Bhagalpur

State of: Bihar

Main languages: Bihari, Bhojpuri and Hindi

 

History:

 

Early settlers had lived on the banks of Ganges in Bhagalpur. There has been a reference of this city in the Ramayana, Mahabharata and also the Panchatantra. The 'Vish-hari puja' or the worship of the snake queens is celebrated here every year. The kingdom of Bhagalpur was formerly known as the kingdom of Anga. There are ancient sculptures of the Emperor Ashoka found here. There is a temple made by the Gupta dynasty here. The tomb of Suja, brother of Auruagzeb, is situated in this city. The ancient remains of the Vikramshila University are located here. There are mythological references of this city, where it has been found that the city had been the center of trade and commerce. It was also one of the most influential in 'Aryavarta' or India of that period. It was supposed to be the kingdom of Karna, the son of Kunti from the sun. It was also known as Ang Pradesh. The city means the city of good luck. 

 

Geography:

 

The river Ganges flows through the town of Bhagalpur. Bhagalpur is one of the 37 districts in the state of Bihar. The town of Bhagalpur is the administrative headquarters of the district. Bhagalpur district falls under the division of Bhagalpur. The city lies about 220 miles southeast of Patna. The region has fertile alluvial soil in the north and forest uplands of Chota Nagpur plateau in the south. River Chandan and Ganges flow through the district. 

 

Demography:

 

As per the census of the year 2001, Bhagalpur city had a population of 340,349. The literacy rate here is about 68%, with 70% males and 62% female's literacy rate.

 

Climate:

 

The city has extreme climates. It is very warm during the summers and temperatures go up to 45 degrees centigrade, while the winters are cold. 

 

Economy:

 

The main economic sources in the district are agriculture. Bhagalpur has been known for its growth of Paddy, Maize and Lentils. The other crops grown here are rice, corn, barley; wheat, oilseeds, and sugarcane. There is a silk culture institute and agricultural research station here. The main industries here are Tusser Silk and Thermal Power. It is also the road and railroad junction. Industries of cloth, woolen weaving and sugar milling are found here. Handicrafts made of china clay, fireclay, and mica are sold here and exported too.

 

Education: 

 

The city has been a centre of cultural education due to the influence of Emperor Ashoka. There is also a sericulture institute and agricultural-research station here. It also has the Bhagalpur University. 

 

Tourism:

 

There are various historical and natural sites to explore here. These include Mandar Hill, Madhusudan Temple, Shive Mandir & Masjit, which has both a temple and a mosque together, Chandan Dam and Vikramashila are some of the places to see in Bhagalpur. 

 

Transportation:

 

Bhagalpur is well connected through roads since it is a vital agricultural hub. The nearest airport is the Patna airport. There are trains to Calcutta and other cities of India available from here.