District Profile of Bihar - 1 | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

District Profile of Bihar

A district is a unit of administration within a geographical area. Bihar is organized into 9 divisions, which are further divided into a total of 38 districts. Each district is sub-divided into smaller units called blocks.

Administrative Divisions

Bihar comprises 38 districts grouped under 9 administrative divisions. Each division is overseen by a Divisional Commissioner. Here are the divisions along with their respective districts:

Each district in Bihar is managed by a District Magistrate, also known as the District Collector. The District Magistrate is responsible for maintaining law and order, managing revenue, overseeing development, and ensuring the overall administration of the district.

District Magistrates

District Magistrates (DMs) are officers who are recruited either from the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) or from the Indian Administrative Services (IAS). They are part of the permanent executive body of the Bihar administrative structure.

Sub-Division

• For administrative ease, each district in Bihar is divided into several units called sub-divisions. Each of these sub-divisions is headed by a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). These officials are either IAS officers or are recruited by the State Public Service Commission, and they are permanent members of the administrative structure.
• The SDO/SDM is responsible for overseeing the Circle Officers, participating in Panchayat Samiti meetings, and managing the overall administration of the sub-division. Currently, Bihar has a total of 101 sub-divisions.

Block

• Sub-divisions are further divided into blocks. Each block is managed by a team of officials including a Block Development Officer (BDO), a Circle Officer (CO), a Block Animal Husbandry Officer (BAHO), and a Block Welfare Officer (BWO).
• These officers are responsible for various developmental activities related to primary health, education, rehabilitation, agriculture, animal welfare, and wellness programs. The BDO and other officers are usually recruited through the Bihar Public Service Commission and are also referred to as Deputy Collectors.

Gram Panchayat

• The Gram Panchayat is the smallest unit of administrative structure in India, operating at the village level. It is responsible for various developmental activities within villages.
• A Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch, who is elected by the villagers. The position of Sarpanch is not permanent and is held for a term of five years. Similarly, the members of the Panchayat are also elected. A Gram Panchayat typically comprises multiple villages.

Districts in Patna Division

Buxar

• Formation: Buxar district was formed on March 11, 1991, when it was carved out from Bhojpur district. In ancient times, this region was known by various names such as ‘Siddhashram,’ ‘Vedgarbhapuri,’ ‘Karoshi,’ ‘Tapovan,’ ‘Chaitrath,’ ‘Vyaghrasar,’ and later as Buxar.
• Location: Buxar district is bordered by Uttar Pradesh to the west and north, Bhojpur district to the east, Rohtas district to the south, and Kaimur district to the southwest. It is situated at the confluence of the Karmanasa and Ganges rivers.
• Famous For: Buxar is known for its various industries, including textiles, cotton yarn, lanterns, carpets, rice and oil mills. The district's important crops include paddy, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. Historically, Buxar is famous for the Battle of Chausa (1539 AD) and the Battle of Buxar (1764 AD).
• Tourist Attractions: Some notable tourist places in Buxar include Chausa garh, Chausa Battlefield, Mir Qasim Fort, Naulakha Temple, Vishwamitra Muni Ashram, Bihari Ji Temple, and Katkauli Ka Maidan.
• Statistical Data: Area: 1703 sq. km Headquarters: Buxar Population: 1,706,352 Density: 1002 persons/km² Literacy Rate: 70.14% Sex Ratio: 922 females for every 1000 males

Bhojpur

• Formation: Bhojpur district was originally part of Shahabad district. It was carved out as a separate district in 1972.
• Location: Bhojpur district is bordered by Uttar Pradesh and Saran district to the north, Patna district to the east, Arwal and Rohtas districts to the south, and Buxar district to the west. The Ganga and Son rivers are significant water bodies in this district.
• Famous For: Bhojpur is known for various industries, including the leather industry, textile industry, rice and oil mills, tobacco industry, and jaggery production.
• Tourist Attractions: Some popular tourist spots in Bhojpur include Veer Kunwar Singh Fort, Shahi Masjid, Aranya Devi Temple, Chaturbhuj Narayan Temple, and Jain Parswanath Mandir.

Kaimur (Bhabua) District

• Formation: Kaimur district was established in 1991 when it was carved out from Rohtas district.
• Location: The district of Kaimur is bordered by Uttar Pradesh to the north and west, Buxar district to the northeast, and Rohtas district to the east and south. Notable rivers in the district include the Karmanasha, Durgawati, and Son rivers.
• Famous For: Kaimur is known for its significant rice and oil mills. The main crops cultivated in the district include paddy, maize, wheat, and sugarcane.

Tourist Attractions: The district boasts several famous tourist spots, including:

• Temple of Mata Mundeshwari (Bhagwanpur)
• Harsu Brahma Temple (Chainpur)
• Baidyanath Temple
• Mother Chherwari Dham
• Peer Baba Mazar
• Chandeshwari Dham
• Kuleshwari Dham
• Bakhtiar Khan’s Rouza
• Telhar Kund / Waterfall
• Area: 3,362 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Bhabua
• Population: 1,626,384
• Density: 488 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 69.34%
• Sex Ratio: 920 females for every 1,000 males

Nalanda District

• Formation: Nalanda district was formed in 1972 when it was separated from the Patna district.
• Location: Nalanda district is bordered by Patna to the north, Sheikhpura and Lakhisarai to the east, Nawada and Gaya to the south, and Jehanabad and Patna to the west. The Phalgu, Mohana, Jirayan, and Kumbhari rivers are significant water bodies in the district.
• Famous For: The district is known for various industries, including handloom weaving, cigarette and tobacco production, leather goods, armaments, and more. Key agricultural products include paddy, potato, and onion.
• Tourist Attractions: Nalanda is home to several historical and cultural sites, such as:
• Pandu Pokhar
• Pawapuri Jal Mandir
• Rajgir
• Bargaon
• Jagdishpur
• Ghora Katora
• Pawapuri
• Nalanda University
• Bhagnavshesh
• Maniyar Math
• Japani Mandir
• Area: 2,367 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Bihar Sharif
• Population: 2,877,653
• Density: 1,222 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 64.43%

Patna District (State Capital)

• Formation: Patna district has a rich history, with its founding attributed to a king of the Magadh Empire in 490 BCE. It was known by various names in ancient times, including Pataligram, Kusumpur, Pataliputra, and Azimabad. The current district was established as a judicial district in 1793.
• Location: Patna district is surrounded by Saran, Vaishali, and Samastipur districts to the north, Begusarai and Lakhisarai districts to the east, Nalanda, Jehanabad, and Arwal districts to the south, and Bhojpur district to the west. Important rivers in the district include the Ganga, Son, and Punpun rivers.
• Famous For: Patna district is known for various industries, such as sugar production, fireworks, biscuit manufacturing, flour milling, light bulb production, shoe manufacturing, welding, wagon manufacturing, and glass production. Major crops include paddy, potato, onion, and various vegetables.
• Tourist Attractions: The district features several notable tourist sites, including:
• Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden
• Gandhi Museum
• Kumhrar
• Mahavir Temple
• Patna Museum
• Padri Ki Haveli
• Srikrishna Science Centre
• Sher Shah Suri Masjid
• Area: 3,202 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Patna
• Population: 5,838,465 (most populous district)
• Density: 1,823 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 70.68%
• Sex Ratio: 897 females for every 1,000 males

Rohtas District

• Formation: Rohtas district was established in 1972 when it was separated from the Shahabad district.
• Location: The district is bordered by Buxar and Bhojpur districts to the north, Arwal and Aurangabad districts to the east, Jharkhand state to the south, and Kaimur district and Uttar Pradesh to the west. Important rivers in Rohtas district include the Son and Kali rivers.
• Famous For: Rohtas district is known for various industries, including cement manufacturing, vegetable oil production, paper manufacturing, and sugar processing. Major crops grown in the district include paddy and wheat.
• Tourist Attractions: The district features several historical and cultural sites, such as:
• Sher Shah Suri Tomb
• Rohtasgarh Fort
• Indrapuri Dam (Dehri)
• Hills of Kaimur
• Dhuwa Kund
• Maa Tara Chandi Temple
• Pilot Baba Temple
• Gupta Dham
• Manjhar Kund

Districts in Magadh Division

Arwal District

• Formation: Arwal district was formed in August 2001, when it was separated from the Jehanabad district.
• Location: Arwal district is bordered by Bhojpur and Patna districts to the north, Jehanabad district to the east, Gaya and Aurangabad districts to the south, and Rohtas and Bhojpur districts to the west. The Son River is a significant river in this district.
• Famous For: The district is known for various industries, including agro-based, wooden furniture, metal-based industries, and repair and servicing industries. Major crops grown in the area include paddy, wheat, maize, and gram.
• Tourist Attractions: Notable tourist sites in Arwal district include the Fakharpur Temple, Gautam Buddha Temple, Madhusrava Ashram, and Makhdum Shah ki Mazar.
• Area: 638 sq. km
• Headquarters: Arwal
• Population: 700,843
• Density: 1,098 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 67.43%
• Sex Ratio: 928 females/1,000 males

Aurangabad District

• Formation: Aurangabad district was established on January 26, 1973, when it was carved out from the Gaya district.
• Location: The district is bordered by Arwal district to the north, Gaya district to the east, the state of Jharkhand to the south, and Rohtas district to the west. Important rivers in Aurangabad include the Sone, Punpun, Auranga, Batane, Morhar, and Adi rivers.
• Famous For: Aurangabad is known for industries such as carpet and blanket weaving, as well as various engineering units. Major crops produced in the district include paddy, wheat, masoor (lentils), and gram (chickpeas).
• Tourist Attractions: Notable places to visit in Aurangabad district include Deo Kund, Deo Temple, Umega Temple, Sun Temple, Amjhar Sharif, Jhunjhunwa Hills, and Shamsher Khan Tomb.
• Area: 3,305 sq. km
• Headquarters: Aurangabad
• Population: 2,540,073
• Density: 768 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 70.32%
• Sex Ratio: 926 females/1,000 males

Gaya District

• Formation: Gaya district became an independent district in 1865.
• Location: The district is bordered by Arwal, Jehanabad, and Nalanda districts to the north, Nawada district to the east, the state of Jharkhand to the south, and Aurangabad district to the west. The Phalgu River is an important river in Gaya district.
• Famous For: Gaya district is known for industries such as sugar, cotton textiles, tobacco, leather, lac, and oil mills. Major crops grown in the area include paddy, wheat, sugarcane, and corn.
• Tourist Attractions: Popular tourist sites in Gaya district include Bodhgaya, Bodhi Tree, Archaeological Museum, Thai Monastery, Sujata Garh/Village, Baba Koteshwarnath Temple, Mahabodhi Temple, Pretshila Hill, Ramshila Hill, Tekari Fort, and others.
• Area: 4,976 sq. km
• Headquarters: Gaya
• Population: 4,391,418
• Density: 883 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 63.67%
• Sex Ratio: 937 females/1,000 males

Jehanabad District

• Formation: Jehanabad district was established on August 1, 1986, when it was carved out from Gaya district.
• Location: The district is bordered by Patna district to the north, Nalanda district to the east, Gaya district to the south, and Arwal district to the west. Important rivers in Jehanabad include the Phalgu, Dardha, and Yammunarya rivers.
• Famous For: Jehanabad district is known for industries such as agro-based, wooden, mineral-based, metal-based, electrical machinery, chemical-based, and engineering industries. Major crops produced in the district include paddy, wheat, and masoor (lentils).
• Tourist Attractions: Notable places to visit in Jehanabad district include Hazrat Bibi Kamal Ka Makbara, Barabar Caves, Baba Siddhanath Temple, Sapt Guha, Nagarjuna Museum, Mira Bigaha, Lomesh Rishi Cave, Gopi Cave, Vishva Jhopadi, Ghejan, Nagarjuna Cave, Sudama Cave, and others.
• Area: 931 sq. km
• Headquarters: Jehanabad
• Population: 1,125,313
• Density: 1,209 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 66.80%

Nawada

• Formation: Nawada district was established in 1976 when it was separated from the Gaya district.
• Location: Nawada district is bordered by Nalanda and Sheikhpura to the north, Jamui to the east, Jharkhand to the south, and Gaya district to the west.
• Rivers: Important rivers in the district include Sakri, Khuri, Panchana, Bhusri, and Tilaiya.
• Famous For: Nawada district is known for industries such as bidi making, sugar production, and handloom (particularly silk). The main crops grown here include paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• Tourist Attractions: Some popular tourist spots in Nawada are Kakolat Waterfall, Surya Mandir Handiya, Sokhodewra Ashram (Kawakol), Shri Gunawan Ji Tirth, Budhauli Monastery, Indrasal Cave, Apasgarh, and Parvati Hill.
• Area: 2494 sq. km
• Headquarters: Nawada
• Population: 22,19,146
• Density: 890 Persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 59.76%
• Sex Ratio: 939 females for every 1000 males

Districts in Tirhut Division

East Champaran

• Formation: East Champaran district was formed in 1901 when the original Champaran district, established in 1866, was divided into East and West Champaran for better administration.
• Location: East Champaran is bordered by Nepal to the north, Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts to the east, Muzaffarpur, Saran, and Gopalganj districts to the south, and West Champaran district to the west.
• Rivers: Important rivers in East Champaran include the Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Baghmati, and Lalbakia.
• Famous For: The district is known for various industries such as sugar mills, button manufacturing, and metal, chemical, and agro-based industries. Major crops include paddy, sugarcane, jute, and lentils.
• Tourist Attractions: Notable places to visit in East Champaran include Motihari Ashram, Ashokan Pillar in Areraj, Someshwar Shiv Mandir, Gandhi Museum in Motihari, Kesaria Buddha Stupa, Moti Jheel, and NREGA park.
• Area: 3968 sq. km
• Headquarters: Motihari
• Population: 55,99,371
• Density: 1285 Persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 55.79%
• Sex Ratio: 902 females for every 1000 males

Muzaffarpur

• Formation: Muzaffarpur district was created in 1875 by dividing the earlier Tirhut district for better administrative efficiency.
• Location: The district is located with East Champaran and Sitamarhi districts to the north, Darbhanga and Samastipur districts to the east, Vaishali district to the south, and Saran district to the west.
• Rivers: Key rivers in Muzaffarpur include the Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, and Lakhandayee.
• Famous For: The district is known for industries such as sugar mills, a thermal power station, a wagon factory, pharmaceuticals, and a gas cylinder factory. Muzaffarpur is famously called the ‘Land of Lichi’ due to its abundant litchi production. Major crops include paddy, maize, wheat, lentils, mango, and litchi.
• Tourist Attractions: Some popular tourist spots in Muzaffarpur are Kolhua, Garibsthan Mandir, Ramna Kali Temple, and Kamal Shah Mazar.

Muzaffarpur

• Area: 3172 sq. km
• Headquarters: Muzaffarpur
• Population: 48,01,062
• Density: 1514 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 63.43%
• Sex Ratio: 900 females / 1000 males

Sitamarhi

• Formation: Sitamarhi district was established on 11th December 1972, carved out from the Muzaffarpur district.
• Location: It is bordered by Nepal to the north, Madhubani district to the east, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts to the south, and Sheohar and East Champaran districts to the west. The Bagmati River is a significant waterway in this district.
• Famous For: Key industries include sugar factories, rice and oil mills, and distillery plants. Major crops are paddy, wheat, maize, lentils, oilseeds, sugarcane, and tobacco. Notable tourist attractions are Haleshwar Sthan, Punaura Dham, Baba Nageshwar Nath Mandir, Gahraul Sharif, Sitakund, Janki Mandir, Bagahi Dham, and the Sun Temple.

Area: 2185 sq. km

• Headquarters: Sitamarhi
• Population: 34,23,574
• Density: 1492 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 52.05%
• Sex Ratio: 899 females / 1000 males

Vaishali

• Formation: Vaishali district was formed on 12th October 1972, after being separated from the Muzaffarpur district.
• Location: It is bordered by Muzaffarpur district to the north, Samastipur district to the east, Patna district to the south, and Saran district to the west. The Ganga and Gandak rivers are important waterways in the region.
• Famous For: Major industries include sugar mills and factories producing gul and zarda. Key crops are banana, wheat, paddy, maize, and lentils. Notable tourist sites are the Ashoka Pillar, the ancient capital of the Vaishali dynasty near Lalganj, the Buddha Stupa at Ramchaura, the Nepal Temple, and the Shanti Stupa.

Area: 2036 sq. km

• Headquarters: Hajipur
• Population: 34,95,021
• Density: 1717 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 66.60%
• Sex Ratio: 895 females / 1000 males

West Champaran

• Formation: Champaran district was established in 1866. On 1st December 1901, it was divided into West Champaran and East Champaran districts.
• Location: West Champaran is bordered by Nepal to the north, East Champaran district to the east, Gopalganj district to the south, and the state of Uttar Pradesh to the west. Important rivers include the Gandak, Burhi Gandak, and Bagmati.
• Famous For: Key industries are paper, leather, and sugar production. Major crops include paddy, sugarcane, wheat, maize, and barley. Tourist attractions include Bhainsa Lotan, Gandhi Ashram in Bhilharia, Valmikinagar, Ramnagar Panchmandir, Hazarimal Dharmashala, Ashoka Pillar in Lohiyagarh, and the birthplace of George Orwell in Motihari.

Area: 5228 sq. km (Largest Area)

• Headquarters: Betia
• Population: 39,35,042
• Density: 753 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 55.70%
• Sex Ratio: 909 females / 1000 males