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At the 2011 Census, Bihar was the third most populous state of India with total population of 104,099,452, nearly 89% of it rural. It was also India's most densely populated state, with 1,106 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio was 918 females per 1000 males.^[1] Almost 58% of Bihar's population was below 25 years age, which is the highest in India. At 11.3%, Bihar has the second-lowest urbanisation rate in India after Himachal Pradesh.^[2]

Most of Bihar's population belongs to a collection of ethnic groups speaking indic languages. It also attracted Punjabi Hindu refugees during the Partition of British India in 1947.^[3] Bihar has a total literacy rate of 63.82% (73.39% for males and 53.33% for females), recording a growth of 20% in female literacy over the preceding decade. According to the 2011 census, 82.7% of Bihar's population practised Hinduism, while 16.9% followed Islam.^[4] Bihar has highest fertility rate of 3.41 in comparison to the other states of India.^[5]

Population

Population by Age group (2001)^[6]
Age Group	Total	Male	Female
0–4	11006072	5623280	5382792
5–9	12804302	6705263	6099039
10–14	11063777	5970201	5093576
15–19	7190188	4028643	3161545
20–24	6323193	3180063	3143130
25–29	5908308	2894706	3013602
30–34	5549787	2713871	2835916
35–39	5077935	2576089	2501846
40–44	4153203	2213770	1939433
45–49	3461664	1778368	1683296
50–54	2711041	1543620	1167421
55–59	2069940	990011	1079929
60–64	2103909	1120743	983166
65–69	1354937	683656	671281
70–74	1029921	571438	458483
75–79	446860	233961	212899
80+	565647	312207	253440
Age not stated	177825	103905	73920
All ages	82998509	43243795	39754714

Religion

Religions in Bihar 2011

Hinduism (82.7%)

Islam (16.9%)

Others (0.4%)

Religion in Bihar
Religion	2001^[7]	2011^[8]
Hinduism	69,076,919	86,078,686
Islam	13,722,048	17,557,809
Christianity	53,137	129,247
Buddhism	18,818	25,453
Sikhism	20,780	23,779
Jainism	16,085	18,914
Other	52,905	13,437
Not stated	n/a^[a]	252,127
Total	82,998,509	104,099,452

Religion in Bihar (%)
Religion	2001^[7]	2011^[8]
Hinduism	83.22	82.69
Islam	16.53	16.87
Christianity	0.06	0.12
Buddhism	0.02	0.02
Sikhism	0.03	0.02
Jainism	0.02	0.02
Other	0.06	0.01
Not stated	n/a^[b]	0.24

As per recently released Bihar caste-based survey 2022, Hinduism is practised by 81.99% and Islam is followed by 17.70%.^[9]

Caste and ethnic groups

As per Bihar government’s Bihar caste-based survey 2022 report, released on 2 October 2023, showed that extremely backward classes (EBCs) account for 36.01 percent of the 13.07 crore population of the state.^[10]^[11] OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population of Bihar.^[12]^[13]

Caste Groups of Bihar^[14]^[15]
Caste Groups	Population^[16] (%)
OBC	27.12%
EBC	36.01%
Dalits(SCs)	19.65%
Forward caste	15.52%
Adivasis(STs)	1.68%

Caste	Population	Percentage
Yadav	18,650,119	14.2666%
Kushwaha (Koeri)	5,506,113	4.212%
Kurmi	3,762,969	2.8785%
Brahmin	4,781,280	3.6575%
Teli	3,677,491	2.8131%
Mallah (Nishad)	3,410,093	2.6086%
Nonia	2,498,474	1.9112%
Kanu	2,892,761	2.2129%
Bania	3,026,912	2.3155%
Bhumihar	3,750,886	2.8693%
Rajput	4,510,733	3.4505%
Dushadh	6,943,000	5.3111%
Musahar	4,035,787	3.0872%
Kayastha	785,771	0.6011%
Ravidas	6,869,664	5.255%

As per, 2011 Census of India, Scheduled Castes constitute 16% of Bihar's 104 million population.^[17] The census identified 21 of 23 Dalit sub-castes as Mahadalits.^[18] Mahadalit community consists of the following sub castes - Bantar, Bauri, Bhogta, Bhuiya, Chaupal, Dabgar, Dom (Dhangad), Ghasi, Halalkhor, Hari (Mehtar, Bhangi), Kanjar, Kurariar, Lalbegi, Musahar, Nat, Pan (Swasi), Rajwar, Turi, Dhobi, Pasi, Chamar and Paswan (Dusadh).^[19] Paswan caste was initially left out of the Mahadalit category.^[20]^[21]^[22] Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes) constitute around 1.3% of Bihar population.^[23]^[24] Tribals include Gond, Santhal and Tharu communities in Bihar.^[25]^[26]
Extremely Backward Class (EBCs) are also sometimes referred to as Most Backward Class(MBCs). There are 130-odd EBC castes in Bihar.^[27]^[28]^[29]

Languages

Languages of Bihar (2011)^[30]

Hindi (25.54%)

Bhojpuri (24.86%)

Maithili (12.55%)

Magahi (10.87%)

Urdu (8.42%)

Surjapuri (1.78%)

Others (15.98%)

Hindi and Urdu are the official languages of the state, whilst the majority of the people speak one of the Bihari languages – Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Maithili or Angika. Maithili is also one of the recognised regional languages of India as per the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Proponents have called Bhojpuri, Magahi, Bajjika and Angika to receive the same status.^[31]^[32]^[33]

Education

Education in Bihar (2001)^[34]
Level	Persons	Male	Female
Literate without educational	1,715,049	1,109,731	605,318
Below Primary	7,890,329	4,754,137	3,136,192
Primary	8,334,709	5,130,917	3,203,792
Middle	4,390,226	3,012,151	1,378,075
Secondary	4,751,560	3,439,918	1,311,642
Higher Secondary	1,826,093	1,385,282	440,811
Technical Diploma	24,989	20,088	4,901
Non-technical Diploma	48,532	40,458	8,074
Graduate & above	2,109,415	1,737,651	371,764
Unclassified	18,675	14,043	4,632

Bihar has a total literacy rate of 69.83%. Overall Male and Female literacy rate is 70.32% and 53.57% respectively.^[35] Total Rural literacy rate is 43.9%. In rural areas of Bihar, Male and Female literacy rate is 57.1 and 29.6 respectively. Total Urban literacy rate is 71.9. In urban areas of Bihar, Male and Female literacy rate is 79.9 and 62.6 respectively. .^[36] Total number of literates in Bihar is 3,16,75,607 which consists 2,09,78,955 Male and 1,06,96,652 Female. Patna has highest Literacy Rate of 63.82% followed by Rohtas (62.36%) and Munger (60.11%). Kishanganj has lowest Literacy Rate of 31.02% followed by Araria (34.94%) and Katihar (35.29%).

Economics

Districts

Districtwise Demographics (2001)^[37]
Districts of Bihar	Total Population 2001	Male Population 2001	Female Population 2001	Growth Rate 1981–91	Growth Rate 1991-01	Sex Ratio 1991	Sex Ratio 2001	Population density 1991	Population density 2001
West Champaran	3,043,044	1,600,853	1,442,191	18.30	30.40	877	901	446	582
East Champaran	3,933,636	2,072,350	1,861,286	25.46	29.27	883	898	767	991
Sheohar	514,288	271,261	243,027	27.34	36.16	876	896	853	1,161
Sitamarhi	2,669,887	1,410,149	1,259,738	23.13	32.58	884	893	915	1,214
Madhubani	3,570,651	1,837,361	1,733,290	21.76	26.08	932	943	809	1,020
Supaul	1,745,069	908,855	836,214	23.45	29.95	904	920	557	724
Araria	2,124,831	1,108,924	1,015,907	26.69	31.84	907	916	569	751
Kishanganj	1,294,063	666,910	627,153	22.20	31.50	933	940	522	687
Purnia	2,540,788	1,325,794	1,214,994	23.76	35.23	903	916	582	787
Katihar	2,389,533	1,244,943	1,144,590	27.77	30.91	909	919	597	782
Madhepura	1,524,596	796,272	728,324	22.16	29.45	885	915	659	853
Saharsa	1,506,418	788,585	717,833	25.54	33.03	884	910	665	885
Darbhanga	3,285,473	1,716,640	1,568,833	25.04	30.85	911	914	1,102	1,442
Muzaffarpur	3,743,836	1,941,480	1,802,356	25.30	26.74	904	928	931	1,180
Gopalganj	2,149,343	1,072,151	1,077,192	25.12	26.11	968	1,005	838	1,057
Siwan district	2,708,840	1,332,218	1,376,622	22.04	24.78	1,017	1,033	978	1,221
Saran	3,251,474	1,654,428	1,597,046	23.44	26.37	963	965	974	1,231
Vaishali	2,712,389	1,412,276	1,300,113	29.08	26.39	921	921	1,054	1,332
Samastipur	3,413,413	1,771,249	1,642,164	28.35	25.63	926	927	936	1,175
Begusarai	2,342,989	1,226,057	1,116,932	24.61	29.11	898	911	946	1,222
Khagaria	1,276,677	675,501	601,176	28.44	29.32	868	890	664	859
Bhagalpur	2,430,331	1,294,192	1,136,139	20.67	27.24	864	878	743	946
Banka	1,608,778	843,061	765,717	24.44	24.47	893	908	428	533
Munger	1,135,499	604,662	530,837	17.79	20.34	856	878	665	800
Lakhisarai	801,173	416,727	384,446	21.08	23.94	880	923	526	652
Sheikhpura	525,137	273,468	251,669	19.84	24.96	896	920	610	762
Nalanda	2,368,327	1,236,467	1,131,860	21.73	18.64	898	915	848	1,006
Patna	4,709,851	2,514,949	2,194,902	19.84	30.17	867	873	1,130	1,471
Bhojpur	2,233,415	1,175,333	1,058,082	20.26	24.58	904	900	725	903
Buxar	1,403,462	738,239	665,223	18.63	29.03	884	901	670	864
Kaimur	1,284,575	673,556	611,019	24.20	30.64	884	907	292	382
Rohtas	2,448,762	1,282,655	1,166,107	21.77	27.71	894	909	498	636
Jehanabad	1,511,406	783,960	727,446	19.43	28.64	919	928	749	963
Aurangabad	2,004,960	1,035,757	969,203	24.49	30.19	915	936	466	607
Gaya	3,464,983	1,789,231	1,675,752	23.92	30.03	922	937	536	696
Nawada	1,809,425	928,638	880,787	23.70	33.08	936	948	545	726
Jamui	1,397,474	728,812	668,662	21.90	32.90	903	917	339	451

Miscellaneous statistics

As of 2001^[update], Bihar had 212,015 international migrants^[38] and 1,619,031 inter-state migrants.^[39]

References

Notes

^ The 2001 Census did not record a figure for people who did not specify their religion
^ The 2001 Census did not record a figure for people who did not specify their religion

Citations

^ "Bihar Profile" (PDF). census.gov.in. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
^ "Urban and Rural Population of India 2011". Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
^ "Census GIS HouseHold". Censusindiamaps.net. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2009.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ Singh, Vijaita (25 August 2015). "Bihar elections among factors in religious data of Census 2011 release". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.TheHindu.com.
^ Daniyal, Shoaib (28 August 2021). "Why is Madras High Court questioning the 'one man, one vote' principle for India's Parliament?". scroll.in. Archived from the original on 4 September 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
^ "Census of India – Age groups". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Total population by religious communities". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Indian Census 2011". Census Department, Government of India. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
^ Joy, Shemin. "Caste survey in Bihar: OBCs, EBCs make up 63.13% of population; Gen Category 15.52%". Deccan Herald.
^ "Bihar caste survey released: EBCs form 36% of population, OBCs at 27.13%". 2 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
^ "With Bihar caste survey, how Nitish Kumar hit two targets in one fell swoop". 2 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
^ "Bihar caste survey released: OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
^ "Bihar publishes caste survey report, OBCs, EBCs constitute 63% of population". 2 October 2023. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
^ Tewary, Amarnath (2 October 2023). "Bihar caste survey OBCs, EBCs comprise more than 63% of State's population". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
^ "Bihar Caste Survey Report: बिहार में 1 प्रतिशत से अधिक आबादी वाली कितनी हैं जातियां? देखें पूरी लिस्ट". Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
^ "Full list of caste and their population". Livehindustan. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
^ "Foreign diplomats line up for Bihar elections". 27 August 2015. Archived from the original on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
^ "Bihar polls: Jitan Ram Manjhi announces alliance with BJP". Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
^ "News, Breaking News, Latest News, News Headlines, Live News, Today News CNN-News18". News18. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
^ "Non-inclusion of Paswans in Mahadalit list angers Paswan". The Hindu. 19 November 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
^ "Bihar CM includes Paswan caste in Mahadalit category". 15 February 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
^ "Nitish's social engineering formula inspires Congress". The Times of India. 27 January 2012. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
^ "Does Bihar know how many tribals live in the State?". The Hindu. 16 August 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
^ "27 lakh SC & ST families to benefit from Food Law in Bihar". 10 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
^ "Special package for Tharu tribals in Bihar". The Hindu. 20 January 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
^ "Stage set for tribal all-woman battalion". Archived from the original on 30 November 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
^ "Nitish Kumar's gambit: temple fund, 2 EBCs added to SC/ST list". 7 September 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
^ "Bihar state EBC list" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
^ "Battle for Bihar: Complicated caste poll primer". 5 October 2015. Archived from the original on 5 October 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Bihar". Census of India 2011. Office of the Registrar General. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
^ "लोकसभा में उठी मगही, भोजपुरी को आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल करने की मांग". Firstpost Hindi. 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
^ "भाषाई जनगणना व आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल हो अंगिका भाषा". Hindustan (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
^ "38 भाषाओं को संवैधानिक दर्जा देने की मांग पर निश्चित मानदंड तैयार नहीं हुआ". thewirehindi.com. 19 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
^ "Census of India – Literates and educational level". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
^ "Literacy rate". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 13 November 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
^ "Archive-it Wayback". Archived from the original on 24 November 2007.
^ "Annexure 1". Gov.bih.nic.in. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
^ "Census of India – International migration". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
^ "Census of India – Inter state migration". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2014.

[9] The 2001 Census did not record a figure for people who did not specify their religion

[10] The 2001 Census did not record a figure for people who did not specify their religion

[StateProfile2-1] "Bihar Profile" (PDF). census.gov.in. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2020.

[2] "Urban and Rural Population of India 2011". Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2016.

[3] "Census GIS HouseHold". Censusindiamaps.net. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2009.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[4] Singh, Vijaita (25 August 2015). "Bihar elections among factors in religious data of Census 2011 release". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.TheHindu.com.

[5] Daniyal, Shoaib (28 August 2021). "Why is Madras High Court questioning the 'one man, one vote' principle for India's Parliament?". scroll.in. Archived from the original on 4 September 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.

[6] "Census of India – Age groups". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2014.

[Total_population_by_religious_commu-7] "Total population by religious communities". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2014.

[autogenerated1-8] "Indian Census 2011". Census Department, Government of India. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.

[11] Joy, Shemin. "Caste survey in Bihar: OBCs, EBCs make up 63.13% of population; Gen Category 15.52%". Deccan Herald.

[12] "Bihar caste survey released: EBCs form 36% of population, OBCs at 27.13%". 2 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

[13] "With Bihar caste survey, how Nitish Kumar hit two targets in one fell swoop". 2 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

[14] "Bihar caste survey released: OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

[15] "Bihar publishes caste survey report, OBCs, EBCs constitute 63% of population". 2 October 2023. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

[16] Tewary, Amarnath (2 October 2023). "Bihar caste survey OBCs, EBCs comprise more than 63% of State's population". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

[17] "Bihar Caste Survey Report: बिहार में 1 प्रतिशत से अधिक आबादी वाली कितनी हैं जातियां? देखें पूरी लिस्ट". Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

[18] "Full list of caste and their population". Livehindustan. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.

[19] "Foreign diplomats line up for Bihar elections". 27 August 2015. Archived from the original on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2015.

[20] "Bihar polls: Jitan Ram Manjhi announces alliance with BJP". Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2023.

[21] "News, Breaking News, Latest News, News Headlines, Live News, Today News CNN-News18". News18. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2023.

[22] "Non-inclusion of Paswans in Mahadalit list angers Paswan". The Hindu. 19 November 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2015.

[23] "Bihar CM includes Paswan caste in Mahadalit category". 15 February 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2015.

[24] "Nitish's social engineering formula inspires Congress". The Times of India. 27 January 2012. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2015.

[25] "Does Bihar know how many tribals live in the State?". The Hindu. 16 August 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2015.

[26] "27 lakh SC & ST families to benefit from Food Law in Bihar". 10 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2015.

[27] "Special package for Tharu tribals in Bihar". The Hindu. 20 January 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2015.

[28] "Stage set for tribal all-woman battalion". Archived from the original on 30 November 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2015.

[EBCBihar130-29] "Nitish Kumar's gambit: temple fund, 2 EBCs added to SC/ST list". 7 September 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2015.

[30] "Bihar state EBC list" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.

[31] "Battle for Bihar: Complicated caste poll primer". 5 October 2015. Archived from the original on 5 October 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2015.

[Languages2011-32] "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Bihar". Census of India 2011. Office of the Registrar General. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2020.

[33] "लोकसभा में उठी मगही, भोजपुरी को आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल करने की मांग". Firstpost Hindi. 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 9 September 2022.

[34] "भाषाई जनगणना व आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल हो अंगिका भाषा". Hindustan (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.

[35] "38 भाषाओं को संवैधानिक दर्जा देने की मांग पर निश्चित मानदंड तैयार नहीं हुआ". thewirehindi.com. 19 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.

[36] "Census of India – Literates and educational level". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2014.

[37] "Literacy rate". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 13 November 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2014.

[38] "Archive-it Wayback". Archived from the original on 24 November 2007.

[39] "Annexure 1". Gov.bih.nic.in. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.

[40] "Census of India – International migration". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2014.

[41] "Census of India – Inter state migration". Censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2014.

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 {{Short description|Demographic data on the Indian state}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
-At the [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]], Bihar was the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|third most populous]] [[States and territories of India|state of India]] with total population of 104,099,452, nearly 89% of it is rural. It was also India's most densely populated state, with 1,106 persons per square kilometre.  The [[Human sex ratio|sex ratio]] was 918 females per 1000 males.<ref name="StateProfile2">{{cite web|title=Bihar Profile|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND010_Bihar.pdf|access-date=14 March 2020|website=census.gov.in|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809192800/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND010_Bihar.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Almost 58% of Bihar's population was below 25 years age, which is the highest in India. At 11.3%, Bihar has the second-lowest urbanisation rate in India after [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Urban and Rural Population of India 2011|url=http://indiafacts.in/india-census-2011/urban-rural-population-o-india/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315223625/http://indiafacts.in/india-census-2011/urban-rural-population-o-india/|archive-date=15 March 2012|access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref>
+At the [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]], Bihar was the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|third most populous]] [[States and territories of India|state of India]] with total population of 104,099,452, nearly 89% of it rural. It was also India's most densely populated state, with 1,106 persons per square kilometre.  The [[Human sex ratio|sex ratio]] was 918 females per 1000 males.<ref name="StateProfile2">{{cite web|title=Bihar Profile|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND010_Bihar.pdf|access-date=14 March 2020|website=census.gov.in|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809192800/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND010_Bihar.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Almost 58% of Bihar's population was below 25 years age, which is the highest in India. At 11.3%, Bihar has the second-lowest urbanisation rate in India after [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Urban and Rural Population of India 2011|url=http://indiafacts.in/india-census-2011/urban-rural-population-o-india/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315223625/http://indiafacts.in/india-census-2011/urban-rural-population-o-india/|archive-date=15 March 2012|access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref>
 Most of Bihar's population belongs to a collection of ethnic groups speaking indic languages. It also attracted [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] Hindu refugees during the [[Partition of India|Partition of British India]] in 1947.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census GIS HouseHold|url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706213221/http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm|archive-date=6 July 2010|access-date=15 October 2009|publisher=Censusindiamaps.net}}{{dead link|date=February 2016|reason=Cyberbot fix not working|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Bihar has a total [[literacy rate]] of 63.82% (73.39% for males and 53.33% for females), recording a growth of 20% in female literacy over the preceding decade. According to the 2011 census, 82.7% of Bihar's population practised [[Hinduism]], while 16.9% followed [[Islam]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Vijaita|date=25 August 2015|title=Bihar elections among factors in religious data of Census 2011 release|journal=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-elections-among-factors-in-religious-data-of-census-2011-release/article7579546.ece|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230200448/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-elections-among-factors-in-religious-data-of-census-2011-release/article7579546.ece|archive-date=30 December 2017|via=www.TheHindu.com}}</ref> Bihar has highest fertility rate of 3.41 in comparison to the other states of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://scroll.in/article/1003812/why-is-madras-high-court-questioning-the-one-man-one-vote-principle-for-indias-parliament |title=Why is Madras High Court questioning the 'one man, one vote' principle for India's Parliament? |last=Daniyal |first=Shoaib |date=28 August 2021 |website=scroll.in |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904140454/https://scroll.in/article/1003812/why-is-madras-high-court-questioning-the-one-man-one-vote-principle-for-indias-parliament |url-status=live }}</ref>
@@ Line 100: / Line 100: @@
 ==Caste and ethnic groups==
 {{Main|Bihar caste-based survey 2022}}
-As per Bihar government’s [[Bihar caste-based survey 2022]] report, released on 2 October 2023, showed that extremely backward classes (EBCs) account for 36.01 percent of the 13.07 crore population of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-caste-survey-ebc-obc-population-8965116/|title=Bihar caste survey released: EBCs form 36% of population, OBCs at 27.13%|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002143043/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-caste-survey-ebc-obc-population-8965116/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/with-bihar-caste-survey-how-nitish-kumar-hit-two-targets-in-one-fell-swoop-8965619/|title=With Bihar caste survey, how Nitish Kumar hit two targets in one fell swoop|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002155105/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/with-bihar-caste-survey-how-nitish-kumar-hit-two-targets-in-one-fell-swoop-8965619/|url-status=live}}</ref> OBCs (BCs and
+As per Bihar government’s [[Bihar caste-based survey 2022]] report, released on 2 October 2023, showed that extremely backward classes (EBCs) account for 36.01 percent of the 13.07 crore population of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-caste-survey-ebc-obc-population-8965116/|title=Bihar caste survey released: EBCs form 36% of population, OBCs at 27.13%|date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002143043/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-caste-survey-ebc-obc-population-8965116/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/with-bihar-caste-survey-how-nitish-kumar-hit-two-targets-in-one-fell-swoop-8965619/|title=With Bihar caste survey, how Nitish Kumar hit two targets in one fell swoop|date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002155105/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/with-bihar-caste-survey-how-nitish-kumar-hit-two-targets-in-one-fell-swoop-8965619/|url-status=live}}</ref> OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population of Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-caste-census-27-13backward-class-15-52-general-category/articleshow/104103634.cms|title=Bihar caste survey released: OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population|website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002181012/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-caste-census-27-13backward-class-15-52-general-category/articleshow/104103634.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bihar-publishes-caste-survey-report-obcs-ebcs-consist-of-63-of-population|title=Bihar publishes caste survey report, OBCs, EBCs constitute 63% of population|date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003234804/https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bihar-publishes-caste-survey-report-obcs-ebcs-consist-of-63-of-population|url-status=live}}</ref>
-EBCs toget)her account for 63% of total population of Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-caste-census-27-13backward-class-15-52-general-category/articleshow/104103634.cms|title=Bihar caste survey released: OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002181012/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-caste-census-27-13backward-class-15-52-general-category/articleshow/104103634.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bihar-publishes-caste-survey-report-obcs-ebcs-consist-of-63-of-population|title=Bihar publishes caste survey report, OBCs, EBCs constitute 63% of population|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003234804/https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bihar-publishes-caste-survey-report-obcs-ebcs-consist-of-63-of-population|url-status=live}}</ref>
 {| class="wikitable"
 |-
-! colspan="2" | Caste Groups of Bihar<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-caste-survey-obcs-ebcs-comprise-more-than-63-of-population/article67371818.ece|title=Bihar caste survey  OBCs, EBCs comprise more than 63% of State’s population|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002162416/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-caste-survey-obcs-ebcs-comprise-more-than-63-of-population/article67371818.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-report-how-many-castes-in-bihar-with-more-than-1-percent-population-see-full-list-8791799.html|title=Bihar Caste Survey Report: बिहार में 1 प्रतिशत से अधिक आबादी वाली कितनी हैं जातियां? देखें पूरी लिस्ट|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003025705/https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-report-how-many-castes-in-bihar-with-more-than-1-percent-population-see-full-list-8791799.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
+! colspan="2" | Caste Groups of Bihar<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-caste-survey-obcs-ebcs-comprise-more-than-63-of-population/article67371818.ece|title=Bihar caste survey OBCs, EBCs comprise more than 63% of State's population|newspaper=The Hindu |date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002162416/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-caste-survey-obcs-ebcs-comprise-more-than-63-of-population/article67371818.ece|url-status=live |last1=Tewary |first1=Amarnath }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-report-how-many-castes-in-bihar-with-more-than-1-percent-population-see-full-list-8791799.html|title=Bihar Caste Survey Report: बिहार में 1 प्रतिशत से अधिक आबादी वाली कितनी हैं जातियां? देखें पूरी लिस्ट|access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003025705/https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-report-how-many-castes-in-bihar-with-more-than-1-percent-population-see-full-list-8791799.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |-
 ! Caste Groups || Population<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-counting-census-full-list-population-share-percent-obc-ebc-upper-caste-muslim-hindu-sc-st-8792660.html|title=Full list of caste and their population|website=Livehindustan|accessdate=7 October 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003234805/https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-counting-census-full-list-population-share-percent-obc-ebc-upper-caste-muslim-hindu-sc-st-8792660.html|url-status=live}}</ref>	 (%)
 |-
-| BC ([[Other Backward Class|OBC]] - EBC)	|| 27.12%
+| [[Other Backward Class|OBC]]	|| 27.12%
 |-
-| EBC ([[Other Backward Class|OBC]] - BC)	   || 36.01%
+| EBC	   || 36.01%
 |-
-| [[Scheduled Caste]]s(SCs) || 19.65%
+| [[Dalit]]s(SCs) || 19.65%
 |-
-| [[Forward caste]] (EWS)   || 15.52%
+| [[Forward caste]]   || 15.52%
 |-
 | [[Adivasi]]s(STs)	 || 1.68%
@@ Line 128: / Line 126: @@
 |-
 | [[Kushwaha]] ([[Koeri]]) ||{{number and percent|5506113|130725310|4|disp=table}}
+|-
+| [[Kurmi]]  || {{number and percent|3762969|130725310|4|disp=table}}
 |-
 | [[Brahmin]] || {{number and percent|4781280|130725310|4|disp=table}}
-|-
-| [[Kurmi]]  || {{number and percent|3762969|130725310|4|disp=table}}
 |-
 | [[Teli]] || {{number and percent|3677491|130725310|4|disp=table}}
 |-
 | [[Mallaah|Mallah]] ([[Nishad]]) || {{number and percent|3410093|130725310|4|disp=table}}
-|-
-| [[chandravanshi]] || {{number and percent|2155644|130725310|4|disp=table}}
 |-
 | [[Lonia|Nonia]] || {{number and percent|2498474|130725310|4|disp=table}}
-|-
-| [[Bind caste|Bind]] || {{number and percent|1285358|130725310|4|disp=table}}
 |-
 | [[Kanu (caste)|Kanu]] || {{number and percent|2892761|130725310|4|disp=table}}
@@ Line 160: / Line 154: @@
 |}
-* As per, [[2011 Census of India]] , [[Scheduled Castes]] constitute  16% of Bihar's 104 million population.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/LCNhWGd3SjS5P1eAV5nogP/Foreign-diplomats-line-up-for-Bihar-elections.html | title=Foreign diplomats line up for Bihar elections | date=27 August 2015 | access-date=31 August 2015 | archive-date=21 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221081744/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/LCNhWGd3SjS5P1eAV5nogP/Foreign-diplomats-line-up-for-Bihar-elections.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The census identified 21 of 23 Dalit sub-castes as Mahadalits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-elections-jitan-ram-manjhi-announces-alliance-with-bjp-says-no-decision-yet-on-seats/article1-1357520.aspx|title=Bihar polls: Jitan Ram Manjhi announces alliance with BJP|accessdate=30 March 2023|archive-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614003723/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-elections-jitan-ram-manjhi-announces-alliance-with-bjp-says-no-decision-yet-on-seats/article1-1357520.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mahadalit community consists of the following sub castes - Bantar, Bauri, Bhogta, Bhuiya, Chaupal, Dabgar, Dom (Dhangad), Ghasi, Halalkhor, Hari (Mehtar, Bhangi), Kanjar, Kurariar, Lalbegi, Musahar, Nat, Pan (Swasi), Rajwar, Turi, Dhobi, Pasi, Chamar and Paswan (Dusadh).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/ram-vilas-paswan-jitan-ram-manjhi-battle-for-mahadalit-leadership-making-it-tough-for-bjp-in-bihar-1099046.html|title=News, Breaking News, Latest News, News Headlines, Live News, Today News CNN-News18|website=News18|accessdate=30 March 2023|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/ram-vilas-paswan-jitan-ram-manjhi-battle-for-mahadalit-leadership-making-it-tough-for-bjp-in-bihar-1099046.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Paswan caste was initially left out of the Mahadalit category.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/noninclusion-of-paswans-in-maha-dalit-list-angers-paswan/article51356.ece|title=Non-inclusion of Paswans in Mahadalit list angers Paswan|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 November 2009|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/noninclusion-of-paswans-in-maha-dalit-list-angers-paswan/article51356.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bihar-cm-includes-paswan-caste-in-mahadalit-category-115021500440_1.html|title=Bihar CM includes Paswan caste in Mahadalit category|date=15 February 2015|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305163041/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bihar-cm-includes-paswan-caste-in-mahadalit-category-115021500440_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nitishs-social-engineering-formula-inspires-Congress/articleshow/11653704.cms|title=Nitish's social engineering formula inspires Congress|newspaper=The Times of India|date=27 January 2012|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nitishs-social-engineering-formula-inspires-Congress/articleshow/11653704.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Adivasi]]s ([[Scheduled Tribes]]) constitute around 1.3% of Bihar population.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/does-bihar-know-how-many-tribals-live-in-the-state/article3612.ece|title=Does Bihar know how many tribals live in the State?|newspaper=The Hindu|date=16 August 2009|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/does-bihar-know-how-many-tribals-live-in-the-state/article3612.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/27-lakh-sc-st-families-to-benefit-from-food-law-in-bihar-114121000897_1.html|title=27 lakh SC & ST families to benefit from Food Law in Bihar|date=10 December 2014|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/27-lakh-sc-st-families-to-benefit-from-food-law-in-bihar-114121000897_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tribals include Gond, Santhal and Tharu communities in Bihar.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/special-package-for-tharu-tribals-in-bihar/article378597.ece|title=Special package for Tharu tribals in Bihar|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 January 2009|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/special-package-for-tharu-tribals-in-bihar/article378597.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141009/jsp/bihar/story_18907903.jsp#.VYLODIuUdyw|title=Stage set for tribal all-woman battalion|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=30 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130082139/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141009/jsp/bihar/story_18907903.jsp#.VYLODIuUdyw|url-status=live}}</ref>
+* As per, [[2011 Census of India]], [[Scheduled Castes]] constitute  16% of Bihar's 104 million population.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/LCNhWGd3SjS5P1eAV5nogP/Foreign-diplomats-line-up-for-Bihar-elections.html | title=Foreign diplomats line up for Bihar elections | date=27 August 2015 | access-date=31 August 2015 | archive-date=21 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221081744/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/LCNhWGd3SjS5P1eAV5nogP/Foreign-diplomats-line-up-for-Bihar-elections.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The census identified 21 of 23 Dalit sub-castes as Mahadalits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-elections-jitan-ram-manjhi-announces-alliance-with-bjp-says-no-decision-yet-on-seats/article1-1357520.aspx|title=Bihar polls: Jitan Ram Manjhi announces alliance with BJP|accessdate=30 March 2023|archive-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614003723/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-elections-jitan-ram-manjhi-announces-alliance-with-bjp-says-no-decision-yet-on-seats/article1-1357520.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mahadalit community consists of the following sub castes - Bantar, Bauri, Bhogta, Bhuiya, Chaupal, Dabgar, Dom (Dhangad), Ghasi, Halalkhor, Hari (Mehtar, Bhangi), Kanjar, Kurariar, Lalbegi, Musahar, Nat, Pan (Swasi), Rajwar, Turi, Dhobi, Pasi, Chamar and Paswan (Dusadh).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/ram-vilas-paswan-jitan-ram-manjhi-battle-for-mahadalit-leadership-making-it-tough-for-bjp-in-bihar-1099046.html|title=News, Breaking News, Latest News, News Headlines, Live News, Today News CNN-News18|website=News18|accessdate=30 March 2023|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/ram-vilas-paswan-jitan-ram-manjhi-battle-for-mahadalit-leadership-making-it-tough-for-bjp-in-bihar-1099046.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Paswan caste was initially left out of the Mahadalit category.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/noninclusion-of-paswans-in-maha-dalit-list-angers-paswan/article51356.ece|title=Non-inclusion of Paswans in Mahadalit list angers Paswan|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 November 2009|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/noninclusion-of-paswans-in-maha-dalit-list-angers-paswan/article51356.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bihar-cm-includes-paswan-caste-in-mahadalit-category-115021500440_1.html|title=Bihar CM includes Paswan caste in Mahadalit category|date=15 February 2015|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305163041/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bihar-cm-includes-paswan-caste-in-mahadalit-category-115021500440_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nitishs-social-engineering-formula-inspires-Congress/articleshow/11653704.cms|title=Nitish's social engineering formula inspires Congress|newspaper=The Times of India|date=27 January 2012|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nitishs-social-engineering-formula-inspires-Congress/articleshow/11653704.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Adivasi]]s ([[Scheduled Tribes]]) constitute around 1.3% of Bihar population.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/does-bihar-know-how-many-tribals-live-in-the-state/article3612.ece|title=Does Bihar know how many tribals live in the State?|newspaper=The Hindu|date=16 August 2009|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/does-bihar-know-how-many-tribals-live-in-the-state/article3612.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/27-lakh-sc-st-families-to-benefit-from-food-law-in-bihar-114121000897_1.html|title=27 lakh SC & ST families to benefit from Food Law in Bihar|date=10 December 2014|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/27-lakh-sc-st-families-to-benefit-from-food-law-in-bihar-114121000897_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tribals include Gond, Santhal and Tharu communities in Bihar.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/special-package-for-tharu-tribals-in-bihar/article378597.ece|title=Special package for Tharu tribals in Bihar|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 January 2009|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/special-package-for-tharu-tribals-in-bihar/article378597.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141009/jsp/bihar/story_18907903.jsp#.VYLODIuUdyw|title=Stage set for tribal all-woman battalion|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=30 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130082139/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141009/jsp/bihar/story_18907903.jsp#.VYLODIuUdyw|url-status=live}}</ref>
 * Extremely Backward Class (EBCs) are also sometimes referred to as Most Backward Class(MBCs). There are 130-odd EBC castes in Bihar.<ref name="EBCBihar130">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/nitish-kumars-gambit-temple-fund-2-ebcs-added-to-scst-list/|title=Nitish Kumar's gambit: temple fund, 2 EBCs added to SC/ST list|date=7 September 2015|access-date=7 September 2015|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125125707/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/nitish-kumars-gambit-temple-fund-2-ebcs-added-to-scst-list/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gad.bih.nic.in/Circulars/CN-01-10-09-2015.pdf|title=Bihar state EBC list|access-date=12 September 2015|archive-date=6 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006155709/http://gad.bih.nic.in/Circulars/CN-01-10-09-2015.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/battle-for-bihar-complicated-caste-poll-primer-115100500038_1.html|title=Battle for Bihar: Complicated caste poll primer|date=5 October 2015|access-date=5 October 2015|archive-date=5 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005223053/http://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/battle-for-bihar-complicated-caste-poll-primer-115100500038_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 ==Languages==
 {{Main|Languages of Bihar}}
-{{See also|Maithili language|Bhojpuri|Angika|Magahi|Magadhi Prakrit|Hindi in Bihar}}
+{{See also|Maithili language|Bhojpuri language|Angika|Magahi|Magadhi Prakrit|Hindi in Bihar}}
 {{Pie chart
 |caption=Languages of Bihar (2011)<ref name="Languages2011">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Bihar |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1000.XLSX |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024172645/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1000.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
@@ Line 184: / Line 178: @@
 }}
-[[Hindi]] and [[Urdu]] are the official languages of the state, whilst the majority of the people speak one of the [[Bihari languages]]  – [[Bhojpuri]], [[Magadhi]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]] or [[Angika]]. Maithili is also one of the recognised regional languages of India as per the [[Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India]]. Proponents have called [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Magahi language|Magahi]], [[Bajjika]] and [[Angika]] to receive the same status.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-22 |title=लोकसभा में उठी मगही, भोजपुरी को आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल करने की मांग |url=https://hindi.firstpost.com/culture/legislators-demand-magahi-and-bhojpuri-language-to-included-in-8th-schedule-of-constitution-sa-19510.html |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Firstpost Hindi |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328081001/https://hindi.firstpost.com/culture/legislators-demand-magahi-and-bhojpuri-language-to-included-in-8th-schedule-of-constitution-sa-19510.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=भाषाई जनगणना व आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल हो अंगिका भाषा |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/jharkhand/pakur/story-angika-language-should-be-included-in-linguistic-census-and-eighth-schedule-6998101.html |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Hindustan |language=hindi |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909030820/https://www.livehindustan.com/jharkhand/pakur/story-angika-language-should-be-included-in-linguistic-census-and-eighth-schedule-6998101.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=38 भाषाओं को संवैधानिक दर्जा देने की मांग पर निश्चित मानदंड तैयार नहीं हुआ |url=http://thewirehindi.com/13678/kiren-rijiju-lok-sabha-indian-languages/ |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=thewirehindi.com |date=19 July 2017 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909031051/https://thewirehindi.com/13678/kiren-rijiju-lok-sabha-indian-languages/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
+[[Hindi]] and [[Urdu]] are the official languages of the state, whilst the majority of the people speak one of the [[Bihari languages]]  – [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Magadhi]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]] or [[Angika]]. Maithili is also one of the recognised regional languages of India as per the [[Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India]]. Proponents have called [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Magahi language|Magahi]], [[Bajjika]] and [[Angika]] to receive the same status.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-22 |title=लोकसभा में उठी मगही, भोजपुरी को आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल करने की मांग |url=https://hindi.firstpost.com/culture/legislators-demand-magahi-and-bhojpuri-language-to-included-in-8th-schedule-of-constitution-sa-19510.html |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Firstpost Hindi |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328081001/https://hindi.firstpost.com/culture/legislators-demand-magahi-and-bhojpuri-language-to-included-in-8th-schedule-of-constitution-sa-19510.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=भाषाई जनगणना व आठवीं अनुसूची में शामिल हो अंगिका भाषा |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/jharkhand/pakur/story-angika-language-should-be-included-in-linguistic-census-and-eighth-schedule-6998101.html |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Hindustan |language=hindi |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909030820/https://www.livehindustan.com/jharkhand/pakur/story-angika-language-should-be-included-in-linguistic-census-and-eighth-schedule-6998101.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=38 भाषाओं को संवैधानिक दर्जा देने की मांग पर निश्चित मानदंड तैयार नहीं हुआ |url=http://thewirehindi.com/13678/kiren-rijiju-lok-sabha-indian-languages/ |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=thewirehindi.com |date=19 July 2017 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909031051/https://thewirehindi.com/13678/kiren-rijiju-lok-sabha-indian-languages/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 ==Education==

v t e Demographics of India
States	Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam Bihar Chhattisgarh Goa Gujarat Haryana Himachal Pradesh Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Manipur Meghalaya Mizoram Nagaland Odisha Punjab Rajasthan Sikkim Tamil Nadu Telangana Tripura Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand West Bengal
Union territories	Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chandigarh Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Delhi Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh Lakshadweep Puducherry