When we speak of Bihar we are remembered of ancient India when Buddhism was evolving into what now is an universal religion.
The Word "Bihar" has been coined from "Vihara" meaning Buddhist Monastries. At one time in the epoch of history these "viharas" were all strewn over the landscape of Bihar, around villages and cities alike.
Patna its capital city today, Patliputra in those times was home to one of the greatest monarchs in the history of the world who ruled over much of the Indian - Subcontinent and extended as far as Iran and Afghanistan to the West.