched together the “Grand Alliance” with RJD and Congress to win power.
- In 2017, citing corruption allegations against his deputy, he flipped back to the BJP.
- In 2022, he switched again, breaking with BJP to re-enter an alliance with RJD.
- By January 2024, he resigned and went back to the NDA fold with the BJP.
This pendulum politics has given Nitish Kumar the image of a survivor, but also one who puts self-preservation above ideology or consistent governance. Analysts argue that such volatility has weakened policy stability and eroded public trust (Moneycontrol).
For ordinary citizens, the impression is simple: the chief minister’s chair matters more than development.
Corruption: A Rot That Persists
Corruption continues to bleed Bihar, often swallowing funds meant for development. The headlines tell their own story:
- In May 2025, Superintendent Engineer Vinod Kumar Rai of the Rural Development Department was arrested with assets worth over ₹100 crore, including cash, properties, and insurance policies — wealth far beyond his means (Times of India).
- A Deputy Superintendent of Police was suspended for the second time over exam manipulation and abuse of power (Times of India).
- Vigilance reports show that Muzaffarpur is the most corruption-affected district, with hundreds of officials caught since 2006 (PatnaPress).
- In early 2025 alone, Bihar saw a 50% surge in corruption cases, many involving bribery and misuse of position (Times of India).
Even opposition leaders are calling out fresh scams. RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of a ₹4,000 crore fraud in the Special Investment Region (SIR) project, framing it as proof that the development narrative is being hollowed out by graft (Economic Times).
What this signals is that corruption is not just an old wound but a chronic infection. The funds that could have built hospitals, schools, and industries instead fatten individual fortunes.
Infrastructure and the Migration Trap
Yes, Bihar has built roads and highways. Some four-lane projects, like the Mokama-Munger corridor, are underway with thousands of crores allocated (Times of India). But these projects don’t address the more urgent gaps: schools without teachers, health centers without doctors, industries that could employ millions.
As a result, migration remains Bihar’s unofficial development policy. Every day, trains leave Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur packed with young men headed to Delhi, Punjab, or Mumbai for work. This cycle hollows out communities: villages are left with elderly parents and women, while the youth live precariously in cities, building other states’ economies.
For many families, remittances are the only lifeline. For the state, it’s a permanent brain drain.
Is Bihar Really Progressing?
On paper, Bihar sometimes records impressive growth rates. GDP growth spurts make headlines, and Patna shows visible signs of modernity — malls, bridges, gleaming offices.
But step beyond the capital, and the picture darkens:
- Per capita income remains the lowest in India.
- Literacy and health indicators lag behind most states.
- Corruption cases keep rising despite reform claims.
- Political instability from party switching keeps long-term planning weak.
So, is Bihar really progressing? The evidence suggests progress is at best partial and patchy. Some highways are new, some governance indicators improved, but the systemic problems — corruption, opportunistic politics, underinvestment, migration — still define everyday life.
The Contrast With Its Past
The irony is sharp. This is the same land that once taught the world the value of wisdom, compassion, and collective governance. From Ashoka’s pillars to JP Narayan’s calls for revolution, Bihar has always stood for moral courage.
Today, its politics often stands for opportunism. Its governance is marked by scams and unfinished projects. Its youth, rather than leading, are forced to leave.
The contrast between the world’s first republic in Vaishali and the pendulum politics of Nitish Kumar is painful. The contrast between Nalanda’s library and today’s underfunded schools is stark.
The Road Ahead
For Bihar to reclaim its potential, three changes are essential:
- Clean governance — corruption cases must not be token arrests but systemic reforms.
- Stable politics — leaders must look beyond personal survival and work on long-term priorities.
- Inclusive development — infrastructure must reach villages, schools must function, health centers must heal, and industries must create jobs at home.
Until then, Bihar’s story will remain that of a land of ancient glory caught in modern struggle — where history is an inspiration, but the present is a reminder of squandered opportunities.
Disclaimer: This story has been developed with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised that some interpretations and contextual narratives are generated with AI support. Verified sources have been cited where available. The views expressed should not be taken as legal, political, or financial advice.