Rooftop Revolution: Bihar's Silent Economic Transformation Through Art
As vehicles cruise along NH-31 connecting Patna to Purnia, an unexpected skyline emerges near Kursela in Katihar district. Towering above the town, a massive humped Nandi bull gazes solemnly across the landscape, marking the beginning of an extraordinary architectural phenomenon that has transformed rural Bihar's visual identity.
This mythological bull, believed to be Lord Shiva's vehicle, stands as just one example of the creative explosion decorating rooftops across the region. Nearby, a majestic eagle appears frozen mid-flight, a gleaming airplane replica crowns another home, and an oversized football perches proudly above a residential building.
More Than Decoration: Symbols of Prosperity and Pride
These striking structures represent far more than decorative flourishes. Locals and experts alike see them as physical manifestations of economic stability and growing confidence in rural Bihar. According to residents, two decades of peace and development under the Nitish Kumar-led NDA regime have provided both the means and the motivation for such creative expression.
Mukesh Kumar Gupta, who constructed the giant Nandi bull atop his Kursela home in 2009, expressed the personal significance of his creation. "Watching Nandi from below gives me a lot of pleasure and satisfaction," he shared. His son, Gautam Kumar Gupta, who manages a hotel business, noted how the sculpture has become a local landmark. "Many travellers take photographs. It has become a landmark for the area," he explained, adding that they later installed another Nandi statue outside their restaurant along the highway.
Stories Behind the Sculptures: Dreams Taking Flight
Each rooftop installation carries a unique narrative of aspiration and achievement. In nearby Balthi village, a life-size airplane model built in 2017 tells a story of global opportunity. Razaq Khan explained the inspiration: "My cousin Rumi Khan worked abroad and later started a job consultancy firm to help local youths find overseas employment. Since they travel by air to reach their destinations, Rumi constructed the aeroplane replica on his house."
The airplane has become a powerful symbol of migration and aspiration, representing the dreams taking flight from rural Bihar to international destinations.
In Nawabganj village, another marvel captures attention - a massive eagle with wings spread wide against the sky, earning the residence the nickname Baz-wala ghar. Bima Devi, wife of maize trader Neeraj Kumar Mandal, explained their choice: "We chose the eagle because Garuda is considered the carrier of Lord Vishnu. It looks majestic and we also love birds." The four-year-old structure has turned their home into a local attraction.
Passion Projects and Community Landmarks
If the eagle symbolizes devotion, the giant football perched above the home of local doctor C P Mandal represents pure passion. Dr. Mandal, who has treated patients free of cost since 1982, found inspiration during the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup held in Japan. "Football has been my favourite game since childhood. The excitement of that tournament motivated me to build the design," he recalled.
Completed in 2013, his rooftop art includes a pair of peacocks at the gate and has become a source of joy for his patients. "Many of my patients go upstairs just to see the football up close," he added with a laugh.
Economic Growth Fuelling Creative Expression
Social scientist Sachindra Narayan, who previously worked with Patna-based A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, contextualized this phenomenon: "People go for art only when they live with peace, have abundant money and joy in their life."
The economic data supports this observation. According to the Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25, the state's economy has grown 3.5 times since 2011-12. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has surged dramatically from Rs 2.47 lakh crore to Rs 8.54 lakh crore in 2023-24. This remarkable growth is attributed to the state government's focus on social development, improved infrastructure and rising per capita income.
These rooftop sculptures - whether divine, avian, or sporting - collectively represent a significant cultural shift in rural Bihar. They stand as permanent installations marking the intersection of economic comfort and creative expression, transforming the region's skyline while telling powerful stories of aspiration, devotion, and community pride.
