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

Introduction

Bihar, a land steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage, has been home to several eminent personalities whose contributions have shaped the intellectual, religious, and philosophical landscape of ancient India. From scholars and philosophers to spiritual leaders and mathematicians, the people of Bihar have left an indelible mark on India's civilization. This text delves into the lives and works of some of the most prominent figures associated with Bihar, including the renowned Buddhist philosopher Asvaghosha, the brilliant mathematician Aryabhatta, the political strategist Chanakya, the revered Jain Tirthankar Mahavira Swami, and other influential individuals like Buddhaghosh, Panini, and Sariputta. Each of these figures made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Asvaghosha

• Asvaghosha was a renowned Buddhist philosopher born in 80 CE at Saket (Ayodhya). He was later handed over to the Kushana King Kanishka by the ruler of Varanasi.
• Following the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, Asvaghosha became a prominent Buddhist scholar. He authored several significant works, including the Buddhacharita, Saundarananda, Mahayana-Shraddhot Pada-Shastra, and Sariputra Prakaran.
• During Kanishka's reign, Asvaghosha was taken to Patliputra after the Kushana ruler attacked the city.

Aryabhatta

• Aryabhatta, born in ancient Kusumpur (present-day Patliputra), was a distinguished astronomer and mathematician.
• He proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun and rotates on its axis, contributing significantly to the understanding of celestial phenomena.
• Aryabhatta is also credited with the concept of zero and conducted studies on solar and lunar eclipses. His most notable work, the Aryabhattiya, was composed in Kusumapura, near Patliputra.

Acharya Chanakya

• Also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, Chanakya served as the minister and political advisor to Chandragupta Maurya.
• He is famous for writing the Arthashastra, a seminal treatise on economics, politics, foreign affairs, administration, military strategy, warfare, and religion. The Arthashastra comprises 15 sections and is considered one of the greatest works of its kind in history.
• Chanakya played a crucial role in the downfall of the Nanda dynasty and the ascension of Chandragupta Maurya to the throne of Magadha.

Buddhaghosh

• Buddhaghosh was born in Morund Khetak village near Bodh Gaya and is known for his significant contributions to Buddhist literature.
• His famous works include Sumangal Vilasini, Manorathapurani, Atthasalini, and Visuddhimagga.
• Buddhaghosh traveled to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism and share his literary works.

Mahavira Swami

• Mahavira Swami, also known as Vardhamana, was born in 540 BC in Kundagrama, located in Vaishali. He belonged to the Jnantrika Kshatriya clan.
• He was the 24th Tirthankar in Jain tradition.

Renunciation and Enlightenment

• At the age of 30, Vardhamana Mahavira left his home in search of spiritual truth.
• After years of rigorous meditation, he attained ‘Kaivalya’ (supreme knowledge) at the age of 42, near the Rijupalika river under a sal tree.

Becoming Jina or Mahavira

• Through Kaivalya, Mahavira overcame the dualities of misery and happiness, earning the titles Jina (the conqueror) and Mahavira (the great hero).

Panini

• Panini was a renowned grammarian who lived in the 6th century BC. He is best known for his work ‘Ashtadhyayi’, a comprehensive treatise on Sanskrit grammar.
• Panini studied grammar in Maner, near modern-day Patna. He is believed to have been born in Shalatula, located in present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Sariputta

• Sariputta was born in the 6th century BC near Rajgir in Bihar. He was originally a Brahmin and a master of the Vedas.
• Despite his background, Sariputta chose to follow the teachings of the Buddha and played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism.

• Role in Buddhism

  • As one of the Buddha’s most important disciples, Sariputta was instrumental in disseminating Buddhist teachings.
  • His knowledge of the Vedas and his intellectual prowess made him a key figure in the early Buddhist community.

Timeline of Ancient India