Sarnath (near Varanasi) is where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Note: While Sarnath is technically in UP, it has strong historical connections to Bihar's Buddhist heritage.

The Grand Trunk Road (now NH-1) was built by Sher Shah Suri primarily to facilitate trade, communication, and movement of armies across the empire, connecting Delhi to Bengal.

Vaishali is prominently mentioned in Jain scriptures as the birthplace of Mahavira and an important center of Jain learning and culture.

Nalanda district is historically significant as the location of the ancient Nalanda University and is associated with Emperor Ashoka's Buddhist heritage.

Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan Empire with capital at Pataliputra, conquered and united most of the Indian subcontinent around 322-298 BCE.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born in Bengal but deeply connected to Bihar through his work, is credited with founding the Brahmo Samaj, a major reform movement.

Sarnath is located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, where Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar, attained nirvana at Pawapuri (also called Pava) in Bihar at the age of 72.

Vaishali was the capital of the Licchavi Republic and was part of the Vajji confederacy, making it an important republican center in ancient India.

Xuanzang (also known as Hiuen Tsang) visited Nalanda University in the 7th century CE during the reign of King Harsha and spent considerable time studying there.