the main inhabitants of the state of Bihar in India. Population, approximately 37 million (census of 1967). The Biharis speak three dialects: Maithili (in the north and east of Bihar), Magahi (in the center), and Bhoypuri (in the west). Of the three, only Maithili has a written literature. The majority (90 percent) of Biharis are Hindus; the rest are mainly Muslims. Their basic occupation is agriculture (the main crop is rice); part of Bihar is occupied by industry.