Mithila (region)
Mithila
मिथिला | |
|---|---|
Cultural region | |
| Anthem: Jay Mithila, Jay Maithili | |
| Continent | Asia |
| Countries | India and Nepal |
| States or Provinces | Bihar and Jharkhand (India) and Madhesh Province, Koshi and Bagmati Province (Nepal) |
| Founded by | Videgha Mathava |
| Named after | King Mithi |
| Demonym(s) | Maithils Tirhutiya Mithilabasi |
| Regional Language(s) and/or dialect(s) | Maithili Bajjika Angika and several other dialects of Maithili |
Mithila (IAST: Mithilā), also known as Tirhut, Tirabhukti and Mithilanchal, is a geographical and cultural region of the Indian subcontinent bounded by the Mahananda River in the east, the Ganges in the south, the Gandaki River in the west and by the foothills of the Himalayas in the north. It comprises certain parts of Bihar and Jharkhand states of India and adjoining districts of the Koshi Province, Bagmati Pradesh and Madhesh Province of Nepal. The native language in Mithila is Maithili, and its speakers are referred to as Maithils.
Mithila is commonly used to refer to the Videha Kingdom, as well as to the modern-day territories that fall within the ancient boundaries of Videha. Until the 20th century, Mithila was still ruled in part by the Raj Darbhanga.