The Nalanda district’s administrative center, Bihar Sharif, is the fifth-largest sub-metropolitan region in the Bihar state in eastern India. Its name is a mix of the words Bihar, which comes from the Sanskrit word vihara, which means monastery, and Sharif (meaning noble).
The city serves as a center for trade and education in southern Bihar, and the city’s economy is based on agriculture with support from tourism, the education industry, and household manufacturing. Near the city are the remains of the historic Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the rule of the Pala Empire, Bihar Sharif became the site of Odantapuri, an important Buddhist monastic university. The Delhi Sultanate overran the city at the start of the fourteenth century.
History of Bihar Sharif
In the 10th century CE, Bihar Sharif served as the Pala dynasty’s seat of government. The town is home to a Gupta pillar from the fifth century as well as several mosques and Muslim graves, the most well-known of which is Malik Ibrahim Baya’s tomb on Pir Pahadi Hill. The ruins of Odantapuri, a significant vihara or college of Buddhist study from which the name Bihar was derived, are nearby.
The city became a municipality in 1869. In addition to being a commerce gateway for agriculture, it is now a major rail and road hub. Magadh University in Bodh Gaya is associated with a number of its colleges. The Buddhist monastic center of Nalanda is located southwest of Bihar-Sharif.
Between the 13th and 16th centuries, Bihar Sharif served as the seat of the Muslim Governors of Bihar. During this time, the city was a vibrant cultural hub and a significant center for Muslim philosophy and scholarship. Invaders from the Turkish and Pashtun tribes frequently stationed their troops in abandoned viharas.
The town, called “Bihar,” functioned as the administrative hub for Muslim invaders in the Magadha area throughout the Middle Ages. Later, Sher Shah Suri renamed the whole Magadha area Bihar and shifted the administrative headquarters from Bihar to Patana (now Patna). Nearly 80% of the Muslim people in Bihar Sharif and the nearby territories are of Turkish and Afghan descent, particularly among the middle and higher classes, but also among the lower classes.
The Bukhari Mosque and other Middle-Eastern Islamic structures may be seen in the city’s old district. Numerous pilgrims of various religions visit the sacred graves of Syed Ibrahim Malik Biya and Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a Muslim saint who lived in the 14th century.
Geography
Small town Bihar Sharif is perched atop a rocky outcrop. It is 13 km from the ruins at Nalanda and 80 km from Patna, the state capital. The train and bus service between the town and Patna is excellent.
On top of a rugged cliff, there sits a small settlement. The Bukhari Mosque and other structures in the town’s historic district display Middle Ages Islamic architecture. Many thousands of pilgrims of all faiths pay a visit to the revered Syed Ibrahim Malik Biya and the holy Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din tombs. Bihar Sharif is situated east of the Paimar River, a tributary of the Ganges, in the middle Bihar State in northeastern India and is more frequently referred to as Bihar City.
It houses a Gupta pillar from the 5th century AD, several Muslim mosques, and tombs. It served as the Pala dynasty’s capital in the 10th century AD. The ruins of Odantapuri (q.v.), a significant vihara or college of Buddhist education from which the name Bihar was derived, are close by.
Things to do in Bihar Sharif
Some of the must-see locations in Bihar Sharif are listed below:
1. Tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharif-Ud-Din
The shrine of the Sufi Saint Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Sharif-ud-din is quite lovely. On the river’s southern bank lies a tomb that dates back to 1569. On the fifth day of the savan season (July–August), the local Muslims congregate here to commemorate his passing and disseminate his teachings. However, non-Muslim devotees also flock to this mosque.
It also serves as a symbol of inner religious peace and the straightforward principles of secularism and unity in diversity. Overall, it represents the city’s Islamic culture, which has become an essential component of its character.
2. Odantapuri
Odantapuri should be on your travel itinerary if you enjoy history. The early Odantapuri University, a huge vihara built as early as the 8th century B.C. and also known as Odantapura and Uddandapura, was the principal location for learning Buddhism and the Buddhist culture. But Gopala, a Pala dynasty ruler, didn’t find this location until the 7th century.
It was regarded as one of the greatest learning institutions, along with Nalanda University. Even though it is in ruins, this place nonetheless exudes a regal historical ambiance that permeates every breath you take. The local army commander for the Mughal Emperor, Bakhtiyar Khilji, set fire to this university in the 13th century.
3. Nalanda University
Who can deny the greatness and significance of this historic location? It is rare to come across a group of Lord Buddha sculptures, red brick buildings, and a length of an old garden that is as stunning. The Nalanda University Archaeological Complex, Nava Nalanda Mahavira, and Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall are a few of the noteworthy historical attractions. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, undoubtedly.
A number of renowned dynasties and empires that formerly ruled Bihar Sharif are still visible in the city’s surroundings.
4. Jarasandha Ka Akhara
The Nalanda District’s Rajgir is home to Ranbhumi, also known as Jarasandha ka Akhara. The place’s name is derived from Jarasandha, the name of the Magdhan Emperor. Legend has it that one of the longest-lasting battles in the Mahabharata War, which lasted 27 days, took place here between Bhim and Jarasandha.
Maniyar Math and Sonbhandar caves are a couple of the neighboring archaeological sites to check out. Visitors can travel by bus to this location from Sitamarhi and Nalanda, among other places.
5. Tomb of Malik Ibrahim Vaya
This historical tomb will transport you back to the very beginning of Bihar Sharif’s history and serve as a vivid reminder of the city’s appearance in its heyday. The site, which sits on the Bari Pahari hill, is encircled by the remains of the Jarasandha Jail.
Your thoughts will undoubtedly be calmed by the hill and its lush mountain. Due to his administrative accomplishments, Malik Ibrahim Vaya stood out among the numerous Muslim kings, making him one of the finest kings to reign as Bihar Sharif. To honor this great king and his service, this mausoleum was erected in 1596.
How to reach Bihar Sharif?
By Road
On the National Highway-31, The cities of Patna (80 km), Ranchi (250 km), Jamshedpur (325 km), Gaya (90 km), Bhagalpur (230 km), Rajgir (22 km), Nalanda (13 km), and Pawapuri are all accessible by good transportation.
By Train
Train connections to Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, Rajgir, and Varanasi are excellent (on the loop line).
By Air
Patna is the closest airport.
Booking Process for Bihar Sharif
Renting a car from Patna to Bihar Sharif is a pretty basic and quick process. Nowadays, anyone can easily rent a car using their online phone and visit the company’s official website. This is made possible by the simple availability of the internet and smartphones. You will come and take a car at the time specified on the reservation.
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Conclusion
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