Complete History Notes on Formation of Bihar for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History of Bihar-19
Here’s a detailed explanation of the Formation of Bihar , designed specifically for PSC Mains (History/Polity/GS-I):
Formation of Bihar
On 22 March 1912, both Bihar and Orissa were separated from the Bengal Presidency and administered as the Bihar and Orissa Province. On 1 April 1936, Bihar and Orissa became separate provinces. The Government of India Act 1935 provided for the election of a provincial legislative assembly and a responsible government
A Landmark in the Political and Administrative History of Eastern India
Historical Background
| Period | Context |
| Before 1912 | Bihar was part of the Bengal Presidency, which included present-day West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. |
| 22 March 1912 | Bihar and Orissa were carved out as a separate province from Bengal. This was largely due to growing administrative difficulties and regional aspirations. |
| 1936 | Bihar and Orissa were separated into two individual provinces on 1 April 1936, by a decision of the British colonial government. |
Reasons for Separation (1936)
| Factor | Explanation |
| Administrative Efficiency | Managing Bihar and Orissa as a single province was proving difficult due to their distinct linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic identities. |
| Cultural and Linguistic Differences | Oriya-speaking population of Orissa and Hindi-Magahi-Maithili speaking population of Bihar had different demands and historical backgrounds. |
| Demand for Separate Identities | Both regions had local elites, politicians, and reformers demanding separate administrative setups to better represent their interests. |
| Education and Cultural Movements | Rising regional awareness in education, literature, and press created momentum for separate provinces. |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Provided for reorganization of provinces, paving the way for the creation of autonomous provinces with elected governments. |
Key Dates and Events
| Year | Event |
| 22 March 1912 | Formation of the Bihar and Orissa Province. |
| 1935 | Government of India Act passed, allowing more autonomy and structure for provincial governments. |
| 1 April 1936 | Official separation of Bihar and Orissa into two distinct provinces. |
| 1937 | First elections held under the 1935 Act; Sri Krishna Sinha became the first Premier of Bihar. |
Important Personalities Involved
- Sir Maurice Hallett – First Governor of independent Bihar province (1936–1937).
- Sri Krishna Sinha – Became Premier of Bihar in 1937, and first Chief Minister post-Independence.
- Anugrah Narayan Sinha – Deputy to Sinha, played major role in administration and provincial politics.
Significance of 1936 Formation
| Dimension | Impact |
| Political Identity | Bihar gained its own political and administrative identity, separate from Bengal and Orissa. |
| Self-governance | Paved the way for provincial autonomy and later democratic governance post-1937 elections. |
| Capital Established | Patna became the administrative and political capital of Bihar. |
| Rise of Regional Leadership | Leaders like Sri Krishna Sinha, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, and Rajendra Prasad emerged as key figures in Indian politics. |
| Strengthening of National Movement | Bihar became a hub for anti-British activities, especially in the 1942 Quit India Movement. |
Conclusion: Formation of Bihar
Bihar was granted statehood on March 22, 1912, following the announcement made at the Delhi Durbar of King George V in 1911. Prior to this, Bihar was part of the larger Bengal Presidency, and its separation, along with Orissa, was a result of the Bengal Partition carried out by the British. March 22 is thus celebrated as Bihar’s Foundation Day.
Later, in accordance with the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935, Bihar and Orissa were formally separated into distinct provinces on April 1, 1936, to address the administrative, linguistic, and cultural needs of the regions. This development marked a significant turning point in Bihar’s history, as it gave the province a distinct identity and political structure, fostering regional aspirations and nurturing a new generation of Bihari leadership that contributed significantly to India’s freedom movement and post-independence progress.
In 1937, under the new administrative setup, Mohammad Yunus became the first Prime Minister of Bihar—then the title used for the head of the provincial government during British rule.
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