The Mithila Statehood Movement is a long-standing regional movement in India advocating for the creation of a separate state called Mithila (or Mithilanchal) from the current Bihar state. The movement is based on linguistic, cultural, historical, and economic identity.
History The demand for a separate Mithila state dates back to pre-independence India. When Bihar was separated from Bengal Presidency in 1912, proposals for creating Mithila as a separate state were considered but not implemented. In 1921, leaders including the Maharaja of Darbhanga, Rameshwar Singh, raised the issue.
After the creation of Jharkhand in 2000, the demand for Mithila state in the Maithili-speaking regions of Bihar gained renewed attention.
Region and Population The proposed Mithila state would include districts in northern and eastern Bihar such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, and Madhepura. Maithili is one of India’s 22 officially recognized languages and was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 2003.
Contemporary Movement In November 2024, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi raised the demand for a separate Mithila state again in the Bihar Legislative Council.
The Mithila State Struggle Committee and other organizations have held rallies and submitted memorandums at public forums in Delhi.
Arguments and Rationale Cultural and linguistic identity: The Mithila region has a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage, including Madhubani art and historical traditions.
Economic and administrative development: Supporters believe a separate state would allow focused development, better governance, and improved disaster management.
Opponents argue that creating a new state presents practical challenges and would not solve many of Bihar's larger issues.
Political Context The Mithila state demand is occasionally raised in electoral politics and is mentioned in legislative debates and election campaigns.
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