Bihar, one of Indias most historically and culturally significant states, is situated in the eastern part of the country. The state is defined by its geographic position, diverse landscapes, and its role as a corridor linking northern and eastern India. Below is a detailed examination of the location, extent, and related aspects of Bihar.
1. Geographical Location
Latitude and Longitude
Bihar lies between:
Latitude: 2420'10"N to 2731'15"N
Longitude: 8319'50"E to 8817'40"E
This geographic position places Bihar in the northern hemisphere and in the subtropical zone, contributing to its distinctive climate and vegetation patterns.
Boundaries
Bihar is a landlocked state bordered by:
North: Nepal, with the Himalayan foothills serving as a natural boundary.
South: Jharkhand.
West: Uttar Pradesh.
East: West Bengal.
The state's strategic location has historically made it a vital link between northern and eastern India, as well as a gateway to Nepal.
2. Total Area and Extent
Bihar spans a total area of 94,163 square kilometers, making it the 13th largest state in India by area. It accounts for approximately 2.86% of the total geographical area of the country.
Shape and Physical Extent
The state has a roughly rectangular shape.
Maximum length (north-south): 345 km
Maximum width (east-west): 483 km
3. Administrative Divisions
Bihar is divided into 38 districts, which are further grouped into 9 administrative divisions:
Patna
Tirhut
Saran
Darbhanga
Kosi
Purnia
Bhagalpur
Munger
Magadh
Each division plays a crucial role in the administrative and economic organization of the state.
4. Physiographic Features
The Northern Plains
Bihars terrain is dominated by the fertile plains of the Ganga River basin, a part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The alluvial soils deposited by the Ganga and its tributaries make the region agriculturally prosperous.
Rivers: Major rivers like the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and Son traverse the state.
Flood-Prone Areas: The northern regions, especially those near the Kosi River, are prone to flooding.
Southern Plateau
The southern part of Bihar includes the northern edges of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, characterized by:
Undulating terrain
Rocky outcrops
Mineral-rich areas
Foothills of the Himalayas
The northernmost areas of Bihar, bordering Nepal, include the Terai region, known for:
Marshy lands
Rich biodiversity
5. Climatic Conditions
The geographical location of Bihar gives it a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by:
Hot summers: Temperatures range from 25C to 45C.
Cold winters: Temperatures range from 4C to 20C.
Monsoon season: Receives annual rainfall of about 1000-1200 mm, mostly from the southwest monsoon.
6. Geopolitical Significance
Proximity to Nepal
Bihar shares a 726 km long international border with Nepal. This proximity enhances trade, cultural exchange, and geopolitical importance.
Economic Corridors
Bihars location makes it a pivotal region in India's eastern economic corridor, connecting:
The north (Uttar Pradesh)
The east (West Bengal)
The southern mineral belt (Jharkhand)
7. Natural Resources
Bihar's geographical extent contributes to its rich natural resources:
Agriculture: Fertile plains for rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane cultivation.
Minerals: Though limited compared to Jharkhand, some southern districts like Gaya have mineral deposits.
Forests: Small but significant forest areas in the southern regions.
8. Transport and Connectivity
Roadways
Bihar is connected by the Golden Quadrilateral highway network and other major national highways such as NH 19, NH 31, and NH 28.
Railways
The state has an extensive railway network, connecting it to major cities in India. Key railway junctions include:
Patna
Muzaffarpur
Gaya
Airways
Bihar has two operational airports:
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna
Gaya International Airport
9. Impact of Location on Economy
The geographic location and extent of Bihar influence its economy in several ways:
Agriculture: The fertile Gangetic plains support robust agricultural activity.
Trade: Proximity to Nepal and connectivity to major Indian states bolster trade and commerce.
Tourism: Its central location in eastern India makes it a hub for cultural and religious tourism.
10. Challenges Due to Location
Floods
The low-lying plains, coupled with the rivers like Kosi (often termed the "Sorrow of Bihar"), result in frequent flooding.
Seismic Vulnerability
Bihar lies in a seismic zone prone to earthquakes, particularly in its northern regions near the Himalayan foothills.