BIHAR SHARIF

also spelled Biharsharif, also called Bihar city, central Bihar state, northeastern India, east of the Paimar River, a tributary of the Ganges. It served as the capital of the Pala dynasty (10th century AD) and contains a 5th-century-AD Gupta pillar and several Muslim mosques and tombs. Nearby lie the remains of Odantapuri (q.v.), a great vihara, or college of Buddhist learning, from which the name Bihar was derived. In 1869 it was constituted a municipality. The city is now a road and rail hub, as well as an agricultural-trade centre. It has several colleges affiliated with Magadh University at Buddh Gaya. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 200,976.