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Bhagalpur

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This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Bhagalpur district.
Bhagalpur
भागलपुर
Metropolitan City
CountryIndia
StateBihar
DistrictBhagalpur
Urban AgglomerationBhagalpur
Municipal CorporationBhagalpur Municipal Corporation
Government
 • MayorDeepak Bhuwania (JD(U))
Population
 (2011)
 • Total398,138
Demonymbhagalpuries
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Postal Index Number
812 xxx
STD Code0641
Vehicle registrationBR 10 XXXX
Websitebhagalpur.bih.nic.in

Bhagalpur is a municipal corporation town situated in the planes of the Ganga river basin at the height of 141 feet above sea level in Bihar, India. It is the third largest city of Bihar, and covers an area of 2569.50km2 and lies between 25.07'N - 25.30'N Latitude and between 86.37'E - 87.30'E Longitude. Bhagalpur has registered an average annual growth of 3.72%,for the period of 2006-2010. It is the administrative headquarters of the Bhagalpur district. Bhagalpur is world renowned for its silk products and it is known in India as the "Silk City", famous for its Tussar Silk & Tussar Saree. The Gangetic dolphin is declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India[1] which is found in Ganga Basin and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is established near the town. This decision was taken in the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday, 5 October 2009.[2][3]

Origins of the name Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur is the distorted form of Bhagdatpuram (meaning city of Good Luck) as it was called during the flourishing of the Anga Kingdom. Bhagalpur is also known as the Silk City.

Overview

It is a city of historical importance on the bank of Ganges river, situated 220 km east of Patna and 410 km north west of Kolkata. Bhagalpur is the third largest city after Patna and Gaya in Bihar. The city was referred to as one of the biggest trade centers in eastern India by the 7th century Chinese travellers Hsüan-tsang and Fa-Hien. The city had a big harbour on the River Ganges at place called Champanagar (another name for Bhagalpur), now called Champanala, which flows on the western boundary of the present city near Nathnagar. During an archaeological excavation, many boats and coins of the Middle and Far East were found at the same place. Bhagalpur is well connected by rails and roadways.

The silk industry in this city is hundreds of years old and its inhabitants have been producing silk for generations. Located here are the Silk Institute and Agricultural University, the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, T.N.B.Law College and Homeopathic colleges. Recently, in 2010, Bihar Agricultural University was set up in Sabour, Bhagalpur. Bhagalpur Mangoes are one of the best in India.

The Gangetic plains are very fertile and the main crops include rice, wheat, maize, barley, and oilseeds. The economy of Bhagalpur is dependent mainly on agriculture and small businesses.

History

It is supposed to have concurrent to Patliputra or Patna. Bhagdattpuram fin the gods to churn the ocean to procure amrit. The serpent, Vasuki offered to serve as the rope and has left behind an impression of the coil on the granite hill. It is believed that Panchjanya, the conch shell used in the Mahabharat was discovered here in the "Shankh Kund". The Puranas also refer to the hill. It is believed to have been visited by Vishnu as Madhusudana (the destroyer of Madhu the Demon). It is said that Vishnu covered Madhu under the hill after defeating him to death. Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava refers to foot marks of Vishnu on the slopes of Mandara. The hill is replete with relics of bygone ages. Apart from inscriptions and statues, there are numerous rock cut sculptures depicting various images of Hindu Gods. The hill is equally revered by the Jains who believe that their 12th Tirthankara attained nirvana at the summit. The area around Mandara Hill is laced with a landscape of extraordinary splendour. The 800 feet high granite hill is a sight to see in the daylight. It is a popular picnic spot for people living in the area. The religious festival of "Vish-hari Puja" or "the worship of the Snake Queen" or "Manasa Devi, said to be a daughter of lord Shiva and Queen of Snakes" traces its roots back hundreds of years and is still celebrated every year with thousands of believers and snake charmers offering milk to the Nag (the Snake King) and Nageen (The Snake Queen).

References to Bhagalpur can be found in Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata where Bhagalpur has been described as the kingdom of Anga. Ancient cave sculptures from Emperor Ashoka's reign, from 274 to 232 BC are found in the neighbourhood and at Sultangunj, 20 km west of Bhagalpur, a temple from the Gupta period still exists in Bhagalpur. The tomb of Suja, brother of Moghul emperor Aurangzeb, in the heart of the town is reminiscent of the city's association with the Mughal period.

The ruins of ancient Vikramshila University are located 44 km east of Bhagalpur. The royal university ranks next to Nalanda, and owes its origin to Dharmapala, the devout Pala king who called himself Paramasaugata (chief worshipper of the Buddha) and was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism. It was the medieval center to the conservation and propagation of Buddhist education, established by King Dharampal of Bengal at the end of the 8th century.

Bhagalpur formed a part of the ancient Sanskrit kingdom of Anga, said to be ruled by king Karna of Mahabharata who was well known for his charity. In later times it was included in the powerful Hindu kingdom of Magadha, or Behar, and in the 7th century it was an independent state, with the city of Champa as its capital. It afterwards formed a part of the Mohammedan Kingdom of Gaur, West Bengal, and was subsequently subjugated by Akbar, who declared it to be a part of the Delhi empire. Bhagalpur passed to the East India Company by the grant of the emperor Shah Alam II in 1765.

Bhagalpur was one of most important trade centers in Bengal Presidency during British India period. The city and the district was notorious for its criminal activities and lack of human safety, both of which peaked during 1970s leading to 1980 Bhagalpur blindings. The communal violence that broke out in and around Bhagalpur in October 1989 continued for about two months, during which nearly 1200 lives were lost. It has emerged as one of the most economically and socially stable districts of Bihar in present times.

The Jain Temple at Nathnagar is important pilgrimage centre for Jains. Budha Nath Temple is ancient Shiva Temple on the bank of Ganges. Sultanganj (about 25 km West) is an important religious center for Hindus from where holy water of Ganges is carried and offered at Deoghar. Bhagalpur also have Dargha of Shawaz Rahmat-ulla near Bhagalpur Railway Station and Markaz of Tablighi Jamat at Champanager,hence it is One of the most popular place of Muslims.

Adjacent Boundaries

At Tilkamanjhi chowk in Bhagalpur,the noted freedom fighter Tilkamajhi was hanged by the British.

Economics

Industry

The NTPC Kahalgaon is situated in Kahalgaon under Bhagalpur district. The largest industrial belt of the district is Barari industrial Area(where 110 industrial units are operated) and Kahalgaon industrial Area. The Government of India established Hand-loom park and Food park in Bhagalpur. Above 200 small industrial unit of silk are established in Bhagalpur. Many big industries are proposed like Star Cement, Nalanda Paper Mill, coca cola,mineral water etc. Bhagalpur is famous for its silk and mango. These are exported to various cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and to many foreign countries like U.S.A, U.K, Dubai etc. Bhagalpur Silk is famous as Bhagalpuri Silk. Major part of cocoons used as silk production is sourced from Katoria a Development Block in Banka District. Bhagalpur is second biggest city of Bihar and primarily has an agrarian economy. The economic growth of the city has stagnated since the independence itself . Today the city's primary employer is the public sector with little private sector involvement. This has resulted in widespread migration of people for the search of jobs to other parts of the country. The silk industry in this city is more than 200 years old and a whole clan exists that has been producing silk for generations. Bhagalpur is well known for its sericulture, manufacture of silk yarn and weaving them into lovely products. This silk is of a distinct and special type. It is known as Tussah or Tussar Silk. This silk is very famous in the world. Silk weaving is an age-old traditional household industry of Bhagalpur and hence the city is also popularly known as Silk City. The Government developed a hand-loom park in this beautiful city. In Bhagalpur the weavers service centre (GOI) was established in the year 1974, with a view to develop hand-loom silk industry in the state of Bihar. The silk industry has faced stiff competition from machine made fabric. Due to this, the industry is almost at the verge of a collapse. The government is now trying to renovate this sector. Bhagalpur silk home furnishing made ups are slowly becoming popular in the overseas market.

Retail

The commercial hub of Bhagalpur city are Variety street, Khalifabagh street, Ghantaghar, M.G road. Aside shops representing a range of well-known brands, car showrooms, hotels, bars and clubs. Bhagalpur is fast developing city in Bihar and also growth in concurrent mall culture. In Bhagalpur city, many Malls are under construction out of which worth mentioning are - "Bhagwati Courtyard" which is supposed to be the most premier, then the others like GTM Mall, FM1 Mall etc. The upper echelon of the city is fully dedicated towards its full development,the later being constrained by a number of factor like unavailability of airport etc. Bhagalpur supports the second largest economy in Bihar after the capital city Patna. Many commercial buildings are under construction for business in the city.

Demography

See also: List of cities in Bihar

As of the 2011 India census,[4] Bhagalpur city has a population of 398,138 with a metro population of around 0.41 million, while the district as a whole has a population of 3 million. It is Second largest city in Bihar in terms of urban population next only to Patna . Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Bhagalpur has an average literacy rate of 81.16%, while the male literacy rate is 85.38% with women at 76.31%.

Transport

Road

NH 80 and NH 31 pass through the Bhagalpur district. The Vikramshila Setu connects NH 80 to NH 31. The city has a good road network. Bhagalpur city has approximately 50 km road area. The transport system is good. In the city City Bus facility, Auto, Taxi and cycle rickshaw are available. In the city area around 7,000 autos, 200 private taxis and 50 buses are on the road.

The BJP MP demanded Duronto and Rajdhan Express trains from Bhagalpur to New Delhi besides a 'Janshatabdi' from Jamalpur to Howrah and Bhagalpur to Jainagar (Madhubani district) extension of Jammu-Barauni Amarnath Express, and extension of Lucknow-Barauni Express and Patna-Pune Express to Bhagalpur, daily running of Bhagalpur-New Delhi Weekly Express.

Rail

Bhagalpur is well connected by Rail. Bhagalpur is situated on the Howrah Kuil loop-line.It is the 3rd busiest line in Bihar. About 40 pair Express and 10 pair passenger train go from this line. Bhagalpur is A grade Railway station. It was the Highest revenue earner in the Malda Rail Division. Bhagalpur is well connected by Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Ajmer, Kanpur, Patna, Guwahati, Surat, Gaya and other cities. In the Rail Budget Bhagalpur got Railway Division in 2008. The new rail lines which are under construction are Sultanganj to Deoghar, Bhagalpur to Dumka, Bhagalpur Godda via Hanshdiya, Banka to Deoghar. It is also the originating station for many superfasts and express trains.

  • Bhagalpur Anand Vihar Vikramshila Express - Train No. 12367
  • Bhagalpur Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express - Train No. 22405
  • Bhagalpur New Delhi Express - Train No. 12349
  • Bhagalpur Lokmanya Tilak Express - Train No. 12335
  • Bhagalpur Surat Bhagalpur Express - Train No. 19047
  • Bhagalpur Ranchi Express - Train No. 18604
  • Bhagalpur Ranchi Vananchal Express (via-Sahebgunj) - Train No. 13404
  • Bhagalpur Ajmer Express - Train No. 13424
  • Jamalpur Howrah Express - Train No. 123072
  • Bhagalpur Anga Express - Yeswanthpur (Bangalore) - Train No. 12254
  • Jamalpur Malda Intercity - Train No. 13410
  • Bhagalpur Muzaffarpur Intercity - Train No. 13419

And Newly introduced train to Jammu Tawi is:

  • Bhagalpur Jammu Tawi Amarnath Express - Train No. 15097

TV Program (Soap opera)

Movie based/shoot on/at Bhagalpur

Education

The higher education in city includes various institutes related to medical education,Law education, engineering education, arts and science education and agriculture university.

Academy
  • Police Academy-CTS Nathnagar, Bhagalpur - currently trains officers from constable to dsp rank. It was set up in 1905
University

University Departments

Medical Colleges
Engineering & Technology College
Colleges
  • Gajadhar Bhagat College Naugachia
  • Madan Ahilya Mahila college Naugachia
  • Sabour College Sabour
  • S.S.V.COLLEGE, kahalgaon
  • B P Verma College, Kahalgaon
  • Tarar Mahavidyalaya Tarar, Ghogha
  • Murarka College,Sultanganj

Sanskrit Education: Bhagalpur Sanskrit College

Schools affiliated by Bihar State Board
  • Govt. Intermediate Zila School,Bhagalpur
  • Govt. Girls' Inter School,Bhagalpur
  • Mokshada Girls Inter School
  • Sri Marwari Pathsala
  • High School Rannuchak Makandpur
  • Durga Charan High School
  • Jhunjhunwala Girls High School
  • Urdu Girls High School
  • Muslim High school
  • R.H.M.T.B.High School Barari
  • Christ Church Girl's High School
  • Sir Syed Urdu School
  • dr. bhimrao ambedkar boys high school
  • Ganpat singh high schhool,Kahalgaon
  • Saharsaya Balika Uccha Vidyalaya (Girls High School),Kahalgaon
  • Ganguly Middle School,Kahalgaon
  • High school buddchak,Kahalgaon
  • Ram Sundar High School Rampur, Kahalgaon
  • High school Akbarpur, Kahalgaon
  • Madhya Vidyalaya Chatpatiya, Pathakdih, Kahalgaon
  • uchch vidyalaya chandika sthan
  • Sanokher High School, kahalgaon
  • High School Mathurapur
  • High School Sabour
  • High school ishipur
ICSE board affiliated schools
CBSE board affiliated school
  • Delhi Public School, Bhagalpur
  • Divine Happy School, Mirjanhat
  • New Horizon School, Bhikanpur
  • DAV Public School,Bhagalpur.
  • Navyug Vidyalaya
  • Christ Church Diocesan School, Bhagalpur.
  • S.K.P. Vidya Vihar
  • Vikramshila School, Tilkamanjhi
  • C E Academy
  • G.R.S.S.Vidya Mandir, Champanagar
  • A.D.S.Vidya Mandir
  • VJ International School
  • St. Joseph's School, Deepti Nagar, Kahalgaon(NTPC)
  • DAV Public School, P.T.S., Kahalgaon
  • Kendriya Vidyalaya, P.T.S, Kahalgaon
  • Saraswati Vidya Mandir (SVM),Kahalgaon
  • Standard Public School, Lalkothi
  • D.A.V School, Mathurapur, Shivnarayanpur
  • Goethal's Public School, Pirpainti
Other Schools
  • Maitreya Vihar+2 School,Bhikhanpur, Gumti No 2
  • SMS Mission- Tilkamanjhi Chowk
  • Don Bosco School,Manik Sarkar

Bhagalpur is also famous for its Education in Bihar. In this city aprrox 5000 student came per year for study. In recent times many private institutes are opened in Bhagalpur.These institutes are preparing student to IIT/JEE,Medical(AIPMT), AIEEE,Banking,Fashion Designing,SSC,Distance Education etc.

Distance Educations Institutes

Language

Khariboli Urdu Hindi Angika or Chika-chiki is spoken by the majority of population in Bhagalpur.[6]

Radio and FM

  • All India Radio (Frequency 1458 kHz, 1206 kHz)
  • FM, 90.4 FM Radio Active (Bhagalpur)
  • AIR FM Rainbow India

100.1

Web Media

Telecom

Places of interest

There are many tourist places in and near Bhagalpur:

  • Maa kali Temple (shakti peeth) in Navtoliya near (Narayanpur station 1 km & 38 km from Bhagalpur) bihar India Asia.
  • Kali Shakti peeth Nagrah, Naugachia.
  • Venkateswara Temple Nagrah, Naugachia.
  • sunlight cricket & football play ground in Navtoliya near Indian Railway station Narayanpur(between katihar & khagaria thana Bihpur ) only 300 meter Narayanpur & 38 km from bhagalpur .
  • Jain Temple (Champanagar)
  • Maharshi menhi aashram, Kuppaghat (Bank of the Ganges river)
  • Khanquah Shahbazia, Maulanchuck, Bhagalpur, A great Sufi and Islamic Scholar at the time of ruler – Aurangzeb.
  • Bihar Agriculture University
  • Manas-Kamna Temple,Karnagarh (Nathnagar)-Area known be the place of Karna(of Mahabharata) Palace.
  • The Shiva Temple at Budhanath
  • Ajgaivee Nath Shiv Mandir, Sultanganj
  • Gurdwara Sri Guru singh Sabha,Bhagalpur
  • Rabindra Nath Bhavan (Tillha Kothi)
  • Sandish Compound
  • The Residence of Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyaya
  • Lajpat Park
  • Central Jail, near Airport
  • The Dargah (tomb) of Ghuran Sah Pir Baba
  • Vikramshila Setu
  • Vikramshila University (Ancient) & Museum
  • Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
  • Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udhyan (park)
  • Rajmahal Fossil Sanctuary(Near Sahibganj)
  • Udhuwa Bird Sanctuary (Near Barharwa)
  • Vishhari Sthan (Snake Temple), Champanagar
  • Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), Made in British Time
  • Fulwaria shiv mandir (8 km south from city)estb 1893 from Brahman Samaj
  • Mandar Hill (Mandar Parvat, Mount Mandara) by which Sagar-Manthan was done and it is 52 km away from Bhagalpur
  • Temple of goddess Teldihaya (goddess durga) is popular and it is 30 km away from Bhagalpur.
  • Gonu-Dham temple's distance from Bhagalpur is only 8 km, This is temple of Lord SHIV.
  • Temple of goddess Durga and Kali at village Mukhariya distance from Bhagalpur is 5 km south
  • Chandika Sthan Temple of Maa Chandika at village Rampurdih distance from Bhagalpur is 13 km;west & south.
  • Old Kali Temple in Bahwalpur village South form Nathnagar Rly. Station nearby Thana Nathnagar,it is 05 km from Bhagalpur
  • Durga Temple in Tetri near Naugachhia
  • Durga Temple in Bhramarpur near Thana Bihpur.
  • Old Kali Temple Lakhpura (50 km. from Bhagalpur).
  • Shahjangi Peer Dargah (tomb)
  • Maa Durga Temple in Kurro (Kundan Nagar) near Bounsi (50 KM from Bhagalpur)
  • Shanti Baba Temple,Kahalgaon[it is situated on rock which is surrounded by the Ganga's water,a beautiful scenario]
  • Shiva Mandir, P.T.S,kahalgaon
  • Bateshwarnath, Kahalgaon

Notable People from Bhagalpur

  • Anand Mohan Sahay General Secretary in INA with Netaji. Taken Responsibility in INA for men-force & Training. After Independence He give services for Nation as an Indian Ambassador in seven different Countries.
  • Tilka Manjhi First Santhal freedom fighter.
  • Kadambini, daughter of Braja Kishore Bose, headmaster of Bhagalpur School, was one of the first women graduates from Bhagalpur.
  • Suchitra Bhattacharya, acclaimed Indian novelist was born in Bhagalpur on 10 January 1950.
  • Ashis Nandy is an Indian political psychologist, a social theorist, and a contemporary cultural and political critic. A trained sociologist and clinical psychologist, his body of work covers a variety of topics, including public conscience, mass violence, and dialogues of civilizations.
  • Pritish Nandy, a poet, painter, journalist, politician, television personality, animal activist and film producer.
  • Neha Sharma is a Hindi & South-Indian movie actress. She has been born and brought up in Bhagalpur, and was educated from Mount Carmel School. She starred with Emran Hashmi in her first Bollywood flick 'Crook' which was released in October 2010.
  • Nandalal Bose- Born in Bhagalpur, Bihar in December 1882, Nandlal Bose rose to become one of modern India's most important artists.
  • Dibyendu Palit - Bengali writer
  • Alexander Dow-died at Bhagalpur was an orientalist, writer, playwright and army officer in the East India Company
  • Ajit Pal Mangat
  • Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay, pen name Banaphool, Bengali writer.
  • Rabindra Kumar Rana
  • Nishikant Dubey
  • Syed Shahnawaz Hussain-BJP leader
  • Bhagwat Jha Azad
  • Ramjee Singh-book edited -Gandhi's centenary number, T.N.B . college, Bhagalpur University, 1970
  • B. J. Choubey-professor in the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
People who have lived here for brief periods

See also

References

  1. ^ "River dolphin crowned India's aquatic animal : Latest Headlines, News - India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 2009-10-06. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  2. ^ "River dolphin crowned India's aquatic animal : Latest Headlines, News - India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 2009-10-06. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  3. ^ "Endangered dolphins made national aquatic animal". India Environment Portal. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  4. ^ Template:GR
  5. ^ www.bncollegebgp.ac.in
  6. ^ "Maithili Variation". Lisindia.net. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  7. ^ "Tata Photon". Tata Photon. 1973-09-07. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
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