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SANDHAN
Regaining the Glory of Bihar
Reviving heritage, empowering culture, and celebrating Bihar’s timeless legacy.
Every piece of heritage we protect today, inspires generations to come.
About Sandhan
Reviving Bihar’s Cultural and Intellectual Renaissance
Established in 2008, Sandhan is a committed non-governmental organization based in Bihar, striving to revive the state’s cultural pride, historical wisdom, and community resilience. With deep roots in Bihar’s ancient legacy, we work tirelessly to connect the present generation with the region’s timeless traditions, intellectual achievements, and social reform movements. Our initiatives span historical research, grassroots mobilization, rural education, heritage conservation, and youth empowerment.
At Sandhan, we believe Bihar’s story is not just of the past — it is a living legacy waiting to inspire a brighter future. From the teachings of Nalanda University to the vibrant motifs of Madhubani art, from the sacred energy of Dev Sun Temple to the natural serenity of Kaimur waterfalls, every corner of Bihar holds a narrative worth preserving. We actively engage with local communities, scholars, and artists to document, celebrate, and protect these diverse elements of identity.
Our goal is to awaken a sense of pride and purpose among Biharis — especially the youth — and to foster inclusive growth rooted in cultural consciousness. Through festivals, publications, heritage walks, digital storytelling, and civic awareness programs, Sandhan is building a movement to reclaim Bihar’s legacy and reshape its future.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see Bihar emerge as a vibrant hub of knowledge, culture, and social progress.
We aim to empower communities and youth by blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation.
By reviving heritage and fostering inclusivity, Bihar will become a model for sustainable and enlightened growth.
Our Mission
Our mission is to revive Bihar’s cultural and intellectual legacy, empowering communities and youth through education and civic engagement.
We aim to promote forgotten traditions, heroes, and local histories while driving grassroots development.
Through every initiative, we strive to foster pride, identity, and inclusive social change across Bihar.
Our Bihar
Preserving Bihar’s Culture & Legacy Your Support Helps Us Celebrate Our Roots
From the rhythmic traditions of the Tharu tribe to the spiritual silence of the Dev Sun Temple and Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Bihar is a land where history, culture, and nature co-exist in harmony.
Whether it’s the graceful folk dances, the vibrant strokes of Madhubani art, or the serenity of natural waterfalls in Kaimur and Rohtas, each element of Bihar's identity tells a story of resilience and pride.
With your contribution, we can preserve:
Sacred temples and ancient monuments
Indigenous cultures and tribal traditions
Natural landmarks and eco-heritage
56+ Cultural Sites Documented & Supported
Let's stand together to honor the past, protect the present, and inspire the future.
Start Helping
Our Bihar
Cultural Highlights from Bihar
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Present
Buddhist Meditation Centre in Bodh Gaya
A new spiritual center aimed at boosting global tourism and local identity.
02
Tharu Tribal Festival in Valmiki Nagar
A celebration of indigenous art, dance, and cuisine that brings tribal culture to the forefront.
04
01
Nalanda University Expansion Plan
A modern international academic hub being built alongside the ruins of the ancient Nalanda seat of learning.
03
Ancient Terracotta Sculptures in Buxar
Rare finds from the Gupta period showcased to highlight Bihar’s hidden history.
Legacy of Chandragupta Maurya in Focus
New archaeological initiatives shed light on the Mauryan emperor’s connection to present-day Bihar.
06
Makhana from Mithilanchal Gets Global Recognition
A celebration of indigenous art, dance, and cuisine that brings tribal culture to the forefront.
08
05
Focus on Patna Kalam Painting Tradition
Patna Kalam painting tradition blends Mughal finesse with local artistry, depicting everyday life, culture, and nature beautifully.
07
Development at Vikramshila University Site
Rare finds from the Gupta period showcased to highlight Bihar’s hidden history.
Our Bihar
Cultural Highlights from Bihar
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Present
Nalanda University Expansion Plan
A modern international academic hub being built alongside the ruins of the ancient Nalanda seat of learning.
Ancient Terracotta Sculptures in Buxar
Rare finds from the Gupta period showcased to highlight Bihar’s hidden history.
Buddhist Meditation Centre in Bodh Gaya
A new spiritual center aimed at boosting global tourism and local identity.
Tharu Tribal Festival in Valmiki Nagar
A celebration of indigenous art, dance, and cuisine that brings tribal culture to the forefront.
Focus on Patna Kalam Painting Tradition
Patna Kalam painting tradition blends Mughal finesse with local artistry, depicting everyday life, culture, and nature beautifully.
Development at Vikramshila University Site
Rare finds from the Gupta period showcased to highlight Bihar’s hidden history.
Legacy of Chandragupta Maurya in Focus
New archaeological initiatives shed light on the Mauryan emperor’s connection to present-day Bihar.
Makhana from Mithilanchal Gets Global Recognition
A celebration of indigenous art, dance, and cuisine that brings tribal culture to the forefront.
Preserving Bihar’s Historic Monuments for Future Generations
Maner Sharif Restoration Efforts
Home to renowned Sufi shrines, Maner Sharif is undergoing thoughtful restoration to boost spiritual tourism, celebrate Bihar’s syncretic cultural legacy, attract heritage enthusiasts, create local job opportunities, and ensure this historical site remains a vibrant symbol of communal harmony.
Ashokan Pillar, Vaishali: Preserving Bihar’s Legacy of Peace and History
The Ashokan Pillar in Vaishali symbolizes Bihar’s Buddhist legacy and Ashoka’s vision of peace. Erected in the 3rd century BCE, its single lion capital showcases ancient India’s governance, moral values, and enduring cultural and historical significance.
Rohtas Fort: Protecting Bihar’s Majestic Hilltop Legacy
Rohtas Fort, perched in the Kaimur hills, exemplifies Bihar’s medieval strength, military strategy, and architectural brilliance. Its massive gates, ancient temples, and intricate carvings reflect the region’s resilience and historical importance as one of India’s grandest hill forts.
Vikramshila: Reviving Bihar’s Ancient Seat of Learning
Vikramshila University, once a major Buddhist learning center from the 8th to 12th centuries, reflects Bihar’s intellectual legacy. Its ruins near Bhagalpur highlight a golden era of scholarship, spiritual learning, and India's historic role in preserving Buddhist philosophy.
Important Performing Art of Bihar
Folk dances
Jat-Jatin
A popular folk dance of North Bihar, mainly in the Mithila and Koshi regions. Performed by couples, it humorously depicts playful quarrels between husband and wife. Usually staged on moonlit nights during the monsoon, this dance reflects rural life, social harmony, and cultural traditions of the region.
Domkach
A traditional dance performed during marriage ceremonies by the bride’s and groom’s families. Dancers form a semi-circle, hold hands, and sing satirical, joyful songs. Historically, women also performed Domkach to guard homes from thieves during the groom’s wedding procession to the bride’s house.
Jhijhian Dance
A traditional folk dance of Bihar performed by village women to worship Lord Indra. It is mainly done during droughts as a devotional prayer for rain, reflecting the community’s deep connection with agriculture, faith, and the cultural importance of seasonal rituals in rural life.
Kajari Dance
A seasonal folk dance of Bihar, performed by women during the rainy month of Shravan. It expresses emotions of love, longing, and joy linked to the monsoon. Through soulful songs and graceful movements, Kajari reflects the cultural bond between nature, festivals, and rural women’s traditions.
Jhumeri Dance
A traditional folk dance of Bihar, similar to Gujarat’s Garba. It is performed by married women in the Mithilanchal region. The dance is especially popular during the Kartik month, with performances held on full moon nights, celebrating joy, togetherness, and cultural traditions of rural Bihar.
Harvesting Dance
A joyous folk dance of Bihar performed by both men and women during the harvest season. It expresses gratitude for a successful crop and celebrates the farmers’ hard work. Through rhythmic movements and songs, the dance reflects community bonding, prosperity, and the agrarian traditions of rural Bihar.
Sohar-Khilouna Dance
A traditional folk dance of Bihar performed to celebrate the birth of a child. Women sing joyous songs, often comparing the newborn to deities like Lord Rama and Krishna. The dance symbolizes happiness, blessings, and cultural traditions associated with family, fertility, and the continuation of lineage.
Music
Folk songs
Folk Songs of Bihar: These songs are linked to life events, such as Sumangali for weddings, Sohar for births, and Ropnigeet during paddy planting. Other popular forms include Purbi, Chaita, Hori, Bidesia, Ghato, Birha, Kajari, Irni/Birni, Pachra, Jhumar, Jatsari, Aalah, Nirgun, and Samdaun, reflecting Bihar’s cultural traditions, festivals, and rural life.
Classical music
Bihar has contributed significantly to Indian classical music, notably through the Dhrupad singers of the Darbhanga and Bettiah Gharanas and the Dagar School of Dhrupad . Gaya is also known as a center for popularizing classical music styles like Tappa and Thumri. Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, a renowned shehnai player, was also born in Bihar.
Bidesia
A form of folk theatre that explores contrasting themes like tradition and modernity, urban and rural life, and wealth and poverty. It often raises social issues related to women, lower castes, and the struggles of poor villagers whose husbands migrate to cities for work and neglect them. Male actors play female roles. Bhikari Thakur, a famous Bihari artist and playwright, is credited with its development.
Important visual arts of Bihar
Madhubani painting (Mithila art)
Origin: This ancient art form from the Mithila region of Bihar is known for its vivid colors and intricate designs.
Themes: Traditionally created by women, it depicts mythology (Ramayana), nature (sun, moon, tulsi), and social events like weddings.
Characteristics: Features bold lines, detailed patterns, and natural colors, often filling spaces with floral, geometric, and animal motifs.
Significance: It holds deep cultural and religious value, symbolizing Maithili women’s identity and storytelling tradition.
Manjusha painting (Angika art)
Origin: This unique storytelling art originated in the Bhagalpur region of Bihar, showcasing the rich local tradition of narrative painting.
Themes: It primarily depicts the folklore of Bihula-Bishahari, illustrating mythological stories and episodes from this legendary narrative.
Characteristics: Known for its sequential style, it tells a story across multiple paintings and uses vibrant colors like pink, green, and yellow.
Note: Manjusha art is distinct from Madhubani painting in its themes, style, and relatively limited color palette, emphasizing narrative continuity.
Patna Kalam (Patna School of Painting)
Origin: An offshoot of Mughal painting, Patna Kalam flourished in Patna during the 18th and 19th centuries, developing a distinct local style.
Themes: Unlike Mughal art, it depicted the everyday lives of common people, including festivals, ceremonies, bazaars, and domestic scenes.
Characteristics: Known for delicate brushwork, fine details, and a blend of Mughal, Persian, and British artistic influences.
Technique: Features kajli seahi, a method where paintings are created directly with the brush without preliminary pencil sketches.
Tikuli art
Origin: This unique painting style, with roots dating back around eight hundred years, originated in Patna, Bihar.
Themes: It is inspired by Hindu deities like Krishna, Indian wedding scenes, and Bihari festivals.
Characteristics: Traditionally painted on thin glass sheets with natural colors, gold foil, and jewels; today, enamel designs on timber or hardboard are also common.
Significance: Tikuli art preserves Bihar’s cultural heritage, showcases artisans’ creativity, promotes local traditions, and provides livelihood opportunities to many families.
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- Heritage Sites
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"Let Bihar be known again — not just for where it has been, but for where it can lead."
"Bihar is not just a place — it’s a pulse of India’s ancient soul, waiting to be heard again."
Our Bihar
Join the Movement
Stand with Us in Reviving Bihar’s Cultural Pride, Social Strength, and Intellectual Glory
Our Core Initiatives Reviving Bihar's legacy through community-driven cultural action
🟤 Artisan Empowerment
Supporting Madhubani, Sujni, and other traditional art forms by providing artisans with resources, training, and direct market linkages to ensure their craft thrives in the modern era.
🟤 Cultural Conservation
Introducing the youth to Bihar’s rich cultural history, tribal traditions, folk literature, and classical languages through workshops, school programs, and local collaborations.
🟤 Heritage Education
Providing essential vaccinations to prevent the spread of diseases in refugee camps and shelters.
🟤 Nature & Heritage
Promoting eco-cultural tourism by spotlighting Bihar’s natural beauty—like Kakolat Falls, Telhar Kund, and sacred groves—alongside its rural art villages and tribal communities.
🟤 Tribal Inclusion & Preservation
Celebrating and preserving the identity of indigenous communities like the Tharu, Santhal, and Oraon tribes by supporting their livelihoods, documenting oral histories, and integrating tribal knowledge into mainstream development.
Sacred Symbols of Bihar
Cultural Identity Reflected in Sacred Symbols
Bihar’s heritage is richly encoded in its traditional symbols. The Peepal tree, revered in spirituality and known as a source of wisdom in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, stands as a living monument of resilience. The Lotus, blooming from the mud, reflects purity and spiritual awakening — a symbol echoed in Bihar’s ancient teachings. Bamboo, with its strength and flexibility, symbolizes the craftsmanship of rural artisans and is a core material in local livelihoods and rituals.
These symbols are more than nature — they are carriers of identity, memory, and meaning. By honoring them, we reconnect with the roots of Bihar’s living culture.
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Bihar’s Unsung Artists: Taking Local Voices to Global Platforms
Jat-Jatin Folk Dance
A traditional dance drama of Mithila, symbolizing love and hardships—now performed at national and international cultural festivals.
Bidesia Theatre
Created by Bhikhari Thakur, Bidesia highlights migration struggles; now revived in plays, films, and global cultural exchanges.
Chhau Dance
Originally tribal martial dance, Chhau is now featured in world dance events for its storytelling and athletic performance style.
Manjusha Art
Ancient Bhagalpur-origin art once fading, now showcased in exhibitions and products through government support and global designer collaborations.
Sohar Songs
Traditional Bhojpuri songs sung during childbirth, now archived and performed globally to preserve Bihar’s oral musical heritage.
Paag Symbol
The Mithila “Paag” (headgear) symbolizes respect—revived as a cultural icon and promoted globally through events and diplomacy.
Important visual arts of Bihar
Madhubani painting (Mithila art)
Origin: This ancient art form from the Mithila region of Bihar is known for its vivid colors and intricate designs.
Themes: Traditionally created by women, it depicts mythology (Ramayana), nature (sun, moon, tulsi), and social events like weddings.
Characteristics: Features bold lines, detailed patterns, and natural colors, often filling spaces with floral, geometric, and animal motifs.
Significance: It holds deep cultural and religious value, symbolizing Maithili women’s identity and storytelling tradition.
Manjusha painting (Angika art)
Origin: This unique storytelling art originated in the Bhagalpur region of Bihar, showcasing the rich local tradition of narrative painting.
Themes: It primarily depicts the folklore of Bihula-Bishahari, illustrating mythological stories and episodes from this legendary narrative.
Characteristics: Known for its sequential style, it tells a story across multiple paintings and uses vibrant colors like pink, green, and yellow.
Note: Manjusha art is distinct from Madhubani painting in its themes, style, and relatively limited color palette, emphasizing narrative continuity.
Patna Kalam (Patna School of Painting)
Origin: An offshoot of Mughal painting, Patna Kalam flourished in Patna during the 18th and 19th centuries, developing a distinct local style.
Themes: Unlike Mughal art, it depicted the everyday lives of common people, including festivals, ceremonies, bazaars, and domestic scenes.
Characteristics: Known for delicate brushwork, fine details, and a blend of Mughal, Persian, and British artistic influences.
Technique: Features kajli seahi, a method where paintings are created directly with the brush without preliminary pencil sketches.
Tikuli art
Origin: This unique painting style, with roots dating back around eight hundred years, originated in Patna, Bihar.
Themes: It is inspired by Hindu deities like Krishna, Indian wedding scenes, and Bihari festivals.
Characteristics: Traditionally painted on thin glass sheets with natural colors, gold foil, and jewels; today, enamel designs on timber or hardboard are also common.
Significance: Tikuli art preserves Bihar’s cultural heritage, showcases artisans’ creativity, promotes local traditions, and provides livelihood opportunities to many families.
Important Performing Art of Bihar
Folk dances
Jat-Jatin
A popular folk dance of North Bihar, mainly in the Mithila and Koshi regions. Performed by couples, it humorously depicts playful quarrels between husband and wife. Usually staged on moonlit nights during the monsoon, this dance reflects rural life, social harmony, and cultural traditions of the region.
Domkach
A traditional dance performed during marriage ceremonies by the bride’s and groom’s families. Dancers form a semi-circle, hold hands, and sing satirical, joyful songs. Historically, women also performed Domkach to guard homes from thieves during the groom’s wedding procession to the bride’s house.
Jhijhian Dance
A traditional folk dance of Bihar performed by village women to worship Lord Indra. It is mainly done during droughts as a devotional prayer for rain, reflecting the community’s deep connection with agriculture, faith, and the cultural importance of seasonal rituals in rural life.
Kajari Dance
A seasonal folk dance of Bihar, performed by women during the rainy month of Shravan. It expresses emotions of love, longing, and joy linked to the monsoon. Through soulful songs and graceful movements, Kajari reflects the cultural bond between nature, festivals, and rural women’s traditions.
Jhumeri Dance
A traditional folk dance of Bihar, similar to Gujarat’s Garba. It is performed by married women in the Mithilanchal region. The dance is especially popular during the Kartik month, with performances held on full moon nights, celebrating joy, togetherness, and cultural traditions of rural Bihar.
Harvesting Dance
A joyous folk dance of Bihar performed by both men and women during the harvest season. It expresses gratitude for a successful crop and celebrates the farmers’ hard work. Through rhythmic movements and songs, the dance reflects community bonding, prosperity, and the agrarian traditions of rural Bihar.
Sohar-Khilouna Dance
A traditional folk dance of Bihar performed to celebrate the birth of a child. Women sing joyous songs, often comparing the newborn to deities like Lord Rama and Krishna. The dance symbolizes happiness, blessings, and cultural traditions associated with family, fertility, and the continuation of lineage.
Music
Folk songs
Folk Songs of Bihar: These songs are linked to life events, such as Sumangali for weddings, Sohar for births, and Ropnigeet during paddy planting. Other popular forms include Purbi, Chaita, Hori, Bidesia, Ghato, Birha, Kajari, Irni/Birni, Pachra, Jhumar, Jatsari, Aalah, Nirgun, and Samdaun, reflecting Bihar’s cultural traditions, festivals, and rural life.
Classical music
Bihar has contributed significantly to Indian classical music, notably through the Dhrupad singers of the Darbhanga and Bettiah Gharanas and the Dagar School of Dhrupad . Gaya is also known as a center for popularizing classical music styles like Tappa and Thumri. Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, a renowned shehnai player, was also born in Bihar.
Bidesia
A form of folk theatre that explores contrasting themes like tradition and modernity, urban and rural life, and wealth and poverty. It often raises social issues related to women, lower castes, and the struggles of poor villagers whose husbands migrate to cities for work and neglect them. Male actors play female roles. Bhikari Thakur, a famous Bihari artist and playwright, is credited with its development.
