The state government will publish a book - Archaeological Atlas - containing information about 160 archaeological sites in Bihar.

The book is aimed to help history enthusiasts, scholars and students who wish to learn about the heritage of the state. The book narrowed a list of over 5,500 such sites down to 160.

The protected sites included in the list will range from Vedic burial mounds at Marhia and Pakri in West Champaran to more famous ones like the ancient Nalanda University and Sher Shah Suri's mausoleum in Sasaram, Rohtas.

"Our state is very rich in pre-historic and historic remains, but most people are not aware of this," Vivek Kumar Singh, principal secretary, art, culture and youth department, told The Telegraph. "The atlas will help in spreading awareness. It will describe 160 major sites of archaeological importance chronologically and also according to different geographical zones."

The atlas will have photographs, maps, and information about the sites. Vivek said the department was procuring Survey of India maps, which will be incorporated with text and pictures.

"We have floated a tender and there are a lot of printers and publishers who have shown interest. We are trying to bring it out during this financial year itself," he added.

Bihar Virasat Vikas Samiti, which works to conserve and develop the state's heritage under the aegis of the art, culture and youth department, will help with the atlas.

The Samiti's executive director, Bijoy Kumar Choudhary, said a team of experts was working on the project, which will include all protected sites and monuments.

The maps are also meant to help the administration plan development projects. "Since there are thousands of sites, we will list the ones not mentioned in the main section of the atlas in the glossary," Choudhary said.

The price will be decided later on the basis of the cost of printing.

"A marketing strategy will also be adopted," Choudhary said. "The atlas will be available on online shopping portals as well," he said.

State archaeology director Atul Kumar Verma said Bihar has 71 sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and the state archaeology department takes care of 39 sites. "The publication will be very colourful. We will update it at regular intervals," he added.