Celebrating Bihar: The Charm of Champaran

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The book highlights the history, natural beauty, art, culture, and recent development of Champaran and the adjoining region. The first part ('Nature') focuses on the natural wealth of Champaran: the Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve, Udaipur Bird Sanctuary, 'Saraiya Mann' lake, and other well-known natural habitats. The secondpart ('History, Art, and Culture') covers the history, art, and culture of Champaran, which lies on the Buddhist trail (majestic stupa and pillars at Kesaria, Lauria Nandangarh, and Rampurva) and on the Ramayana trail (Valmiki Ashram and Chankigarh) and on the Gandhian trail (Gandhi Ashram at Bhitiharwa finds vivid mention in My Experiments with Truth). This section includes rare photographs relating to the Bettiah Raj Dynasty (including that of Sheesh Mahal) and priceless Moonga statues, and will also cover the unique Tharu Tribal Culture (a matriarchal tribe who had migrated from Rajasthan long back). The third part ('Infrastructure') focuses on the recent infrastructural developments that Bihar has witnessed: from a recently constructed barrage, new roads, and the Gondak Canal to the growth of sugar industry. With a Foreword by Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, the book will include a short introductory note by the Secretary, Human Resource Development Ministry setting the context for the book.