The History of Mithila consists of several silent pages, many of which still remain shrouded in mystery. The geographical area including the northern part of the state of Bihar (India) and certain parts of the territory of Nepal, which is demarcated by the Gandak river on its west, Kosi river on its east, the Ganga on its south and the mighty Himalayas on the north, has been historically referred to as the land of Mithila. The land is of considerable historical importance since it has witnessed the development of the highest levels of philosophy in ancient times. The philosophical discourses which originated mostly in the land of Mithila, are still contained in the Upanishads and other sacred texts of the time, and have guided the growth of Hinduism in its various forms over the centuries.

The historical remains of the earlier times however are met with much difficulty. The absence of significant ruins at the various sites described for their magnificence in historical documents, is explained with a variety of reasons. The most important reason has been the regular flooding of the area by several rivers since times immemorial. Added to the floods is the constant change in the courses of several rivers passing through the lands.

To be continued....