The word 'Bihar' originally means

The correct answer is Buddhist Monastery.

Key Points

•  The word ‘Bihar’ has originated from the ‘Viharas’ which means resting house of Buddhist monk but it was the Muslim rulers of 12th Century who started calling the state as ‘Bihar’.
• The word BIHAR comes from the sanskrit word VIHARA. This state has had a glorious history of having Many stupas and vihars. It's the cradle of Buddhism.
• The place where Buddha attained enlightenment , BODHGAYA is in Bihar. Due to this, there were a large number of viharas constructed in this region. (Vihara is a place where Buddhist monks reside). Hence the name.
• The word Bihar is originally meant 'Buddhist monastery', it was derived from Sanskrit & Pali word 'Vihara' meaning 'abode', and this name was given by 'Buddha monks' because of Buddha Vihara.