Bihar Sharif

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?Bihar Sharif Bihar • India
Coordinates: (find coordinates)
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
District(s)	Nalanda district
Population	231,972 (2001)

Bihar Sharif (also called Bihar by some) is the headquarters of Nalanda district in the state of Bihar, in India.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Economy
4 Places to Visit
5 Demographics
6 References

[edit] History

Bihar Sharif was once the capital of the Muslim Governors of Bihar between 13th and 16th centuries when the city was an active cultural center and an important seat of Muslim thought and learning.

Bukhari Mosque

[edit] Geography

It is located 80 km from capital of Bihar state Patna. It is 13 km from the ruins at Nalanda. Well connected with Patna via train and buses.

It is small town located on the top of a craggy rock. The old center of the town has examples of medieval Islamic architecture, such as the Bukhari Mosque. Thousand of pilgrims of all religions visit the tombs of Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a Muslim saint of 14th century, and the saintly Syed Ibrahim Malik Biya. also spelled Biharsharif , also called Bihar city, central Bihar state, northeastern India, east of the Paimar River, a tributary of the Ganges. It served as the capital of the Pala dynasty (10th century AD) and contains a 5th-century-AD Gupta pillar and several Muslim mosques and tombs. Nearby lie the remains of Odantapuri (q.v.), a great vihara, or college of Buddhist learning, from which the name Bihar was derived.

[edit] Economy

Agriculture is prime activity.Ideal place for agriculture-based industry. Now days it is also developing as a big cloth market.Famous as mini Surat among businessmen.

[edit] Places to Visit

1) Tomb of Malik Ibrahim Vaya, located at Bari Pahari, Bihar Sharif. A beautiful ancient tomb constructed on top of the rocky hill. Near by are the ruins, which are believed to be as ruins of Jail (prison) of Jarasandh, an emperor of ancient Magadh. The beautiful natural view from the top of the hill is very attractive.

2)Tomb of saint Baba Maniram.The scene around the temple is very clam and beautiful.

3) Mosque of Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a Muslim saint of 14th century.

4) Pawapuri, 7 k.m. south from this town. Sacred place for Jain community. Famous for beautiful temples of God Mahavir.

5) Ruins of Nalanda University is just 15 k.m. away. This used to be one of the top most university in the world since ancient time, till 12th century when it was destroyed by a Muslim emperor Bakhtiyar Khilji.

6) Rajgrih (Rajgir), Place of God 'Budhha' is some 28 k.m. away. Beautiful Temples and Pagodas attract thousands of visitor every year. You will simply love Natural beauty of this place. Located in the lap of mountains, cascades. General believe is that the natural hot water of 'Brahm Kund' here can heal several diseases. It's natural source of hot water still is a mystery for scientists.

7) Bangpur

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^[1], Bihar had a population of 231,972. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bihar has an average literacy rate of 60%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 67% and female literacy of 52%. 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.