Formation of Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Formation of Bihar

Bihar has a long history of being recognized as an independent entity, even though its boundaries have changed over time. The movement to establish Bihar as a separate political unit began in 1889. Since then, Bihar underwent several changes and eventually became an integral part of Independent India in 1947. In 2000, Bihar further divided itself to create the state of Jharkhand.

Early Advocacy for a Separate Bihar

• Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the first to advocate for a separate Bihar as a political unit in 1889.
• In 1894, he helped launch the journal Bihar Times to promote the idea of creating a Bihar Province.
• Dr. Sinha was a member of the Indian National Congress from 1899 to 1920 and participated in the Home Rule League Movement.
• He played a significant role in advocating for a separate province of Bihar.

Creation of Bihar Province

In 1911, the Hardinge Dispatch recommended the separation of Bihar from Bengal due to cultural and linguistic differences. In response to growing agitation and political pressure, the British Government decided to create Bihar as a separate province. On April 1, 1912, the new province of Bihar and Odisha was established. A Legislative Council with 43 members was formed in 1912, with Patna as the capital. The council's first meeting was held on January 20, 1913, in Bankipore.

Bihar's separation from Bengal in 1912 was significant for two reasons:

• Bihar became a separate province.
• The 27th Session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bankipur, Patna.

This period sparked a new political awareness in Bihar, leading to increased participation in the Congress Party, especially among Muslims. Satyendra Prasanna Sinha became the first Governor of Bihar and Orissa in 1920, and the Legislative Council was expanded under the Mont-Ford Reforms of 1919.

Separation of Bihar from Odisha

• In 1936, Bihar and Odisha were separated into two distinct provinces, marking a significant milestone in Bihar's administrative history. This separation was facilitated by the Government of India Act of 1935, which introduced various reforms and laid the groundwork for increased provincial autonomy.
• The Act of 1935 not only enabled the creation of separate provinces but also paved the way for general elections in Bihar. These elections were a crucial step towards self-governance and political empowerment in the region.

Formation of Government in Bihar

• Following the elections, the Indian National Congress emerged as the dominant party in Bihar. On March 24, 1937, Sri Krishna Singh, the leader of the Congress Party in Bihar, was invited by Governor MG Hellet to form the government. However, Krishna Singh declined the offer, citing the lack of independent decision-making power for Indians at that time.
• Subsequently, Mohd Yunus was invited to form the government, becoming the first Prime Minister of Bihar in 1937. During British rule, the head of state was referred to as the Prime Minister. Yunus's government lasted until July 20, 1937, when Sri Krishna Singh and the Congress Cabinet took over.
• The Congress Party formed the first Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) in Bihar, with Sri Krishna Singh as the Prime Minister. The assembly had 152 members, and notable cabinet members included Narayan Singh, Dr. Syed Mehmood, and Jaglal Choudhary. However, the Legislative Assembly was inactive from 1939 to 1945 due to India's involvement in World War II as part of British rule.

Bihar During India’s Independence

On 15th August 1947, when India gained independence, Bihar continued to exist as a separate state within the newly formed nation. It was recognized as a state of India, and it was decided that Bihar would continue to hold elections for its Legislative Assembly as before.

First General Elections in Bihar

• Following India’s independence and the adoption of the Indian Constitution, Bihar conducted its first general elections in 1952. The strength of the Legislative Assembly was increased to 331 members, including one nominated member. A Legislative Council was also established as a permanent body.
• Dr. Sri Krishna Singh became the first Chief Minister of Bihar, with Anugrah Narayan Singh serving as the Deputy Chief Minister.

State Reorganisation Commission

• In 1956, the State Reorganisation Commission was formed to reorganise the boundaries of several states in India, including Bihar, under the State Reorganisation Act, 1956. As a result, the boundaries of Bihar were altered. Minor territories in the Manbhum and Purnea districts were transferred to West Bengal, while Kishanganj remained part of Bihar.
• On 1st November 1956, the Commission transferred an area of 3,166 square miles from Bihar to West Bengal. The number of members in the Bihar Legislative Assembly was reduced from 331 to 318. This number remained in place from the second general elections in Bihar until 1977. In 1977, following the recommendation of the Delimitation Commission, the number of Legislative Assembly members was increased from 318 to 324.

Formation of Jharkhand from Bihar

Bihar underwent its second reorganisation in the year 2000, leading to the creation of the state of Jharkhand. This division was based on the Bihar Reorganisation Act, 2000, which came into effect on 15th November 2000. Jharkhand was formed by taking 45.85% of Bihar’s land area, which included 18 districts transferred from Bihar. Bihar retained 37 districts.
Following this reorganisation:

• The number of Legislative Assembly members in Bihar was reduced from 324 to 243.
• The number of Lok Sabha members from Bihar was decreased from 54 to 40.
• The Bihar Legislative Council was also resized from 96 to 75 members.

Since 2000, these numbers have remained unchanged.