District Profile of Bihar - 2 | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Districts in Saran Division

Gopalganj

• Formation: The district of Gopalganj was established in 1973 when it was separated from the old Saran district in Bihar.
• Location: Gopalganj district is bordered by West Champaran to the north, East Champaran and Saran districts to the east, Siwan district to the south, and the state of Uttar Pradesh to the west. The Gandak River is a significant waterway in the district.
• Famous For: Gopalganj is known for its sugar factories and vegetable oil mills. Major crops include paddy, wheat, and maize. Notable tourist attractions are Shri Pitambara Peeth (Maa Bagalamukhi), Dighwa Dubauli, Lakri Dargah, and Thanse Temple.
• Area: 2033 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Gopalganj
• Population: 2,562,012
• Density Ratio: 1280 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 65.47%
• Sex Ratio: 1021 females for every 1000 males

Saran

• Formation: Saran district was carved out from Champaran district in 1866, becoming an independent district.
• Location: Saran district is bordered by Gopalganj and East Champaran to the north, Vaishali and Muzaffarpur districts to the east, Patna and Bhojpur districts to the south, and Siwan and Uttar Pradesh to the west. The Ganga, Ghaghra, and Gandak rivers are important in the region.
• Famous For: Key industries in Saran include sugar factories, rice mills, a chocolate factory, and brass craft. Major crops are paddy, wheat, and sugarcane. Popular tourist destinations are the Sonpur fair, Dhorh Ashram, Harihar Pilgrim site, Amba Asthan Temple (Aami), and Gautam Rishi Sthan.
• Area: 2641 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Chapra
• Population: 3,951,862
• Density: 1496 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 65.96%
• Sex Ratio: 954 females for every 1000 males

Siwan

• Formation: Siwan district was established in 1972.
• Location: Siwan district is bordered by Gopalganj to the north, Saran to the east, and Uttar Pradesh to the south and west. The Daha and Jharhi rivers are significant in this district.
• Famous For: Major industries in Siwan include sugar mills, brass craft, and handicrafts. Important crops are paddy, wheat, and sugarcane. Notable tourist sites are Zeradei (the birthplace of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President), Sohagra Dham, and Mahendra Nath Temple.
• Area: 2219 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Siwan
• Population: 3,330,464
• Density: 1501 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 69.45%
• Sex Ratio: 968 females for every 1000 males

Districts in Bhagalpur Division

Bhagalpur

Location: Bhagalpur district is located in the eastern part of Bihar. It is bordered by several other districts and a state:

• North: Madhepura, Purnia, and Katihar districts
• East: West Bengal
• South: Banka district
• West: Munger and Khagaria districts

Rivers: The district is traversed by important rivers, including the Ganga and Chandan rivers.

Famous For: Bhagalpur district is known for various industries and agricultural products:

• Industries: Tussar silk, thermal power (notably at Khalgaon), sugar, liquor, and cotton textile industries.
• Crops: Major crops include paddy, maize, and lentils.

Tourist Places: The district boasts several tourist attractions, such as:

• Mandar Hill
• Ruins of Vikramshila University
• Azbeginath Temple in Sultanganj
• Ancient Champanagari
• Jai Prakash Botanical Garden
• Stone Temple (Kahalgaon)
• Central Jail
• Patalipuri Tilka Manjhi
• Maharshi Mehi Ashram
• Kuppaghat
• Area: 2570 sq. km
• Headquarters: Bhagalpur
• Population: 30,37,766
• Density: 1182 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 63.14%
• Sex Ratio: 880 females per 1000 males

Banka

Formation: Banka district was established on February 21, 1991, when it was carved out from the former Bhagalpur district.

Location: Banka district is situated in the eastern part of Bihar and is bordered by:

• North: Bhagalpur district
• East: West Bengal
• South: Jharkhand
• West: Jamui and Munger districts

Rivers: The district is home to several important rivers, including:

• Chandan River
• Belharni River
• Barua River
• Chir River
• Orhami River

Famous For: Banka district is known for various industries and agricultural products:

• Industries: Sugar mills, oil mills, and textile industries.
• Crops: Wheat, paddy, and sugarcane are among the important crops cultivated in the district.

Tourist Places: The district features several tourist attractions, including:

• Mandar Parvat
• Chandan Dam
• Kozidrak
• Teeth Gour Math
• Lakshadeepa Temple
• Area: 3019.34 sq. km
• Headquarters: Banka
• Population: 20,34,763
• Density: 674 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 58.17%

Districts in Munger Division

Begusarai

Formation: Begusarai district was established in 1972 when it was separated from the Munger district.

Location: Begusarai district is located in the eastern part of Bihar. It is bordered by:

• North: Samastipur district
• East: Khagaria and Munger districts
• South: Lakhisarai and Munger districts
• West: Samastipur and Patna districts

Rivers: The district is traversed by several important rivers, including:

• Ganga River
• Kamla River
• Bagmati River
• Burhi Gandak River

Famous For: Begusarai district is known for various industries and agricultural products:

• Industries: Fertilizer factories, thermal power stations, petrochemicals, and oil refineries.
• Crops: Wheat, maize, and chili peppers are among the important crops cultivated in the district.

Tourist Places: The district features several tourist attractions, including:

• Jaimangla Garh
• Naulakha Temple
• Kabar Jheel (a lake)
• Simaria Ghat (a riverbank)
• Area: 1918 sq. km
• Headquarters: Begusarai
• Population: 29,70,541
• Density: 1549 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 63.87%

Jamui

Formation: Jamui district was formed on February 21, 1991, when it was separated from the Munger district.

Location: Jamui district is situated in the eastern part of Bihar and is bordered by:

• North: Munger and Lakhisarai districts
• East: Banka district
• South: Jharkhand state
• West: Nawada and Sheikhpura districts

Rivers: The district is home to several important rivers, including:

• Ulai River
• Ajay River
• Kiul River
• Badna River
• Mohane River
• Horohar River

Famous For: Jamui district is known for various industries and agricultural products:

• Industries: Metal-based industries, including slate and mica production.
• Crops: Important crops include paddy, wheat, lentils, gram, and barley.

Tourist Places: The district features several tourist attractions, including:

• Giddheswar Temple
• Jain Mandir in Lachhuar
• Kali Mandir in Malaypur
• Simultala Hill Station
• Bhim Bandh
• Gidhaur
• Area: 3,123 sq. km
• Headquarters: Jamui
• Population: 17,60,405
• Density: 568 persons/km²
• Literacy Rate: 59.79%

Khagaria District

• Formation Khagaria became an independent district on 10th May 1981, when it was separated from the Munger district.
• Location Khagaria district is bordered by Saharsa and Darbhanga districts to the north, Madhepura and Bhagalpur to the east, Munger and Bhagalpur to the south, and Begusarai and Samastipur districts to the west. The main rivers flowing through this district are the Ganga, Bagmati, and Kosi.
• Famous For The district is known for its jute industry, garment and embroidery sectors, and metal-based industries. Major crops include paddy, wheat, maize, and jute. Popular tourist attractions are Badla Ghat, Katyayani Asthan, and Azgaivinath Mahadev.
• Area 1486 sq. km
• Headquarters Khagaria
• Population 16,66,886
• Density 1122 Persons /km2
• Literacy Rate 57.92%
• Sex Ratio 886 females / 1000 males

Lakhisarai District

• Formation Lakhisarai district was formed on 3rd July 1994, when it was separated from Munger district.
• Location Lakhisarai district is bordered by Begusarai and Patna districts to the north, Munger district to the east, Jamui district to the south, and Patna, Nalanda, and Sheikhpura districts to the west. The important rivers in this district include the Ganga, Mohane, Harohar, and Kiul.
• Famous For The district is known for its industries such as fertilizers, pesticide manufacturing, mineral-based industries, sindur (vermilion) production, textile manufacturing, and tobacco processing. Major crops include paddy, wheat, lentils, maize, and gram. Notable tourist attractions are Ashok Dham temple and Rishi hill.
• Area 1228 sq. km
• Headquarters Lakhisarai
• Population 10,00,912
• Density 815 Persons /km2
• Literacy Rate 62.42%

Munger District

• Formation Munger district was established in 1832 AD.
• Location Munger district is bordered by Begusarai and Khagaria districts to the north, Bhagalpur to the east, Banka and Jamui districts to the south, and Lakhisarai and Begusarai districts to the west. The important rivers in this district include the Ganga, Mohane, Harohar, and Kiul.
• Famous For The district is known for its industries such as gun manufacturing, rail engine production, and the processing of tobacco, liquor, cigarettes, slate, and stone crushing, along with the handloom industry. Major crops include paddy, wheat, and lentils. Notable tourist attractions are Goyanka Shivalaya (Mirchi Talab), Mir Kasim Tunnel, Manpatthar (Sita Charan), Kastaharni Ghat, Chandi Sthan, Pir Shah Nafah Shrine, Sita Kund, Rameshwar Kund, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, and the International Yoga University.
• Area 1419 sq. km
• Headquarters Munger
• Population 13,67,765
• Density 964 Persons /km2
• Literacy Rate 70.46%
• Sex Ratio 876 females / 1000 males

Sheikhpura District

• Formation Sheikhpura district was formed on 31st July 1994, when it was carved out from the Munger district.
• Location Sheikhpura district is bordered by Nalanda district to the north and west, Lakhisarai district to the east, and Jamui and Nawada districts to the south. The important rivers in this district include the Ganga, Mohane, Harohar, Tati, Kachchi Rijown, Somi, and Kiul.
• Famous For The district is known for its industries such as cigarette, gun, liquor, and cotton textile production. Major crops include paddy, wheat, gram, lentils, and potatoes. Notable tourist attractions are Arghanti Pakhar, Girihinda Pahar, Samas, Madar village (the birthplace of Shri Krishna Singh), Sheikhpura hill, and Shri Vishnu Dham (Barbigha).
• Area 689 sq. km
• Headquarters Sheikhpura
• Population 6,36,342 (least populous district)
• Density 924 Persons /km2
• Literacy Rate 53.40%
• Sex Ratio 930 females / 1000 males

Districts in Purnea Division

Araria

• Formation: Araria district was created from the former Purnea district in January 1990.
• Location: Araria district is bordered by Nepal to the north, Kishanganj district to the east, Purnea district to the south, and Madhepura and Supaul districts to the west. The district is traversed by important rivers such as Koshi, Suwara, Kali, and Koli.
• Famous For: The district is known for its jute mills and other industries. Key agricultural products include paddy, maize, and jute.
• Tourist Attractions: Notable tourist spots in Araria include Raniganj, Vriksh Vatika, and Kusiargaon Biodiversity Park.
• Area: 2830 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Araria
• Population: 2,811,569
• Density: 993 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 53.53%
• Sex Ratio: 921 females for every 1000 males

Katihar

• Formation: Katihar district was established in 1973, having been carved out from the former Purnea district.
• Location: The district is bordered by Purnea district to the north and west, West Bengal to the east, and Jharkhand and Bhagalpur district to the south. Important rivers in Katihar include the Mahananda, Ganga, and Kamla.
• Famous For: Katihar is known for its jute and paper mills. Key crops include paddy, jute, and tea.
• Tourist Attractions: Popular tourist destinations in Katihar include Gogabil Lake, Gorakhnath Temple, Guru Teg Bahadur Gurdwara, Peer Mazar, Gauri Shankar Temple, Satsang Mandir, Gandhi Ghar Kursela, Nawabganj Fort, and others.
• Area: 3057 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Katihar
• Population: 3,071,029
• Density: 1005 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 52.24%
• Sex Ratio: 919 females for every 1000 males

Kishanganj

• Formation: Kishanganj district was established on January 14, 1990, when it was carved out from the former Purnea district.
• Location: The district is situated with Nepal to the north, West Bengal to the east, Purnea to the south, and Araria to the west. The main river flowing through Kishanganj is the Mahananda.
• Famous For: Kishanganj is known for its jute mills and other industries. The primary crops cultivated in the district include paddy, maize, and jute.
• Tourist Attractions: Notable places to visit in Kishanganj include Pamisaal and Odraghat, among others.
• Area: 1884 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Kishanganj
• Population: 1,690,400
• Density: 897 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 55.46%
• Sex Ratio: 950 females for every 1000 males

Purnea

• Formation: Purnea district was established in 1770 by the East India Company.
• Location: The district is bordered by Araria and Kishanganj districts to the north, West Bengal to the east, Katihar and Bhagalpur districts to the south, and Madhepura district to the west. Important rivers in Purnea include the Kosi, Mahanandra, Parena, Sawara, Kali, and Koli.
• Famous For: Purnea is known for its jute mills and other industries. Key agricultural products include jute, paddy, wheat, maize, and banana.
• Tourist Attractions: Notable tourist sites in Purnea include Rani Sati Mandir, Puran Devi Mandir, Pir Baba Mandir, Narsingh Avtar Kothi, Qila of Jalalgarh, Kajha Kothi, Kali Mandir, and Dhimeshwar Temple in Vanmankhi (Mahadev), among others.
• Area: 3229 square kilometers
• Headquarters: Purnea
• Population: 3,264,619
• Density: 1011 persons per square kilometer
• Literacy Rate: 51.08%
• Sex Ratio: 921 females for every 1000 males

Districts in Darbhanga Division

• Formation Darbhanga district was established in 1875 AD during British rule.
• Location Darbhanga district is bordered by Madhubani district to the north, Saharsa to the east, Khagaria and Samastipur to the south, and Muzaffarpur to the west. The Kamla, Balan, and Bagmati rivers are significant waterways in the district.
• Famous For Key industries in Darbhanga district include paper mills, sugar factories, handloom, jute, and cigarette production. Major crops are paddy and foxnut (Makhana). Notable tourist attractions are Ahilya Asthan, Brahmpur, Kusheshwar-Asthan Bird Sanctuary, Sati Asthan, Darbhanga Maharaj Fort, Doordarshan telecasting station, Ahiyari Akashwani, and others.
• Area - 2279 sq. km Headquarters - Darbhanga Population - 39,37,385 Density - 1728 Persons /km 2 Literacy Rate - 56.56% Sex Ratio - 911 females / 1000 males

Madhubani

• Formation Madhubani district was created from the former Darbhanga district in 1972.
• Location Madhubani district is bordered by Nepal to the north, Supaul to the east, Saharsa and Darbhanga to the south, and Sitamarhi to the west. The Kamla-Balan river is an important waterway in this district.
• Famous For Key industries in Madhubani district include sugar production, pisciculture, handloom, and Madhubani painting. Major crops are paddy and others. Notable tourist destinations are Ugana Mahadev, Kapileshwar Sthan, Uchaitha (Bhagwati temple), Bhawanipur, and more.
• Area - 3501 sq. km Headquarters - Madhubani Population - 44,87,397 Density - 1282 Persons /km 2 Literacy Rate - 58.62%

Samastipur

• Formation Samastipur district was formed from the earlier Darbhanga district in 1972.
• Location Samastipur district is bordered by Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur to the north, Khagaria and Darbhanga to the east, Begusarai and Patna to the south, and Vaishali and Muzaffarpur to the west. Important rivers in the district include the Burhi Gandak, Kamla, Baya, Bagmati, and Balan.
• Famous For Major industries in Samastipur district include sugar factories, jute mills, and the handloom industry. Key crops are paddy, maize, chili, and tobacco. Notable tourist sites are Kabir Monastery, Vidyapatidham, Baba’s Mazar, Udyanacharya Dih, Panda village, Rajendra Central Agriculture University, Khudeshwarsthan, Narhan Estate, Kariyan village, and others. Area - 2904 sq. km Headquarters - Samastipur Population - 42,61,566 Density - 1467 Persons /km 2 Literacy Rate - 61.86%

Districts in Kosi Division

Madhepura

• Formation: Madhepura district was established on May 9, 1981, when it was separated from Saharsa district.
• Location: Madhepura district is bordered by Supaul and Araria districts to the north, Purnia district to the east, Bhagalpur district to the south, and Khagaria and Saharsa districts to the west. The main river in this district is the Kosi.
• Famous For: The district is known for its jute mills, rice mills, and an electric locomotive factory. The main crops are paddy and jute. Notable tourist attractions include the Singheshwar temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Dakini Sthan, and Mayanagar temple.
• Area: 1788 sq. km
• Headquarters: Madhepura
• Population: 20,01,762
• Density: 1120 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 52.25%

Saharsa

• Formation: Saharsa district was formed on April 1, 1954.
• Location: Saharsa district is bordered by Madhubani and Supaul districts to the north, Madhepura district to the east, Khagaria district to the south, and Darbhanga district to the west. The important rivers in this district are the Kosi and Kamala.
• Famous For: The district is known for its industries such as jute factories, cigarette production, and soap manufacturing. The main crops include paddy, wheat, maize, and jute. Popular tourist sites are Mandan Bharti Dham (Mahishi), Shri Ugratarasthan (Mahishi), Kandaha Surya Mandir, Sant Karu Khirhari temple, Chandikasthan (Biratpur), Sorbazar, Sone Rain forest (Harsiddhi), and Banagaon.
• Area: 1687 sq. km
• Headquarters: Saharsa
• Population: 19,00,661
• Density: 1127 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 53.20%
• Sex Ratio: 906 females per 1000 males

Supaul

• Formation: Supaul district was established on March 14, 1991, after being separated from the Saharsa district.
• Location: Supaul district is bordered by Nepal to the north, Araria district to the east, Madhepura and Saharsa districts to the south, and Madhubani district to the west. The main river in this district is the Kosi.
• Famous For: The district is known for its industries such as rice mills, agro-based industries, mineral-based industries, and jute production. The main crops include wheat, maize, paddy, and banana. Popular tourist attractions are the Kosi Barrage, Vishnupad temple, Tileshwar temple, Tintolia (Kali temple), Kapileshwar temple, and Hanuman mandir.
• Area: 2410 sq. km
• Headquarters: Supaul
• Population: 22,29,076
• Density: 919 Persons/km 2
• Literacy Rate: 59.65%
• Sex Ratio: 929 females per 1000 males