BPSC MARKSBOOSTER SERIES

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1. Some Important Facts Related to the State of 2.20 Vaishali…………………………………. 52
Bihar…………………………………………….3 2.21 Darbhanga……………………………... 54
2. Districts of Bihar…………………………... 7 2.22 Madhubani……………………………. 56
2.1 Patna District…………..…………………...7 2.23 Samastipur…………………………….. 58
2.2 Nalanda District………………………… 10 2.24 Saharsa………………………………… 60
2.3 Rohtas……………………………………. 12 2.25 Supaul…………………………………... 62
2.4 Kaimur…………………………………... 15 2.26 Madhepura……………………………… 63
2.5 Bhojpur………………………………….. 17 2.27 Purnia…………………………………… 65
2.6 Buxar…………………………………….. 19 2.28 Araria………………….………………… 67
2.7 Gaya……………………………………... 21 2.29 Kishanganj……………………………… 69
2.8 Jehanabad………………………………. 24 2.30 Katihar……………….………………….. 71
2.9 Arwal…………………………………….. 26 2.31 Bhagalpur……………………………….. 73
2.10 Nawada…………………………………. 28 2.32 Banka…………………………………… 76
2.11 Aurangabad……………………………. 32 2.33 Munger………………………………….. 78
2.12 Saran…………………………………… 35 2.34 Lakhisarai………………………………. 80
2.13 Siwan…………………………………… 37 2.35 Sheikhpura……………………………… 82
2.14 Gopalganj………………………………. 39 2.36 Jamui……………………………………. 83
2.15 Muzaffarpur…………………………… 41 2.37 Khagaria………………………………… 84
2.16 Sitamarhi……………………………..... 44 2.38 Begusarai……………………………….. 85
2.17 Sheohar………………………………… 46 3. Some important facts related to Bihar
2.18 West Champaran……………………… 48 (Census 2011) ………………………………..87
2.19 East Champaran…………………….…. 50

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 1. Some Important Facts Related to the State of Bihar

Establishment of Bihar April 1, 1912

Bihar Foundation Day March 22
physical location From 24°20'10" North latitude to 27°31'15" North latitude and
83°19'50" East longitude to 88°17'40" East longitude
Geometric shape rectangular
Altitude from sea level 173 feet
Total area 94,163 square kilometers (9.34 million hectares)
Share of total area of India 2.86%
Rank in the country in terms of area 13th
length 345 kilometres (north to south)
breadth 483 kilometres (East to West)
capital Patna
high court Patna
Commissionary (Pramandal) 9
Districts of Patna Commissionary 6 Districts (Patna, Nalanda, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas and Kaimur)
Districts of Magadh Commissionary 5 Districts (Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad and Arwal)
Districts of Saran Commissionary 3 Districts (Saran, Siwan and Gopalganj)

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Districts of Tirhut Commissionary 6 Districts (Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, East
Champaran and West Champaran)
Districts of Darbhanga Commissionary 3 Districts (Madhubani, Darbhanga and Samastipur)
Districts of Kosi Commissionary 3 Districts (Saharsa, Supaul and Madhepura)
Districts of Purnia Commissionary 4 Districts (Purnia, Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar)
Districts of Munger Commissionary 6 Districts (Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Sheikhupura and
Begusarai)
Districts of Bhagalpur Commissionary 2 Districts (Bhagalpur and Banka)
Total Subdivision 101
Community Development Block 534
City Group 14
Number of villages 39,073
Police District 44 (40 Civil Police District and 4 Railway Police District)
police station 853 (813 Civil Police Stations and 40 Railway Police Stations)
Member of Lok Sabha 40
Seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes in Lok 6
Sabha
Member of Rajya Sabha 16
legislature Bicameral (Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council)
Members of the Legislative Assembly 243
Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes in the 38
Assembly
Seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes in the 2
Assembly
Members of Legislative Council 75
Zila Parishad 38
Panchayat Samiti 534
Gram Panchayat 8,474
Number of Municipal Corporations 13
Number of Nagar parishad 46
Number of Nagar Panchayats 84
State symbol of Bihar Bodhi Tree
Official language Hindi
Second Official Language Urdu
State animal ox
The State Bird Sparrow
The State Tree peepal (Ficus religiosa)
State flower marigold

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State Fish Walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)
Total population 10,40,99,452
Percentage of total population of the country 8.60%
Rank in the country on the basis of population third
Urban population % 11.3%
Rural population % 88.7%
Decadal Population Growth Rate (2001-2011) 25.4%
District with highest decadal population Madhepura (31.01)
growth rate
District with lowest decadal population growth Gopalganj (19)
rate
Sex ratio 918 (per 1000 males)
District with highest sex ratio Gopalganj (1021)
District with lowest sex ratio Munger (876)
Density of population 1106 (per square kilometer)
District with the highest population density Sheohar (1880)
District with minimum population density Kaimur (488)
District with highest population Patna (58,38,465)
District with minimum population Sheikhpura (6,36,342)
Literacy rate 61.8%
Male Literacy Rate 71.2%
Female literacy rate 51.5%
Number of cities 199
Cities with a population of more than 1 lakh 26
metropolis 1 (Patna)
Number of Districts 38
Largest District in terms of area West Champaran
Smallest District in terms of area Sheohar
The District with the highest rainfall Kishanganj
District with minimum rainfall Arwal
Hottest District Gaya
Coldest District Gaya
The place with the highest average humidity Bhagalpur
climate Monsoon
Average rainfall 1094.4 MM
The northernmost District of the state West Champaran
The southernmost District of the state Gaya
The easternmost District of the state Kishanganj

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The westernmost District of the state Kaimur
university 33
Research Institute 15
college 879
Education/Teacher Training Centre 60
Engineering/ Technical College 38
Medical College 17 (11 Government and 6 Private)
Polytechnic 54
present Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
First Governor of Bihar shri jairamdas daulatram
present Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar
First Chief Minister of Bihar Dr. Shrikrishna Singh
Current Speaker of Bihar Legislative Awadh Bihari Chaudhary
Assembly
First Speaker of Bihar Legislative Assembly Ram Dayalu Singh
First woman Chief Minister of Bihar Smt. Rabri Devi
First Harijan Chief Minister of Bihar Bhola Paswan Shastri
Current Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice Vinod Chandran
First Chief Justice of Patna High Court Sir Edward Maynard des Champs Chamier

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 2. Districts of Bihar
2.1 Patna District

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(as per Census (Per 1000 (%) Product
2011) men)
Patna Patna 58,38,465 897 70.68% Bakery Products,
(Male – 78.5% Brass Metal Crafts,
and Female – Patna Tikuli
62.0%) Painting

❖ Patna, the Headquarters of Patna District, is the capital and largest city of Bihar.
❖ Patna is an ancient city situated on the southern bank of the holy river Ganges.
❖ This city has been the center of administrative, educational, tourism, historical heritage, religion,
spirituality and culture for years.
❖ The area of Patna District is 3202 square kilometers.
❖ The population density is 1823 persons per square kilometer.
❖ Patna is the largest District of Bihar on the basis of population.
❖ The proportion of urban population of Patna District is 43.07%.
❖ The highest proportion of urban population in Bihar is found in Patna District.
❖ There are 2 Lok Sabha constituencies and 14 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The main rivers of Patna District are Ganga, Son and Punpun etc.
❖ Old tal soil is found in this District.
❖ Major Industries – Sugar (Bihta), Biscuits, Bulbs, Tractors, Sindoor, Firecrackers (Patna City),
Footwear (in Digha and Mokama), Glass Industry, Paper Industry (Patna), Leather Industry, Tobacco,
Cotton Industry etc.
❖ The main crop of Patna District is paddy. It is sown in more than one-third of the area.
❖ Other important food grains are wheat, pulses and maize.
❖ Non-Food Crops – Oil-seeds
❖ In terms of area, the highest pulses crop is sown in Patna District.

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❖ The total forest area in Patna District is 28.03 square kilometres (0.88% of the geographical area).
Monuments and Architecture:
❖ Agam Kuan – A deep well from the time of Emperor Ashoka, the ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, is
located near the Gulzar Bagh station. The Shitala temple located nearby is an important place for the
marriages of the local people.
❖ Kumhrar - Situated on Kankarbagh Road, 6 km east of Patna Junction, this place reminiscent one of
the golden days of Patna city. This place is very important from the point of view of historical tourism.
Buildings built between 600 BCand 600 AD have been excavated in four levels. The wooden palace
initially built by the great rulers of Magadha no longer exists but parts of the later 80 pillared stone
palaces remain.
❖ Begu Hajjam's Mosque - It is the oldest mosque built in 1489 by Alauddin Shah, the ruler of Bengal.
❖ Sher Shah's Mosque - This mosque built in Afghan style was built by Sher Shah Suri, the great ruler
of Bihar between 1540-1545. This is the largest mosque built in Patna.
❖ padri ki haveli- Saint Mary's Church, established in 1713 by Christian missionaries, became famous
by the name Padri ki Haveli among the residents of Patna City. It was built in the present form in 1772
by Italian architect Tirretto from Calcutta. In 1948, Mother Teresa stayed here and took nursing training
and went to Kolkata to serve the victims.
❖ Qila House (Jalan House) - Built by Diwan Bahadur Radhakrishna Jalan on the remains of Sher Shah's
fort, this building houses a private museum of diamond gems, Chinese paintings and European artistic
objects.
❖ Stone Mosque - Built in 1621 by Shah Parvez, son of Jahangir and elder brother of Shah Jahan, this
small mosque is located in Sultanganj on the Ashoka Rajpath. It is also known as Saif Ali Khan Mosque
and Chimney Ghat Mosque.
❖ Takht Shri Harmandir - It is the birthplace of the tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh spent some of his childhood years in Patna City during the stay of Ninth Guru Tegh
Bahadur in Patna. Sri Harmandir Sahib is one of the five major Takhts for Sikhs.
❖ Gandhi Ghat - The ashes of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi were immersed from the
beautiful Gandhi Ghat built on the banks of river Ganga. This ghat becomes very beautiful on the day
of Chhath Puja.
❖ Patna College - The administrative buildings of the college were part of the earlier Dutch factory which
was built on the banks of the Ganges for trading with Nepal and China. This college is also famous for
its glorious past and association with national poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'.
❖ Darbhanga House- It is also called Navlakha Bhawan. It was built by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh of
Darbhanga. Located on the banks of the Ganges, this building houses the offices of the postgraduate
departments of Patna University. There is also a Kali temple in its premises where the king himself used
to worship.
❖ Khuda Bakhsh Library - This National Library located on Ashoka Rajpath was established in 1891.
The Khudabaksh Library started with the collection of personal books of Maulvi Muhammad Baksh
who belonged to Chhapra. The Government of India has distinguished it as an Institute of National
Importance by a Bill passed in 1969 in the Parliament.
❖ Anjuman Islamia Hall - Established in 1885 by the enlightened Muslims of Patna at Bankipur, this
centre is a witness to social and cultural activities.
❖ Gandhi Maidan- During the British rule it was called Patna Lawns or Bankipur Maidan. Apart from
holding public meetings, conferences and political rallies, the ground is also a hub for book fairs and
daily exercise of the people. It is surrounded by very important government buildings, administrative
and entertainment centers, churches, etc.

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❖ Golghar - This circular building built for storing 137000 tons of grain after the severe famine in this
area in 1770 AD is famous for its special shape. Since its construction by John Garstin in 1786 AD, the
29-meter-high Golghar has become the symbol of the city of Patna.
❖ Gandhi Museum – In 1947, Mahatma Gandhi stayed in the house of Dr. Syed Mahmood (then
Education Minister of Bihar). That house has now been converted into a Gandhi Museum.
❖ Sri Krishna Memorial Hall - This dome-shaped auditorium is a spectacular example of modern
architecture. The building along with the Kargil Memorial in the northern part of Gandhi Maidan is the
center of political and cultural activities of the city.
❖ Sri Krishna Science Center - The science center built in Chhajjubagh along with the All-India Radio
Center in the south-western part of Gandhi Maidan is named the name of first Chief Minister of Bihar
Shri Krishna Singh. This centre has been set up keeping in mind adolescent and child psychology.
❖ Mahavir Mandir - Sankatmochan Rambhakta Hanuman Temple is built just outside Patna Junction.
The temple built by Hindu refugees from Punjab at the time of partition was given a grand look in 1987.
Standing alongside the mosque built in the New Market, this temple is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.
❖ Patna Museum - Bihar's first museum built in 1917 is also known as Jadughar among the local people.
In this museum, there are many symbols of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religion of Maurya, Shaka, Kushan
and Gupta periods. Fossil of 16-meter-long stem of a tree about 200 million years old, the ashes of Lord
Buddha and the statue of Yaksini obtained from Didarganj, Patna City are special heritages here.
❖ Legislative Assembly and High Court Building - After the partition of Bengal, on becoming the joint
capital of Bihar-Orissa, the construction of new administrative and judicial buildings in Patna started
under the direction of architect JF Munnings, which was completed by 1916-1917. Most of the buildings
built in the Indo-Gothic style exemplify the luxurious taste of the British rulers.
❖ Martyr's Memorial, Patna - The memorial built in front of the main entrance of the Bihar Legislative
Assembly is a tribute to the seven martyrs who gave their lives in the freedom struggle from the schools
of Patna. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid on August 15, 1947 by Jairamdas Daulatram,
the first Governor of Bihar, to remember these martyrs of Patna who were killed in an attempt to hoist
the Indian flag atop the Legislative Assembly building during the Quit India Movement of 1942. These
magnificent life-size idols were prepared in Italy by eminent sculptor Shri Devi Prasad Rai Choudhury
and installed here.
❖ Sadaqat Ashram – On December 3, 1920, Sadaqat Ashram was established by Mahatma Gandhi on
the land given by Bihar Ratna Mazharul Haq. This karmabhoomi of Deshratna Rajendra Prasad is built
on the banks of the Ganges in western Patna.
❖ Planetarium - The planetarium built in the Indira Gandhi Science Complex near the museum is the
largest in the country. Space-based programs in Hindi and English are regularly shown here.
❖ Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park - Popularly known as Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park or Patna Zoo,
this park is located on Bailey Road in Patna. The park was opened to the public in 1973 as a zoo. About
800 animals of different species as well as many varieties of plants and trees are found here.
❖ National Highways 31 and 19 pass through Patna city.
❖ Loknayak Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India
(AAI).

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 2.2 Nalanda District

District Headquarter Population (as per Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
Census 2011) (Per 1000 (%) Product
men)
Nalanda Bihar Sharif 28,77,653 922 64. 43% Potato based products,
(Men - 74. 9% and tourism
women - 53. 1%)
❖ The area of Nalanda District is 2335 square kilometers.
❖ Tal and Bangar soil are found here.
❖ The main rivers flowing in this District are Falgu and Mohane.
❖ The population density in the District is 1222 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population of Nalanda District is 15.9%.
❖ There is total 7 assembly constituencies in Nalanda District.
❖ Major Industries – Beedi Factory, Ordnance Factory, Harnaut Rail Coach Repair Factory etc.
❖ Major Crops - Paddy, Maize, Gram, Onion, Potato etc.
❖ This District ranks second in the state in the production of pulses.
❖ This District has an important place in the state from the point of view of vegetable production.
❖ Nalanda is the top District in the production of brinjal and onion in Bihar.
❖ In Bihar, Nalanda District ranks second in potato production and third in cauliflower production.
❖ The total forest area in Nalanda District is 38.57 square kilometers (1.64% of the geographical area).
Monuments and Architecture:
❖ Nalanda Ruins- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the preserved ruins of Nalanda are an important
destination on the Buddhist tourist circuit. Built by the Gupta Emperors in 450 A.D., the university
campus used to house 10,000 students and 2000 teachers. The university campus used to have several
courtyards, hostels, meditation halls, temples and a library. The hostels still have the remains of stone
beds, study tables and ancient ink pots. There was a kitchen in the basement of the bedroom.

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❖ Nalanda Stupa- The Nalanda Stupa, also known as the Sariputra Stupa, is the most revered of the
surviving monuments at Nalanda. It was built in the 3rd century by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in
honour of Sariputra, a follower of Buddha. The great Nalanda Stupa is shaped like a pyramid at the top.
Its top can be reached from the stairs built around the stupa The structure is full of beautiful sculptures
and Vratanushit (votive) stupas. This huge stupa is made of bricks and sentences of sacred Buddhist
texts are engraved on it.
❖ Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall- The most attractive tourist destination in Nalanda is the Hiuen Tsang
Memorial Hall which was built in memory of Hiuen Tsang. He was a popular Chinese traveller who
came to Nalanda University in 633 AD to study Buddhism and mysticism and he lived here for 12 years.
❖ Archaeological Museum of Nalanda- This museum was established in the year 1917 and is famous as
the oldest monastery-university campus of Rajgir. The main attraction of the museum is the well-
preserved sculptures of Lord Buddha, as well as a beautiful collection of Buddhist and Hindu bronze
objects. The museum also has two huge terracotta mats that date back to the 1st century.
❖ Sun Temple- Dedicated to the Sun God, this temple is located near Nalanda University and has temples
of various Buddhist and Hindu deities. There is also a five feet high idol of Goddess Parvati in the
temple. The popular Chhath Puja is organized twice every year in this temple.
❖ Pavapuri Water Temple - This place is famous for the attainment of Nirvana of Lord Mahavira. This
temple is considered very sacred for the followers of Jainism. Jal Mandir (literal water temple) marks
the place where Lord Mahavira was cremated.
❖ Rajgir- This town is located in a lush green valley surrounded by five hills. The town is popular for its
hot spring which is believed to have medicinal properties. The town is a complex of temples and
monasteries and was once the capital of Magadha Mahajanapada.
❖ Pandu Pokhar - Spread over an area of 22 acres Pandu Pokhar in Rajgir is a truly wonderful and
splendid example of great Indian history dating back to the Mahabharata period. According to historical
stories, when King Pandu attacked Rajgir (then called Rajagriha), he converted the area into a stable
and built a hut. After some years this place was filled with rain water, which is now known as Pandu
Pokhar.
❖ Vishwa Shanti Stupa- Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a huge white stupa on ratnagiri hill in Rajgir. It is 400
meters high. It is made of white marble, and on each corner there are four golden statues of Buddha.
The four statues of Buddha depict four important parts of Lord Buddha's life.
❖ Ajatshatru Fort- Magadha King Ajatshatru built the Ajatshatru Fort in the sixth century, when Gautam
Buddha was alive. There is a stupa in the fort called Ajatshatru Stupa. It is 6.5 square meters large. The
fort is a beautiful part of the building.
❖ Maniyar Monastery- Maniyar Monastery is a deep well on which a small Jain temple has been built.
It is close to the Swarn Bhandar Caves. It was called Rani Chalan and Shilbhadra's Nirman Kup in Jain
history. In the Buddhist period, it was also considered a place of worship.
❖ Veerayatan Museum- It is a museum about Jainism and has a lot more information about the 24
Tirthankaras of the religion.
❖ Cyclopean Wall- The Cyclopean Wall is a stone wall that is 40 kilometers long and goes around Rajgir.
❖ Saptaparni Caves- Saptaparni Caves, which means "cave with seven leaves" in Sanskrit. People believe
that Buddha lived in this Buddhist cave for some time before his death and they also believe that the
first Buddhist council was held here after Buddha's death.
❖ Glass Floor Bridge – Glass Floor Bridge is one of the most interesting things in architecture and is a
popular place to visit in Rajgir. This bridge is about 85 feet long and 6 feet wide.
❖ Khaja of Silav of Nalanda District has been given GI tag.

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 2.3 Rohtas

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District

(as per Census 2011) (Per 1000 men) (%) One Product
Rohtas Sasaram 29,59,918 918 73.4% Cement,
(Men – 82.9% Tourism,
and female- Mentha oil,
63%) Sonachur Rice
❖ Rohtas District was established on 10 November 1972.
❖ Rohtas District comes under Patna division.
❖ The area of Rohtas District is 3881 square kilometer.
❖ Bangar and Balthar soils are found in this District.
❖ The average rainfall in this District is 952 mm.
❖ The rocks of Vindhyan order are found in this District.
❖ The population density of this District is 763 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 14.5%.
❖ The highest literacy rate in Bihar is found in Rohtas District.
❖ Rohtas District has the highest male and female literacy rate in Bihar.
❖ There are 2 Lok Sabha constituencies (Sasaram, Karakat) and 7 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 669.91 square kilometers (17.26% of the total geographical area).
❖ Son and Kaw are the main rivers flowing in this District.
❖ The economy of the District is agriculture based. Paddy, wheat and pulses are the main crops.
❖ Rohtas District is known as the rice bowl of Bihar.
❖ Rohtas District has the highest gross irrigated area in Bihar at 3.07 lakh hectares.
❖ The highest productivity of paddy in Bihar (4396 kg/ha) is found in Rohtas District.

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❖ The highest production of paddy in Bihar was in Rohtas District (9.93 lakh tones) during the year 2021-
22..
❖ The highest production of wheat in Bihar was in Rohtas District (7.29 lakh tonnes) during the year 2021-
22.
❖ Dolomite mineral is found in Rohtas District.
❖ The largest reserves of limestone in Bihar are found in Rohtas District.
❖ Pyrite mineral is found in this District.
❖ Graphite and sand stone minerals are found in this District.
❖ The industrial center of Rohtas District is in Dalmiyanagar.
❖ Cement factory, chemical fertilizer industry, leather factory, oil mill and paper factory are located in
Dalmianagar.
❖ Blankets and dhurrie are made in Darihatta and Kabadih.
Monuments and Architecture:
❖ Rohtasgarh Fort - Rohtasgarh Fort, situated in the hills of Kaimur, is one of the many incredible
heritage sites in Bihar. The perimeter of this fort is spread over 28 square miles and it has a total of 83
gates, of which the main four are Ghoraghat, Rajghat, Kathoutia Ghat and Medha Ghat. The elephant
built at the entrance, the turrets of the doors, the painting on the walls are amazing. Rang Mahal, Sheesh
Mahal, Panchmahal, Khunta Mahal, Aina Mahal, Rani Ka Jharokha, Mansingh's Kachhari are still
present today. It is said that this fort was built by Rohitashya, son of Suryavanshi king Harishchandra.
During 1881 - 1882, BW Garrick conducted an archaeological survey of the area and obtained a seal
mold of King Shashank from the Rohtas citadel.
❖ Tomb of Sher Shah Suri - The tomb
of Sher Shah Suri is in the middle of
an artificial lake in Sasaram built of
red sandstone in Indo-Islamic style.
This mausoleum was built by Sher
Shah Suri during his lifetime. It was
designed by architect Mir Muhammad
Aliwal Khan and built between 1540
and 1545.
❖ Shergarh Fort- The fort is spread over an area of six square miles on a hill of the Kaimur range about
800 feet high, 20 miles south-west of Sasaram. Its ancient name was Bhurkunda, where the Kharwar
king lived. When Hasan Khan Sur got the jagir of Sasaram, this fort came under the limits of Suris.
Later the name of Sher Shah was associated with it. The Rani Pokhara, the guard's hall, the underground
circular well, the Zenana Mahal or the Diwan-i-Khas, several underground rooms still exist in Shergarh.
❖ Tomb of Hasan Shah Suri - tomb of Hasan Shah Suri, the ruler of the Sur dynasty, is built by his son
Sher Shah Suri in Sasaram, Bihar. This tomb was built during the lifetime of Sher Shah as well as during
the reign of his son Islam Shah. The construction of the tomb began in 1535 and was completed in 1545.
❖ Maa Tara Chandi Temple - Maa Tara Chandi Temple is a Durga temple located in Sasaram. Maa Tara
Chandi Peeth is considered to be the oldest of the 52 peethas in India.
❖ Gupta Dham - It is a natural cave situated in a valley of Kaimur hill. The small rock made of lime
deposits in the form of Shivling is called Gupteshwar Mahadev. A fair is held here on the occasion of
Shivratri and Basant Panchami, in which a huge crowd gather.
❖ Tutla Bhavani Temple- There is an ancient temple status of Maa Tutla Bhavani in Tilothu block of
Rohtas District. There are two statues of Tutala Bhavani. According to Rohtas historian Dr. Shyam
Sunder Tiwari, the old inscription is from the 8th century in Sharda script, which is unread. And the

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 inscription after this was installed by King Dhavalpratap Dev of Kharwar in the twelfth century. It is
written on April 19, 1158 AD at the time of the consecration of the second statue of Durga.
❖ Chaurasan Temple - Located near the Rohtasgarh Fort, it takes about 2 hours to reach this beautiful
ancient temple from Rohtas block Headquarters. It takes 84 steps to reach this Lord Shiva temple, and
hence it is named Chaurasan.
❖ Mahadev Khoh - It is located in Nauhatta block of Rohtas District. A large number of Shiva devotees
from Bihar, Jharkhand and UP come and offer prayers at this waterfall during the month of Sawan.
❖ Manjar Kund - Mazhar Kund or Dhuan Kund waterfall is situated at Kaimur hill at a distance of 10
km from Sasaram.
❖ Dhuwan Kund - Dhuwan Kund is located near Manjhar Kund, about 15 km from Sasaram, on the
Kaimur hill.
❖ Karamchat Dam - It is also known as Durgavati Dam. Karamchat Dam is a water storage dam near
Karamchat village along the border of Kaimur and Rohtas District which is located near Chenari. The
foundation stone of the project was laid in 1976 by the then Union Agriculture Minister Jagjivan Ram.
It is drained by the Durgavati River whose source lies in the Kaimur hills and Rohtas forest division.
❖ Kashish Waterfall - It is located in Amjhor of Rohtas District. The height of the waterfall is about 800
feet and according to the locals, 4 waterfalls can be seen falling from the mountain in three directions.
❖ Tutala Bhavani Falls - Tutula Bhavani (also Tutrahi or Titula Dham) is located near Tilauthu and about
20 km south-west of Dehri-on-Sone.
❖ Sundial - The British made this clock and installed it on The Anicut Road in Dehri in 1871. This clock
tells the time based on sunlight. It was mainly used by the employees of the irrigation department. This
clock is mounted on a stone platform. Hindi and Roman numerals are engraved in this clock.

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 2.4 Kaimur

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Kaimur Bhabua 16,26,384 920 69.3% (Men – Carpets, rice, rice
79.4% and female bran, rice-based
-58.40%) products and guava
❖ Kaimur District was formed in 1991.
❖ Kaimur District comes under Patna division.
❖ The area of this District is 3332 square kilometers.
❖ Balthar and Bangar soils are found in this District.
❖ The average rainfall in this District is 777 mm.
❖ The rocks of Vindhyan order are found in this District.
❖ The population density of this District is 488 persons per square kilometre.
❖ Kaimur District has the lowest population density in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 4%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 1,051.56 square kilometers (31.56% of the total geographical
area).
❖ The highest forest area and highest percentage of forest area in Bihar is found in Kaimur District.
❖ The major rivers flowing in this District are Karamnasa, Durgawati and Son.
❖ The economy of Kaimur District is mainly based on agriculture and related industries.
❖ Rice, wheat, sugarcane, oil-seeds, pulses and maize are the main crops of the District.
❖ Kaimur District ranks second in the state in terms of wheat production (3.84 lakh tonnes).
❖ Kaimur District ranks third in the state in terms of paddy production (4.99 lakh tonnes).

15
❖ Kudra and Durgavati are industrial towns of Kaimur District as it has 12 large rice mills and 400 mini
rice mills.
❖ The industries located in the District include Vegetable Oil Limited and Power Grid Corporation of
India's High Voltage Direct Operational Grid Station at Pusauli.
Monuments and Architecture:
❖ Maa Mundeshwari Temple (Bhagwanpur) - This temple is situated on the top of the Panvara hill,
which is about 600 feet in height. Between 1812 AD and 1904 AD, British travelers RN Martin and
Francis Buchanan visited this temple. According to archaeologists, the inscription obtained from here is
between 389 AD. The carvings and sculptures of the temple of Mundeshwari Bhavani are of post-Gupta
period. It is an octagonal temple made of stone.
❖ Karkat Falls - One of the places to visit in Bihar is Karkat Falls which is on the Karmanash River. This
twelve Masi waterfalls is a shelter for crocodiles. The height of this waterfall is about 35 meters. It is
about 50 km from Kaimur District Headquarter Bhabua. British commander Henry Ramsay called
Karkat Falls the best waterfall. It is surrounded by lush green forests. The waterfall is now a part of
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and is a crocodile conservation area and eco-tourism destination.
❖ Tomb of Bakhtiyar Khan- The tomb of Bakhtiyar Khan is located in Kaimur District. It is a monument
of national importance. It is believed to have been built between the 16th and 17th centuries. It is an
example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The tomb is an octagonal building, located on a low platform. The
entrance is on the eastern side of the tomb. The inscription of the tomb contains verses from the Quran.
❖ Bharkon Hill- On the Bharkon hill, nine lines are written in Pali script on the stones outside the cave
by Emperor Ashoka, in which there is a message of peace in the name of the public. It has been protected
by the Archaeological Department of India.
❖ Kohira Dam (Chainpur) - Kohira Dam is located in Chainpur block which is also known as Jagdahwan
Dam. This dam is built on the Kohira River.
❖ Telhar Kund/Waterfalls- The Kaimur mountain range is covered with many waterfalls. Among them,
Telhar Kund Waterfall is the main one. Tourists are thrilled to see the water falling from a height of
about 80 meters and its fountains. The main water source of this pool is the water collected from the
Suvarna River originating from Khargada (Adhaura) and many small rainy hill rivers.
❖ Kuleshwari Dham - This temple is famous by the name of Kuleshwari Dham because it is the Kuldevi
of Nagvanshi Rajputs settled in about 105 villages of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Every year in Chaitra
Navratri, a 15-day huge fair is organized here, which is famous for wooden and stone handicrafts and
drama. This temple located in Kulhadiya of Durgavati block is about 26 kilometers away from Bhabua
Headquarter.
❖ Vaidyanath Temple- This Shiva temple with octagonal base and shikhara is similar to the Kandariya
Mahadev Temple of Khajuraho. The sanctum sanctorum is carved out of a single rock, which is an
excellent piece of craftsmanship. According to local legends, it was built in the 11th century by the
Chandela king Vidyadhar Dhang.
❖ Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary - Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kaimur District and Rohtas
District of Bihar. It was established in 1979 It is the largest sanctuary in the state and covers an area of
1,504.96 km² (581.07 sq mi) in the hilly region of the Kaimur range. The main animals found here are
tiger, leopard, boar, pangolin, bear, sambar, deer, muntjac deer, four-horned antelope, chital, nilgai and
various species of reptiles, insects and butterflies. More than 70 species of birds are found here. There
are also many megaliths, rock paintings of the prehistoric era and stone inscriptions of the bygone era.
The Bihar government has planned to develop it as a tiger reserve.

16
 2.5 Bhojpur

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy One District One

(Census) (Per 1000 Rate (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Bhojpur Arrah 27,28,407 907 70.5% Pipli, Bhojpur Painting,
(Men – KataRani Chura (Flatrice),
81.7% and Peas, Indian Traditional
female- 58%) Sweets and Confectionery
(Khurma/Belgrami)
❖ Bhojpur District was formed in 1992.
❖ Bhojpur District comes under Patna division.
❖ The area of this District is 2395 square kilometers.
❖ Bangar soil is found in this District.
❖ The average rainfall in this District is 1162 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1136 peoples per square kilometer.
❖ This District ranks second in terms of male literacy in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 14.3%.
❖ There are 7 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 31.99 square kilometers (1.34% of the total geographical area).
❖ The major rivers flowing in this District are Ganga, Son, Kher and Banas.
❖ Major crops- wheat and paddy
❖ This District ranks third in the state in terms of pulses productivity.
❖ The Credit-Deposit Ratio in Bhojpur District was 39.1% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Major Industries – Paddy Mills, Small Industries related to Leather, Oil Mills, Tobacco Industry etc.

17
Monuments and Architecture:
❖ Sun Temple, Tarari - The Sun Temple of Tarari has a temple of the Sun God along with other deities.
This temple is said to be of fourteenth century or earlier.
❖ Veer Kunwar Singh Fort, Jagdishpur -
The fort is ancient as well as historical and
is believed to be the residence of
prominent freedom fighter Babu Veer
Kunwar Singh. It is a huge two-storied
building and has two large tanks in the
front. A large statue of Babu Veer Kunwar
Singh is installed in front of the main
building.
❖ Maharaja's College, Ara - The present Maharaja's College has been a very prominent historical site.
A cave is seen here, which is said to be connected to the fort of Jagdishpur.
❖ Shahaji Mosque - It is a five-dome mosque. This is the second mosque of this type in India. It was built
by Shah Jahan in 1623. It is situated next to Aranya Devi Temple.
❖ Karbala Mosque of Maulabagh - This mosque was built in 1857 on the instructions of Aurangzeb. It
is located in Maulabagh of Arrah city.
❖ Aranya Devi Temple – Aranya Devi Temple located in Arrah, which is an incarnation of Goddess
Parvati. She is considered to be the goddess of ara city. There is also a statue of Adi Shakti here. It is
said to have been created by the Pandavas.
❖ Chaturbhuj Narayan Temple - This is a very ancient temple of Lakshmi Narayan which is located in
chaturbhuj village of Piro zone.
❖ Bhavani Temple - This temple is located in Chaturbhuj Barwan andis said to be from the thirteenth
century.
❖ Jagdamba Temple - Located in Mukundpur village of Charpokhari zone, this temple is an ancient
temple of Goddess Jagdamba.
❖ Parshvanath Temple - This is a famous Jain temple located in Masadh village.
❖ Mahamaya Temple - This temple is located in Ekwari village of Sahar region. It is said to be made of
the Mughal Empire.
❖ Jain Siddhant Bhawan - This is a great library related to Jainism. Here you can see the oldest
handwritten manuscripts related to Jainism.
❖ Shahaji Jama Masjid - This mosque was built by Sher Shah, which is located in Garhani Bazar.
❖ Chandwa- Two km west of Arrah town is the birthplace of former Deputy Prime Minister of India Babu
Jagjivan Ram. There is a 'Samadhisthal' of the great leader here.

18
 2.6 Buxar

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Buxar Buxar 17,06,352 922 70.14% Indian traditional sweets
(Men – 80. 7% and (batisa or papri), mentha,
female 58.6%) and hand embroidery
❖ Bhojpur District was formed on March 17, 1991.
❖ Bhojpur District comes under Patna division.
❖ The area of this District is 1703 square kilometers.
❖ Bangar soil is found in this District.
❖ The average rainfall in this District is 774.82 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1002 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks third in terms of male literacy in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 9.6%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 5.89 square kilometers (0.35% of the total geographical area).
❖ The major rivers flowing in this District are Ganga, Son and Karmnasha.
❖ Major crops - Rice, wheat, gram and pulses
❖ The credit-deposit ratio in Bhojpur District was 44.9% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Major Industries – Cotton yarn, textile and lantern industry, blanket and carpet industry, tobacco
industry etc.
❖ Various types of small scale and cottage industries are located in Buxar District whose details are as
follows:
➢ Soap industry: - It is mainly concentrated in the city of Buxar and Dumraon.
➢ Wood and Cast Industry: It is mainly located in Dumraon town in Buxar.

19
 ➢ Leather Industry: - There are tanneries in the whole District. Its concentration is mainly in
Khilafatpur village of Buxar subdivision which manufactures shoes.
Monuments and Architecture:
❖ Bihariji Temple - Bihariji Temple is located in Buxar District and the idol of Lord Krishna is installed
there. It is one of the most revered temples because of its art and culture. The architecture and carvings
of Bihariji Temple are extremely excellent.
❖ Navlakha Temple - Navlakha Temple is a beautiful religious place of Buxar. The architecture of the
temple is attractive which is reminiscent of South Indian temples. The entrance of the temple reflects its
grandeur and the exterior of the temple is decorated with beautiful sculptures, where you can see the
magnificent architectural mix.
❖ Chausa's battlefield - The Battle of Chausa was a
notable military battle between the Mughal
Emperor Humayun and the Afghan, Sher Shah
Suri. It was fought on 26 June 1539 at Chausa, 10
miles south-west of Buxar in Bihar. Sher Shah was
victorious and crowned himself as Farid al-Din
Sher Shah.
❖ Katauli Plain – Katkouli's plain, in Buxar, is one of the most visited tourist attractions around the
region. The reason for the popularity of this place is the historical battle of Buxar which was fought here
between the East India Company and Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of
Awadh) and Shah Alam (Mughal Emperor).
❖ Navratan Garh Fort - Raja Rudra Pratap Narayan Singh built Navratna Garh (also known as Bhojpur
Fort or Raja Bhoj Fort) in 1633 CE.
❖ Buxar Fort - Built by King Rudra Dev in 1054 CE, Buxar Fort is situated on an artificial mound on the
banks of the Ganges. Excavations along the river in 1926-27 revealed two seals with inscriptions in the
early Brahmi script, which dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, indicating that the mound is
quite ancient. In 1812 CE, Francis Buchanan visited the fort. Only its southern part and its bastions were
left standing. He mentioned that the fort had an underground passage in which ancient paintings were
kept.
❖ Brahmeshwarnath Temple - Brahmeshwar Nath is a temple dedicated to Shiva. Tulsidas, the author
of the retelling of the Ramayana, is believed to have worshiped Shiva here.
❖ Baba Nath Temple - Built on the banks of the Ganges, this temple has 22 Shivalingas collected from
all over the country.
❖ Vishwamitra Ashram - According to legends, the ashram of Maharishi Vishwamitra was located in
Buxar (Bihar). According to the story of Ramayana, Vishwamitra brought Ram and Lakshman to this
ashram. It is believed that Ram-Laxman killed the demons Tadka, Subahu etc. here. Vishwamitra's
ashram was also called 'Siddhashram'.

20
 2.7 Gaya

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Gaya Gaya 43,79,383 937 63.67% Sesame-based
(Men – 73. 3% and products, stone craft,
female 53.3%) woodcraft, tourism
and mushrooms
❖ Gaya District was formed in 1865.
❖ Gaya District comes under Magadh division.
❖ The Headquarters of Magadh division has Gaya.
❖ The area of this District is 4976 square kilometers.
❖ Rocks of Dharwad group are found in this District.
❖ In the southern part of Gaya there is a series of long hills. These hills are located in the plain which is
the northern extension of the Chhotanagpur Plateau (Gondwana Land).
❖ Bangar soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1242 millimetres.
❖ The population density of this District is 883 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 13.2%.
❖ Gaya is the District with the highest Scheduled Caste percentage in Bihar.
❖ There are 10 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 602.55 square kilometers (12.11% of the total geographical area).
❖ Falgu is the main river flowing in this District.

21
❖ Major crops - rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane etc.
❖ The credit-deposit ratio in Gaya District was 45% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Major Industries – Cotton textile, sugar industry, lacquer industry, tobacco industry, leather industry,
oil mill etc.
❖ Minerals like mica, quartz, felspar, graphite, tin, sand etc. are found in this District.
❖ Gaya Airport, also known as Bodh Gaya Airport. It is the second busiest airport in Bihar after Patna.
The airport serves mainly seasonal pilgrimage flights from Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Sri Lanka
as the gateway to the pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya.
Places to visit:
❖ Mahabodhi Temple - Mahabodhi Temple is
situated at the place of enlightenment of Lord
Buddha. The first temple by Emperor Ashoka
was built in the 3rd century BC and the
present temples were built in the 5th or 6th
century. This Mahabodhi temple is one of the
few surviving examples of early brick
structures in India. The present temple is one
of the oldest and one of the most magnificent
structures built entirely of brick in the post-
Gupta period. Its sculpted stone railings are
excellent early examples of sculptural
carvings in stone. This temple complex has a
direct connection with the life of Mahatma
Buddha (566-486 BC) as it is the same place
where in 531 BC he attained supreme and
complete intuition while sitting under the
Bodhi tree.
❖ Vishnupad Temple - It is called Vishnupad
Temple because there is a 40 cm long
footprint on a rock located here, which is
believed to belong to Lord Vishnu. It is an
ancient belief that Lord Vishnu killed the
demon Gayasur by stepping on his chest at
this place. It is believed that the present
octagonal temple was built in 1787 by the
queen of Indore, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar.
This temple is situated on the banks of river
Falgu, for which devotees come from all over
the country. There are some other small
temples inside the temple complex which are
dedicated to Bhagnan Narasimha and
'Phalgishwar', an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Being a basis of religion, it is also known as Dharmashila. It is believed that by visiting the feet of Lord
Vishnu in this temple after the tarpan of ancestors, all sorrows are eliminated.

22
❖ Falgu River - The Falgu River flowing at the eastern end of Gaya city is basically a rainy river. In other
times of the year, this river is completely dry. But water is found in the river only when a little bit of
sand is removed. According to the legend, after being cursed by Mother Sita, the Phalgu river has been
flowing in the form of Antasalila.
❖ Akshay Vat - The world-famous Akshay Vat is located just around the Vishnupad temple. According
to another legend, Akshay Vat is blessed by Mother Sita to be immortal whose leaves do not fall in any
season.
❖ Sita Kund - Just behind the Vishnupad temple, Sita Kund is located on the banks of river Phalgu, where
Mother Sita had performed pinddaan and Shradh rituals of her father-in-law Shri Raja Dasaratha.
❖ Mangala Gauri - On a small hill on the south side of Gaya city is the temple of the famous Mata Sati
(Gauri). This temple is located near Akshayavat temple. According to a legend, when Lord Shiva was
enraged at the death of his wife Mata Sati and was engaged in a cataclysmic dance, Lord Vishnu used
his chakra to calm her down and cut the body of Mother Sati into several pieces. After that these cut
pieces fell at different places and each such place is still present in the form of a Shakti Peeth (sacred
place of worship of Mata Gauri).
❖ Ramshila Mountain - Ramshila mountain situated on the south-eastern end of Gaya city is famous as
a holy place. According to the belief, Lord Rama had donated the pinddan of King Dasharatha on this
hill, on the basis of which this hill was named Ramsheela. A collection of ancient sculptures still exists
on the hill. Rameshwar or Pataleshwar temple situated on top of the hill was built in 1014 AD, but over
time it was renovated and repaired many times. During the Pitru Paksha Mela, there is a provision to sit
in front of this temple and perform Pinddan for the ancestors according to Hindu belief.
❖ Pretshila Mountain - At a distance of about 10 km from Ramshila hill, Pretshila hill is located, below
which Brahma Kund is located. Only after taking a bath in this kund, people start the ritual of Pinddaan.
A temple was built on this mountain in the year 1787 AD by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, which
is famous as Ahilyabai Templ.
❖ Tapovan - Tapovan (modern Jethiana) where King Bimbisara met Lord Buddha. Hiuen Tsang made a
sacred journey to the two hot water streams of Tapovan that were created and blessed by the Buddha.
❖ Gehlaur Valley (hill way) - Dashrath Manjhi, a labourer from Galhaur valley in Gaya District, had
been cutting a mountain with a chisel and hammer from 1960 to 1982. Finally, in 22 years, he built a
road by cutting a hill 25 feet high, 30 feet wide and 360 meters long. In 2015, film director Ketan Mehta
made a film on the life and love story of Dashrath Manjhi under the name 'Manjhi: The Mountain Man'.
❖ Rubber Dam - The country's largest rubber dam is built in Gaya, Bihar. Its length is 411 meters and
width is 95 meters. The rubber dam has been named 'Gayaji'. Its height is three meters. During the rainy
days, the water coming into the river will be stored in it. It can store up to three meters of water. If there
is more water than this, the water from the top of the rubber dam will flow in the north direction i.e.
down stream. Due to non-availability of water in the Phalgu river at the time of Pindadan during Pitru
Paksha, there used to be a lot of problems, to overcome this problem, the rubber dam has been built by
the state government.
❖ Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary- This sanctuary is located in Gaya District. Its expansion is
spread over 138.33 square kilometers. It was established in 1976 AD. Wild animals like Cheetah,
Sambhar, Leopard, Deer is mainly found in this sanctuary.

23
 2.8 Jehanabad

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Jehanabad Jehanabad 11,24,176 922 66.8% Rice, mushroom and
(Men – 77.7% and pulse based
female- 55%) products (besan and
sattu)
❖ Jehanabad District was formed on August 1, 1986.
❖ This District comes under Magadh Division.
❖ The area of this District is 931 square kilometers.
❖ Jehanabad has Barabar hill which has an average height of 230 meters.
❖ Balthar and old soil are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1074.5 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1209 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 12%.
❖ There are 3 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 4.43 square kilometers (0.48% of the total geographical area).
❖ The major rivers flowing through this District are Falgu, Son and Dardha.
❖ The city of Jehanabad, which is the Headquarters of the District, is located at the confluence of the
Dardha and Jamuna rivers.
❖ Paddy, wheat, maize and pulses are the main agricultural crops grown by the farmers in the District.
Sugarcane is also grown in some parts of the District.

24
❖ This District ranks first in terms of productivity of pulses in the state of Bihar.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Jehanabad District was 38.5% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Jehanabad District has an industrial area spread over an area of six acres on the Jehanabad-Kako road.
Places to visit:
❖ Barabar Caves - Barabar Caves are located in the hilly area near Makhdumpur, 25 kilometers from
Jehanabad. This place is world-famous for the ancient seven rock-cut Buddhist caves and as the cradle
of the Ajivaka sect. These ancient rock-cut Buddhist chambers date back to the 3rd century A.D. It is
related to the Mahabharata period. It is said about Ashwatthama, the great warrior of the Mahabharata
war, that he still wanders in the valleys of Barabar. He became immortal by the grace of Lord
Siddhanatha i.e. Lord Shiva, whose temple is present on the highest peak of Barabar hills.
❖ Karna Chaupat: It is said that Kunti's son Danveer came here after being the king of Karna Anga
country.
❖ Sudama Cave- It is said that Lord Krishna built this house for his friend.
❖ Lomesh Rishi Cave- It is believed that Lomesh Rishi was a nomad. Lord Krishna introduced Arjuna to
Lomash Rishi here.
❖ Vishwamitra Cave - According to Valmiki Ramayana, Sage Vishwamitra along with Lord Rama,
Lakshmana came here. Ram and Lakshman were going to Mithila to participate in the Dhanush Yajna.
All three stayed overnight in this cave.
❖ Nagarjuna Cave - Nagarjuna was a preceptor of Buddhism and he used to stay here. Emperor Ashoka
had built a stupa in his memory.
❖ Gopi Cave- It was built by King Dasharatha, father of Lord Rama.
❖ Vedic Cave - King Shardul
Barman and Anand Barman
installed statues of Hindu gods
and goddesses inside the cave.
❖ Hazrat Bibi Kamal Ka
Maqbara - Bibi Kamal was one
of the most revered female Sufis
of Bihar. Her blessings (Kamal)
were so effective that she was
known as Bibi Kamal. Her
original name was Bibi Hadiya.
She was the third Begum of the
famous Sufi Hazrat Makhdoom
Qazi Shahabuddin Peer Jagjot.

25
 2.9 Arwal

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Arwal Arwal 7,00,843 928 67.4% Rice, organic sawdust,
(Men – 79.1% and black rice, mango and
female- 54.9%) pulse-based products
(besan and sattu)
❖ Arwal District was formed in August 2001.
❖ This District comes under Magadh Division.
❖ The area of this District is 638 square kilometers.
❖ Arwal is the second smallest District of Bihar in terms of area.
❖ This District ranks third in Bihar in terms of minimum population.
❖ Old soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 817 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1099 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 7.4%.
❖ There are 2 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 4.14 square kilometers (0.65% of the total geographical area).
❖ Son is the main river flowing in this District.
❖ Agricultural land is available in abundance in this District and there is a lack of industries in this District,
so the income of this District is mainly done from farming. Paddy, wheat and maize are the main crops
of this District. Due to the banks of the Son River of this District, irrigation is done well in the fields
here and the farmers get the benefit of it.
❖ This District ranks third in terms of paddy productivity in the state of Bihar.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Arwal District was 45.3 % in the financial year 2021-22.

26
Places to visit:
❖ Fakharpur Temple - This temple built by a Mahatma is located in Fakharpur Panchayat of Alwar
District of Bihar. Many newly made small idols like Laxman, Rama, Sita are located in this temple.
❖ Makhdoom Shah's Mazar- One of the religious places of Arwal is the Mazar of Makhdum Shah,
situated on the banks of Son River. This mazar is considered to be the center of spiritual power. The
people of this place have to say that a philosopher's stone mixed with Son River was kept here, which
used to turn into gold by touching iron.
❖ Madhusrava Ashram - Madhusrava Ashram is a very ancient monastery located in Arwal District of
Bihar. A fair is held here three times a year, which people come from far and wide to see. This ashram
is also mentioned in the Puranas.
❖ Budhwa Mahadev Temple - This 60 years old temple is situated in Arwal District. The temple of
Budhwa Mahadev is situated on the 500 feet high peak of Mahudi mountain in Bihar. A statue of Lord
Shiva is also installed in this temple which is about one and a half feet high.
❖ Khatangi Sun Temple –
Khatangi Sun Temple is situated
on the border of Aurangabad and
Arwal District. The idol of
Maurya period is kept in this
temple, which is completely
made of black stone. Every year
chhath puja is celebrated here in
the month of Chaitra and Kartik.

27
 2.10 Nawada

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Nawada Nawada 22,19,146 939 59.76% Magahi paan (betel),
(Male – 69.98% silk and textiles
and Female –
48.86%)
❖ Nawada District was formed on 26 January 1973.
❖ This District comes under Magadh Division.
❖ The area of this District is 2,494 square kilometers.
❖ The rocks of Dharwad order are found in this District.
❖ There are five types of soils in the District. These are (i) Lome, (ii) Sandy, (iii) Clay, (iv) Sandy Lom
and (v) Clay Lom. In the areas where these types of soils are generally found and the crops grown in
these soils are described below:-
➢ Lom – Nawada, Sirdala and Akbarpur
➢ Sandy- Available in parts of Nawada, Sirdala and Hisua blocks. It is suitable for crops like maize,
oil seeds and groundnut.
➢ Clay Available in some parts of Pakribarawan and in Kauakol Block. It is suitable for paddy and
wheat.
➢ Sandy Lom – This soil is found in the development blocks of Nawada, Warsaliganj, Akbarpur,
Narhat and Hisua. It is mainly useful for wheat, maize and paddy.
➢ Clay Loam – Available in Rajauli and Sirdala blocks. It is useful for paddy, wheat and potatoes.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 996.5 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 890 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 9.7%.

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❖ This District is second in terms of the highest Scheduled Caste percentage in the state.
❖ There are 5 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 516.88 square kilometers (20.72% of the total geographical area).
❖ The major rivers flowing in this District are Sakri, Khuri, Panchan, Bhusari, Tilaiya and Dhanarjay.
❖ Main crops- paddy, wheat, pulses, oilseeds etc.
❖ Agriculture is the mainstay of livelihood and 78% of the people depend on agriculture. The main
occupations of the people are agriculture, animal husbandry and casual labor work. An agricultural
science center has been set up by ICAR, New Delhi for rapid transfer of technology in the areas of
agriculture.
❖ Main Minerals – Mica, Felspar, Decorative Granite, Beryllium
❖ Main Industries- Silk Textile Industry, Sugar Mill, Mica
❖ There are no functional large industries in Nawada and apart from a few stone chips factories and rice
mills, only 18 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are located in the city.
❖ At Kadirganj, 6 km from Nawada, there is a very old and famous silk small scale industry where many
artisans do the activities of silk cleaning and weaving.
❖ The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited has identified Rajauli in Bihar's Nawada District as a
potential site to build an additional 2,000 MW of nuclear capacity in the state.
❖ There is a lot of potential for agro-industries in this District. It includes rice mill, sugar industry, oilseed
industry and agricultural machinery industry.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Nawada District was 48.4% in the financial year 2021-22.
Places to visit:
❖ Kakolat Waterfall - This waterfall is
located in Govindpur block at a distance
of 35 km from Nawada District. Kakolat
Falls has been formed by the confluence
of 7 streams descending from the
Koderma Plateau. The height of this
waterfall is about 150 to 160 feet from the
ground level. It is also called 'Kashmir of
Bihar' and 'Niagara of Bihar'. This lake
was named Kakolat Falls because people
of the Kol caste used to reside here in the past. In 1811, British officer Francis Buchanan saw this
waterfall. This lake was very deep, due to which many people had lost their lives while taking a bath,
so in 1994, the depth of the lake was reduced by filling it with stones by the Government of India. Every
year on April 14, a five-day Satuani Fair is held here.
❖ Indrasal Cave, Parvati Hill - According
to mythology, once Gautam Buddha
came here, and resided in the cave. He
spent a year here. At that time Indra Dev,
the king of gods came, he saw Buddha
and asked 42 questions. Mahatma
Buddha answered all the questions
correctly. This place is situated at a
distance of 30 km from Rajgir and 120
km from Bodh Gaya.

29
❖ Surya Narayan Temple, Handia - The Surya Narayan Dham temple located in Handiya village of
Nardiganj block of Nawada District is very ancient. It is one of the historic Sun Temples which
symbolizes the faith of the people. During the excavation around the temple, the remains of icons and
stone chariot path were found. It is believed that this temple is associated with the Dwapar Yuga and it
was built by Lord Krishna's son in this Yuga. A pond is situated near the temple and it is believed that
leprosy is eradicated after a bath in this water.
❖ Shri Gunavan Ji Tirtha - Shree
Gunawan Ji Teerth is located in the
village of Gunawan in Nawada
District. This temple is dedicated to
Jain sage Gandharva Swami. It is
believed that Gautam Swami was a
disciple of Mahavir ji. Gautam
Swami attained Nirvana at this
place 12 years after Lord
Mahavira's Nirvana.
❖ Shekhodevra Ashram, Kauakol -
Shekhodewara village, situated at a
distance of about 55 kms from the
District Headquarter, is very
beautiful. With the combination of
two hamlets named Sekho and
Deora, Sekhodevra village has been
formed. Sarvodaya Ashram in the
village, which was established by Jai
Prakash Narayan in 1952. During the
freedom movement of 1942, famous leader and revolutionary Jayaprakash Narayan was hiding here
after escaping from Hazaribagh jail.
❖ Budhauli Monastery - It is located
in Budhauli village of Budhauli
Panchayat of Pakhirawan block. It
has been primarily the center of
religion, spirituality and knowledge
philosophy. There is a big pond
inside the monastery, where water
from all the rivers of the world was
brought and poured into the pond.
Budhauli Monastery is built in 1800
AD. There is still a Durga Mandap
in the middle of this .
❖ 52 Kothi 53 Dwar - It is located in Budhauli village of Budhauli panchayat of Pakhirawan block. As an
important center of education and religion, it has its own special identity in the District. Inside this
monastery, valuable Ashtadhatu idols worth billions of rupees are kept, in which there are idols of Lord
Vishnu, Sita, Ram, Shankar, etc. Great personalities like the country's first President Dr. Rajendra
Prasad, Mahatma Gandhi, Abdul Ghaffar Khan have visited this monastery.

30
❖ Sitamarhi- The history of Sitamarhi situated on the banks of Tilaiya river (Tamsa river) in Meskaur
block area, 30 km away from the District Headquarters, is associated with Tretayuga. Valmiki
Ramayana was composed in Barat village near Sitamarhi. Even today, the remains of Valmiki Rishi's
ashram are present here. His very old statue is located in the middle of the pond. Legend has it that when
Lord Rama ordered his brother Lakshmana to leave the pregnant mother Janaki in the forest on the
advice of the washerman, she was released in the forests here. At that time Maharishi Valmiki used to
reside here. He gave shelter to mother Janaki. Later, he not only gave birth to his son Luv, but also
taught knowledge with weapons. This cave is believed to be of Mauryan period on the basis of pillars.
The prevailing belief is that the cave was built to shelter the saints.

31
 2.11 Aurangabad

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Aurangabad Aurangabad 25,40,073 926 70.3% Strawberries, lemon
(Men– 80.11% grass, basil leaves
and Female-
59.7%)
❖ Aurangabad District was formed on November 19, 1973.
❖ This District comes under Magadh Division.
❖ The area of this District is 3305 square kilometers.
❖ Residual soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1231 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 769 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 9.3%.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of highest literacy rate.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of the highest male literacy rate.
❖ In terms of highest female literacy rate, this District is fourth in the state.
❖ This District has the third place in the state in terms of maximum scheduled caste percentage.
❖ There are 6 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 159.85 square kilometers (4.84% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers flowing in this District are Son, Punpun, Auranga, Batane, Morhar and Adri.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Gram, Maize, Oilseeds etc.
❖ This District ranks second in Bihar in terms of both production and productivity of paddy in Bihar.
❖ Main Minerals – Coal

32
❖ The power generation unit is located at NTPC, Nabinagar.
❖ The blanket industry is located in Tandwa and the carpet, textile industry is located in Obra.
❖ There are also cement factories here.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Aurangabad District was 63.4% in the financial year 2021-22.
Places to visit:
❖ Dev Temple- The ancient
Sun Temple of Aurangabad
District of Bihar is unique. It
is believed that this temple
was built by Lord
Vishwakarma himself in one
night. This is the only sun
temple in the country, whose
door is on the west side. The
idol of the Sun God in this
temple is mounted on seven
chariots. In this, his three forms are present in the form of Udayachal-Morning Sun, Madhyachal-
Midday Sun and Astachal- sunset sun. About one hundred feet high, this Sun Temple is a wonderful
example of architecture. Without using cement or lime-mortar, this temple made by adding stones cut
in many forms like rectangular, square, semi-circular, circular, triangular etc. is very attractive and
astonishing.
❖ Umga Temple- A series of
52 temples are located on the
Umga mountain, about 30
km from Aurangabad. There
is a series of 52 temples
including Sun Temple, Maa
Umangeshwari Temple,
Gauri Shankar Temple on
Umaga Mountain. The
amazing giant temple of
Lord Surya on Mount Umga
is still standing as an inspiration to reflect the history and evidence of the glory saga from years ago.
This temple, established at a height of 100 feet from the ground, is unique from the point of view of art,
about 90 feet tall. Worshiping in the Maa Umangeshwari temple on the hill gives the benefit of 52
Shaktipeeths. This goddess Mahishasura is in mardani form, and is ashtabhuji. On his left is Martand
Bhairav. There is a small sized pool on the Umaga hill, which people know as Amar Kund. This kund
looks simple, but the special feature of this kund is that the water of this kund never dries up even though
it is situated at a very high altitude of the hill.
❖ AmzarSharif - Amzar Sharif is located in Aurangabad District and is one of the most important
religious centers of Islam. This dargah was built as a tomb for the Muslim Pir known as Hazrat Syedana
Mohammad Jilani, which is today considered one of the important pilgrimage sites among the people
of the Muslim community.
❖ Powai, Mali and Chandangarh:- Migrants from Rajasthan had an important place in the history of
Aurangabad during the medieval and modern era. The ruins of historical forts at Powai, Mali and
Chandangarh are believed to have been built by the kings of Rajasthan.

33
❖ Piru: Piru is another ancient tourist attraction of Aurangabad. It was known as Pratikuta in ancient times
and was the birthplace of Banabhatta, a renowned poet and state historian of King Harshavardhana.
❖ Siris: Siris was a pargana during the reign of Sher Shah and the Mughal Empire. This place is the
conflict site of Raja Narayan Singh and many unsung heroes of the revolt of 1857. There is also a mosque
in Siris which was built during the reign of Aurangzeb.
❖ Daudnagar Fort- The historic
fort of Dawood Khan is located in
the old city of Daudnagar city.
According to historical
documents, the fort of Daud Khan
was built in the 17th century.
Dawood Khan was aurangzeb's
lieutenant. He was the Subedar of
Bihar from 1659 to 1664. After
the Palamu victory, Emperor
Aurangzeb gifted Ancha, Manora and Daudnagar Parganas to Dawood Khan, after which Dawood Khan
built the fort.

34
 2.12 Saran

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Saran Chapra 39,51,862 954 66% Tomato Based
(Males – 77% and Products
Females – 54.4%)

❖ Saran District was formed in 1972.

❖ This District comes under Saran division.
❖ The Headquarters of Saran division is Chhapra.
❖ The area of this District is 2641 square kilometers.
❖ Residual, loamy and alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 818.87 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1496 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 8.9%.
❖ This District ranks third in the state in terms of the highest female sex ratio.
❖ There are 10 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 59.32 square kilometers (2.25% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers flowing in this District are Ganga, Ghaghra and Gandak.
❖ Main Crops - Wheat, Paddy, Maize, Potato, Sugarcane, Pulses and Oilseeds etc.
❖ Main Minerals – Shora, Sodium Salt
❖ Main Industries- Sugar Mills, Brass and Handloom Industry, Chocolate Industry etc.
❖ The rail wheel factory is located at Bela in Saran District.
❖ There is a rail engine factory at Marhaura in Saran District.
❖ The sugar mill established at Marhaura was the first sugar mill in Bihar.
❖ There is a chocolate factory in Marhaura.

35
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Saran District was 36.3% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit – Chirand, Gautam Ashram, Dhodh Ashram/ Dadeshwar Nath Temple, Sonepur Mela,
Amba Sthan (Ami), Hariharnath Temple, Baba Shilanath Temple, Shilodhi, Birth Place of Jayaprakash
Narayan Sitab Diyara etc.
❖ Chirand- Chirand, located on the
banks of the Ganges, 13 kilometers
east of the city Headquarters, has
special importance in mythological
and historical form. Excavations
here have found remains of the
Neolithic Age and the Copper Age.
India's second highest remains
have been found during excavation
in Chirand village. In the survey of
the Archaeological Department,
the remains of Chalcolithic Age,
Neolithic and Iron Age have been recovered. The remains of houses built from 2500 BC to 40 AD have
also been recovered here. During the excavation from Chirand, including materials used in agriculture,
wheat ears and bone material have been recovered. Here there is a confluence of three rivers Saryu, Son
and Ganga.
❖ Hariharnath Temple- Hariharnath
Temple is situated on the banks of
Gandak and Ganga in Sonepur. This
temple is dedicated to Vishnu (Hari)
and Shiva (Har). Baba Hariharnath
Shivling is the only pagoda in the
world which has the shape of Shiva
(Hara) in half and Vishnu (Hari) in
the rest, sitting in the same sanctum
sanctorum, both the gods together
are called Harihar. It is believed that
it was established by Brahma himself to bring the Shaiva and Vaishnava sects closer to each other.
❖ Sonepur Fair - Sonepur Fair is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia, held at the confluence of two
rivers, the Ganga and the Gandak. Popular since ancient times for the trade of livestock, this month-long
event is held on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima in the month of November. Hindu devotees
come to the area to take a holy dip in the Ganga and Gandak rivers and offer prayers at the Harihar Nath
temple.
❖ Sitab Diyara- Jayaprakash was born on October 11, 1902 in Sitab Diyara, Bihar. His father's name was
Shri 'Devki Babu' and mother's name was 'Phulrani Devi'.

36
 2.13 Siwan

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Siwan Siwan 33,30,464 988 69.5% Mentha Based
(Males – 80.2% and Products
Females –58.7%)
❖ Siwan District was formed in 1972 .
❖ This District comes under Saran division.
❖ The area of this District is 2,219 square kilometers.
❖ Loamy and alluvial soil are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1200 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1501 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 5.5%.
❖ This District ranks fourth in the state in terms of the highest male literacy rate.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of the highest female literacy rate.
❖ In terms of percentage of minimum scheduled caste population, this District is fourth in the state.
❖ This District ranks second in the state in terms of highest female sex ratio.
❖ There are 8 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 7.66 square kilometers (0.35% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District is Doha and Jharhi.
❖ Main Crops - Wheat, Rice, Maize, Sugarcane and Potato etc.
❖ Tobacco and parwal are mainly cultivated in this District as commercial farming.
❖ Major Industries – Sugar Mills, Brass and Handloom Industries
❖ The industrial sector here is based on small enterprise units associated with wood and wood furniture,
leather-based products and paper-based products.
❖ At present, four industrial units are operating, out of which two are cement units.
❖ Siwan produces handloom bed sheets, towels, lungis, mosquito nets, shawls and sarees.

37
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Siwan District was 44.6 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ The District of Siwan has its own traditional form called 'Zhijhiya'. It is the folk dance of Siwan which
is performed to please the god of rain.
❖ 'Chhau' dance is also practiced in some areas of the District. It is a mask dance performed by men.
Important person
❖ Dr. Rajendra Prasad - Mahatma Gandhi's associate, freedom fighter and first President of India
❖ Maulana Mazharul Haque - Mahatma Gandhi’s associate, freedom fighter and symbol of Hindu-
Muslim unity, founder of Sadaqat Ashram and Bihar Vidyapith
❖ Khuda Baksh Khan - Manuscript collector and founder of Khuda Baksh Library
❖ Phulena Prasad - Freedom fighter
❖ Braj Kishore Prasad - Freedom fighter Father of the anti-purdah movement
❖ Umakant Singh - One of the revolutionaries who was martyred in front of the Bihar Secretariat on 9
August 1942
❖ Daroga Prasad Rai - Former Chief Minister of Bihar
❖ Prabhavati Devi: Wife of Dr. Jai Prakash Narayan, who was the leader of the student movement in
1971-1972
❖ Ramdas Pandey- He was a fighter and landlord of the Indian freedom struggle.
❖ Paigham Afaqi - Famous Urdu writer, author of books like Makan, Mafia, Darinda
❖ Natwar Lal - Famous thug born in Barai Bangra village in Darauli block of Siwan
❖ Places to visit – Jiradei (birthplace of Dr. Rajendra Prasad), Ashiana, Mahendra Nath Temple,
Raghunathpur, Two Stupas (Darauli), Amarpur, Mairwa Dham, Lakdi Dargah, Hasanpura,
Bhikhabandh, Sohgra, Hadsar, Narhan etc.
❖ Jiradei - This historic village situated on the
banks of the river Hiranyavati (Sona River) is
the village of the first President of India, where
he was born on 3 December 1884. The identity
of this village is only by the name of Deshratna
Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The house where the first
President was born is currently protected by
the Archaeological Department. Mahatma
Gandhi also stayed in this house. However,
this place is also associated with Lord Buddha.
It has a history of more than three thousand
years. Archaeological evidence found in Muiyangarh, Titra and Bhartaigarh of Jiradei suggests that this
area may have once been known for Buddhist monasteries. The mounds here look like stupas. In the
little excavation that has been done on the
mound, many pottery and clay idols have
been found.
❖ Mahendranath Temple - This temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the main
religious places of Siwan District, which is
known as Mahendranath Temple. There is a
man-made lake which is spread over 52 acres.
This temple was established by King
Mahendra Singh of Nepal.

38
 2.14 Gopalganj

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Gopalganj Gopalganj 25,62,012 1021 65.5% (Males – Papaya Based
76.5% and Products, Handloom
Females – 54.8%) Industry
❖ Gopalganj District was formed in 1973 .
❖ This District comes under Saran division.
❖ The area of this District is 2,033 square kilometers.
❖ Terai soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1290 mm..
❖ The population density of this District is 1260 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 6.4%.
❖ This District ranks first in the state in terms of the highest female sex ratio.
❖ There are 6 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 8.56 square kilometers (0.42% of the total geographical area).
❖ Gandak is the major river flowing in this District.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Sugarcane, Pigeon Pea etc.
❖ In terms of production of sugarcane in Bihar, this District ranks third in Bihar.
❖ Agriculture-based industries have developed in Gopalganj, in which sugar mill and pulses mill, besides
cottage industry are prominent.
❖ Major Industries – Sugar Industry, Vegetable Oil etc.
❖ Industrial areas are mainly located in Gopalganj, Sasamusa, Sidhwalia and Hathua.
❖ The credit-deposit ratio in Gopalganj District was 41% in the financial year 2021-22.
Places to visit:
Thawe Temple, Shri Pitambara Peeth (Maa Banglamukhi), Dighwa – Dubauli, Hussepur, Lakdi Dargah

39
❖ Thawe Temple - Thawe Temple is located in Thawe in Gopalganj District. There are 52 "Shaktipeeths"
all over India, this place is also one of them. It is said that the mother came here from her other holy
place Kamrup, Assam, where she is known as "Maa Kamakhya". There is an old fort in the village but
the history of the fort is obscure. The king of Hathwa had a palace there but now it is in a declining state.
Near the residence of king of Hathwa, there is an old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. There is a
strange tree within the precincts of the temple, whose botanical family has not yet been identified.

40
 2.15 Muzaffarpur

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Muzaffarpur Muzaffarpur 48,01,062 900 63.4% (Men – Litchi based
71.3% and products, Sujani
Women- 54.7%) embroidery and
lacquer bangles
❖ Muzaffarpur District was formed in 1875.
❖ This District comes under Tirhut division.
❖ Muzaffarpur is the Headquarters of Tirhut division.
❖ The city of Muzaffarpur was founded by Muzaffar Khan in the 18th century and a municipality was
constituted in 1864.
❖ The area of this District is 3172 square kilometers.
❖ Balsundari and new alluvial soils are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1187 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1514 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 9.9%.
❖ This District has the third place in the state in terms of maximum population.
❖ There are 11 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 166.20 square kilometers (5.24% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District are Budhi Gandak and Bagmati.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Sugarcane etc.
❖ This District ranks fourth in Bihar in terms of sugarcane production.

41
❖ This District ranks third in Bihar in terms of banana production.
❖ This District ranks second in Bihar in terms of guava production.
❖ In terms of both area and production of Litchi, this District occupies the first place in Bihar.
❖ Main Industries – Sugar Mill, Pharmaceutical, Leather, Petroleum, Gas Cylinder Filling Factory,
Thermal Power Station, Engineering Industry, Railway Coach Factory, Textile Making Factory etc.
❖ Lahthi industries are mainly located in Rampur Bakhari and Chainpur Bangra, while leather clusters
are mainly located in Muzaffarpur and its surrounding towns.
❖ There are 292 factories in Bela Industrial Area of Muzaffarpur. However, 55 out of 292 factories are
closed. The land allotment of many of these has been cancelled. While 34 factories are under
construction.
❖ Now there are so many factories in Bela industrial area, in which chicken feed factory, parle-g, noodles
factory and many more factories have opened.
❖ A new industrial area has been set up on the land of the closed sugar mill in Motipur at the level of the
government and industry department.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Muzaffarpur District was 61.8% in the FY 2021-22.
Places to visit:
❖ Baba Garib Sthan Temple, Kali Temple in Ramna, Dargah of Kamal Shah, Shaheed Khudiram
Memorial, Litchi Gardens, Mata Chamunda Sthan
❖ Shaheed Khudiram Bose Memorial -
It is located in Company Bagh and
Central Jail of Muzaffarpur. Freedom
fighter Khudiram Bose was hanged at
this place. Khudiram was hanged on
August 11, 1908 at six in the morning.
Khudiram was only 18 years old at the
time of execution.
❖ Mata Chamunda Sthan - Shaktipeeth Chamunda Sthan is located in Katra Garh at a distance of 30 km
to the north-east of the District Headquarters. The form of Goddess Chamunda is pinduma, which is
said to be self-sprouted. It is believed that Chand and Munda were killed here. The temple is managed
by the Chamunda Trust Committee appointed by the Bihar Religious Trust Board.
❖ Shri Garibnath Temple Muzaffarpur
- Baba Garibnath Temple is one of the
famous temples of Muzaffarpur. This
temple is also called Deoghar of Bihar.
Devotees from far and wide visit this
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the
month of Sawan. On the lines of
Deoghar, in Baba Garibnath Dham also,
Jalabhishek is performed in 12 hours by
taking Dak Bam Ganga water.
❖ Ashoka Pillar at Kolhua - Kolhua is located 65 km north-west of Patna in Muzaffarpur District where
The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka built a monolithic, polished sandstone pillar, surrounded by an 18.3 m
high bell-shaped top. A life-size figure of a lion is placed at the top of the pillar. There is a small lake
here which is known as Ramkund. This pillar, located next to a brick stupa at Kolhua, commemorates
the last sermon of the Buddha. Many other archaeological sites are scattered around Kolhua, such as

42
King Bisla's citadel (ancient Vaishali), relic stupa, Kharona Pokhar (Abhishek Pushkarni), Chakradhar
and Lalpura etc.

43
 2.16 Sitamarhi

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Sitamarhi Sitamarhi 34,23,574 899 52.1% (Men– Pipli, & Litchi
60.6% and Based Products
female- 42.4%)
❖ Sitamarhi District was formed in 1972.
❖ This District comes under Tirhut division.
❖ The area of this District is 2294 square kilometers.
❖ Loamy and alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1200 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is1492 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 5.6%.
❖ This District has the second place in the state in terms of minimum literacy rate.
❖ This District ranks third in the state in terms of minimum male literacy rate.
❖ This District ranks fourth in the state in terms of minimum female literacy rate.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of minimum Scheduled Caste population percentage.
❖ There are 8 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 147.79 square kilometers (6.44% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District is Bagmati.
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Wheat, Maize etc.
❖ Major Industries – Sugar Mill, Rice, Oil and Tobacco Industry
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Sitamarhi District was 54.1 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Bajjika, Maithili, Hindi are the most common languages spoken here.
❖ Sitamarhi District is said to be a pilgrimage site and its prominence is associated with the epic
Ramayana.

44
Places to visit –
Janaki Mandir (Punaura), Devkuli, Haleshwar Sthan, Panth-Pakar, Baghi Monastery, Pupri, Goraul Sharif are
the tourist places of Sitamarhi District.
❖ Haleshwar Sthan - Haleshwar Sthan
is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in
Sitamarhi District which is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. According to a legend,
this Shiva temple was built by the
Mithila king Janak of the Ramayana
period and even today the stone
Shivling is originally present in the
sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
❖ Panth Pakar- Panth Pakar is located
at a distance of 8 km from Sitamarhi
District. According to mythology, it is
said that after marrying Lord Shri
Ram, Mother Sita was taken to
Ayodhya by this route in a palanquin.
There is an old banyan tree here, where
he rested for some time while going to
Ayodhya. There is also a Pakar tree at
this place around which a wonderful
mythological site has developed. This tree has amazingly spread over a vast area which is quite thrilling
to watch. Panth Pakar is also known as Pandaul.
❖ Punaura Dham - Maa Janaki
Janmabhoomi Temple is also known
as Punaura Dham in Punaura village of
Sitamarhi District of Bihar. It is
believed that Mother Sita was born at
this place. There is a story related to
this that once there was a severe
famine in Mithila and the priest there
advised King Janak to run the plough
in the field. While King Janak was
running the plough, a clay pot came
out of the ground, in which Mother
Sita was in an infant state. There is a lake named Janaki Kund behind the temple in Punaura Dham.
There is a belief about this lake that taking a bath in it gives birth to a child.

45
 2.17 Sheohar

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Sheohar Sheohar 6,56,246 893 53.8% (Male – Products based on
61.3% and bananas and
Female – 45.3%) moringa
❖ Sheohar District was formed on October 6, 1994.
❖ This District comes under Tirhut division.
❖ The area of this District is 349 square kilometers.
❖ It is the smallest District in terms of area in the state of Bihar.
❖ It is the second smallest District in terms of population in the state of Bihar.
❖ Loamy, alluvial and residual soils are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 956 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1880 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The highest population density in Bihar is found in Sheohar District.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 4.3%.
❖ The District ranks fifth in the Bihar in terms of minimum urbanization percentage.
❖ Sheohar District has the minimum scheduled caste population in the state of Bihar.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 21.57 square kilometers (6.18% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District are Budhi Gandak and Bagmati.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Oilseeds, Tobacco, Red Chilly etc.
❖ Main Industries – Sugar industry, rice and oil mills
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Sheohar District was 69.4% in the financial year 2021-22.

46
Places to visit:
Dekuli Shiva Temple
❖ Dekuli Dham Temple -
This temple is also known
as Baba Bhuvneshwar
Nath Temple or Dekuli
Shiva Temple. This
temple has historical,
religious and
mythological
significance. It was built
in the Dwapar period.
Many pundits believe that
this temple was built
during the Satyuga period. There is a pond in the western part of the temple, which was excavated in
the year 1962. In this excavation, sculptures of many very rare metals of the Dwapar period were found.

47
 2.18 West Champaran

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
West Bettiah 39,35,042 909 55.7% (Men – Sugarcane-based
Champaran 65.6% and products
female- 44.7%)
❖ West Champaran District was formed in 1971.
❖ This District comes under Tirhut division.
❖ The area of this District is 5228 square kilometers.
❖ The international border of the District is 35 km north-west to south-east with Nepal.
❖ West Champaran is the largest District in Bihar in terms of area.
❖ Residual and alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1422 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 753 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks fourth in the state in terms of minimum population density.
❖ West Champaran has the highest Scheduled Tribe population in Bihar.
❖ West Champaran has the highest Scheduled Tribe population percentage (6.6%) in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 10%.
❖ There are 9 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 903.4 square kilometers (17.28% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District is Gandak and Sikarhana.
❖ Agriculture and home industry are the mainstay of the lives of the people here.
❖ The District is famous for the producing good quality of basmati rice and sugarcane.
❖ Apart from Bhadai and Aghani paddy, wheat, maize, oilseeds are also included in the main crops here.

48
❖ Tirhut Canal, Triveni Canal is the main means of West Champaran irrigation.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Sugarcane, Maize, Barley etc.
❖ West Champaran ranks first in 2021-22 in terms of wheat productivity in Bihar.
❖ West Champaran ranks third in terms of production of wheat in Bihar in 2021-22.
❖ In 2021-22, this District has the first place in terms of sugarcane production in Bihar.
❖ This District is second in the state (in 2021-22) in terms of maximum production of onions.
❖ Main Industries – SugarMills, Paper and Leather Industry
❖ There are sugar mills at Majhaulia, Bagaha, Harinagar and Narkatiaganj.
❖ Rope, mat and jaggery making work is done in cottage industries.
❖ Cane is found around Betiya which is used for making furniture.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in West Champaran District was 59.3% in the financial year 2021-22.
Places to visit:
Valmiki Nagar National Park and Tiger Reserve, Valmiki Nagar Ashram and Gandak Project, Triveni Sangam
and Bawangarhi, Bhikhana Thodhi, Bhitiharwa Ashram and Ashoka Pillar of Rampurwa, Ashoka Pillar of
Nandangarh, Chankigarh and Lauria, Sumeshwar Fort, Vrindavan, Saraian Mann (Bird Sanctuary)
❖ Valmiki Nagar National Park and Tiger Reserve - Valmiki Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in
Bihar. The wild mammals found in the forests of Valmiki Tiger Reserve are tigers, sloth bears, leopards,
wild dogs, bison, wild boars, etc. Many species of deer and antelope such as barking deer, spotted deer,
hog deer, sambar and blue bull are also found here. More than 250 species of birds are found here. The
Valmiki Sanctuary covers approximately 800 square kilometers (310 sq mi) of forest. It was the 18th
tiger reserve established in India. It ranks fourth in terms of density of tiger population.
❖ Bhitiharwa Ashram and
Ashoka Pillar of Rampurwa -
Mahatma Gandhi started the
Champaran Satyagraha by
staying in a small house in
Bhitiharwa village of Gaunha
block. That house is today
called Bhitiharwa Ashram.
This place is like a pilgrimage
for those who respect the
values of freedom. At
Rampurva, a short distance
from the ashram, there are two pillars built by Emperor Ashoka, which are topless. The lion capital built
over these pillars is kept in the Kolkata Museum and the Taurus (bull) capital is kept in the National
Museum in Delhi.
❖ Ashoka Pillar of Nandangarh, Chankigarh and Lauria - Nandangarh in Lauriya block and
Chankigarh of Narkatiaganj block have the remains of palaces built by Nand dynasty and Chanakya,
which are now visible as mounds. The mound of Nandangarh is also called the stupa built on the bone
remains of Lord Buddha. One kilometer away from Nandangarh, there is a 2300-year-old Ashoka Pillar
with the top of the lion in Lauria. The base of this 35 feet high pillar is 35 inches and the top is 22
inches.
❖ Sumeshwar Fort - Built on the steep slope of the Someshwar hill at an altitude of 2,884 feet above sea
level in Ramnagar block, the Someshwar fort has now become ruins. This fort built on the border of
Nepal is now only a ruin, but the pool made by cutting stones can be seen for the water needs of the
residents of Antepur.

49
 2.19 East Champaran

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District

(Census) (Per 1000 (%) One Product
As of 2011) men)
East Motihari 50,99,371 902 55.84% (Male – Litchi Based
Champaran 65.3% and Products
Female -45.1%)
❖ East Champaran District was formed in 1971.
❖ This District comes under Tirhut division.
❖ The area of this District is 3968 square kilometers.
❖ Terai and alluvial soil are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1242 mm..
❖ The population density of this District is 1285 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks second in the state in terms of the highest population in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks first in the state in terms of the highest rural population.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 7.9%.
❖ There are 12 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 165.80 square kilometers (4.18% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District is Gandak and Budhi Gandak.
❖ Agriculture and home industry are the mainstay of the lives of the people here.
❖ Main crops - Paddy, Wheat, Sugarcane, Maize, Barley, Khesari, Arhar, Jute etc.
❖ In 2021-22, this District ranks second in terms of sugarcane production in Bihar.
❖ Main Industries – Sugar Mills (Motihari, Chakia and Sugauli), Mehsi's Button Industry
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in East Champaran District was 66.1% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: George Orwell Birth Place, Kesariya Buddhist Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Lauria Areraj,
Areraj Someshwar Nath Mahadev Temple, Gandhi Museum, Gandhi Smarak Chandrahia, Moti Lake,
Champaran Satyagraha Centenary Park, Sita Kund

50
❖ George Orwell Birthplace- George Orwell, the world-renowned novelist of English-literature, was
born on 25 June 1903, near Gopal Shah High School, located in Motihari city. Orwell's father, a British
officer in the Indian Civil Service, George Orwell's famous works, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' and 'The
Animal Farm' novels are like milestones in English literature.
❖ Kesariya Buddhist Stupa - Kesariya
Stupa is an ancient heritage, which is
famous as the world's largest ancient
Buddhist stupa. This stupa was built by
Emperor Ashoka the Great. This ancient
site was discovered in 1958 by the
Archaeological Survey Department. The
entire survey work was done under the
supervision of archaeologist K.
Muhammad. Before the survey, this site
was believed to be a Shiva temple of
ancient times, but during the excavation, many other things of ancient times were found here, including
Buddha statues, copper objects, Islamic coins, etc.
❖ Gandhi Museum, Motihari- On April
15, 1917, Mahatma Gandhi disobeyed
the government order in Champaran on
the voice of his soul to protest against the
atrocities on indigo farmers by the
British. This was the first use of
Satyagraha in India. The administration
withdrew the case against him. The
foundation stone of the 48 feet tall
memorial pillar was laid at this place on
June 10, 1972 by the then Governor
Devkant Varua. It was dedicated to the nation on 18 April 1978. This memorial pillar was designed by
the famous architect Nandlal Vose. Presently a Gandhi Museum has also been constructed in this
complex.

51
 2.20 Vaishali

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Vaishali Hajipur 34,95,021 895 66.6% (Males – Sujani embroidery,
75.4% and honey products
Females – 56.7%)
❖ Vaishali District was formed in 1972.
❖ This District comes under Tirhut division.
❖ The area of this District is 2036 square kilometers.
❖ The Headquarter of East-Central Railway is at Hajipur (Vaishali).
❖ Loamy soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1168 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1717 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks fourth in the state in terms of the highest population density.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of the highest Scheduled Caste population in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of the highest Scheduled Caste percentage population.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 6.7%.
❖ There are 2 (Vaishali, Hajipur) parliamentary constituencies in this District.
❖ There are 8 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 115.70 square kilometres (5.68% of the total geographical area).
❖ The mainrivers flowing in this District are Ganga and Gandak.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Banana, Maize, Tobacco, Litchi, Mango etc.
❖ In 2021-22, this District ranks second in terms of productivity of pulses in Bihar.
❖ In 2021-22, this District ranks second in terms of banana production in Bihar.

52
❖ In 2021-22, this District ranks first in terms of cauliflower production in Bihar.
❖ Main Industries – Sugar Mills, Woolen Yarn Industry, Gulanjarda Making Factories
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Vaishali District was 64.6 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: The capital of the ancient Vaishali Republic near Lalganj, the center of Buddhism
(Chechar), the Buddhist Stupa built during the time of Emperor Ashoka (Madhupur), the ancient
Buddhist and Jain sites in Hajipur, Ram Chaura, Citadel of Raja Vaishali.
❖ The capital of the ancient Vaishali
Republic - The ruins of the ancient city
of 'Vaishali', which is called 'Vaisali' in
Pali, are situated near the present place
called Basad which is 20 miles south-
west of Muzaffarpur. A village named
'Bakhra' is situated near it. The ancient
name of this city was 'Vishala', which is
mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana. In
the time of Gautam Buddha and before
that the capital of Licchavi republic was
here. Here was the institution of Vrijis, which was their Parliament House. Buddha had highly
appreciated the justice of Vrijis.
❖ Vishwashanti Stupa- It is India's tallest 'Buddhist Peace Stupa', newly built by the Japanese Buddhist
monk association 'Nepponji Myohaji', located on the south bank of Abhishek Pushkarini, Vaishali. Its
height is 146 feet (from the base) and its circumference is 120 feet.
❖ Ashoka Pillar, Kolhua- The Ashoka Pillar, built in the 3rd century BC, 25 feet 4 inches high (43 feet
5 inches from the base), is a wonderful specimen of the Mauryan period made of red sandstone. At the
top of this Ashoka pillar is the figure of a north facing lion.
❖ Chechar Village Group- The Chechar village group on the northern bank of the Ganges, 15 KM east
of the District Headquarter Hajipur, is an area of special archaeological importance. Archaeological
remains from Neolithic era to modern periods have been found in Chechar.
❖ Mahavir Janmasthan - 30 KM away from Hajipur city is the historical ancient Kundagram presently
known as 'Basokund Gram'. It is famous as the birthplace of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
It is believed that Mahavira spent 22 years of his life here.

53
 2.21 Darbhanga

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Darbhanga Darbhanga 34,95,021 911 56.6% (Males – Terracotta,
66.8% and Madhubani
Females – 45%. Painting, Makhana
2%)
❖ Darbhanga District was formed in 1875.
❖ This District comes under Darbhanga division.
❖ Darbhanga is the Headquarter of Darbhanga division.
❖ The area of this District is 2279 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1143 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1717 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks third in the state in terms of the highest population density in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 9.7%.
❖ There are 10 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 137.98 square kilometres (6.05% of the total geographical area).
❖ Kamla Balan is the main river flowing in this District.
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Jute, Makhana, Mango etc.
❖ In 2021- 22, Darbhanga had the highest mango plantation in Bihar at 0.13 lakh hectares.
❖ Main Industries – Jute Industry, Paper Industry, Sugar Mill, Cotton Loom Industry, Beedi Industry etc.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Darbhanga District was 40.0 % in the FY 2021-22.

54
❖ Places to visit: Kusheshwar Sthan Bird Sanctuary, Kusheshwar Sthan Temple, Darbhanga Maharaj's
Fort, Ahilya Sthan, Shyama Temple, Jarat Bhikha Sah Salami Rahmatullah Ale's Mazar, Shahi Masjid
Kilaghat Darbhanga, Khanka Samarkandia Darbhanga
❖ Kusheshwar Sthan Bird Sanctuary – Kusheshwarsthan Lake is situated at Kusheshwarsthan in
Darbhanga District. Kusheshwarsthan Lake is situated at Kusheshwarsthan in Darbhanga District.
Pelicans, Dalmatia and Siberian cranes migrate to this lake during the winter season. The entire area of
this lake is spread over 20 kilometers. But during the rainy days, it goes up to 100 kilometers. During
the rainy season, the Kamala and Kareh rivers join it.
❖ Darbhanga Raj Fort - After the
devastating earthquake of 1934 AD in
Darbhanga, Raj Quila was established
by Darbhanga Maharaj. At present it is
situated to the west of Lalit Narayan
Mithila University and Kameshwar
Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University.
Many grand temples have been built
inside the fort. Its high wall is visible
like a historical fort located in
Rajasthan and Delhi.
❖ Ahilya Sthan - Ahilya Sthan is a famous historical site. It is located in Ahiyari village, about 3
kilometers south of Kamtaul railway station in Jale block of Darbhanga District. According to the
legend, Goddess Ahilya, the wife of Maharishi Gautam, had turned into a stone due to the curse of her
husband. He was saved by the touch of the dust of Lord Shri Ram's feet. This place is a religious tourist
destination for Darbhanga District, which also has the distinction of being connected to the Ramayana
circuit.

55
 2.22 Madhubani

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Madhubani Madhubani 44,87,379 926 58.6% (Male – Madhubani
70.1% and Painting, Sikki
Female – 46.2%) Painting, Khadi,
Makhana
❖ Madhubani District was formed in 1972.
❖ This District comes under Darbhanga division.
❖ The area of this District is 3501 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1273.2 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1282 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks fourth in the state in terms of the highest population in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks third in the state in terms of the highest rural population.
❖ This District has the third place in the state in terms of minimum urbanization percentage.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 3.6%.
❖ There are 2 (Madhubani, Jhanjharpur) parliamentary constituencies in this District.
❖ There are 10 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 205.37 square kilometers (5.87% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers flowing in this District are Kamla and Bhutsi Bayan.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Banana, Maize, Makhana etc.
❖ In 2021-22, this District has the first place in terms of banana production in Bihar.
❖ Main Industries – Sugar Mills at Sakri and Lohar, Khadi Industry, Makhana Industry etc.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Madhubani District was 43.4 % in the financial year 2021-22.

56
❖ Places to visit: Saurath, Kapileshwar Sthan, Uchaith, Bhawanipur
❖ Ugna Mahadev- Ugna Mahadev is situated in Bhavanipur village at a distance of 3 km from Pandaul
railway station. It is said that Lord Shiva was so impressed by Vidyapati's devotion that he started living
with Vidyapati as a servant. According to the legend of Lokmanas, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a
foolish boor and came to Vidyapati and started serving him.
❖ Madhubani Painting - Madhubani
painting, also known as the art of
Mithila (as it originated in the
Mithila region of Bihar), is
characterized by sketches or figures
filled with bright and contrasting
colors. Mineral pigments prepared
by craftsmen are used in this
painting. This work is done on
freshly painted or raw soil. This
work of painting is now being done
on paper, cloth, canvas etc. for
commercial purposes. The themes
and designs that are abundantly depicted in these paintings are related to Hindu gods and goddesses such
as Krishna, Rama, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sun and Moon, Tulsi plants, scenes from royal
courts, social celebrations Etcetera. In this, flowers and leaves, pictures of animals and birds, geometric
designs are used to fill the empty spaces.

57
 2.23 Samastipur

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Samastipur Samastipur 42,61,566 911 61.9% (Male – Bamboo, turmeric
71.3% and
Female – 51.5%)
❖ Samastipur District was formed in 1972.
❖ This District comes under Darbhanga division.
❖ The area of this District is 2904 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 926.36 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1467 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the third place in Bihar in terms of maximum scheduled caste population.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 3.5%.
❖ The minimum urbanization percentage in Bihar is found in Samastipur District.
❖ This District has the fourth place in terms of maximum rural population in Bihar.
❖ There are 2 (Ujiarpur, Samastipur) parliamentary constituencies in this District.
❖ There are 10 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 154.22 square kilometers (5.31% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers flowing in this District are Budhi Gandak and Kamla Balan.
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Tobacco, Red Chilly etc.
❖ Samastipur has the third place in Bihar in terms of potato production in 2021-22.
❖ Main Industries – Sugar Mill, Paper and Jute Industry

58
❖ There is a sugar mill in Hasanpur.
❖ There is a jute mill in Muktapur.
❖ The paper industry is located in Samastipur.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Samastipur District was 51.8% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit- Jatmalpur Shiv Parvati Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Thaneshwar Temple, Jama Masjid,
Khatu Shyam Temple, Rajendra Agricultural University (Pusa), Lal Kothi (Samastipur), Niranjan Sthan
(Dhamon), Udayanacharya's Dih Karian, Kabir Math, Pandavgarh, Narhan State, Simaria-Bhindi
❖ Udayanacharya's Deh Karian - There is an ancient ruin of Udayanacharya Dih located in Karian
village. In the tenth century, Udayanacharya defeated the Buddhists many times in debates. The
geographical, spiritual and cultural environment of Udyanacharya's Dih Karian is very important. In the
books composed by Udayanacharya – Atmatattva, Videha etc., not only the historical features of Rosda,
but also the important facts of the then world and nation are quoted.
❖ Kabir Math - There are 15 Kabir Monasteries all over India, out of which 02 Kabir Monasteries is
located in Rosada. During his visit, Kabir arrived at Rosada and in his memory his disciples established
both Kabir monasteries.
❖ Baba's tomb- The tomb of Muslim fakir Baba of 13th-14th century is situated in Rosda. The mausoleum
of his Hindu disciple is also built right next to him, where people of both the religions gather in large
numbers.
❖ Vidyapati Dham - This place, popularly known as Deoghar of Bihar, is a pilgrimage site for Shiva
devotees, where devotees from outside the state come and ask for a vow by performing Jalabhishek. At
this place, Shankar himself became an introvert while serving Vidyapati.
❖ Mangalgarh - From here Maurya period clay sculptures, Gupta period gold coins, Pala period stone
sculptures etc. have been found which are available in Kumar Museum, Hasanpur (Samastipur),
Chandradhari Museum, Darbhanga. The inter-relationship of this Mauryan citadel is with Jaimangalgarh
(Begusarai). The wall of the Shiva temple located in the cremation ground here has a crocodile jaldhari
(Pala period). The small stone statue of Bhairav collected from here and the trident inscribed copper
currency are preserved in the Kumar Museum.
❖ Wari - From the citadel here, a huge Sahastramukhi Shivling, Makaramukhi Jaladhari, Shatabhuji
Bhagwati Tara, Buddhist Goddess Tara sitting in Lalitasan, Gupta period bricks, ornate door pillars etc.
are very important from the point of view of Indian art.
❖ Simaria-Bhindi - Apart from the damaged stone statue of Mahishasur Mardini, Umamaheshwar sitting
in Lalitasan and Surya, an old well, skeleton of a deer, chakki and siloti have been found from the
Simaria-Bhindi mound. The Pala period stone idol of Mahishasura Mardini Durga is installed in the
Bhagwati temple while the post Pala period stone idol of Surya is kept at the root of the tree. It was
Panchdevopasaka Devgram.
❖ Narhan State - Thirteen bhupatis of the Dronavar dynasty developed it as a capital city. The Rajmahal,
temple, Pushkarini, bridge etc. built by Narhan State are evidence of this. In Chakbidelia village of this
region, the stone idol of Surya (two feet tall), Shivling and Nandi idols are installed in the sanctum
sanctorum of Pala period temple.
❖ Pand (Pandavgarh)- The terracotta idol of a nun, old utensils etc. were found from here. The ancient
Kushan carpet brick wall is residual in the mounds here. In these antiquities, from the terracotta seal of
a merchant named 'Pulak', it appears to be more of a trading center than a royal citadel, although public
opinion connects it to the Pandavas' anonymous and Lakshagriha context. Excavations have revealed
evidence of development in six cultural phases from the Neolithic to the Gupta period. Kushan period
copper coins, nail-thorns, beads, bone spearheads, community stoves etc. have been found.

59
 2.24 Saharsa

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Saharsa Saharsa 19,00,661 906 53.2% (Male – 63.6% Fox Nut
and Female – 41.7%)
❖ Saharsa District was formed on April 1, 1954.
❖ This District comes under Kosi division.
❖ Saharsa is the administrative Headquarters of Kosi division.
❖ The area of this District is 1687 square kilometers.
❖ Balsundari and alluvial soil are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 948.48 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1127 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 8.2%.
❖ The District ranks fifth in the state in terms of minimum literacy.
❖ This District ranks first in the state in terms of minimum female literacy.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 34.39 square kilometers (2.04% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers flowing through this District are Kosi, Dhemra and Kamla.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Jute etc.
❖ Main Industries – Jute, Bidi, Soap, Chocolate, Biscuit and Paper Manufacturing Industries
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Saharsa District was 53.6% in the financial year 2021-22.

60
❖ Places to visit: Sant Baba Karu Khirhari Temple (Mahpura), Sun Temple (Kandaha), Shri Ugratara
Sthan (Mahishi), Mandan Bharti Dham (Mahishi), Chandika Sthan (Biratpur), Babaji Kuti (Bangaon),
Devan Van Temple (Nowhatta), Chausath Yogini Rakta Kali Temple or Matsyagandha Temple.
❖ Sun Temple, Kandaha - The
Sun Temple at Kandaha has
been duly recognized by the
Archaeological Survey of India
as the Sun Temple at Deo in
Aurangabad District. In the Sun
Temple (Kandaha), the grand
idol of the Sun God riding a
chariot drawn by seven horses is
carved out of a single granite
slab. This Sun Temple was built
during the period of King Narasimha Deva of the Karnata dynasty, who ruled Mithila in the 14th century.
It is said that a cruel Mughal emperor named Kalapahar damaged the temple, which was later renovated
by the famous saint poet Laxminath Gosai.

61
 2.25 Supaul

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Supaul Supaul 22,29,076 929 57.7% lacquer bangle, Fox
(Male – 69.6% and Nut
Female – 44.8%)
❖ Supaul District was formed in1991.
❖ This District comes under Kosi division.
❖ The area of this District is 2425 square kilometers.
❖ Khadar soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1084 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 919 persons per square kilometre.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 4.7%.
❖ There are 5 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 134.32 square kilometers (5.54% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river flowing in this District is the Kosi.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, kidney bean, Jute, Banana etc.
❖ Main Industries – Rice Mill and Jute Industry
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Supaul District was 57.8% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Tilheshwarnath Mahadev Temple, Van Durga (Hardi), Sant Manu Baba Temple, Vishnu
Temple at Ganpatganj, Bhimashankar Mahadev Temple at Dharhara, Kosi Barrage in Birpur,
Laliteshwarnath Temple (Balua Bazar), Anantavishnu Temple (Nathpatti-Tulsipatti), Durga Mahadev
Temple at Hulas. Durga Sthan of Tintolia, Pratapganj Durga Sthan etc.

62
 2.26 Madhepura

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Madhepura Madhepura 19,94,618 911 52.3% (Males – Mango Based
61.8% and Products and
Females – 41.7%) Bamboo Crafts
❖ Madhepura District was formed in 1981.
❖ This District comes under Kosi division.
❖ The area of this District is 1787 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District .
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1300 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1120 persons per square kilometer.
❖ This District ranks fourth in the state in terms of minimum literacy.
❖ This District ranks second in the state in terms of minimum female literacy.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 4.4%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 52.84 square kilometers (2.96% of the total geographical area).
❖ The major river flowing in this District is the Kosi .
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Maize, Jute etc.
❖ Main Industries – Rice Mill and Jute Industry

63
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Madhepura District was 64.3% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Singheshwar Sthan, Baba Bishu Raut Pachrasi Dham, Srinagar, Ramnagar, Basantpur
❖ Singheshwar Sthan: The ancient Shiva temple located here is the main attraction center of this District.
According to a legend, a natural Shivling originated in the hermitage of Sage Shringa. Later a beautiful
temple was built at that place. A merchant named Hari Charan Chaudhary built the present temple about
200 years ago. This Shivalinga is located on a huge rock, which is about 15-16 feet high.
❖ Baba Bishu Raut Pachrasi Dham: Baba Bishu Raut Pachrasi Dham situated at the last end of Chausa
block of Madhepura is the center of faith of the people. Known as Lok Dev, it is considered an important
center of worship for cattle farmers. The grand fair of Baba Vishu Raut Pachrasi Dham, the most famous
folk deity of Northeast Bihar, which will start from April 13, has been organized for about 200
(estimated) years. At present, it has been given the status of a tourist destination.
❖ Srinagar - Srinagar village has two forts. It is believed that one of these forts was used by King Sri Dev
to live. There are two huge tanks situated towards the west and south-west of the fort. Apart from this,
there is also a temple here. this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
❖ Basantpur - There is a fort in Basantpur village which has been completely demolished. It is believed
that this fort was the place of residence of King Virat. King Virat's brother-in-law Kichak wanted to
take away this fort from Draupadi. For this reason, Bhim killed him in this village.

64
 2.27 Purnia

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Purnia Purnia 32,64,619 921 51.1% (Male – Maize-based
59.1% and products, banana and
Female – 42.3%) bamboo crafts
❖ Purnea District was formed in 1770.
❖ This District comes under Purnia Division.
❖ Purnia is the administrative Headquarters of Purnia Division.
❖ The area of this District is 3229 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1470 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1011 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks first in the state in terms of minimum literacy.
❖ This District ranks first in the state in terms of minimum male literacy.
❖ This District ranks third in the state in terms of minimum female literacy.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of the highest Scheduled Tribe percentage.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 10.5%.
❖ There are 7 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 55.67 square kilometers (1.72% of the total geographical area).
❖ The major rivers flowing through this District are Kosi, Mahananda, Suwara, Kali, Koli and Parna.
❖ Main crops - paddy, jute, wheat, maize, moong, lentils, mustard, linseed, sugarcane and potato etc.
❖ Jute is the major cash crop of Purnea District.

65
❖ This District was second in terms of production and productivity of maize in Bihar in the year 2021-22.
❖ Main Industries – Rice Mill, Sugar Mill and Jute Industry
❖ Banmankhi has sugar mill and 716 other small-scale industries.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Purnia District was 82.6% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Puran Devi Temple, Jalalgarh Fort, Dhimeshwar Mahadev Sthan, Prahlad Stambh,
Kajha Kothi, Kamakhya Sthan Temple, Prahlad Stambh, Varuneshwar Sthan, Shaheed Smarak, Town
Hall etc.
❖ Puran Devi Temple - Puran Devi Temple is located in Purnia, Bihar. It is dedicated to Goddess Puran
Devi, who is a fierce expression of Goddess Shakti. Here Maa Puran Devi is worshiped in the form of
Pindi. She is considered to be the combined power of the nine forms of Durga. Lord Shiva is also
worshiped here in the form of Shivalinga.
❖ Jalalgarh Fort - KPS Menon in the first Gazetteer of Purnia wrote in 1911 that the historical fort was
built by Syed Mohammad Jalaluddin Khan, the first king of Khagra Kishanganj. Syed Jalaluddin Khan
was conferred the title of Raja by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. There is a huge complex surrounded
by rectangular walls in about six acres of land. The length of the wall is about 550 feet from east to west
and about 400 feet from south to north. The thickness of the wall is 07 feet and about 22 feet high. The
walls have been added with a stir-lime mortar. The main entrance of the fort is in the east direction,
whose height is nine feet, width is 13 feet and an exit gate of the fort is in the south. Its height is seven
feet and width are five and a half feet. The fort has a semi-circular room at four angles.

66
 2.28 Araria

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Araria Araria 28,11,569 921 53.53% (Males – Fox Nut
62.30% and
Females-
43.93%)
❖ Araria District was formed in January 1990.
❖ This District comes under Purnia Division.
❖ The area of this District is 2830 square kilometers.
❖ Balsundari soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1195 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 993 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks fifth in the state in terms of minimum female literacy.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 6.0%.
❖ There are 6 assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 150.88 square kilometers (5.33% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Araria District are Kosi, Suvada, Kali, Parmar and Koli.
❖ Araria is the natural habitat of Gangetic dolphins. Gangetic dolphins (South Asian river dolphins) are
found in the local rivers of Araria.
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Maize, Jute etc.
❖ In the year 2021-22, this District was ranked first in terms of productivity of maize in Bihar.
❖ Main Industries – Jute Industry
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Araria District was 76.1% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Raniganj Tree Garden, Bio-diversity Garden Kusiargaon

67
❖ Raniganj Vriksha Vatika - The Government of Bihar has designated this area as forest land. It is
spread over an area of 289 acres.
❖ Biodiversity Park Kusiargaon- Bihar's first Biodiversity Park has opened at Kusiargaon in Araria.
❖ Khandeshwari Kali Temple - This famous temple of Maa Kali was established in 1884. It was rebuilt
in 1987. The height of this temple is 152 feet. It is counted among the tallest temples in India.

68
 2.29 Kishanganj

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Kishanganj Kishanganj 16,90,400 950 55.5% Pineapple Based
(Men – 63.7% Products and Kheta
and Women - Embroidery
46.8%)
❖ Kishanganj District was formed in January 1990.
❖ This District comes under Purnia Division.
❖ The area of this District is 1884 square kilometers.
❖ Terai soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 2250 mm.
❖ Kishanganj receives the highest rainfall in Bihar.
❖ The population density of this District is 897 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks fourth in terms of the highest sex ratio in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks second in terms of minimum Scheduled Caste population in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks first in terms of minimum Scheduled Caste population percentage in Bihar
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 9.5%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 103.55 square kilometers (5.50% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Kishanganj District are Mahanand, Kankai, Mechi, Donak, Ratua and Ramzan
Sudhani.

69
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Jute, Tea, Pineapple etc.
❖ This District ranks first in Bihar in terms of production of tea and pineapple.
❖ Main Industries – Plywood Industry, Tea Processing Unit, Jute Industry, Poultry Farming, Silk
Industry and Cottage Industry, Pineapple Processing Unit, Biscuit Factory
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Kishanganj District was 72.5% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Kachudah Lake, Churli Estate, Kishanganj Fort, Hargauri Temple, Ruidhasa Khanqah
and Kadam Rasool Mazar

70
 2.30 Katihar

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Katihar Katihar 3,071,029 916 52.2% Makhana (Fox Nut),
(Males – 59.4% Jute
and Females –
44.4%)
❖ Katihar District was formed in 1973.
❖ This District comes under Purnia Division.
❖ The area of this District is 3057 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1032 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1005 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the second place in terms of maximum scheduled tribe population in Bihar.
❖ This District has the second place in Bihar in terms of highest Scheduled Tribe percentage.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 8.9%.
❖ There are 7 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 61.98 square kilometers (2.03% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Katihar District are Ganga, Kosi, Mahananda and Riga.
❖ Main crops- Paddy, Jute, Makhana, Banana, Wheat, Maize and Pulses etc.
❖ This District was the first place in the year 2021-22 in terms of production of maize in Bihar.
❖ In the year 2021-22, this District was ranked third in terms of productivity of maize in Bihar.
❖ In the year 2021-22, this District was second in terms of production of cauliflower in Bihar.
❖ The main cash crops of the farmers of Katihar District are banana, jute, maize.

71
❖ Main Industries – Flour mills and jute mills, garments and embroidery, wood furniture, leather,
chemical and chemical based, electrical and engineering and metal industry.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Katihar District was 62.9 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Gogabil Lake, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Historical Gurudwara, Gandhi Ghar, Badi
Durga Temple, Bhairovnath Temple, Pir Mazar, Gorakhnath Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, Trimohini
Sangam
❖ Gogabil Lake - On August 2, 2019, Gogabil Lake located in Katihar District has been notified as the
first community reserve of Bihar by the Government of Bihar. Gogabil Lake situated on the border of
Manihari and Amadabad is spread over 218 acres. The lake formed by the discharge of Ganga and
Mahanadi river is of Gokhur shape. Due to its natural beauty, the lake attracts foreign birds. An area of
57 hectares of the lake has been notified as a community reserve and 30 hectares as a conservation
reserve.
❖ Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
Historical Gurudwara - It is about
40 km from the District
Headquarters. The ninth Guru, Sri
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib stayed
here (formerly Kant Nagar) in 1670
AD on his way back to Patna from
Assam. The people of the village
became his followers and adopted
Sikhism. Old scripts and documents
of ancient importance are preserved
here. An old version of the Guru
Granth Sahib is also preserved here.

72
 2.31 Bhagalpur

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Bhagalpur Bhagalpur 3,037,766 880 63.1% Jardalu Mango, Silk,
(Males – 70.3% Katarni Rice, Hand
and Females- Block Print,
54.9%) Bhagalpuri Silk,
Manjusha Painting
❖ Bhagalpur District was formed in 1773.
❖ This District comes under Bhagalpur Division.
❖ Bhagalpur is the administrative Headquarters of Bhagalpur Division.
❖ The area of this District is 2569 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial and Tal soil is found in this District.
❖ Deposits of china clay, fire clay and mica are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1166.2 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1182 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks second in terms of the lowest sex ratio in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks third in terms of minimum Scheduled Caste population percentage in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks third in terms of the highest urbanization percentage in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 19.8%.
❖ There are 7 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 69.93 square kilometers (2.72% of total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Bhagalpur District are Ganga, Kosi, and Chandan.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Barley and Oilseeds etc.

73
❖ Main Industries – Tasar Industry, Handloom Industry, Sugar Mill, Cotton Textile Industry, Paper
Industry, Cement Industry, Rice Mill, etc.
❖ Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station is located at Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur District of Bihar. This
power plant is one of the coal-based power plants of NTPC.
❖ The economy of Bhagalpur is mainly dependent on agriculture and small businesses.
❖ Bhagalpur District is associated with the silk industry, and is famous all over India for its Tasar silk and
Bhagalpuri sarees.
❖ Silk Institute and Agricultural University are located in Bhagalpur.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Bhagalpur District was 40.9% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Ajgabinath Nath Temple in Sultanganj, Mandar Hill, Ruins of Vikramshila University,
Shri Champapur Digambar Jain Siddha Kshetra, Maharishi Mehi Ashram Kuppaghat, Vikramshila
Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary
❖ Manjusha Painting - Manjusha art is the folk art of
Ang Pradesh. It is based on the folk tale of Bihula-
Vishhari. It is derived from the Sanskrit word
"Manjusha" which is a temple-like shape made of
bamboo, jute rope, paper in which the worshipers
keep the worship material. The characters of the story
of Bihula-Vishhari are engraved on this figure. In
Manjusha, Bihula resurrected her husband after a
snake bite and explains both the wrath and grace of
the venomous goddess.
❖ Vikramshila University - It was built by
Dharmapala (770-810 BC), the ruler of pala dynasty.
This university had an important place in medieval
Indian history. Apart from Buddhism and
philosophy, justice, spiritual knowledge and
grammar were also studied here. About 3,000
teachers were employed in this education center.
Students from abroad also used to come here to study.
Probably the number of students from Tibet was the
highest. In 1203 AD, this university was destroyed as
a result of the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji. In this context, information is obtained from 'Tabakate
Nasiri'.
❖ Temple of Ajgaivinath Nath -The temple of
Ajgaivinath Mahadev is located on a huge rock of
granite stone in the middle of Uttarayani Ganga in
West Sultanganj, 26 km from Bhagalpur. The
temple of Ajgaivinath is also known as Gaivinath
Mahadev. According to mythology, Lord Shiva
gave his Ajgav bow here, and hence this place is
known as Ajgaivinath. Shravani Mela starts in the
month of Sawan or Shravan. Lakhs of devotees
come to Sultanganj to collect the holy water of river
Ganga. After filling water in their kanwariyas, they lift the kanwariyas on their shoulders and walk 109
km to the Baba Baidyanath temple in Babadham.

74
❖ Vikramshila Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary - Vikramshila Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary is located in
Bhagalpur District of Bihar state. The sanctuary is a 60-kilometer-long stretch of river Ganges from
Sultanganj to Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur District. In the year 1991, it has been notified as Vikramshila
Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. The Gangetic dolphin has been declared as the national aquatic animal of
India. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary provides a safe habitat for a rich variety of other aquatic
life.

75
 2.32 Banka

District Headquarter population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(census (Per 1000 (%) Product
as of 2011) men)
Banka Banka 2,034,763 907 58.2% (Male – Katarani Rice
67.6% and Based Products and
Female – 47.7%) Banka Silk
❖ Banka District was formed in February, 2001.
❖ This District comes under Bhagalpur Division.
❖ The area of this District is 3,020 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ Deposits of ceramic, quartz, galina, ornamental granite, graphite, glass sand and chromite are found in
this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1200 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 674 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the third place in terms of minimum population density in Bihar.
❖ This District has the fourth highest Scheduled Tribepopulation in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks fourth (4.4%) in terms of the highest Scheduled Tribe population percentage in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks second in terms of minimum urbanization percentage in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 3.5%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 277.02 square kilometers (9.17% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Banka District are Chandan, Chir, Orhni, Belharni and Barua.
❖ Main Crops - Rice, Wheat, Maize, Lentils, Sugarcane etc.

76
❖ According to the ranking issued by NITI Aayog in November 2022, out of 112 Districts of the
Aspirational District Program across the country, Banka District has topped in the field of agriculture.
❖ Main Industries – Rice Mill, Textile Industry, Edible Oil Mill etc.
❖ The loan to deposit ratio in Banka District was 49.3% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Mandar Mountain
❖ Mandar Mountain - Mandar Mountain is located in Banka District, 50 km from Bhagalpur. Mandar
Mountain is also known as Madaranchal. Mount Mandar also has its own religious significance. It is
said that the gods used Mount Mandar to churn the sea by making mathni. This mountain is the holy
shelter of Lord Vishnu. People who believe in Jainism consider it to be associated with the famous
Tirthankar Lord Vasupujya. People of tribal origin consider this area as siddhi area and they perform
Siddhi puja all night here a day before Makar Sankranti. Hundreds of ancient sculptures, caves, ruined
chaityas and temples engraved on the rocks of Mandar are silent witnesses of religious and cultural
glory.

77
 2.33 Munger

District Headquarter population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(census (Per 1000 (%) Product
as of 2011) men)
Munger Munger 13,67,765 876 70.5% (Male – Rice-based products
77.7% and (poha, murmura
Female – 62.1%) etc.), mentha oil,
honey
❖ Munger District was formed in 1832.
❖ This District comes under Munger division.
❖ Munger is the administrative Headquarters of Munger Division.
❖ The area of this District is 1419.7 square kilometers.
❖ Light red colored chika and old alluvial soil are found in this District .
❖ The District is rich in bauxite, ceramic, quartz, feldspar, quartzite, slate and phyllite, graphite, silica,
asbestos, manganese, monazite and fireclay.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1273.2 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 964 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the first place in Bihar in terms of minimum sex ratio.
❖ This District has the fourth place in terms of maximum literacy in Bihar.
❖ This District has the second place in terms of maximum female literacy in Bihar.
❖ This District has the second place in terms of highest urbanization percentage in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 27.8%.

78
❖ There are 3 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 286.01 square kilometers (20.16% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main river of Munger District is Ganga.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Gram, Barley, Arhar etc.
❖ Main Industries – Rail Engine Factory, Gun Factory, Cigarette Factory, Slate Stone, Tobacco,
Handloom Industry etc.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Munger District was 29.9 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Manpathar Sita Charan, Kashtaharni Ghat, Cave built by Mir Qasim, Chandi Sthan, Pir
Shah Nafah Tomb, Sita Kund, Goenka Shivalaya Mirchi Talab, Gomukh Kund, Laxman Kund,
Rameshwar Kund, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, International Yoga university
❖ Manpathar Sita Charan- Sita Charan is very close to Kashtaharni Ghat, it is a rock in the river bed
about two miles from the fort. The stone has a mark of two steps, which is considered to be the stage of
Sita Maa. This stone is 250 meters long and 30 meters wide, there is also a small temple at this place.
❖ Sita Kund - Sita Kund is a major tourist attraction located 6 km east of Munger city. Sita Kund is named
after Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Sita Kund has been developed as a tourist destination by the Bihar
State Tourism Ministry. A large number of devotees come to Sita Kund to bath, especially on the full
moon (February) of Magh month. It is believed that when Rama rescued Sita from the clutches of
Ravana, she had to undergo an ordeal by fire to prove her purity. According to the scriptures, this is the
same pool in which Sita Mata took a bath after the fire test.
❖ Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary - There is an area named Bhimbandh in the south western part of
Munger District of Bihar. It is spread over an area of 682 square kilometers, which includes tropical
dense forest in the covered areas of Kharagpur hills. In 1976, the hills of Jamui and Kharagpur hill
region were notified as Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary. The animals found in Bhimbandh Wildlife
Sanctuary are tigers, leopards, monkeys, deer, rabbits, wild bears, forest fowl, nilgai, banyan etc.

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 2.34 Lakhisarai

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate (%) One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 Product
As of 2011) men)
Lakhisarai Lakhisarai 10,00,912 902 62.4% Tomato-based
(Males – 71.3% and products, pulses,
Females – 52.6%) color abir
❖ Lakhisarai District was formed in 1994.
❖ This District comes under Munger division.
❖ The District has an area of 1,228 square kilometers.
❖ Khadar soil is found in this District.
❖ Quartzite deposits are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 858 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 815 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the fourth place in terms of minimum population in Bihar.
❖ This District has the fifth place in Bihar in terms of minimum scheduled caste population.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 14.3%.
❖ There are 2 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 183.41 square kilometers (14.94% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Lakhisarai District are Ganga, Muhane, Harihar and Kiul.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Gram, Lentil etc.
❖ Major Industries – Vermilion, Gulal, Tobacco etc.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Lakhisarai District was 45.5 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Ashok Dham, Buddhist Monastery Rajauna, Shringi Rishi Ashram, Maharani Sthan
Barhia, Sun Temple Pokharama, Lal Pahari Lakhisarai, Jalappa Sthan

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❖ Ashok Dham - Ashok Dham is a
famous temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva located in lakhisarai District
of Bihar. It is believed that a
shepherd named Ashok used to go
to graze cows every day. One day,
while playing Gilli-Danda, he saw
a huge Shivalinga lying inside the
earth. He tried to uproot the
Shivalinga, but he could not even
move it at all. After this, this temple
was built at the same place, since then this temple was named Ashok Dham Temple. The Shankaracharya
of Jagannathpuri Dham inaugurated the reconstruction of the temple complex. A large number of
devotees gather in this temple during the month of Sawan and on Shivratri. Along with religious rituals,
this temple is also very popular for Mundan sanskar.
❖ Shringi Rishi Ashram - Shringi
Rishi's ashram is located in
Suryagarha block of Lakhisarai
District. The distance of this place
from the District Headquarters is
about 22 kilometers. This place is
equipped with very picturesque and
natural beauty, adorned with
plateau areas, forests, water bodies,
cold and hot water springs. In fact
Shringi Rishi is a mythological
sage, whose description comes in
Ramayana, Mahabharata and Skandapurana. Sage Shringi, the grandson of Sage Kashyap, was
extremely proficient and famous in Putrakameshti Yagya. He was married to Shanta, the daughter of
King Dashrath of Ayodhya, i.e. Ram's sister Shanta. As per the wish of Guru Vashishat, Rishi Shringi
had performed the Putrakameshti Yagya to get the son of King Dasharatha.

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 2.35 Sheikhpura

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Sheikhpura Sheikhpura 6,36,342 930 63.9% (Male – Onion-based
73.6% and products and lentils
Female – 53.4%)
❖ Sheikhpura District was formed in 1994.
❖ This District comes under Munger division.
❖ The area of this District is 689 square kilometers.
❖ Sheikhpura District is the third smallest District of Bihar in terms of area.
❖ Loamy and alluvial soil is found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1200 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 924 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the first place in terms of minimum population in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks third in terms of minimum Scheduled Caste population in Bihar.
❖ This District ranks fifth in terms of the highest urbanization percentage in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 17.1%.
❖ There are 2 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 1.19 square kilometres (0.19% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Sheikhpura District are Mohane, Harohar and Kiul, Tahi, Sakri.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Gram, Potato etc.
❖ Main Industries – Guns, Cigarettes, Cotton Textiles etc.
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Sheikhpura District was 45.1 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Shri Vishnu Dham (Samas), Sheikhpura Hill etc.

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 2.36 Jamui

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Jamui Jamui 17,60,405 922 59.8% Small forest produce
(Male – 71.2% (jackfruit etc.),
and Female – tomatoes, potatoes,
47.3%) crochet goods
❖ Jamui District was formed on 21st February 1991 .
❖ This District comes under Munger division.
❖ The area of this District is 3098 square kilometers.
❖ Terai soil is found in this District.
❖ Deposits of gold, bauxite, mica, feldspar, soapstone and quartzite are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1102 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 568 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the second place in terms of minimum population density in Bihar.
❖ This District has the third place in Bihar in terms of percentage of scheduled tribe population.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 8.3%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 661.17 square kilometers (21.34% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Jamui District are Ajay, Mohane, Harohar, Badua and Kiul.
❖ Main Crops - Paddy, Wheat, Gram, Barley etc.
❖ Main Industries – Slate, Mica, Color
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Jamui District was 47.8 % in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit: Jain Temple Lachuar, Giddeshwar Temple, Simultala Hill Station, Kali Temple
Malaypur, Maa Netula Temple, Minto Tower Giddaur
❖ Minto Tower Giddhaur - Minto Tower was built in Giddhaur by Maharaja Chandrachud Singh, father
of Pratap Singh, the last king of the Chandela dynasty, in honor of the British ruler Lord Minto. In the
year 1907, Lord Minto came to Giddhaur.

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 2.37 Khagaria

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Khagaria Khagaria 1,666,886 886 57.9% (Male – Products based on
65.3% and bananas and bamboo
Female –49.6%)
❖ Khagaria District was formed in 1981.
❖ This District comes under Munger division.
❖ The area of this District is 1486 square kilometers.
❖ Khadar and Tal soil are found in this District.
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1056 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1122 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District has the third place in terms of minimum sex ratio in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 5.2%.
❖ There are 4 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 18.45 square kilometers (1.24% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Khagaria District are Ganga, Gandak, Bagmati, Kamla and Kosi.
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Wheat, Jute etc.
❖ This District was second place in Bihar in terms of wheat productivity in the year 2021-22.
❖ This District was third in terms of maize production in Bihar in the year 2021-22.
❖ Major Industries – Jute Industry
❖ The Credit - Deposit Ratio in Khagaria District was 59.7% in the financial year 2021-22.
❖ Places to visit- Katyayani Place, Badla Ghat

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 2.38 Begusarai

District Headquarter Population Sex ratio Literacy Rate One District One
(Census) (Per 1000 (%) Product
As of 2011) men)
Begusarai Begusarai 29,70,541 895 63.9% (Males – Chili-based products
71.6% and
Females – 55.2%)
❖ Begusarai District was formed in 1972.
❖ This District comes under Munger division.
❖ The area of this District is 1918 square kilometers.
❖ Alluvial soil is found in this District .
❖ The average annual rainfall in this District is 1384 mm.
❖ The population density of this District is 1549 persons per square kilometre.
❖ This District ranks fifth in terms of the highest population density in Bihar.
❖ This District has the fourth place in Bihar in terms of maximum urban population.
❖ This District has the fourth place in terms of highest urbanization percentage in Bihar.
❖ The proportion of urban population in this District is 19.2%.
❖ There are 7 Assembly constituencies in this District.
❖ The total forest area in this District is 82.58 square kilometers (4.31% of the total geographical area).
❖ The main rivers of Begusarai District are Ganga, Kamla, Budhi Gandak.
❖ Main Crops- Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Sugarcane, Red Chilli etc.
❖ This District was at the third place in the year 2021-22 in terms of wheat productivity in Bihar.
❖ In the year 2021-22, this District was ranked third in terms of production of brinjal in Bihar.
❖ Major Industries – Refineries, Fertilizer Factories, Petro-chemical Factories, Wax Manufacturing,
Industrial Lead, Paper Manufacturing, Thermal Power Plants etc.
❖ The credit to deposit ratio in Begusarai District was 66.6% in the financial year 2021-22.

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❖ Places to visit: Jaimangala Garh, Naulakha Temple, Kanwar Lake, Rajendra Bridge, Simaria Ghat
❖ Kanwar Lake- Kanwar Lake is the largest
fresh water (wetland area) lake in Asia and is
also a bird sanctuary. This lake was given the
status of bird sanctuary by the Bihar
government in 1984. The lake is spread over
an area of 42 sq km (6311 ha area). In this bird
sanctuary, 59 types of exotic birds and 107
types of native birds can be seen in the cold
season. It is located in Manjoul, Begusarai,
Bihar state. The Buddhist Harsine Stupa of
archaeological importance is located in this
area.

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 3. Some important facts related to Bihar (Census 2011)

❖ Most Populated Districts 1. Patna (58,38,465)

2. East Champaran (50,99,371)
3. Muzaffarpur (48,01,062)
4. Madhubani (44,87,379)
5. Gaya (43,91,418)
❖ least populated District 1. Sheikhpura (6,36,342)
2. Sheohar (6,56,246)
3. Arwal (7,00,843)
4. Lakhisarai (10,00,912)
5. Jehanabad (11,25,313)

❖ Districts with the highest literacy 1. Rohtas (73.4%)

rate 2. Patna (70.7%)
3. Bhojpur (70.5%)
4. Munger (70.5%)
5. Aurangabad (70.3%)
❖ Districts with minimum literacy 1. Purnia (52.1%)
rate 2. Sitamarhi (52.1%)
3. Katihar (52.2%)
4. Madhepura (52.3%)
5. Saharsa (53.2%)
❖ Districts with highest male 1. Rohtas (82.9%)
literacy rate 2. Bhojpur (81.7%)
3. Buxar (80.7%)
4. Siwan (80.2%)
5. Aurangabad (80.1%)
❖ Districts with the lowest male 1. Purnia (59.1%)
literacy rate 2. Katihar (59.4%)
3. Sitamarhi (60.6%)
4. Sheohar (61.3%)
5. Madhepura (61.8%)
❖ Districts with highest female 1. Rohtas (63.0%)
literacy rate 2. Munger (62.1%)
3. Patna (62.0%)
4. Aurangabad (59.7%)
5. Siwan (58.7%)
❖ Districts with lowest female 1. Saharsa (41.7%)
literacy rate 2. Madhepura (41.7%)
3. Purnia (42.3%)
4. Sitamarhi (42.4%)
5. Araria (43.9%)

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❖ Districts with the highest 1. Sheohar (1880)
population density 2. Patna (1823)
3. Darbhanga (1728)
4. Vaishali (1717)
5. Begusarai (1549)
❖ Districts with minimum 1. Kaimur (488)
population density 2. Jamui (568)
3. Banka (674)
4. West Champaran (753)
5. Rohtas (763)
❖ Districts with highest sex ratio 1. Gopalganj (1021)
2. Siwan (988)
3. Saran (954)
4. Kishanganj (950)
5. Nawada (939)
❖ Districts with lowest sex ratio 1. Munger (876)
2. Bhagalpur (880)
3. Khagaria (886)
4. Sheohar (893)
5. Begusarai, Vaishali (895)
❖ Districts with the highest urban 1. Patna (25,14,590)
population 2. Bhagalpur (6,02,532)
3. Gaya (5,81,601)
4. Begusarai (5,69,823)
5. Muzaffarpur (4,73,437)
❖ Districts with the highest rural 1. East Champaran (46,98,028)
population 2. Muzaffarpur (43,27,625)
3. Madhubani (43,25,884)
4. Samastipur (41,13,769)
5. Gaya (38,09,817)
❖ Districts with the highest 1. Patna (43.1%)
urbanization percentage 2. Munger (27.8%)
3. Bhagalpur (19.8)
4. Begusarai (19.2%)
5. Sheikhpura (17.1%)
❖ Districts with minimum 1. Samastipur (3.5%)
urbanization percentage 2. Banka (3.5%)
3. Madhubani (3.6%)
4. Kaimur (4.0%)
5. Sheohar (4.3%)
❖ Districts with highest Scheduled 1. Gaya (13,34,351)
Caste population 2. Patna (9,20,918)
3. Samastipur (8,03,128)
4. Muzaffarpur (7,51,975)
5. Vaishali (7,38,031)

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❖ Districts with minimum 1. Sheohar (96,655)
Scheduled Caste population 2. Kishanganj (1,13,118)
3. Sheikhpura (1,31,115)
4. Arwal (1,41,314)
5. Lakhisarai (1,53,209)
❖ Districts with highest Scheduled 1. Gaya (30.4%)
Caste percentage 2. Nawada (25.5%)
3. Aurangabad (24.1%)
4. Kaimur (22.7%)
5. Vaishali (21.1)
❖ Districts with minimum 1. Kishanganj (6.7%)
Scheduled Caste percentage 2. Katihar (8.6%)
3. Bhagalpur (10.5%)
4. Siwan (11.6%)
5. Sitamarhi (11.9%)
❖ Districts with highest Scheduled 1. West Champaran (2,50,046)
Tribe population 2. Katihar (1,79,971)
3. Purnia (1,34,990)
4. Banka (90,432)
5. Siwan (87,000)
❖ Districts with highest Scheduled 1. West Champaran (6.6%)
Tribe percentage 2. Katihar (5.9%)
3. Jamui (4.5%)
4. Banka (4.4%)
5. Purnia (4.3%)

❖❖❖

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