07/06/2026
Did You Know? Ranchi was once the Capital of Bihar!
Many people know Ranchi as the capital of Jharkhand, but few know that it once played a crucial role in Bihar’s history. In 1912, when the province of Bihar and Orissa was created, Ranchi became its temporary capital and later served as the Summer Capital of Bihar until 1956.
The city’s pleasant climate attracted British administrators, professionals, and businessmen. Government offices, courts, schools, and educational institutions led to rapid urban growth. Areas like Lalpur, Deputy Para, Burdwan Compound, and Upper Bazar developed during this period, while the arrival of the railway boosted trade and connectivity.
Ranchi also gained national importance during World War II as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. By the mid-20th century, it had evolved into a major center of administration, education, healthcare, and commerce.
The Ranchi we see today owes much of its growth and character to its historic role as Bihar’s capital and summer capital.
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