People of Bihar

The social fabric of Bihar reflects the Indian social macrocosm. Majorities of the people of Bihar are Hindus; a minority practices Islam and there is a substantial number of Christians, area specific to the tribal belt (now part of the new state of Jharkhand). Bihar has gained notoriety for the internecine caste wars between the upper and lower caste Hindus particularly in the backward interior regions. For the most part, Bihar is a feudal society that still perseveres with traditional social biases that lead to class and caste conflicts. A degree of anarchy prevails in the state despite its respect for education and its tolerance for religious diversity.