The Gupta Empire, considered the golden age of India, established control over the Magadha region and Bihar during the 4th-5th century CE under rulers like Chandragupta II.

Nalanda University, at its peak, had approximately 10,000 students and 2,000 faculty members from various parts of Asia, making it a major international center of learning.

Xuanzang (629-645 CE), the Chinese Buddhist scholar and traveler, visited Nalanda University and wrote detailed accounts of the university and its academic excellence.

The ancient kingdom of Anga was located in the eastern part of Bihar, with its capital at Champa. It was mentioned in Vedic and post-Vedic texts.

The Kesaria Stupa, one of the largest stupas in India, was built to commemorate Gautama Buddha and contains important Buddhist relics and archaeological significance.

Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, is located in the Gaya district of Bihar. The Mahabodhi Temple here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bihar was carved out as a separate state on March 26, 1956, following the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Before this, it was part of the United Province (later UP) and then the Bihar and Orissa Province.

Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) was the capital of the Magadha kingdom and later became the capital of the Mauryan Empire. It was one of the largest and most magnificent cities of ancient India.

Mithila region is located in Northern Bihar, covering parts of Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Ranti districts. It is famous for Madhubani or Mithila paintings, a distinctive art form with UNESCO recognition.

Emperor Ashoka, after witnessing the bloodshed in the Kalinga War, embraced Buddhism and made it his mission to spread the religion across Asia through missionaries and edicts inscribed on pillars and rocks.