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{{About|the historical and cultural region in India and Nepal|the proposal to create a state of Mithila in India|Mithila (proposed Indian state)|other uses|Mithila (disambiguation){{!}}Mithila}}
{{About|the historical and cultural region in India and Nepal|the proposal to create a state of Mithila in India|Mithila (proposed Indian state)|other uses|Mithila (disambiguation){{!}}Mithila}}
{{See also|Ancient Mithila University|Mithila Madhya Parikrama|Mithila State Movement}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name              = Mithila
| name              = Mithila
| native_name        =  
| native_name        = मिथिला
| type              = Cultural region
| type              = Cultural region
| subdivision_type  = Continent
| subdivision_type  = Continent
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| subdivision_name1  = [[India]] and [[Nepal]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[India]] and [[Nepal]]
| subdivision_type2  = States or Provinces
| subdivision_type2  = States or Provinces
| subdivision_name2  = [[Bihar]] and [[Jharkhand]] (India) and [[Madhesh Province]], [[Province No. 1]] and [[Bagmati Province]] (Nepal)
| subdivision_name2  = [[Bihar]] and [[Jharkhand]] (India) and [[Madhesh Province]], [[Koshi Province|Koshi]] and [[Bagmati Province]] (Nepal)
| blank_name_sec1    = Regional Language(s) and/or dialect(s)
| blank_name_sec1    = Regional Language(s) and/or dialect(s)
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Maithili language|Maithili]]<br>[[Bajjika language|Bajjika]]<br>[[Angika language|Angika]] and several other dialects of Maithili  
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Maithili language|Maithili]]<br>[[Bajjika language|Bajjika]]<br>[[Angika language|Angika]] and several other dialects of Maithili
 
| image_map          = Mithila Region of India and Nepal.png
| map_caption        = Map of the Mithila region of [[India]] & [[Nepal]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kathmandupost.com/miscellaneous/2016/02/20/the-giving-tree|title=Mithila region}}</ref>
| area_total_km2    =  
| area_total_km2    =  
| population_as_of  =  
| population_as_of  =  
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| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
|photo1a =Vivah Mandap, Janakpur.jpg
|photo1a =Vivah Mandap, Janakpur.jpg
|photo2a =Fort of Darbhanga.jpg
|photo2a =Fort of Darbhanga.jpg
| spacing =1
| spacing =1
| position              = center
| position              = center
| color_border      = white
| color_border      = white
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| foot_montage  = Top to bottom: [[Janaki Mandir|Vivah Mandap]] ([[Janakpur|Janakpurdham, Nepal]]), Royal Insigna of Raj Darbhanga & [[Darbhanga Fort]] }}
| foot_montage  = Top to bottom: [[Janaki Mandir|Vivah Mandap]] ([[Janakpur|Janakpurdham, Nepal]]), Royal Insigna of Raj Darbhanga & [[Darbhanga Fort]] }}
| founder            = [[Videgha Mathava]]
| named_for          = [[King Mithi]]
}}
}}
'''Mithila''' ({{IAST3|Mithilā}}), also known as '''Tirhut, Tirabhukti''' and '''Mithilanchal''' is a geographical and cultural region of the [[Indian subcontinent]] bounded by the [[Mahananda River]] in the east, the [[Ganges]] in the south, the [[Gandaki River]] in the west and by the foothills of the [[Himalayas]] in the north.<ref name="Jha1997">{{cite book |author=Jha, M. |year=1997 |chapter=Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA27 |pages=27–42 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd |location=New Delhi|isbn=9788175330344 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Mishra, V. |year=1979 |publisher=Mithila Prakasana |location=Allahabad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FBuAAAAMAAJ&q=area+of+mithila |title=Cultural Heritage of Mithila |pages=13}}</ref> It comprises certain parts of [[Bihar]] and [[Jharkhand]] of India<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O49ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PR20|title=Sushasan Ke Aaine Mein Naya Bihar|first=Pankaj Kumar|last= Jha|date=2010 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|location=Bihar (India)|isbn=9789380186283}}</ref> and adjoining districts of the [[Province No. 1]], [[Bagmati Pradesh]] and [[Madhesh Province]] of [[Nepal]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Ishii, H. |year=1993 |title=Seasons, Rituals and Society: the culture and society of Mithila, the Parbate Hindus and the Newars as seen through a comparison of their annual rites |journal=Senri Ethnological Studies 36 |pages=35–84 |url=https://minpaku.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=3055&item_no=1&attribute_id=18&file_no=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205608/https://minpaku.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=3055&item_no=1&attribute_id=18&file_no=1 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=Kumar2000>{{cite journal |author=Kumar, D. |year=2000 |title=Mithila after the Janakas |journal=The Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=60 |pages=51–59}}</ref> The native language in Mithila is [[Maithili language|Maithili]], and its speakers are referred to as [[Maithil]]s.<ref name="Jha1997" />
'''Mithila''' ({{IAST3|Mithilā}}), also known as '''Tirhut''', '''Tirabhukti''' and '''Mithilanchal''', is a geographical and cultural region of the [[Indian subcontinent]] bounded by the [[Mahananda River]] in the east, the [[Ganges]] in the south, the [[Gandaki River]] in the west and by the foothills of the [[Himalayas]] in the north.<ref name="Jha1997">{{cite book |author=Jha, M. |year=1997 |chapter=Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA27 |pages=27–42 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd |location=New Delhi|isbn=9788175330344 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Mishra, V. |year=1979 |publisher=Mithila Prakasana |location=Allahabad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FBuAAAAMAAJ&q=area+of+mithila |title=Cultural Heritage of Mithila |pages=13}}</ref> It comprises certain parts of [[Bihar]] and [[Jharkhand]] states of India<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O49ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PR20|title=Sushasan Ke Aaine Mein Naya Bihar|first=Pankaj Kumar|last= Jha|date=2010 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|location=Bihar (India)|isbn=9789380186283}}</ref> and adjoining districts of the [[Koshi Province]], [[Bagmati Pradesh]] and [[Madhesh Province]] of [[Nepal]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Ishii, H. |year=1993 |title=Seasons, Rituals and Society: the culture and society of Mithila, the Parbate Hindus and the Newars as seen through a comparison of their annual rites |journal=Senri Ethnological Studies 36 |pages=35–84 |url=https://minpaku.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=3055&item_no=1&attribute_id=18&file_no=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205608/https://minpaku.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=3055&item_no=1&attribute_id=18&file_no=1 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=Kumar2000>{{cite journal |author=Kumar, D. |year=2000 |title=Mithila after the Janakas |journal=The Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=60 |pages=51–59}}</ref> The native language in Mithila is [[Maithili language|Maithili]], and its speakers are referred to as [[Maithil]]s.<ref name="Jha1997" />  


The name Mithila is commonly used to refer to the [[Videha]] Kingdom, as well as to the modern-day territories that fall within the ancient boundaries of Videha.<ref name="Kumar2000" /> Till the 20th century, Mithila was still ruled in part by the [[Raj Darbhanga]].
Mithila is commonly used to refer to the [[Videha]] Kingdom, as well as to the modern-day territories that fall within the ancient boundaries of Videha.<ref name="Kumar2000" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Thakur |first=Ripunjay Kumar |date=1 March 2022|title=Historical Geography of Early Medieval Mithila: From Videha to Tirhut.|url=https://www.academia.edu/72670545|publisher=New Archaeological & Genological Society, Kanpur, India|issn=2348-8301|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref> Until the 20th century, Mithila was still ruled in part by the [[Raj Darbhanga]]. In [[Buddhists|Buddhist]] [[annals]], it is also known as ''Miyulu''.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Indian_Antiquary.html?id=F2xDAAAAYAAJ#Mithila%20University |title=Indian Antiquary |date=1985 |publisher=Swati Publications |pages=52 |language=en}}</ref> According to the document of ''Archeological Geography of Ganga Plains'', the [[Balirajgarh]] fort in the Madhubani district is regarded as the capital of ancient Mithila. In the present time, there is a ruins of ancient large fort dating back to 300 BCE - 200 BCE.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chakrabarti |first=Dilip K. |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Archaeological_Geography_of_the_Ganga_Pl.html?id=aJAMAQAAMAAJ#Videha |title=Archaeological Geography of the Ganga Plain: The Upper Ganga (Oudh, Rohilkhand, and the Doab) |date=2007 |publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers |isbn=978-81-215-1185-8 |language=en}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
{{Main|History of Mithila Region|}}
{{Main|History of Mithila Region|}}
{{See also|Videha}}
{{See also|Videha}}
===In Jainism===
Mithilā is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in [[Jainism]]. Apart from its association with ''[[Mahavira]]'', the 24th [[Tirthankara]], it is also known for its association with ''[[Mallinatha]]'', the 19th Tirthankara, and ''[[Naminatha]]'', the 21st Tirthankara. As per the [[Jain literature#The Śvētāmbara Siddhāntha|''Śvetāmbara'' canon]], the first four of the [[Panch Kalyanaka|five significant events]] of the life of ''Mallinātha'' and ''Naminātha'' happened at Mithilā. The fifth one, which is the attainment of ''[[nirvana]]'', happened at [[Shikharji|''Sammet Shikharji'']].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maharaj |first=Triputi |title=Jain Paramparano Itihaas |url=https://jainqq.org/explore/001076/65}}</ref>
''[[Mahavira]]'' spent 6 ''varshās'' (monsoon seasons) at Mithilā.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Publication |first=Jain Bhawan |title=Jain Journal 1967 04 |url=https://jainqq.org/explore/520006/33}}</ref> ''Akampita Swāmi'', one of his 11 [[Ganadhara|ganadharas]], was born in Mithilā.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=M Subba |title=Sachitra Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir |url=https://jainqq.org/explore/006789/132}}</ref> Additionally, as per ancient ''[[Śvetāmbara]]'' texts, a branch of ancient Jaina ascetics was known as ''"Maithiliya"''  after Mithilā, signifying its historical importance as a center of Jaina scholarship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porwal |first=Renuka |title=Jaina Stupa At Mathura Art And Icons |url=https://jainqq.org/explore/007031/179}}</ref>
''[[Vividha Tirtha Kalpa]]'', a 14th century CE [[Śvetāmbara]] Jaina text by ''Ācārya'' ''Jinaprabhasūrī'', describes Mithilā as a major Jaina pilgrimage center. The scripture locates Mithilā in the [[Tirhut division|Tirhuta]] region near the confluence of the ''Bāna Gangā'' and ''[[Gandaki River|Gandaki]]'' rivers. It also mentions a village called ''"Jagai"'', where temples dedicated to ''[[Mallinatha|Mallinātha]]'' and ''[[Naminatha|Naminātha]]'' existed. The site is also connected to [[Sita|Sita's]] marriage, ''"Sakulla Kunda"''. Some researchers suggest that ''"Jagai"'' may be an abbreviation of [[Jagadishpur]], near present-day [[Sitamarhi]]. In their pilgrimage parties of 17th century CE and 18th century CE respectively, ''Panyās Saubhāgyavijaya'' and ''Panyās Vijayasāgara'' mention the location of the Jaina pilgrimage of Mithilā near present-day Sitamarhi in [[Bihar]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jinaprabhasuri |first=Acharya |title=Vividha Tirtha Kalpa |url=https://jainqq.org/explore/009519/64}}</ref>
The temples fell into disrepair, possibly due to a lack of Jaina population. The only remnant was the footprints of ''[[Mallinatha|Mallinātha]]'' and ''[[Naminatha|Naminātha]]''. These footprints were later preserved in [[Bhagalpur|''Bhāgalpur'']].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Thakur |first=Vijay Kumar |date=2003 |title=The Jaina Antiquities of Mithila: An Analysis |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44145472 |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=64 |pages=295–299 |issn=2249-1937}}</ref> Based on historical evidence and research, initiatives to restore Mithilā’s lost Jaina heritage were launched. A two-storey temple along the Sitamarhi-Dumra road was constructed. In 2015, the foundation was laid by ''Ācārya'' ''Mahendrasāgarasūrī'' of [[Kharatara Gaccha]]. In 2020, the ritualistic installation of idols was conducted by ''Ācārya'' ''Piyushsāgarasūrī'' of Kharatara Gaccha and ''Ācārya'' ''Vinayasāgarasūrī'' of [[Tapa Gaccha]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=बिहार में यहां है जैन धर्म के 19वें और 21वें तीर्थंकर का जन्मस्थली, 14 साल तक रिसर्च के बाद इस शख्स ने लगाया था पता |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/sitamarhi-the-birthplace-of-the-19th-and-21st-tirthankar-of-jainism-this-person-found-out-after-14-years-of-research-7605823.html |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref>


===Vedic period===
===Vedic period===
Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] peoples who established the [[Videha]] kingdom.<ref>[[Michael Witzel]] (1989), ''Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. Caillat, Paris, pages 13, 17 116–124, 141–143</ref> During the Later [[Vedic period]] (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videha became one of the major political and cultural centers of Ancient India, along with [[Kuru Kingdom|Kuru]] and [[Panchala]]. The kings of the Videha Kingdom were called ''Janakas''.<ref>{{cite book |author=Witzel, M. |author-link=Michael Witzel |year=1989 |chapter=Tracing the Vedic dialects |title=Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |location=Paris |editor1-last=Caillat |editor1-first=C. |pages=141–143 |publisher=Fondation Hugot}}</ref> The Videha Kingdom was later incorporated into the [[Vajjika League]], which had its capital in the city of [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], which is also in Mithila.<ref>{{cite book |author=Hemchandra, R. |year=1972 |title=Political History of Ancient India |location=Calcutta |publisher=University of Calcutta}}</ref>
Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] peoples who established the [[Videha]] kingdom.<ref>[[Michael Witzel]] (1989), ''Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. Caillat, Paris, pages 13, 17 116–124, 141–143</ref> During the Later [[Vedic period]] (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videha became one of the major political and cultural centers of Ancient India, along with [[Kuru Kingdom|Kuru]] and [[Panchala]]. The kings of the Videha Kingdom were called ''Janakas''.<ref>{{cite book |author=Witzel, M. |author-link=Michael Witzel |year=1989 |chapter=Tracing the Vedic dialects |title=Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |location=Paris |editor1-last=Caillat |editor1-first=C. |pages=141–143 |publisher=Fondation Hugot}}</ref> The Videha Kingdom was incorporated into the [[Vajjika League]], which had its capital in the city of [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], and is also in Mithila.<ref>{{cite book |author=Hemchandra, R. |year=1972 |title=Political History of Ancient India |location=Calcutta |publisher=University of Calcutta}}</ref>


===Medieval period===
===Medieval period===
[[File:Shah Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq arrives in Tirhut. Depicted by eyewitness Muhammad Sadr Ala-i in his BasaUn al-uns, ca.1410. Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Museum Library, Ms. R.1032.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|[[Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq]] leading his troops in the capture of the city of Tirhut. Depicted by eyewitness Muhammad Sadr Ala-i in his work ''Basātin al-uns'', published ca.1410. Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Museum Library, Ms. R.1032.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=ÇAĞMAN |first1=FİLİZ |last2=TANINDI |first2=ZEREN |title=Selections from Jalayirid Books in the Libraries of Istanbul |journal=Muqarnas |date=2011 |volume=28 |pages=230, 258 Fig.56 |jstor=23350289 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/23350289.pdf |issn=0732-2992}}</ref>]]
[[File:Shah Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq arrives in Tirhut. Depicted by eyewitness Muhammad Sadr Ala-i in his BasaUn al-uns, ca.1410. Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Museum Library, Ms. R.1032.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|[[Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq]] leading his troops in the capture of the city of Tirhut. Depicted by eyewitness Muhammad Sadr Ala-i in his work ''Basātin al-uns'', published ca.1410. Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Museum Library, Ms. R.1032.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=ÇAĞMAN |first1=FİLİZ |last2=TANINDI |first2=ZEREN |title=Selections from Jalayirid Books in the Libraries of Istanbul |journal=Muqarnas |date=2011 |volume=28 |pages=230, 258 Fig.56 |jstor=23350289 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/23350289.pdf |issn=0732-2992}}</ref>]]
From the 11th century to the 20th century, Mithila was ruled by various indigenous dynasties. The first of these were the [[Karnatas of Mithila|Karnatas]], the [[Oiniwar Dynasty]] and the Khandwala Dynasty also known as [[Raj Darbhanga]]. The Malla dynasty and Licchavi dynasty of Nepal were also Maithil in origin. The rulers of the Oiniwar Dynasty and the Raj Darbhanga were [[Maithil Brahmin]]s. It was during the reign of the Raj Darbhanga family that the capital of Mithila was shifted to [[Darbhanga]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA56 | title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective|pages=55–56| isbn=9788175330344| last1=Jha| first1=Makhan| year=1997}}</ref>
From the 11th century to the 20th century, Mithila was ruled by various indigenous dynasties. The first of these was the [[Karnats of Mithila]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Thakur |first=Ripunjay Kumar |date=1 July 2023|title=Kings, Intellectuals, and Legitimization: Searching for Politico-Cultural Process in Mithila (From Eighth to Fourteenth Century).|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372110182_Kings_Intellectuals_and_Legitimization_Searching_for_Politico-_Cultural_process_in_Mithila_From_8th_to_14th_Century_CE|publisher= Kalakalpa, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, India|issn=2456-8201|access-date=28 August 2025}}</ref> the [[Oiniwar Dynasty]] and the Khandwala Dynasty, also known as [[Raj Darbhanga]]. The Malla dynasty and Licchavi dynasty of Nepal are also Maithil in origin. The rulers of the Oiniwar Dynasty and the Raj Darbhanga were [[Maithil Brahmin]]s. The Oiniwar Dynasty originated from the village [[Oini]] in the Samastipur district of the Mithila region. It was during the reign of the Raj Darbhanga family that the capital of Mithila was shifted to [[Darbhanga]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA56 | title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective|pages=55–56| isbn=9788175330344| last1=Jha| first1=Makhan| year=1997| publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt.}}</ref>


Tughlaq had attacked and taken control of Bihar, and from the end of the [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughlaq Dynasty]] until the establishment of the [[Mughal Empire]] in 1526, there was anarchy and chaos in the region. [[Akbar]] (reigned from 1556 to 1605) realised that taxes from Mithila could only be collected if there was a king who could ensure peace there. The Brahmins were dominant in the Mithila region and Mithila had Brahmin kings in the past.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}
Tughlaq had attacked and taken control of Bihar, and from the end of the [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughlaq Dynasty]] until the establishment of the [[Mughal Empire]] in 1526, there was anarchy and chaos in the region. [[Akbar]] (reigned from 1556 to 1605) realised that taxes from Mithila could only be collected if there was a king who could ensure peace there. The Maithil Brahmins were dominant in the Mithila region and Mithila had Maithil Brahmin kings in the past.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}


Akbar summoned Rajpandit Chandrapati Thakur to [[Delhi]] and asked him to name one of his sons who could be made caretaker and tax collector for his lands in Mithila. Chandrapati Thakur named his middle son, Mahesh Thakur, and Akbar declared Mahesh Thakur as the caretaker of Mithila on the day of [[Ram Navami]] in 1557 AD.
Akbar summoned Rajpandit Chandrapati Thakur to [[Delhi]] and asked him to name one of his sons who could be made caretaker and tax collector for his lands in Mithila. Chandrapati Thakur named his middle son, [[Mahesha Thakura|Mahesh Thakur]], and Akbar declared [[Mahesha Thakura|Mahesh Thakur]] as the caretaker of Mithila on the day of [[Ram Navami]] in 1557 AD.


Lakshmeshwar Singh (reigned from 1860 to 1898) was the eldest son of Maharaja Maheshwar Singh of Darbhanga.  He, along with his younger brother, Rameshwar Singh received a western education from Government appointed tutors as well as a traditional Indian education from a [[Sanskrit]] [[Pandit]]. He spent approximately £300,000 on relief work during the [[Bihar famine of 1873–74]]. He constructed hundreds of miles of roads in various parts of the Raj, planting them with tens of thousands of trees for the comfort of travellers, as part of generating employment for people effected by famine. He constructed iron bridges over all the navigable rivers
Lakshmeshwar Singh (reigned from 1860 to 1898) was the eldest son of Maharaja Maheshwar Singh of Darbhanga.  He, along with his younger brother, Rameshwar Singh received a western education from Government appointed tutors as well as a traditional Indian education from a [[Sanskrit]] [[Pandit]]. He spent approximately £300,000 on relief work during the [[Bihar famine of 1873–74|famine of 1873–74]]. He constructed hundreds of miles of roads in various parts of the Raj, planting them with tens of thousands of trees for the comfort of travellers, as part of generating employment for people effected by famine. He constructed iron bridges over all the navigable rivers


He built, and entirely supported, a first-class Dispensary at Darbhanga, which cost £3400; a similar one at Kharakpur, which cost £3500; and largely contributed to many others.
He built, and entirely supported, a first-class Dispensary at Darbhanga, which cost £3400; a similar one at Kharakpur, which cost £3500; and largely contributed to many others.
[[File:Maharaja_Lakshmeshwar_Singh_statue_-_Kolkata.JPG|thumb|right|Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh|193x193px]]
[[File:Maharaja_Lakshmeshwar_Singh_statue_-_Kolkata.JPG|thumb|right|Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh|193x193px]]
He built an Anglo-vernacular school at a cost of £1490, which he maintained, as well as nearly 30 vernacular schools of different grades; and subsidised a much larger number of educational institutions. He was also one of the founders of [[Indian National Congress]] as well as one of the main financial contributors thereto. Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh is known for purchasing Lowhter Castle for the venue of the 1888 Allahabad Congress session when the British denied permission to use any public place. The British Governor<sup>[''[[wikipedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch#Unsupported attributions|who?]]'']</sup> commissioned [[Edward Onslow Ford]] to make a statue of Lakshmeshwar Singh. This is installed at [[Dalhousie Square]] in [[Kolkata]].
He built an Anglo-vernacular school at a cost of £1490, which he maintained, as well as nearly 30 vernacular schools of different grades; and subsidised a much larger number of educational institutions. He was also one of the founders of [[Indian National Congress]] as well as one of the main financial contributors thereto. Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh is known for purchasing Lowhter Castle for the venue of the 1888 Allahabad Congress session when the British denied permission to use any public place. The British Governor<sup>[''[[Bharatpedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch#Unsupported attributions|who?]]'']</sup> commissioned [[Edward Onslow Ford]] to make a statue of Lakshmeshwar Singh. This is installed at [[Dalhousie Square]] in [[Kolkata]].


On the occasion of the Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria, Lakshmeshwar Singh was declared as a [[Order of the Indian Empire|Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire]], and was promoted to Knight Grand Commander in 1897.
On the occasion of the Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria, Lakshmeshwar Singh was declared as a [[Order of the Indian Empire|Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire]], and was promoted to Knight Grand Commander in 1897.
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==Geography==
==Geography==
{{Multiple image
Mithila is a distinct geographical region with natural boundaries like rivers and hills. It is largely a flat and fertile [[alluvial]] plain criss-crossed by numerous rivers which originate from the [[Himalayas]]. Due to the flat plains and fertile land Mithila has a rich variety of biotic resources; however, because of frequent floods people could not take full advantage of these resources.<ref>{{cite book |author=Thakur, B.|author2= Singh, D.P.|author3= Jha, T. |year=2007 |chapter=The Folk Culture of Mithila |editor=Thakur, B.|editor2= Pomeroy, G.|editor3= Cusack, C.|editor4= Thakur, S.K. |pages=422–446 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=odCJoIaDqZ0C&pg=PA422 |title=City, Society, and Planning. Volume 2: Society|publisher= Concept Publishing Company|isbn= 9788180694608}}{{dead link|date=July 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
| direction        = vertical
| image1            = Mithila region of Nepal.png
| caption1          = Mithila region of Nepal|
| alt2              = Mithila region of India
| caption2          = Mithila region of India
| alt1              = Mithila region of Nepal
| image2            = Mithila region of India.png
}}
Mithila is a distinct geographical region with natural boundaries like rivers and hills. It is largely a flat and fertile [[alluvial]] plain criss-crossed by numerous rivers which originate from the [[Himalayas]]. Due to the flat plains and fertile land Mithila has a rich variety of biotic resources; however, because of frequent floods people could not take full advantage of these resources.<ref>{{cite book |author=Thakur, B.|author2= Singh, D.P.|author3= Jha, T. |year=2007 |chapter=The Folk Culture of Mithila |editor=Thakur, B.|editor2= Pomeroy, G.|editor3= Cusack, C.|editor4= Thakur, S.K. |pages=422–446 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=odCJoIaDqZ0C&pg=PA422 |title=City, Society, and Planning. Volume 2: Society|isbn= 9788180694608}}{{dead link|date=July 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


Seven major rivers flow through Mithila: [[Gandaki River|Gandak]], [[Koshi River|Kosi]], [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]], [[Bagmati River|Bagmati]], [[Kamala River|Kamala]], [[Balan River|Balan]], and the [[Burhi Gandak River|Budhi Gandak]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bihar.ws/info/Geography-of-Bihar/Rivers-of-Bihar.html |title=Rivers of Bihar &#124; Bihar Articles |publisher=Bihar.ws |access-date=4 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723055131/http://www.bihar.ws/info/Geography-of-Bihar/Rivers-of-Bihar.html |archive-date=23 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> They flow from the Himalayas in the north to the [[Ganges]] river in the south. These rivers regularly flood, depositing silt onto the farmlands and sometimes causing death or hardship.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}
Seven major rivers flow through Mithila: [[Gandaki River|Gandak]], [[Koshi River|Kosi]], [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]], [[Bagmati River|Bagmati]], [[Kamala River|Kamala]], [[Balan River|Balan]], and the [[Burhi Gandak River|Budhi Gandak]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bihar.ws/info/Geography-of-Bihar/Rivers-of-Bihar.html |title=Rivers of Bihar &#124; Bihar Articles |publisher=Bihar.ws |access-date=4 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723055131/http://www.bihar.ws/info/Geography-of-Bihar/Rivers-of-Bihar.html |archive-date=23 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> They flow from the Himalayas in the north to the [[Ganges]] river in the south. These rivers regularly flood, depositing silt onto the farmlands and sometimes causing death or hardship.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}


==Culture==
==Culture==
{{Main|Mithila culture}}
Men and women in Mithila are very religious and dress for the festivals as well. The costumes of Mithila stem from the rich traditional culture of Mithila. [[Kurta]] and [[Dhoti]] with a [[Mithila Painting]] bordered [[gamucha|Maroon coloured Gamchha]] which is the Symbol of Passion, Love, Bravery and Courage are common clothing items for men. Men wear Gold ring in their nose which symbolizes prosperity, happiness and wealth inspired by [[Lord Vishnu]]. Also wear Balla on their wrist and [[Paag|Mithila Paag]] on their Head. In ancient times there was no colour option in Mithila, so the Maithil women wore white or yellow Saree with red Border but now they have a lot of variety and colour options and wear ''Laal-Paara'' (the traditional red-boarded white or yellow [[sari|Saree]])<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqbPoGYxjS0 |title= Maithil women wore Red Boarded Yellow or White Saree during Jhijhiya Naach|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> on some special occasions, and also wear ''Shakha-Pola''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhajistore.com/blogs/news/mithilas-bengal-connection-a-conversation-with-shalini-ji|title=Mithila as well as Bengal wearing शाखा पोला" www.jhajistore.com |access-date= 12 August 2019}}</ref>  with lahthi in their hand. In [[Mithila culture]], this represents new beginnings, passion and prosperity. Red also represents the Hindu goddess [[Durga]], a symbol of new beginnings and feminine power. During Chhaith, the women of Mithila wear pure cotton dhoti without stitching which reflects the pure, traditional Culture of Mithila. Usually crafted from pure cotton for daily use and from pure silk for more glamorous occasions, traditional attire for the women of Mithila includes Jamdani, Banarisi and Bhagalpuri and many more.
[[File:Map of full Mithila.png|alt=Map of full Mithila|thumb|Map of full Mithila]]
Men and women in Mithila are very religious and dress for the festivals as well.The costumes of Mithila stem from the rich traditional culture of Mithila. [[Kurta]] and [[Dhoti]] with a [[Mithila Painting]] bordered [[gamucha|Maroon coloured Gamchha]] which is the Symbol of Passion, Love, Bravery and Courage are common clothing items for men. Men wear Gold ring in their nose which symbolizes prosperity, happiness and wealth inspired by [[Lord Vishnu]]. Also wear Balla on their wrist and [[Paag|Mithila Paag]] on their Head. In ancient times there was no colour option in Mithila, so the Maithil women wore white or yellow Saree with red Border but now they have a lot of variety and colour options and wear ''Laal-Paara'' (the traditional red-boarded white or yellow [[sari|Saree]])<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqbPoGYxjS0 |title= Maithil women wore Red Boarded Yellow or White Saree during Jhijhiya Naach|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> on some special occasions, and also wear ''Shakha-Pola''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhajistore.com/blogs/news/mithilas-bengal-connection-a-conversation-with-shalini-ji|title=Mithila as well as Bengal wearing शाखा पोला" www.jhajistore.com |access-date= 12 August 2019}}</ref>  with lahthi in their hand. In [[Mithila culture]], this represents new beginnings, passion and prosperity. Red also represents the Hindu goddess [[Durga]], a symbol of new beginnings and feminine power. During Chhaith, the women of Mithila wear pure cotton dhoti without stitching which reflects the pure, traditional Culture of Mithila. Usually crafted from pure cotton for daily use and from pure silk for more glamorous occasions, traditional attire for the women of Mithila includes Jamdani, Banarisi and Bhagalpuri and many more.  


[[Jhijhiya]] and [[Dhunuchi|Dhuno-Naach]] are the Cultural Dance of Mithila. Jhijhiya is performed in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani and their Neighbour Districts on the other hand [[Dhunuchi|Dhuno-Naach]] is performed in Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, Naugachia during Durga Puja and Kalipuja with Shankha-Dhaak Sound.
[[Jhijhiya]] and [[Dhunuchi|Dhuno-Naach]] are the Cultural Dance of Mithila. Jhijhiya is performed in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani and their Neighbour Districts on the other hand [[Dhunuchi|Dhuno-Naach]] is performed in Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, Naugachia during Durga Puja and Kalipuja with Shankha-Dhaak Sound.
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The Paag dates back to pre-historic times when it was made of plant leaves. It exists today in a modified form. The Paag is wore by the whole Maithil community. The colour of the Paag also carries a lot of significance. The red Paag is worn by the [[bridegroom]] and by those who are undergoing the [[Upanayana|sacred thread rituals]]. Paag of mustard colour is donned by those attending wedding ceremonies and the elders wear a white Paag.
The Paag dates back to pre-historic times when it was made of plant leaves. It exists today in a modified form. The Paag is wore by the whole Maithil community. The colour of the Paag also carries a lot of significance. The red Paag is worn by the [[bridegroom]] and by those who are undergoing the [[Upanayana|sacred thread rituals]]. Paag of mustard colour is donned by those attending wedding ceremonies and the elders wear a white Paag.


This Paag now features place in the popular Macmillan Dictionary. For now, Macmillan Dictionary explains Paag as “a kind of headwear worn by people in the Mithila belt of India.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/26/maithili-paag-finds-place-in-macmillan-dictionary-2081124.html|title=Maithili 'paag' finds place in Macmillan Dictionary}}</ref>[[File:Paag.jpg|thumb|right|Paag]]
This Paag now features place in the popular Macmillan Dictionary. For now, Macmillan Dictionary explains Paag as “a kind of headwear worn by people in the Mithila belt of India.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/26/maithili-paag-finds-place-in-macmillan-dictionary-2081124.html|title=Maithili 'paag' finds place in Macmillan Dictionary|date=26 December 2019 }}</ref>[[File:Paag.jpg|thumb|right|Paag]]


On 10 February 2017, [[India Posts]] released a set of sixteen [[Commemorative stamp|commemorative postage stamps]] on "Headgears of India". The Mithila Paag was featured on one of those postage stamps.
On 10 February 2017, [[India Posts]] released a set of 16 [[Commemorative stamp|commemorative postage stamps]] on "Headgears of India". The Mithila Paag was featured on one of those postage stamps.


===Languages and dialects===
===Languages and dialects===
{{Main|Maithili language}}
{{Main|Maithili language}}


People of Mithila primarily speak in Maithili and it's various dialects including it's perceived dialects [[Bajjika]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kashyap |first=Abhishek Kumar |date=2014-05-01 |title=The Bajjika language and speech community Abhishek Kumar Kashyap |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ijsl-2014-0001/html |journal=International Journal of the Sociology of Language |language=en |volume=2014 |issue=227 |pages=209–224 |doi=10.1515/ijsl-2014-0001 |s2cid=147345446 |issn=1613-3668}}</ref> and [[Angika]] while also being well versed in other languages like [[English language|English]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]] and [[Nepali language|Nepali]] for official or administrative purposes.{{cn|date=June 2023}}
People of Mithila primarily speak in Maithili and its various dialects including [[Thēthi]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=M |last=Asad |year=2013 |title=Reduplication in Modern Maithili |website=Language in India.com |url=http://www.languageinindia.com/april2015/asadmaithilireduplicationfinal.pdf }}</ref> and its perceived dialects [[Bajjika]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kashyap |first=Abhishek Kumar |date=2014-05-01 |title=The Bajjika language and speech community Abhishek Kumar Kashyap |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ijsl-2014-0001/html |journal=International Journal of the Sociology of Language |language=en |issue=227 |pages=209–224 |doi=10.1515/ijsl-2014-0001 |s2cid=147345446 |issn=1613-3668|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and [[Angika]] while also being well versed in other languages like [[English language|English]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]] and [[Nepali language|Nepali]] for official or administrative purposes.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}


This language is an [[Indo-Aryan language]] native to the [[Indian subcontinent]], mainly spoken in [[India]] and [[Nepal]] and is one of the 22 [[Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India|recognised]] [[Languages of India|Indian languages]]. In Nepal, it is spoken in the eastern [[Terai]] and is the second most prevalent language of Nepal. [[Tirhuta]] is formerly the primary script for written Maithili. Less commonly, it was also written in the local variant of [[Kaithi]]. Today it is written in the [[Devanagari]] adopted script.
This language is an [[Indo-Aryan language]] native to the [[Indian subcontinent]], mainly spoken in [[India]] and [[Nepal]] and is one of the 22 [[Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India|recognised]] [[Languages of India|Indian languages]]. In Nepal, it is spoken in the eastern [[Terai]] and is the second most prevalent language of Nepal. [[Tirhuta]] is formerly the primary script for written Maithili. Less commonly, it was also written in the local variant of [[Kaithi]]. Today it is written in the [[Devanagari]] adopted script.
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Maithil cuisine is a part of [[Indian cuisine]] and [[Nepalese cuisine]]. It is a culinary style which originated in Mithila. Some traditional Maithil dishes are:
Maithil cuisine is a part of [[Indian cuisine]] and [[Nepalese cuisine]]. It is a culinary style which originated in Mithila. Some traditional Maithil dishes are:
* [[Curd|Dahi]]-[[Flattened rice|Chura]]
* [[Curd|Dahi]]-[[Flattened rice|Chura]]
* [[Mithila Makhana]]
* Vegetable of [[Taro|Arikanchan]]
* Vegetable of [[Taro|Arikanchan]]
* [[Ghugni|Ghooghni]]
* [[Ghugni|Ghooghni]]
* [[Pickling|Traditional Pickles]], made of fruits and vegetables which are generally mixed with ingredients like salt, spices, and vegetable oils and are set to mature in a moistureless medium.
* [[Pickling|Traditional Pickles]], made of fruits and vegetables which are generally mixed with ingredients like salt, spices, and vegetable oils and are set to mature in a moistureless medium.
* Tarua of [[Coccinia grandis|Tilkor]]
* [[Tilkor Tarua|Tarua of Tilkor]]
* Bada
* Bada
* Badee
* Dahi Badee
* [[Yogurt]]  
* [[Yogurt]]  
* [[Fish as food|Maachh]]
* [[Fish as food|Maachh]]
* [[Mutton]]
* [[Mutton]]
* Irhar
* Irhar
* Purakiya ( also known as [[Gujia]]) which is basically dumplings.
* Pudukiya (Purukiya) which is basically dumplings.
* [[Foxnut|Makhan]] Payas
* [[Foxnut|Makhan]] Payas
* [[Anarsa|Anarasa]]
* [[Anarsa|Anarasa]]
* [[Bagiya]]
* [[Bagiya]]


===Madhubani/Mithila Painting===
===Madhubani Painting===
{{Main|Madhubani/Mithila Painting}}
{{Main|Madhubani/Mithila Painting}}  
[[File:Mithila Painting of Radh- Krishna.jpg|thumb|[[Madhubani art|Mithila Painting]] of Radha-Krishna|301x301px]]Madhubani art or Mithila painting is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal.
Madhubani art or Mithila painting is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal.
It was traditionally created by the women of different communities of the Mithila region. It is named after [[Madhubani district]] of [[Bihar]], India which is where it originated.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UvuJyvtsCjwC&pg=PA96 |title=Madhubani Painting |year=2003 |isbn=9788170171560 |pages=96 |access-date=20 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028144752/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=UvuJyvtsCjwC&pg=PA96 |archive-date=28 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>  
It was traditionally created by the women of different communities of the Mithila region. It is named after [[Madhubani district]] of India which is where it originated.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UvuJyvtsCjwC&pg=PA96 |title=Madhubani Painting |year=2003 |isbn=9788170171560 |pages=96 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |access-date=20 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028144752/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=UvuJyvtsCjwC&pg=PA96 |archive-date=28 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:National Institute Of Mithila Art.jpg|thumb|National Institute Of Mithila Art|183x183px]]
 
This painting as a form of wall art was practiced widely throughout the region; the more recent development of painting on paper and canvas originated among the villages around Madhubani, and it is these latter developments that may correctly be referred to as ''Madhubani art.''<ref>Carolyn Brown Heinz, 2006, "Documenting the Image in Mithila Art," Visual Anthropology Review, Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp. 5-33</ref>
This painting as a form of wall art was practiced widely throughout the region; the more recent development of painting on paper and canvas originated among the villages around Madhubani, and it is these latter developments that may correctly be referred to as Mithila Painting''.''<ref>Carolyn Brown Heinz, 2006, "Documenting the Image in Mithila Art," Visual Anthropology Review, Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp. 5-33</ref>
 
=== Yatra in Mithila ===
 
* [[Mithila Madhya Parikrama]]  - It is a circular journey of the central part of the ancient Mithila.
* [[Sitamarhi Dham Parikrama]] - It is a Hindu religious circumambulation of the sacred religious destinations around the region of Sitamarhi Dham in Mithila. It is associated with the birth anniversary known as Janaki Navami of Goddess Sita in Mithila.


== Main festivals ==
== Main festivals ==
* [[Chhath|Chhaith]]: Prayers during Chhath [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] are dedicated to the [[solar deity]], [[Surya]], to show gratitude and thankfulness
* Indra Puja - Indra Puja is a festival celebrated in Mithila and only place where indra is worshipped , festival that honors Lord Indra and his wife Shachi. It is celebrated to ensure a good harvest season.
* [[Sama Chakeva|Saama-Chakeba]]: includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the [[Purana]]s.
* [[Sama Chakeva|Saama-Chakeba]]: includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the [[Purana]]s.
* [[Chhath|Aghaniya Chhaith]] (Chhotka Pabni): Very popular with the name of "Chhotka-Pabni" and Dopaharka Aragh in Mithila.Celebrated in Aghan Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi.
* [[Jur Sital]] - Jur Sital or Maithil New Year is the celebration of the first day of the Maithil new year
* [[Chhath|Baisakkha Chhaith]] (Chhotka Pabni): This is celebrated in month of Baishakh Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi and It is also called Chhotka-Pabni(Dopaharka Aragh) in Mithila.
* [[Chaurchan]]: Along with [[Ganesha|Lord Ganesha]], [[Vishnu|Lord Vishnu]], [[Parvati|Goddess Parvati]] and the moon god is worshipped. The story of Chorchan Puja is also heard on this day after that [[Tarpana|arghya]] is offered to the [[moon]] god ([[Chandra|Chandra Deva]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chauth Chand 2022: आज मनाई जाएगी चौठ चन्द्र पूजा, चांद की इस तरह होती है पूजा |url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/religion/ganesh-chaturthi-2022-mithila-chaurchan-parv-puja-vidhi-shubh-muhurat-know-how-to-worship-moon-sry |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=Prabhat Khabar |date=30 August 2022 |language=hi}}</ref>
* [[Chaurchan]]: Along with [[Ganesha|Lord Ganesha]], [[Vishnu|Lord Vishnu]], [[Parvati|Goddess Parvati]] and the moon god is worshipped. The story of Chorchan Puja is also heard on this day after that [[Tarpana|arghya]] is offered to the [[moon]] god ([[Chandra|Chandra Deva]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chauth Chand 2022: आज मनाई जाएगी चौठ चन्द्र पूजा, चांद की इस तरह होती है पूजा |url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/religion/ganesh-chaturthi-2022-mithila-chaurchan-parv-puja-vidhi-shubh-muhurat-know-how-to-worship-moon-sry |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=Prabhat Khabar |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-30 |title=Chaurchan Puja 2022 Wishes & Chauth Chandra Puja HD Images: Celebrate This Bihar Festival of the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi Sharing Chaurchan Photos, Messages & Wallpapers {{!}} 🙏🏻 LatestLY |url=https://www.latestly.com/lifestyle/festivals-events/chaurchan-puja-2022-wishes-chauth-chandra-puja-hd-images-celebrate-this-bihar-festival-of-the-moon-on-ganesh-chaturthi-sharing-chaurchan-photos-messages-wallpapers-4143117.html |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=LatestLY |language=en}}</ref>
 
* [[Jivitputrika|Jitiya]]: celebrated mainly in Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/religion/jivitputrika-vrat-2020-jitiya-puja-vidhi-nahay-khay-date-and-timing-shubh-muhurt-jeevaputrika-vow-will-start-from-today-with-hi-khay-know-what-is-important-to-keep-in-mind-during-the-fast-rdy-2|title = Jivitputrika Vrat 2020: जीवित्पुत्रिका व्रती महिलाएं आज खोलेंगी व्रत, जानें पारण करने के लिए हर एक शुभ समय और विधि}}</ref> and Nepal; mothers fast (without water) for wellbeing of their children.<ref name="indastro1">{{cite web|url=http://indianastrology.co.in/4117-jivitputrika-vrat-2016-jitiya-2016-date-hindu-panchang/|title=Jivitputrika Vrat 2016 (Jitiya 2016) Date & Hindu Panchang - Indian Astrology|date=July 18, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=September 4, 2016}}</ref>
*
* [[Madhushravani]] - It is a Hindu festival celebrated in Mithila by newly married [[Maithil Brahmin]] and [[Maithil Karna Kayastha|Maithil Kayastha]] women
*
 
* [[Vivaha Panchami]]: Hindu festival celebrating the wedding of Rama and Sita. It is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Agrahayana month (November – December) as per Maithili calendar and in the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar.  
* [[Vivaha Panchami]]: Hindu festival celebrating the wedding of Rama and Sita. It is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Agrahayana month (November – December) as per Maithili calendar and in the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar.  
* [[Sita|Sita Navami]]
* [[Sita Navami]] - festival that celebrates the birth of [[Sita|Goddess Sita]] the daughter of mithila in [[Janakpur|Janakpur dham]]
* [[Ganga Dussehra]]: Ganga Dussehra, also known as '''Gangavataran''', is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] festival celebrated by Maithils in [[Simaria|Mokshdhaam Simaria Dhaam]] (The Welcome Gate of Mithila). [[Ganges in Hinduism#Legend|''avatarana'' (descent) of the Ganges]]. It is believed by Hindus that the [[holy river]] [[Ganges]] descended from heaven to earth on this day.<ref name=today>{{cite news|last1=Agnihotri|first1=Sanjana|title=All you need to know about Ganga Dussehra|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ganga-dussehra-june-significance-history/1/691870.html|accessdate=4 July 2016|work=India Today|date=14 June 2016}}</ref>  
* [[Ganga Dussehra]]: Ganga Dussehra, also known as '''Gangavataran''', is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] festival celebrated by Maithils in [[Simaria|Mokshdhaam Simaria Dhaam]] (The Welcome Gate of Mithila). [[Ganges in Hinduism#Legend|''avatarana'' (descent) of the Ganges]]. It is believed by Hindus that the [[holy river]] [[Ganges]] descended from heaven to earth on this day.<ref name=today>{{cite news|last1=Agnihotri|first1=Sanjana|title=All you need to know about Ganga Dussehra|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/ganga-dussehra-june-significance-history-14171-2016-06-14|access-date=4 July 2016|work=India Today|date=14 June 2016}}</ref>  
* [[Simaria|Kalpwas]]: Celebrated in Every Kartik Month in Simaria Dhaam, Begushorai.
* [[Kalpavas|Kalpwas]]: Celebrated every in the Kartik month at [[Simaria Ghat]] in [[Simaria]] Dhaam, [[Begusarai district|Begusarai]].
* [[Kojagiri]] (Lachhmi Puja): harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season  
* [[Kojagra]] (Lachhmi Puja): harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season  
* [[Durga Puja|Paata Puja]] (Durga Maay Aagmon)
* [[Durga Puja|Paata Puja]] (Durga Maay Aagmon)
* [[Durga Puja|Khutti Puja]] (Ritual of Durga Puja)
* [[Durga Puja|Khutti Puja]] (Ritual of Durga Puja)
* [[Mahalaya|Mohalaya]]  
* [[Mahalaya|Mohalaya]]  
* [[Durga Puja]]: a ten-day festival,{{sfn| Doniger|1999|p=306}}{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}} of which the last five are of the most significance.<ref>{{cite news |author=Parmita Borah |date=2 October 2011 |title=Durga Puja - a Celebration of Female Supremacy |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |publisher=EF News International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051716/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |archive-date=25 April 2012 |access-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> is an important festival in the [[Shaktism]] tradition of Hinduism.{{sfn| McDermott|2001|pp=172-174}}{{sfn|Foulston|Abbott|2009|pp=162-169}}{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=7-8}} It marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting [[asura]], [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=215-219}}{{efn-ua|group=note|In the Shakta tradition of [[Hinduism]], many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.{{sfn| McDaniel|2004|pp=20–21, 217–219}}}} Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.{{sfn|Kinsley|1988|pp=111–112}}{{sfn|Donner|2016|p=25}}
* [[Durga Puja]]: a ten-day festival,{{sfn| Doniger|1999|p=306}}{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}} of which the last five are of the most significance.<ref>{{cite news |author=Parmita Borah |date=2 October 2011 |title=Durga Puja - a Celebration of Female Supremacy |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |publisher=EF News International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051716/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |archive-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=usurped |access-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> is an important festival in the [[Shaktism]] tradition of Hinduism.{{sfn| McDermott|2001|pp=172-174}}{{sfn|Foulston|Abbott|2009|pp=162-169}}{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=7-8}}It marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting [[asura]], [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=215-219}}{{efn-ua|group=note|In the Shakta tradition of [[Hinduism]], many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.{{sfn| McDaniel|2004|pp=20–21, 217–219}}}} Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.{{sfn|Kinsley|1988|pp=111–112}}{{sfn|Donner|2016|p=25}}
* [[Kali Puja]]: dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day [[Diwali|Dipannita Amavasya]] of the Hindu month Kartik
* [[Kali Puja]]: dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day [[Diwali|Dipannita Amavasya]] of the Hindu month Kartik
* [[Vasant Panchami|Saraswati Puja]]: marks the preparation for the arrival of [[Spring (season)|spring]]. The festival is celebrated by people of [[Indian religions|Dharmic religions]] in the [[South Asia]]n countries in different ways depending on the region. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for [[Holika Dahan|Holika]] and [[Holi]], which take place forty days later.<ref name="Roy2005p192">Christian Roy (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 192–193. {{ISBN|978-1-57607-089-5}}.</ref>  
* [[Vasant Panchami|Saraswati Puja]]: marks the preparation for the arrival of [[Spring (season)|spring]]. The festival is celebrated by people of [[Indian religions|Dharmic religions]] in the [[South Asia]]n countries in different ways depending on the region. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for [[Holika Dahan|Holika]] and [[Holi]], which take place forty days later.<ref name="Roy2005p192">Christian Roy (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 192–193. {{ISBN|978-1-57607-089-5}}.</ref>  
* [[Rama Navami]]: celebrates the descent of Vishnu as the Rama avatar, through his birth to King [[Dasharatha]] and Queen [[Kausalya]] in [[Ayodhya]], [[Kosala]].<ref name=dna8apr2014>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-hindus-around-the-world-celebrate-ram-navami-today-1976344 Hindus around the world celebrate Ram Navami today], DNA, 8 April 2014</ref>  
* [[Rama Navami]]: celebrates the descent of Vishnu as the Rama avatar, through his birth to King [[Dasharatha]] and Queen [[Kausalya]] in [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]], [[Kosala]].<ref name=dna8apr2014>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-hindus-around-the-world-celebrate-ram-navami-today-1976344 Hindus around the world celebrate Ram Navami today], DNA, 8 April 2014</ref>  
* [[Basant (season)|Basanti Puja]] (Chaiti Durga Puja)
* [[Basant (season)|Basanti Puja]] (Chaiti Durga Puja)
* [[Makar Sankranti|Til Sakraait]]
* [[Makar Sankranti|Til Sakraait]]
* [[Jur Sital|Aakhar Bochhor]]
* [[Jur Sital|Aakhar Bochhor]]
* [[Jamai Shashthi|Pahun Shashthi]]
* [[Naga Panchami|Naag Panchami]]
* [[Naga Panchami|Naag Panchami]]
* [[Vat Purnima|Barsaait]]
* [[Vat Purnima|Barsaait]]
* [[Vishwakarma Puja]]
* [[Vishwakarma Puja]]
* [[Holi]]
* [[Holi]]
* Ghadi Paabain


==People==
==People==
{{Main|Maithils}}Maithili language speakers are referred to as Maithils and they are an [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] [[ethno-linguistic]] group. There are an estimated 75 million Maithils in India alone. The vast majority of them are [[Hindu]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fOQkpcVcd9AC&pg=PT215 | title=Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia | author=James B. Minahan| isbn=9781598846607 | date=30 August 2012 }}</ref>
{{Main|Maithils}}Maithili language speakers are referred to as Maithils and they are an [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] [[ethno-linguistic]] group. There are an estimated 75 million Maithils in India alone. The vast majority of them are [[Hindu]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fOQkpcVcd9AC&pg=PT215 | title=Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia | author=James B. Minahan| isbn=9781598846607 | date=30 August 2012 | publisher=Abc-Clio }}</ref>
 
The people of Mithila can be split into various [[Indian caste system|caste]]/[[jāti|clan]] affiliations such as [[ Maithil Brahmins]], [[Maithil Karna Kayastha|Maithil Kayasthas]], [[Kandu|Kanu]], [[Kewat]]s, [[Rajput]]s, [[Koeri|Kushwaha]]s, [[Bania (caste)|Baniya]]s, Kamatas, [[Ahir]]s, [[Kurmi]]s, [[Paswan|Dushads]], Kujras, Manush and many more.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA33 | title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective | author=Makhan Jha | pages=33–40| isbn=9788175330344 | year=1997 | publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. }}</ref>
 
==Demands for administrative units==
===Proposed Indian state===
{{Main|Mithila, India|Mithila State Movement}}
 
There is an [[Mithila State Movement|ongoing movement]] in the Maithili speaking region of India for a separate [[Indian state]] of Mithila.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&q=mithila+india+state&pg=PA148 | title=Small States Syndrome in India | access-date=16 February 2017 | pages=146 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217143622/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA148&dq=mithila+india+state&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiL0fDo2pXSAhVEKcAKHej6AicQ6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=mithila%20india%20state&f=false | archive-date=17 February 2017 | df=dmy-all | isbn=9788170226918 | last1=Kumāra | first1=Braja Bihārī | year=1998 | publisher=Concept Publishing Company }}</ref>
 
===Proposed Nepalese province===
{{See also|Madhesh Province}}
There was a movement in the Maithili speaking areas of Nepal for a separate province.<ref>{{cite book |author=Burkert, C. |chapter=Defining Maithil Identity |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4FQMEiZcrIC&pg=PA245 |title=Nationalism and Ethnicity in a Hindu Kingdom: The Politics and Culture of Contemporary Nepal |year=2012 |editor1=Gellner, D. |editor2=Pfaff-Czarnecka, J. |editor3=Whelpton, J. |publisher=Routledge |location=London, New York |isbn=9781136649561 |pages=241–273 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820000356/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=n4FQMEiZcrIC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA245 |archive-date=20 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Province No. 2]] was established under the 2015 Constitution, which transformed Nepal into a Federal Democratic Republic, with a total of seven provinces. Province No. 2 has a substantial Maithili speaking population and consists most of the Maithili speaking areas of Nepal. It was demanded by some Mithila activists that Province No. 2 be named 'Mithila Province'.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-05-02/samiti-vows-to-protest-for-mithila-province.html |title = Samiti vows to protest for Mithila Province}}</ref>
On 23 December 2021, four different names for the Province No. 2 were presented by the various parties of the [[Provincial Assembly of Madhesh Province]]. The four names were ‘Madhesh Pradesh’, ‘Janaki Pradesh’, ‘Madhya Madhesh Pradesh’ and ‘Mithila Bhojpura’.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five names proposed for Province 2 |url=https://english.khabarhub.com/2021/23/228334/ |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=Khabarhub |language=en}}</ref>


The people of Mithila can be split into various [[Indian caste system|caste]]/[[jāti|clan]] affiliations such as [[Brahmins]], [[Kayastha]]s, [[Kewat]]s, [[Bhumihar]]s, [[Rajput]]s, [[Koeri]]s, [[Baniya]]s, [[Kamata (clan)|Kamatas]], [[Ahir]]s, [[Kurmi]]s, [[Dushad]]s, [[Koeri]]s, [[Kujra]]s, [[Manush (clan)|Manush]] and many more.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA33 | title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective | author=Makhan Jha | pages=33–40| isbn=9788175330344 | year=1997 }}</ref>
Among the four names, Madhesh Pradesh (Madhesh Province) was chosen and finalized on 17 January 2022. The name was finalized with 80 percent majority in the Provincial Assembly. [[Janakpur]] was named as the capital of the province.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pradhan |first=Shirish B. |date=2022-01-18 |title=Nepal's Province 2 renamed 'Madhes Pradesh' |url=https://theprint.in/world/nepals-province-2-renamed-madhes-pradesh/806579/ |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
{{dynamic list}}  
{{dynamic list}}
[[File:Janaka, king of Mithila and father of Sita.jpg|thumb|[[Janaka]], king of Mithila and father of [[Sita]] maa]]
The following are notable residents (past and present) of Mithila region.
The following are notable residents (past and present) of Mithila region.
<gallery mode="packed">
 
File:Ramdhari Singh Dinkar 1999 stamp of India.jpg|[[Ramdhari Singh Dinkar]], Indian Hindi and Maithili language poet
=== Ancient ===
File:Gopal Jee Thakur.jpg|alt=Gopal Jee Thakur, BJP leader and Member of Parliament From Darbhanga|[[Gopal Jee Thakur]], Indian Politician and Member of Parliament From [[Darbhanga]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Members : Lok Sabha |url=https://loksabha.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=5176 |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=loksabha.nic.in}}</ref>
[[File:Udyanacharya Sanskrit Vidyalaya.jpg|thumb|Statue of the 11th century philosopher [[Udayana]] ]]
File:Sriti Jha zt Zee-Rishtey-Awards 2018.jpg|[[Sriti Jha]], Indian TV and film actress
[[File:Statue of Maha Kavi Kokil Vidyapati.jpg|thumb|Statue of Maithili language poet, [[Vidyapati]]]]
File:Bhawana Kanth in 2020.jpg|[[Bhawana Kanth]], Indian female fighter pilots
* [[Janaka]], King of Mithila and Father in Law of King [[Rama]]
File:Bimalendra Nidh in New Delhi on August 20, 2016 (cropped).jpg|[[Bimalendra Nidhi]], Nepalese politician and Former Deputy PM of Nepal
* [[Sita]], Princess of [[Mithila Kingdom]] and wife of King [[Rama]]
File:Sharda Sinha.jpg|[[Sharda Sinha]], a Bhojpuri and Maithili Singer.
* [[Shrutadeva]], a notable devotee of [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] during the regime of [[Bahulashva Janaka]]
</gallery>
* [[Sulabha]], female scholar during the period of [[Dharmadhwaja Janaka]].
* [[Aeneas Lionel Acton Mackintosh]], was a British Merchant Navy officer and Antarctic explorer, who commanded the [[Ross Sea party]] as part of Sir [[Ernest Shackleton]]'s, 1914-17 [[Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition]].
* [[Yajnavalkya]], founder of [[Yajurveda|Shukla Yajurveda]] and [[Shatapatha Brahmana]]
* [[Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi]], Indian [[Indian independence movement|Freedom fighter]], political activist, social worker, poet and writer, born in [[Muzaffarpur]]<ref name="Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav">{{cite web|last1=Ministry of Culture|first1=Government of India|title=Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi|url=https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/unsung-heroes-detail.htm?138|website=amritmahotsav.nic.in}}</ref><ref name="twocircles">{{cite web|last1=Sajjad|first1=Mohammad|title=Maghfur Aijazi: A freedom-fighter and a builder of Indian democracy|url=http://twocircles.net/2013jan06/maghfur_aijazi_freedomfighter_and_builder_indian_democracy.html#.VPkHguHN45w|website=TwoCircles.net|date=6 January 2013|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Gautama Maharishi|Akshapada Gautama]], founder of [[Nyaya]] school of [[Indian philosophy|Indian Philosophy]]
* [[Gārgī Vāchaknavī|Gargi Vachaknavi]], female scholar of [[Vedas]]
* [[Kapila]], founder of [[Samkhya|Samkhya Philosophy]]
 
=== Historical ===
* [[Udayana]]charya, 10th/11th-century philosopher and [[Indian logic|logician]] of the [[Nyaya]] school.
* [[Maṇḍana Miśra|Mandana Mishra]], scholar of [[Mīmāṃsā|Mimansa]]
* [[Ayachi Mishra]], scholar [[Nyaya|Nyaya Shastra]]
* [[Vidyapati]], 14th/15th century Maithili and Sanskrit poet-saint
* [[Shiva Simha Singh|Shivasimha]] - popular king of Oiniwar Dynasty in Mithila
* [[Lakhimadevi]] - queen of Shivasimha and woman ruler of Mithila, scholar and poetess
* [[Vishwasa Devi]] - woman ruler of Oiniwar Dynasty in Mithila and scholar of Sanskrit literature
*[[Bhanudatta Misra]], 15th/16th-century [[Sanskrit]] poet from Mithila
*[[Harisimhadeva]], King of Mithila during the [[Karnats of Mithila|Karnat dynasty]] from 1304 - 1324 CE
*[[Gangadeva]], King of Mithila during the [[Karnats of Mithila|Karnat dynasty]] from 1147-1187 CE
*[[Narsimhadeva]], King of Mithila during the [[Karnats of Mithila|Karnat dynasty]] from 1174-1227 CE
*[[Ramasimhadeva]], King of Mithila during the [[Karnats of Mithila|Karnat dynasty]] from 1227-1285 CE
*[[Jyotirishwar Thakur]], 14th-century [[poet]], [[playwright]] and [[musician]] who composed the earliest prose work in the [[Maithili language]], the [[Varna Ratnakara]]
*[[Caṇḍeśvara Ṭhakkura]], political theorist and general from the 14th century
*[[Gaṅgeśa]], 13th/14th century [[philosopher]], [[logic]]ian and [[mathematician]] and author of Tattavachintamani
*[[Pakshadhara Mishra]], 15th-century philosopher
*[[Vāchaspati Misra]], 9th/10th-century philosopher of the [[Advaita Vedanta]] tradition
*[[Lakshmeshwar Singh]], zamindar and principal landowner of [[Raj Darbhanga]], 1860–1898
*[[Rameshwar Singh]], zamindar and principal landowner of [[Raj Darbhanga]], 1898–1929
 
===Modern===
* Amit Kumar Das, founder of [[Moti Babu Institute of Technology]], President of the Sydney Bihar Foundation, software entrepreneur and multinational CEO
* [[Amitabh Singh]], Indian Space Scientist at [[ISRO]]
* [[Y. P. Viyogi|Y P Viyogi]], Indian Nuclear Physicist and associated with [[ALICE experiment|ALICE Experiment]] at [[CERN]]
* [[Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi]], Indian [[Indian independence movement|Freedom fighter]], political activist, social worker, poet and writer, born in [[Muzaffarpur]]<ref name="Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav">{{cite web|last1=Ministry of Culture|first1=Government of India|title=Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi|url=https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/unsung-heroes-detail.htm?138|website=amritmahotsav.nic.in}}</ref><ref name="twocircles">{{cite web|last1=Sajjad|first1=Mohammad|title=Maghfur Aijazi: A freedom-fighter and a builder of Indian democracy|url=http://twocircles.net/2013jan06/maghfur_aijazi_freedomfighter_and_builder_indian_democracy.html#.VPkHguHN45w|website=TwoCircles.net|date=6 January 2013|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref>  
* [[H. C. Verma|H C Verma]], Indian [[physicist]] and author of the popular book ''Concept of Physics''
* [[Ram Narayan Mishra]], The [[Plenipotentiary]] for Treaty of trade and transit between the Government of India and His Majesty's Government of Nepal in 1960, Nepalese political leader, democratic freedom fighter in Nepal, a founder member of [[Nepali Congress|Nepali Congress Party]].
* [[Bimalendra Nidhi]], Member of Nepalese parliament, Vice president of ruling party [[Nepali Congress]] and former [[Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nidhi appointed NC Vice-Prez, Khadka Gen Secy|url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2018/05/04/nidhi-appointed-nc-vice-prez-khadka-general-secy|access-date=2022-01-15|website=kathmandupost.com|language=English}}</ref>
* [[Bimalendra Nidhi]], Member of Nepalese parliament, Vice president of ruling party [[Nepali Congress]] and former [[Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nidhi appointed NC Vice-Prez, Khadka Gen Secy|url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2018/05/04/nidhi-appointed-nc-vice-prez-khadka-general-secy|access-date=2022-01-15|website=kathmandupost.com|language=English}}</ref>
*[[Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar']] was an [[Indian people|Indian]] [[Hindi]] poet, essayist, patriot and academic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.anubhuti-hindi.org/gauravgram/dinker/index.htm |title=Ramdhari Singh Dinker - Hindi ke Chhayavadi Kavi |website=www.anubhuti-hindi.org |access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
*[[Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar']] was an [[Indian people|Indian]] [[Hindi]] poet, essayist, patriot and academic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.anubhuti-hindi.org/gauravgram/dinker/index.htm |title=Ramdhari Singh Dinker - Hindi ke Chhayavadi Kavi |website=www.anubhuti-hindi.org |access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[Bindheshwari Prasad Mandal]] was an Indian parliamentarian and social reformer who served as the chairman of the Second Backward Classes Commission (popularly known as the [[Mandal Commission]]).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rT2xWp_iTCYC|title=Nitish Kumar and the Rise of Bihar|date=2011-01-01|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=9780670084593|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Bindheshwari Prasad Mandal]] was an Indian parliamentarian and social reformer who served as the chairman of the Second Backward Classes Commission (popularly known as the [[Mandal Commission]]).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rT2xWp_iTCYC|title=Nitish Kumar and the Rise of Bihar|date=2011-01-01|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=9780670084593|language=en}}</ref>
* [[C. K. Raut]], formerly US-based computer scientist, author and political leader of Nepal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekantipur.com/nepal/article/?id=222 |title=" मुख्य समाचार " :: नेपाल :: |publisher=Ekantipur.com |date=24 May 2015 |access-date=28 May 2015}}</ref>
* [[C. K. Raut]], formerly US-based computer scientist, author and political leader of Nepal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ekantipur.com/nepal/article/?id=222 |title=" मुख्य समाचार " :: नेपाल :: |publisher=Ekantipur.com |date=24 May 2015 |access-date=28 May 2015 |archive-date=4 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704035340/http://www.ekantipur.com/nepal/article/?id=222 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[C. K. Lal]], Nepalese journalist and writer from [[Mahottari District]] of Nepal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lal |first=C. K. |title=Art and identity |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/60528/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=My Republica |language=en}}</ref>
* [[C. K. Lal]], Nepalese journalist and writer from [[Mahottari District]] of Nepal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lal |first=C. K. |title=Art and identity |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/60528/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=My Republica |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Phanishwar Nath 'Renu']], influential writer of modern [[Hindi]] literature in the post-[[Premchand]] era.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seasonsindia.com/art_culture/lit_hindi_sea.htm |title=Seasons India :: Hindi Literature of India |website=www.seasonsindia.com |access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[Phanishwar Nath 'Renu']], influential writer of modern [[Hindi]] literature in the post-[[Premchand]] era.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seasonsindia.com/art_culture/lit_hindi_sea.htm |title=Seasons India :: Hindi Literature of India |website=www.seasonsindia.com |access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[Gopal Jee Thakur]], Indian Politician and Member of Parliament from [[Darbhanga Lok Sabha constituency|Darbhanga Lok Sabha Constituency]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shri Gopal Jee Thakur{{!}} National Portal of India |url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/indian-parliament/shri-gopal-jee-thakur |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref>
* [[Gopal Jee Thakur]], Indian Politician and Member of Parliament from [[Darbhanga Lok Sabha constituency|Darbhanga Lok Sabha Constituency]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shri Gopal Jee Thakur{{!}} National Portal of India |url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/indian-parliament/shri-gopal-jee-thakur |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref>
* [[Syed Shahnawaz Hussain]], Indian politician, born in [[Supaul]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/bjp-s-shahnawaz-hussain-on-im-hit-list-113121000234_1.html|title=BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain on IM hit list|last=IANS|date=10 December 2013|access-date=26 October 2017|via=Business Standard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026111054/http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/bjp-s-shahnawaz-hussain-on-im-hit-list-113121000234_1.html|archive-date=26 October 2017|df=dmy-all|newspaper=Business Standard India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/bjp-leader-shahnawaz-hussain-s-impersonator-arrested-76095|title=BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain's impersonator arrested|website=NDTV.com|access-date=26 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219094253/http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/bjp-leader-shahnawaz-hussain-s-impersonator-arrested-76095|archive-date=19 December 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article542836.ece|title=PM's 'lack' of leadership has made UPA 'sinking ship': BJP|website=NewIndianExpress.com|access-date=26 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304220836/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article542836.ece|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Syed Shahnawaz Hussain]], Indian politician, born in [[Supaul]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/bjp-s-shahnawaz-hussain-on-im-hit-list-113121000234_1.html|title=BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain on IM hit list|last=IANS|date=10 December 2013|access-date=26 October 2017|via=Business Standard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026111054/http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/bjp-s-shahnawaz-hussain-on-im-hit-list-113121000234_1.html|archive-date=26 October 2017|df=dmy-all|newspaper=Business Standard India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/bjp-leader-shahnawaz-hussain-s-impersonator-arrested-76095|title=BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain's impersonator arrested|website=NDTV.com|access-date=26 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219094253/http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/bjp-leader-shahnawaz-hussain-s-impersonator-arrested-76095|archive-date=19 December 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article542836.ece|title=PM's 'lack' of leadership has made UPA 'sinking ship': BJP|website=NewIndianExpress.com|access-date=26 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304220836/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article542836.ece|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Janaka]], King of Mithila and Father in Law of King [[Rama]]
* [[Sita]], Princess of [[Mithila Kingdom]] and wife of King [[Rama]]
* [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]] was the Chief Minister of [[Bihar]] and a member of [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/biodata_1_12/598.htm |title=8th Lok Sabha – Members Bioprofile – AZAD, SHRI BHAGWAT JHA |access-date=2011-08-06 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006151543/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/biodata_1_12/598.htm |archive-date=6 October 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]] was the Chief Minister of [[Bihar]] and a member of [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/biodata_1_12/598.htm |title=8th Lok Sabha – Members Bioprofile – AZAD, SHRI BHAGWAT JHA |access-date=2011-08-06 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006151543/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/biodata_1_12/598.htm |archive-date=6 October 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* [[Maithili Thakur]], Indian singer
* [[Maithili Thakur]], Indian singer
* [[Ram Baran Yadav]], First president of Nepal
* [[Ram Baran Yadav]], First president of Nepal
*[[Ramdev Mahato]], three time Member of Bihar Legislative Assembly from [[Madhubani Assembly constituency]] of Mithila region.
* [[Sharda Sinha]], Indian folk singer
* [[Sharda Sinha]], Indian folk singer
* [[Udit Narayan]], Bollywood playback singer
* [[Udit Narayan]], Bollywood playback singer
* [[Kanhaiya Kumar]], leader of [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]
* [[Narendra Jha]], Bollywood actor
* [[Narendra Jha]], Bollywood actor
* [[Harisimhadeva]], King of Mithila during the [[Karnat dynasty]]
* [[Sriti Jha]], Indian television actress
* [[Sriti Jha]], Indian television actress
* [[Kirti Azad]], former Indian cricketer and politician
* [[Kirti Azad]], former Indian cricketer and politician
* [[Vidyapati]], Maithili poet and a Sanskrit writer and a [[Multilingualism|Polyglot]]
* [[Sanjay Mishra (actor)|Sanjay Mishra]], Bollywood actor
* [[Sanjay Mishra (actor)|Sanjay Mishra]], Bollywood actor
* [[Bhawana Kanth]], one of the first female fighter pilots of India
* [[Bhawana Kanth]], one of the first female fighter pilots of India
* [[Gangesha Upadhyaya]], 12th-century Indian mathematician and philosopher
* [[Vikas Kumar Jha]]
* [[Vikas Kumar Jha]]
* [[George Orwell]], novelist and essayist, journalist and critic  
* [[George Orwell]], novelist and essayist, journalist and critic  
Line 221: Line 270:
* [[Acharya Ramlochan Saran]], Hindi literature, grammarian and publisher
* [[Acharya Ramlochan Saran]], Hindi literature, grammarian and publisher
* [[Ramesh Chandra Jha]], Indian poet, novelist and freedom fighter
* [[Ramesh Chandra Jha]], Indian poet, novelist and freedom fighter
* [[Binod Bihari Verma]], Indian army man and poet
* [[Acharya Rameshwar Jha]], scholar  
* [[Acharya Rameshwar Jha]], scholar  
* [[Phanishwar Nath 'Renu']], Indian author
* [[Ravindra Prabhat]] a Hindi novelist, journalist, poet, and short story writer
* [[Ravindra Prabhat]] a Hindi novelist, journalist, poet, and short story writer
* [[Gajendra Thakur]], Literary critic, historian, novelist, dramatist, poet, and a lexicographer
* [[Gajendra Thakur]], Literary critic, historian, novelist, dramatist, poet, and a lexicographer
Line 231: Line 278:
* [[Godawari Dutta]], madhubani artist, social activist
* [[Godawari Dutta]], madhubani artist, social activist
* [[Tarkishore Prasad]], [[Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar]], born in [[Saharsa district]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/patna/i-want-self-reliant-bihar-sushil-modi-is-our-guardian-says-new-deputy-cm-tarkishore-prasad/story-JpUVa9XpDnKP1lO8GGI3pK.html|title=I want self-reliant Bihar; Sushil Modi is our guardian, says new deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad|date=19 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[Tarkishore Prasad]], [[Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar]], born in [[Saharsa district]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/patna/i-want-self-reliant-bihar-sushil-modi-is-our-guardian-says-new-deputy-cm-tarkishore-prasad/story-JpUVa9XpDnKP1lO8GGI3pK.html|title=I want self-reliant Bihar; Sushil Modi is our guardian, says new deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad|date=19 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[Ramnath Goenka]], Indian journalist, born in [[Darbhanga]]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Reed|first1=Stanley|authorlink1=Stanley Reed (British politician)|title=The Indian And Pakistan Year Book And Who's Who 1950|date=1950|publisher=[[The Times Group|Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd.]]|page=679|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.15206|accessdate=20 February 2018}}</ref>
* [[Ramnath Goenka]], Indian journalist, born in [[Darbhanga]]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Reed|first1=Stanley|author-link1=Stanley Reed (British politician)|title=The Indian And Pakistan Year Book And Who's Who 1950|date=1950|publisher=[[The Times Group|Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd.]]|page=679|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.15206|access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
* [[Ashish Jha]], [[Internal medicine|general internist physician]] and academic serving the [[White House COVID-19 Response Team|White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator]]
* [[Ashish Jha]], [[Internal medicine|general internist physician]] and academic serving the [[White House COVID-19 Response Team|White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator]]
 
* [[Vartika Jha]] (born 2000), Indian dancer, choreographer and actress
==Demands for administrative units==
* [[Lalit Narayan Mishra]], Leader of [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]
===Proposed Indian state===
* [[Jagannath Mishra]], Leader of [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]
{{Main|Mithila, India}}
* [[Pushpam Priya Choudhary]], Founder of [[Plurals Party|The Plurals Party]]
There is an ongoing movement in the Maithili speaking region of Bihar and Jharkhand for a separate [[Indian state]] of Mithila.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&q=mithila+india+state&pg=PA148 | title=Small States Syndrome in India | access-date=16 February 2017 | pages=146 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217143622/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA148&dq=mithila+india+state&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiL0fDo2pXSAhVEKcAKHej6AicQ6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=mithila%20india%20state&f=false | archive-date=17 February 2017 | df=dmy-all | isbn=9788170226918 | last1=Kumāra | first1=Braja Bihārī | year=1998 }}</ref>
* [[Nitish Mishra]], Leader of [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]
 
* [[Sanjay Kumar Jha]], Leader of [[Janata Dal (United)|JD(U)]]
===Proposed Nepalese province===
* [[Vaibhav Sooryavanshi]], Indian Cricket Player
{{See also|Madhesh Province}}
There was a movement in the Maithili speaking areas of Nepal for a separate province.<ref>{{cite book |author=Burkert, C. |chapter=Defining Maithil Identity |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4FQMEiZcrIC&pg=PA245 |title=Nationalism and Ethnicity in a Hindu Kingdom: The Politics and Culture of Contemporary Nepal |year=2012 |editor1=Gellner, D. |editor2=Pfaff-Czarnecka, J. |editor3=Whelpton, J. |publisher=Routledge |location=London, New York |isbn=9781136649561 |pages=241–273 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820000356/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=n4FQMEiZcrIC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA245 |archive-date=20 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Province No. 2]] was established under the 2015 Constitution, which transformed Nepal into a Federal Democratic Republic, with a total of 7 provinces. Province No. 2 has a substantial Maithili speaking population and consists most of the Maithili speaking areas of Nepal. It was demanded by some Mithila activists that Province No. 2 be named 'Mithila Province'.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-05-02/samiti-vows-to-protest-for-mithila-province.html |title = Samiti vows to protest for Mithila Province}}</ref>
On 23 December 2021, four different names for the Province No. 2 were presented by the various parties of the [[Provincial Assembly of Madhesh Province]]. The four names were ‘Madhesh Pradesh’, ‘Janaki Pradesh’, ‘Madhya Madhesh Pradesh’ and ‘Mithila Bhojpura’.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five names proposed for Province 2 |url=https://english.khabarhub.com/2021/23/228334/ |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=Khabarhub |language=en}}</ref>
 
Among the four names, Madhesh Pradesh (Madhesh Province) was chosen and finalized on 17 January 2022. The name was finalized with 80 percent majority in the Provincial Assembly. [[Janakpur]] was named as the capital of the province.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pradhan |first=Shirish B. |date=2022-01-18 |title=Nepal's Province 2 renamed 'Madhes Pradesh' |url=https://theprint.in/world/nepals-province-2-renamed-madhes-pradesh/806579/ |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
 


==See also==
==See also==
 
{{Portal|India|Nepal}}
*[[Mithila (proposed Indian state)]]
*[[Mithila (proposed Indian state)]]
*[[Mithila Painting]]
*[[Mithila Painting]]
Line 256: Line 297:
*[[Mithila Student Union]]
*[[Mithila Student Union]]
*[[Maithili duck]]
*[[Maithili duck]]
*[[King Mithi]]
*[[Gosaunik Ghar]]
*[[Industrial ruins in Mithila region]]
*[[Maithili Cinema]]
*[[Tourism in Mithila]]
*[[Rajarshi Janak Mandir]]
*[[Maharani Sthan]]
*[[Gautam Kund]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{EB1911 Poster|Mithila}}
{{EB1911 poster|Mithila}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080118130804/http://www.csuchico.edu/anth/mithila/index.htm The Maithil Brahmans - an online ethnography]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080118130804/http://www.csuchico.edu/anth/mithila/index.htm The Maithil Brahmans - an online ethnography]
{{India topics}}
{{India topics}}
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Mithila|.]]
[[Category:Mithila (region)| ]]
[[Category:Regions of Bihar]]
[[Category:Regions of Bihar]]
[[Category:Regions of Nepal]]
[[Category:Regions of Nepal]]
[[Category:Historical Indian regions]]
[[Category:Historical regions in India]]
[[Category:Cultural regions]]
[[Category:Cultural regions]]
[[Category:Madhesh Province|.01]]
[[Category:Madhesh Province|.01]]
[[Category:Populated places in Mithila, India|.01]]
[[Category:Populated places in Mithila, India| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Mithila, Nepal|.01]]
[[Category:Populated places in Mithila, Nepal| ]]
[[Category:Geographical regions of India]]

Latest revision as of 04:31, 14 March 2026

This article is about the historical and cultural region in India and Nepal. For the proposal to create a state of Mithila in India, see Mithila (proposed Indian state). For other uses, see Mithila.
Mithila
मिथिला
Cultural region
Top to bottom: Vivah Mandap (Janakpurdham, Nepal), Royal Insigna of Raj Darbhanga & Darbhanga Fort
Map of the Mithila region of India & Nepal[1]
Map of the Mithila region of India & Nepal[1]
ContinentAsia
CountriesIndia and Nepal
States or ProvincesBihar and Jharkhand (India) and Madhesh Province, Koshi and Bagmati Province (Nepal)
Founded byVidegha Mathava
Named forKing Mithi
Demonym(s)Maithils
Tirhutiya
Mithilabasi
Regional Language(s) and/or dialect(s)Maithili
Bajjika
Angika and several other dialects of Maithili

Mithila (IAST: Mithilā), also known as Tirhut, Tirabhukti and Mithilanchal, is a geographical and cultural region of the Indian subcontinent bounded by the Mahananda River in the east, the Ganges in the south, the Gandaki River in the west and by the foothills of the Himalayas in the north.[2][3] It comprises certain parts of Bihar and Jharkhand states of India[4] and adjoining districts of the Koshi Province, Bagmati Pradesh and Madhesh Province of Nepal.[5][6] The native language in Mithila is Maithili, and its speakers are referred to as Maithils.[2]

Mithila is commonly used to refer to the Videha Kingdom, as well as to the modern-day territories that fall within the ancient boundaries of Videha.[6][7] Until the 20th century, Mithila was still ruled in part by the Raj Darbhanga. In Buddhist annals, it is also known as Miyulu.[8] According to the document of Archeological Geography of Ganga Plains, the Balirajgarh fort in the Madhubani district is regarded as the capital of ancient Mithila. In the present time, there is a ruins of ancient large fort dating back to 300 BCE - 200 BCE.[9]

History[edit | edit source]

Main article: History of Mithila Region
See also: Videha

In Jainism[edit | edit source]

Mithilā is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Jainism. Apart from its association with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, it is also known for its association with Mallinatha, the 19th Tirthankara, and Naminatha, the 21st Tirthankara. As per the Śvetāmbara canon, the first four of the five significant events of the life of Mallinātha and Naminātha happened at Mithilā. The fifth one, which is the attainment of nirvana, happened at Sammet Shikharji.[10]

Mahavira spent 6 varshās (monsoon seasons) at Mithilā.[11] Akampita Swāmi, one of his 11 ganadharas, was born in Mithilā.[12] Additionally, as per ancient Śvetāmbara texts, a branch of ancient Jaina ascetics was known as "Maithiliya" after Mithilā, signifying its historical importance as a center of Jaina scholarship.[13]

Vividha Tirtha Kalpa, a 14th century CE Śvetāmbara Jaina text by Ācārya Jinaprabhasūrī, describes Mithilā as a major Jaina pilgrimage center. The scripture locates Mithilā in the Tirhuta region near the confluence of the Bāna Gangā and Gandaki rivers. It also mentions a village called "Jagai", where temples dedicated to Mallinātha and Naminātha existed. The site is also connected to Sita's marriage, "Sakulla Kunda". Some researchers suggest that "Jagai" may be an abbreviation of Jagadishpur, near present-day Sitamarhi. In their pilgrimage parties of 17th century CE and 18th century CE respectively, Panyās Saubhāgyavijaya and Panyās Vijayasāgara mention the location of the Jaina pilgrimage of Mithilā near present-day Sitamarhi in Bihar.[14] The temples fell into disrepair, possibly due to a lack of Jaina population. The only remnant was the footprints of Mallinātha and Naminātha. These footprints were later preserved in Bhāgalpur.[15] Based on historical evidence and research, initiatives to restore Mithilā’s lost Jaina heritage were launched. A two-storey temple along the Sitamarhi-Dumra road was constructed. In 2015, the foundation was laid by Ācārya Mahendrasāgarasūrī of Kharatara Gaccha. In 2020, the ritualistic installation of idols was conducted by Ācārya Piyushsāgarasūrī of Kharatara Gaccha and Ācārya Vinayasāgarasūrī of Tapa Gaccha.[16]

Vedic period[edit | edit source]

Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by Indo-Aryan peoples who established the Videha kingdom.[17] During the Later Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videha became one of the major political and cultural centers of Ancient India, along with Kuru and Panchala. The kings of the Videha Kingdom were called Janakas.[18] The Videha Kingdom was incorporated into the Vajjika League, which had its capital in the city of Vaishali, and is also in Mithila.[19]

Medieval period[edit | edit source]

Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq leading his troops in the capture of the city of Tirhut. Depicted by eyewitness Muhammad Sadr Ala-i in his work Basātin al-uns, published ca.1410. Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Museum Library, Ms. R.1032.[20]

From the 11th century to the 20th century, Mithila was ruled by various indigenous dynasties. The first of these was the Karnats of Mithila,[21] the Oiniwar Dynasty and the Khandwala Dynasty, also known as Raj Darbhanga. The Malla dynasty and Licchavi dynasty of Nepal are also Maithil in origin. The rulers of the Oiniwar Dynasty and the Raj Darbhanga were Maithil Brahmins. The Oiniwar Dynasty originated from the village Oini in the Samastipur district of the Mithila region. It was during the reign of the Raj Darbhanga family that the capital of Mithila was shifted to Darbhanga.[22]

Tughlaq had attacked and taken control of Bihar, and from the end of the Tughlaq Dynasty until the establishment of the Mughal Empire in 1526, there was anarchy and chaos in the region. Akbar (reigned from 1556 to 1605) realised that taxes from Mithila could only be collected if there was a king who could ensure peace there. The Maithil Brahmins were dominant in the Mithila region and Mithila had Maithil Brahmin kings in the past.[citation needed]

Akbar summoned Rajpandit Chandrapati Thakur to Delhi and asked him to name one of his sons who could be made caretaker and tax collector for his lands in Mithila. Chandrapati Thakur named his middle son, Mahesh Thakur, and Akbar declared Mahesh Thakur as the caretaker of Mithila on the day of Ram Navami in 1557 AD.

Lakshmeshwar Singh (reigned from 1860 to 1898) was the eldest son of Maharaja Maheshwar Singh of Darbhanga. He, along with his younger brother, Rameshwar Singh received a western education from Government appointed tutors as well as a traditional Indian education from a Sanskrit Pandit. He spent approximately £300,000 on relief work during the famine of 1873–74. He constructed hundreds of miles of roads in various parts of the Raj, planting them with tens of thousands of trees for the comfort of travellers, as part of generating employment for people effected by famine. He constructed iron bridges over all the navigable rivers

He built, and entirely supported, a first-class Dispensary at Darbhanga, which cost £3400; a similar one at Kharakpur, which cost £3500; and largely contributed to many others.

Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh

He built an Anglo-vernacular school at a cost of £1490, which he maintained, as well as nearly 30 vernacular schools of different grades; and subsidised a much larger number of educational institutions. He was also one of the founders of Indian National Congress as well as one of the main financial contributors thereto. Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh is known for purchasing Lowhter Castle for the venue of the 1888 Allahabad Congress session when the British denied permission to use any public place. The British Governor[who?] commissioned Edward Onslow Ford to make a statue of Lakshmeshwar Singh. This is installed at Dalhousie Square in Kolkata.

On the occasion of the Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria, Lakshmeshwar Singh was declared as a Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, and was promoted to Knight Grand Commander in 1897. He was also a member of the Royal Commission on Opium of 1895, formed by British Government along with Haridas Viharidas Desai who was the Diwan of Junagadh. The Royal Opium Commission consisted of a 9-member team of which 7 were British and 2 were Indians and its chairman was Earl Brassey.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Mithila is a distinct geographical region with natural boundaries like rivers and hills. It is largely a flat and fertile alluvial plain criss-crossed by numerous rivers which originate from the Himalayas. Due to the flat plains and fertile land Mithila has a rich variety of biotic resources; however, because of frequent floods people could not take full advantage of these resources.[23]

Seven major rivers flow through Mithila: Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda, Bagmati, Kamala, Balan, and the Budhi Gandak.[24] They flow from the Himalayas in the north to the Ganges river in the south. These rivers regularly flood, depositing silt onto the farmlands and sometimes causing death or hardship.[citation needed]

Culture[edit | edit source]

Men and women in Mithila are very religious and dress for the festivals as well. The costumes of Mithila stem from the rich traditional culture of Mithila. Kurta and Dhoti with a Mithila Painting bordered Maroon coloured Gamchha which is the Symbol of Passion, Love, Bravery and Courage are common clothing items for men. Men wear Gold ring in their nose which symbolizes prosperity, happiness and wealth inspired by Lord Vishnu. Also wear Balla on their wrist and Mithila Paag on their Head. In ancient times there was no colour option in Mithila, so the Maithil women wore white or yellow Saree with red Border but now they have a lot of variety and colour options and wear Laal-Paara (the traditional red-boarded white or yellow Saree)[25] on some special occasions, and also wear Shakha-Pola[26] with lahthi in their hand. In Mithila culture, this represents new beginnings, passion and prosperity. Red also represents the Hindu goddess Durga, a symbol of new beginnings and feminine power. During Chhaith, the women of Mithila wear pure cotton dhoti without stitching which reflects the pure, traditional Culture of Mithila. Usually crafted from pure cotton for daily use and from pure silk for more glamorous occasions, traditional attire for the women of Mithila includes Jamdani, Banarisi and Bhagalpuri and many more.

Jhijhiya and Dhuno-Naach are the Cultural Dance of Mithila. Jhijhiya is performed in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani and their Neighbour Districts on the other hand Dhuno-Naach is performed in Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, Naugachia during Durga Puja and Kalipuja with Shankha-Dhaak Sound. Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Mithila. Chhaith, Durga Puja and Kali puja is celebrated as perhaps the most important of all the celebrations of Mithila.

Mithila Paag[edit | edit source]

Main article: Paag

The Paag is a headdress in the Mithila region of India and Nepal worn by Maithil people. It is a symbol of honour and respect and a significant part of Maithil culture.

The Paag dates back to pre-historic times when it was made of plant leaves. It exists today in a modified form. The Paag is wore by the whole Maithil community. The colour of the Paag also carries a lot of significance. The red Paag is worn by the bridegroom and by those who are undergoing the sacred thread rituals. Paag of mustard colour is donned by those attending wedding ceremonies and the elders wear a white Paag.

This Paag now features place in the popular Macmillan Dictionary. For now, Macmillan Dictionary explains Paag as “a kind of headwear worn by people in the Mithila belt of India.”[27]

Paag

On 10 February 2017, India Posts released a set of 16 commemorative postage stamps on "Headgears of India". The Mithila Paag was featured on one of those postage stamps.

Languages and dialects[edit | edit source]

Main article: Maithili language

People of Mithila primarily speak in Maithili and its various dialects including Thēthi[28] and its perceived dialects Bajjika,[29] and Angika while also being well versed in other languages like English, Hindi and Nepali for official or administrative purposes.[citation needed]

This language is an Indo-Aryan language native to the Indian subcontinent, mainly spoken in India and Nepal and is one of the 22 recognised Indian languages. In Nepal, it is spoken in the eastern Terai and is the second most prevalent language of Nepal. Tirhuta is formerly the primary script for written Maithili. Less commonly, it was also written in the local variant of Kaithi. Today it is written in the Devanagari adopted script.

Maithil Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Main article: Maithil cuisine
Pilukia
Dahi
Maachh
Ghughnee
Traditional Maithil cuisine

Maithil cuisine is a part of Indian cuisine and Nepalese cuisine. It is a culinary style which originated in Mithila. Some traditional Maithil dishes are:

Madhubani Painting[edit | edit source]

Main article: Madhubani/Mithila Painting

Madhubani art or Mithila painting is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It was traditionally created by the women of different communities of the Mithila region. It is named after Madhubani district of India which is where it originated.[30]

This painting as a form of wall art was practiced widely throughout the region; the more recent development of painting on paper and canvas originated among the villages around Madhubani, and it is these latter developments that may correctly be referred to as Mithila Painting.[31]

Yatra in Mithila[edit | edit source]

  • Mithila Madhya Parikrama - It is a circular journey of the central part of the ancient Mithila.
  • Sitamarhi Dham Parikrama - It is a Hindu religious circumambulation of the sacred religious destinations around the region of Sitamarhi Dham in Mithila. It is associated with the birth anniversary known as Janaki Navami of Goddess Sita in Mithila.

Main festivals[edit | edit source]

  • Indra Puja - Indra Puja is a festival celebrated in Mithila and only place where indra is worshipped , festival that honors Lord Indra and his wife Shachi. It is celebrated to ensure a good harvest season.
  • Saama-Chakeba: includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the Puranas.
  • Jur Sital - Jur Sital or Maithil New Year is the celebration of the first day of the Maithil new year
  • Chaurchan: Along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati and the moon god is worshipped. The story of Chorchan Puja is also heard on this day after that arghya is offered to the moon god (Chandra Deva).[32]

People[edit | edit source]

Main article: Maithils

Maithili language speakers are referred to as Maithils and they are an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group. There are an estimated 75 million Maithils in India alone. The vast majority of them are Hindu.[47]

The people of Mithila can be split into various caste/clan affiliations such as Maithil Brahmins, Maithil Kayasthas, Kanu, Kewats, Rajputs, Kushwahas, Baniyas, Kamatas, Ahirs, Kurmis, Dushads, Kujras, Manush and many more.[48]

Demands for administrative units[edit | edit source]

Proposed Indian state[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Mithila, India and Mithila State Movement

There is an ongoing movement in the Maithili speaking region of India for a separate Indian state of Mithila.[49]

Proposed Nepalese province[edit | edit source]

See also: Madhesh Province

There was a movement in the Maithili speaking areas of Nepal for a separate province.[50] Province No. 2 was established under the 2015 Constitution, which transformed Nepal into a Federal Democratic Republic, with a total of seven provinces. Province No. 2 has a substantial Maithili speaking population and consists most of the Maithili speaking areas of Nepal. It was demanded by some Mithila activists that Province No. 2 be named 'Mithila Province'.[51] On 23 December 2021, four different names for the Province No. 2 were presented by the various parties of the Provincial Assembly of Madhesh Province. The four names were ‘Madhesh Pradesh’, ‘Janaki Pradesh’, ‘Madhya Madhesh Pradesh’ and ‘Mithila Bhojpura’.[52]

Among the four names, Madhesh Pradesh (Madhesh Province) was chosen and finalized on 17 January 2022. The name was finalized with 80 percent majority in the Provincial Assembly. Janakpur was named as the capital of the province.[53]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Janaka, king of Mithila and father of Sita maa

The following are notable residents (past and present) of Mithila region.

Ancient[edit | edit source]

Statue of the 11th century philosopher Udayana
Statue of Maithili language poet, Vidyapati

Historical[edit | edit source]

Modern[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ In the Shakta tradition of Hinduism, many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.[42]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Mithila region".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jha, M. (1997). "Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level". Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective. New Delhi: M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. pp. 27–42. ISBN 9788175330344.
  3. ↑ Mishra, V. (1979). Cultural Heritage of Mithila. Allahabad: Mithila Prakasana. p. 13.
  4. ↑ Jha, Pankaj Kumar (2010). Sushasan Ke Aaine Mein Naya Bihar. Bihar (India): Prabhat Prakashan. ISBN 9789380186283.
  5. ↑ Ishii, H. (1993). "Seasons, Rituals and Society: the culture and society of Mithila, the Parbate Hindus and the Newars as seen through a comparison of their annual rites". Senri Ethnological Studies 36: 35–84. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kumar, D. (2000). "Mithila after the Janakas". The Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 60: 51–59.
  7. ↑ Thakur, Ripunjay Kumar (1 March 2022). "Historical Geography of Early Medieval Mithila: From Videha to Tirhut". New Archaeological & Genological Society, Kanpur, India. ISSN 2348-8301. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  8. ↑ Indian Antiquary. Swati Publications. 1985. p. 52.
  9. ↑ Chakrabarti, Dilip K. (2007). Archaeological Geography of the Ganga Plain: The Upper Ganga (Oudh, Rohilkhand, and the Doab). Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. ISBN 978-81-215-1185-8.
  10. ↑ Maharaj, Triputi. "Jain Paramparano Itihaas".
  11. ↑ Publication, Jain Bhawan. "Jain Journal 1967 04".
  12. ↑ Rao, M Subba. "Sachitra Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir".
  13. ↑ Porwal, Renuka. "Jaina Stupa At Mathura Art And Icons".
  14. ↑ Jinaprabhasuri, Acharya. "Vividha Tirtha Kalpa".
  15. ↑ Thakur, Vijay Kumar (2003). "The Jaina Antiquities of Mithila: An Analysis". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 64: 295–299. ISSN 2249-1937.
  16. ↑ "बिहार में यहां है जैन धर्म के 19वें और 21वें तीर्थंकर का जन्मस्थली, 14 साल तक रिसर्च के बाद इस शख्स ने लगाया था पता". News18 हिंदी (in हिन्दी). 19 September 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  17. ↑ Michael Witzel (1989), Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes ed. Caillat, Paris, pages 13, 17 116–124, 141–143
  18. ↑ Witzel, M. (1989). "Tracing the Vedic dialects". In Caillat, C. (ed.). Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes. Paris: Fondation Hugot. pp. 141–143.
  19. ↑ Hemchandra, R. (1972). Political History of Ancient India. Calcutta: University of Calcutta.
  20. ↑ ÇAĞMAN, FİLİZ; TANINDI, ZEREN (2011). "Selections from Jalayirid Books in the Libraries of Istanbul" (PDF). Muqarnas. 28: 230, 258 Fig.56. ISSN 0732-2992. JSTOR 23350289.
  21. ↑ Thakur, Ripunjay Kumar (1 July 2023). "Kings, Intellectuals, and Legitimization: Searching for Politico-Cultural Process in Mithila (From Eighth to Fourteenth Century)". Kalakalpa, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, India. ISSN 2456-8201. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  22. ↑ Jha, Makhan (1997). Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective. M.D. Publications Pvt. pp. 55–56. ISBN 9788175330344.
  23. ↑ Thakur, B.; Singh, D.P.; Jha, T. (2007). "The Folk Culture of Mithila". In Thakur, B.; Pomeroy, G.; Cusack, C.; Thakur, S.K. (eds.). City, Society, and Planning. Volume 2: Society. Concept Publishing Company. pp. 422–446. ISBN 9788180694608.[dead link]
  24. ↑ "Rivers of Bihar | Bihar Articles". Bihar.ws. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  25. ↑ Maithil women wore Red Boarded Yellow or White Saree during Jhijhiya Naach. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  26. ↑ "Mithila as well as Bengal wearing शाखा पोला" www.jhajistore.com". Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  27. ↑ "Maithili 'paag' finds place in Macmillan Dictionary". 26 December 2019.
  28. ↑ Asad, M (2013). "Reduplication in Modern Maithili" (PDF). Language in India.com.
  29. ↑ Kashyap, Abhishek Kumar (1 May 2014). "The Bajjika language and speech community Abhishek Kumar Kashyap". International Journal of the Sociology of Language (227): 209–224. doi:10.1515/ijsl-2014-0001. ISSN 1613-3668. S2CID 147345446.
  30. ↑ Madhubani Painting. Abhinav Publications. 2003. p. 96. ISBN 9788170171560. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  31. ↑ Carolyn Brown Heinz, 2006, "Documenting the Image in Mithila Art," Visual Anthropology Review, Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp. 5-33
  32. ↑ "Chauth Chand 2022: आज मनाई जाएगी चौठ चन्द्र पूजा, चांद की इस तरह होती है पूजा". Prabhat Khabar (in हिन्दी). 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  33. ↑ Agnihotri, Sanjana (14 June 2016). "All you need to know about Ganga Dussehra". India Today. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
  34. ↑ Doniger 1999, p. 306.
  35. ↑ Lochtefeld 2002, p. 208.
  36. ↑ Parmita Borah (2 October 2011). "Durga Puja - a Celebration of Female Supremacy". EF News International. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  37. ↑ McDermott 2001, pp. 172-174.
  38. ↑ Foulston & Abbott 2009, pp. 162-169.
  39. ↑ Rodrigues 2003, pp. 7-8.
  40. ↑ Daniélou 1991, p. 288.
  41. ↑ McDaniel 2004, pp. 215-219.
  42. ↑ McDaniel 2004, pp. 20–21, 217–219.
  43. ↑ Kinsley 1988, pp. 111–112.
  44. ↑ Donner 2016, p. 25.
  45. ↑ Christian Roy (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 192–193. ISBN 978-1-57607-089-5.
  46. ↑ Hindus around the world celebrate Ram Navami today, DNA, 8 April 2014
  47. ↑ James B. Minahan (30 August 2012). Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia. Abc-Clio. ISBN 9781598846607.
  48. ↑ Makhan Jha (1997). Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective. M.D. Publications Pvt. pp. 33–40. ISBN 9788175330344.
  49. ↑ Kumāra, Braja Bihārī (1998). Small States Syndrome in India. Concept Publishing Company. p. 146. ISBN 9788170226918. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
  50. ↑ Burkert, C. (2012). "Defining Maithil Identity". In Gellner, D.; Pfaff-Czarnecka, J.; Whelpton, J. (eds.). Nationalism and Ethnicity in a Hindu Kingdom: The Politics and Culture of Contemporary Nepal. London, New York: Routledge. pp. 241–273. ISBN 9781136649561. Archived from the original on 20 August 2017.
  51. ↑ "Samiti vows to protest for Mithila Province".
  52. ↑ "Five names proposed for Province 2". Khabarhub. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  53. ↑ Pradhan, Shirish B. (18 January 2022). "Nepal's Province 2 renamed 'Madhes Pradesh'". ThePrint. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  54. ↑ Ministry of Culture, Government of India. "Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi". amritmahotsav.nic.in.
  55. ↑ Sajjad, Mohammad (6 January 2013). "Maghfur Aijazi: A freedom-fighter and a builder of Indian democracy". TwoCircles.net. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  56. ↑ "Nidhi appointed NC Vice-Prez, Khadka Gen Secy". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  57. ↑ "Ramdhari Singh Dinker - Hindi ke Chhayavadi Kavi". www.anubhuti-hindi.org. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  58. ↑ Nitish Kumar and the Rise of Bihar. Penguin Books India. 1 January 2011. ISBN 9780670084593.
  59. ↑ "" मुख्य समाचार " :: नेपाल ::". Ekantipur.com. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  60. ↑ Lal, C. K. "Art and identity". My Republica. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  61. ↑ "Seasons India :: Hindi Literature of India". www.seasonsindia.com. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  62. ↑ "Shri Gopal Jee Thakur| National Portal of India". www.india.gov.in. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  63. ↑ IANS (10 December 2013). "BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain on IM hit list". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via Business Standard.
  64. ↑ "BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain's impersonator arrested". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  65. ↑ "PM's 'lack' of leadership has made UPA 'sinking ship': BJP". NewIndianExpress.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  66. ↑ "8th Lok Sabha – Members Bioprofile – AZAD, SHRI BHAGWAT JHA". Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  67. ↑ "I want self-reliant Bihar; Sushil Modi is our guardian, says new deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad". 19 November 2020.
  68. ↑ Reed, Stanley (1950). The Indian And Pakistan Year Book And Who's Who 1950. Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. p. 679. Retrieved 20 February 2018.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Tukol, T. K. (1980). Compendium of Jainism. Dharwad: University of Karnataka.

External links[edit | edit source]

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