This article is about the district. For its eponymous headquarters, see Begusarai.
Begusarai district
District
Coordinates25.4167°N 86.1333°E
CountryIndia
StateBihar
RegionMithila
DivisionMunger
Established1870
HeadquartersBegusarai
Parts stylepara
Area total1918 km²
Population as of2011
Population total2,970,541
Literacy63.87 per cent
Sex ratio894
District MagistrateTushar Singla[1]
Time zoneIST (UTC+05:30)
Registration plateBR-09
Major highwaysNH 31, NH 28
Average annual precipitation1384 mm
OfficialHindi[2]
Additional officialUrdu[2]
Other recognisedMaithili[3]
Websitebegusarai.nic.in
MP, Begusarai Lok SabhaGiriraj Singh
Established date 12 October 1972
District2 October 1972

Begusarai district is one of the thirty-eight districts of the Indian state of Bihar. The city of Begusarai is its administrative headquarters and is part of the Munger division.

History

Begusarai was established in 1870 as part of Munger district. In 1972, it was given district status.[4]

Geography

Begusarai district occupies an area of 1,918 square kilometres (741 sq mi).[5] The district lies on the northern bank of the river Ganges. Begusarai district is a part of Munger division. It is located at latitudes 25.15N & 25.45N and longitudes 85.45E & 86.36E. The Ganges river separates Begusarai district from Patna district and Munger district.[citation needed]

Flora and fauna

In 1989 Begusarai district became home to the Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, which has an area of 63 km2 (24.3 sq mi).[6] It is Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake. In November 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared it the first Ramsar site in Bihar.[citation needed]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1901575,455—
1911593,470+3.1%
1921564,328−4.9%
1931635,456+12.6%
1941718,390+13.1%
1951793,942+10.5%
1961954,333+20.2%
19711,147,429+20.2%
19811,456,343+26.9%
19911,814,773+24.6%
20012,349,366+29.5%
20112,970,541+26.4%

source:[7]

According to the 2011 census Begusarai district has a population of 2,970,541,[8] roughly equal to the nation of Armenia[9] or the US state of Mississippi.[10] This gives it a ranking of 128th in India (out of a total of 640).[8] The district has a population density of 1,540 PD/sqkm.[8] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 26.44%.[8] Begusarai has a sex ratio of 895 females for every 1000 males,[8] and a literacy rate of 63.87%. 19.18% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 14.55% and 0.05% of the population respectively.[8]

At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 79.77% of the population in the district spoke Hindi, 9.53% Urdu and 2.43% Maithili as their first language. 7.94% of the population spoke 'Others' under Hindi.[11]

Politics

|} Current Member of Legislative council Bihar Legislative Council (Begusarai-Khagaria)

S.no.NamePartyAlliance
1.Rajiv KumarMGB

Administration

Subdivisions

Source:[12]

Cities and towns

Villages

Economy

Barauni is the major industrial town in the district. It has big industries like Barauni Refinery, Barauni Thermal Power Station, Urvarak Nagar Barauni, Garhara electric locomotive shed and Pepsi bottling plant. Shri Krishna Singh wanted to build an industrial corridor from Begusarai-Bakhtiyarpur-Fatuha, so he looked to construct Rajendra Setu in Mokama. Begusarai is one of the largest milk-consuming districts in India. Sudha dairy plant is also one of the biggest exporters of milk all over Bihar.[13]

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. The main crops of the Begusarai district are oilseeds, anise seeds, tobacco, jutes, potatoes, red chilis, tomatoes, and rape-seeds. In fruits, Begusarai has recently become a major contributor in producing litchi, mango, guava, and banana. Basil leaves[14] and pearl[15] farming are also present in the local area.

Even today, only the Barauni refinery contributes around Rs 500 crore ()[16] to the state exchequer yearly. Begusarai also has an inactive airport in Begusarai Ulao.[17] Begusarai had the second highest per capita income in the financial year of 2019–2020 in Bihar, after Patna.

Transportation

Barauni Junction is the major railway junction. Another major railway station is Begusarai. Begusarai is well connected by road to other parts of Bihar and the country.

Railways

Barauni Junction is one of the important stations in Bihar. It is a junction and is connected to India's main cities of New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai via broad gauge routes. Begusarai railway station is located in Begusarai city.

Roads

National Highway 28 starts at Barauni and leads to Lucknow. National Highway 31 passes through the district and leads to Guwahati. Both National Highways have junctions here. It is also called Assam Road. Many small city buses pass through here. Begusarai district also has Rajendra Setu on the Ganges near Simariya, which was the first railroad bridge in independent India on the river Ganges. A six-lane bridge is under construction in Begusarai on the Ganges in Simaria. It will be complete by December 2024.[18]

Tourist places

Begusarai district in Bihar offers diverse attractions ranging from ecological wonders to historic temples and museums.

Naulakha Temple

Naulakha Temple, established in 1953 by Saint Mahavir Das, stands on the banks of the Ganges in Bishanpur village, about 12 km northeast of Begusarai town. Constructed entirely of local sandstone, the temple features a distinctive nine-pinnacled (nava-lakha) shikhara, from which it derives its name. Its sanctum houses idols of Radha–Krishna, Shiva, and Durga, and the annual Purnima fair each Kartik (October–November) attracts thousands of devotees for ritual baths (Ganga Snan) and kirtans. The Bihar government maintains the precinct, which offers panoramic river vistas and features recently installed ghats for improved pilgrim access. [19]

Muniswar Mandir

Located in the heart of Begusarai town near the municipal park, Muniswar Mandir is an ancient Shiva temple dating to the Pāla period (8th–12th CE). Archaeological fragments—such as lotus-mandala carvings and lakhuri-tile sections—suggest successive renovations, most recently in 1978. The temple hosts large crowds during Mahashivaratri, when local priests perform all-night jagrans and processions. Conservation efforts by the Bihar State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in 2019 stabilized its earthen plinth and restored weathered bas-reliefs. [20]

Jaimangla Garh Temple

Jaimangla Garh, also known as Jai Mangla Dham, is an island temple dedicated to Chandi Mangla Devi on the southern edge of Kanwar Lake (25 km from Begusarai). Archaeological excavations have unearthed coins dating to 721 CE and Buddhist sculptures, indicating origins in the Pala period, with significant 15th-century renovations by Oinwar patrons. The temple is a focal point during Navratri and Chhath, and is maintained by the Begusarai district administration.[21]

Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary

The Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary (locally Kabartal) is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow wetland, situated 22 km northwest of Begusarai town in Manjhaul block. Covering approximately 2,620 ha, it was designated Bihar’s first Ramsar site in November 2020. Formed by a meander of the Burhi Gandak River, the sanctuary hosts over 394 animal species—including 221 avian species (58 migratory)—and five critically endangered vultures such as the red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) and the sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius). Seasonal flooding during the monsoon mitigates regional inundation, while dry-season recession supports agriculture. Ecotourists visit for boating and birdwatching from October to March, when migratory populations peak.[22][23]

Rajendra Setu (Simaria Bridge)

Rajendra Setu, also known as Simaria Bridge, is the first rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganges in independent India. Commissioned in May 1959 and spanning 2 km between Mokama (Patna district) and Simaria Ghat (Begusarai district), it carries a single-line rail track above and a two-lane roadway below. Designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s team and built by Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company, the bridge pioneered steel-girder construction in India. In 2019, NHAI restricted heavy vehicles due to structural wear, prompting ongoing rehabilitation work. A parallel six-lane highway bridge (Mokama–Begusarai) is slated for completion in early 2025. [24] [25]

Begusarai Museum

Situated near Lohaiya Nagar railway crossing, the Begusarai Museum (est. 1981) exhibits over 1,500 artifacts, from Ashokan-era coins to British-period paintings. Highlights include a life-size Buddha statue dating to the Gupta era and a 17th-century Persian manuscript. The museum’s recent catalogue (2022) organized items by period and type, aiding researchers in regional art history. Educational workshops are held quarterly in collaboration with Patna University’s Department of History. [26]

Kashi Prasad Jaiswal Archaeological Museum

Founded in September 1947 at Ganesh Dutt College by Prof. R.K. Choudhary, this college-run museum preserves regional archaeological finds—Buddhist chaitya-doorframes, Pāla-era Navagraha sculptures, and Mauryan-period terracottas. Its 2018 conservation survey led to the restoration of 120 artefacts and the installation of climate-controlled display cases. Open to the public on weekdays, it serves as a key resource for the study of Mithila’s material culture. [27]

Simaria Ghat

Simaria Ghat on the north bank of the Ganges, 12 km from Begusarai, is revered as the Kartik Kalpavas site established by King Janaka in Treta Yuga. The annual Simaria Mela (October–November) draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims for sacred baths, devotional discourses, and the offering of diyas. A 2023 state initiative upgraded the ghats with reinforced steps, LED lighting, and erosion-control barriers. [28] [29]

Education

Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar College of Engineering (RRSDCE) was laid on 22 December 2013 by Nitish Kumar, paving way for the eighth government engineering college in Bihar.[30][31] G D College is a notable undergraduate and postgraduate degree college of the district.[32]

Colleges:

Schools:

  • Doon Public School[38][39]
  • BR DAV Public School[40][41][42]
  • St. Joseph Public School[43]
  • St. Paul's School[44]
  • Kendriya Vidyalaya[45][46]
  • St. Jude's Vidyalaya[47][48][49]
  • Mount Litera Zee School, Begusarai[50]
  • Delhi Public School, Begusarai[51]
  • Sarvoday Vidyalaya Begusarai
  • Carmel School Begusarai
  • Paramhans Public School
  • Paramhans Play School

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "District website of Begusarai Contents of Begusarai District India". Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  2. ^ "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India". nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. Archived from the original on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  4. ^ Law, Gwillim (25 September 2011). "Districts of India". Statoids. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  5. ^ Srivastava, Dayawanti (2010). "States and Union Territories: Bihar: Government". India 2010: A Reference Annual. 54th ed. New Delhi, India: Additional Director General, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), Government of India. pp. 1118–1119. ISBN 978-81-230-1617-7.
  6. ^ Indian Ministry of Forests and Environment. "Protected areas: Bihar". Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  7. ^ "Table A-02 Decadal Variation in Population Since 1901: Bihar". census.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
  8. ^ "District Census Handbook: Begusarai". Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  9. ^ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Archived from the original on 13 June 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2011. Armenia 2,967,975 July 2011 est.
  10. ^ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2011. Mississippi 2,967,297
  11. ^ "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Bihar". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  12. ^ "Subdivision & Blocks | District website of Begusarai | India". Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  13. ^ Kumar, Rajiv (25 April 2014). "Making of Begusarai was by choice, not accident - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  14. ^ "Farming of Basil Leaves In Begusarai". Live Hindustan. LiveHindustan.com. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  15. ^ "Pearl harvesting made this farmer a role model for others in his village". english.pradesh18.com. 26 February 2015. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  16. ^ "Making of Begusarai was by choice, not accident - Times of India". The Times of India. 25 April 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  17. ^ "Dum Dum Begushorai, Ulao Airport." Live Hindustan.livehindustan.com". 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  18. ^ "Asia's Widest Bridge | Drone View | Mokama Waterlifting | Auntaghat Simaria 6 Lane Bridge | TheWay4U", 7 June 2021, retrieved 23 June 2022
  19. ^ "Naulakha Temple". District Administration, Begusarai. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  20. ^ Singh, Anil (10 March 2019). "Muniswar Temple's Pāla-era carvings rediscovered". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  21. ^ Ganesh Dutt College. "Jaimangla Garh Temple history". Begusarai District Administration. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  22. ^ DowntoEarth (2024). "Kanwar Lake, Bihar's only Ramsar site, faces challenge of survival but not a pollution issue". Down To Earth. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  23. ^ Times of India (4 January 2025). "Favourite New Year spot for nature lovers in Begusarai under threat". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  24. ^ The Economic Times (18 September 2024). "Bihar faces crisis with over a dozen bridge collapses affecting daily travel". The Economic Times. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  25. ^ "Rajendra Setu". Lok Sabha Secretariat. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  26. ^ Kumar, Sushil (15 August 2022). "Begusarai Museum's new catalogue showcases centuries of heritage". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  27. ^ "Museum". Ganesh Dutt College, Begusarai. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  28. ^ PTI (20 March 2023). "Begusarai's Simaria Ghat facelift to attract more pilgrims". NDTV. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  29. ^ Hindustan Times (25 November 2024). "State to develop Simaria Ghat like Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  30. ^ Kumar, Rajiv (23 December 2013). "CM lays foundation of engineering college". Times of India. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Nitish lists special tag cry as LS poll plank". The Telegraph. 23 December 2013. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  32. ^ "IGNOU Study Centre GD College Begusarai Admission 2022". IGNOU University. 15 January 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  33. ^ "Colleges in Begusarai". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  34. ^ "List of 19 colleges in Begusarai". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  35. ^ "Top Educational Institutions : Colleges in Begusarai". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  36. ^ ""BP Inter College Begusarai Near Kali Sthan Begusarai Ho" in Begusarai". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  37. ^ ""APM College Barauni Barauni Refinery Barauni" in Begusarai". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  38. ^ "Doon Public School". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  39. ^ "Doon Public School". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  40. ^ "BR DAV Public School". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  41. ^ "B.R.D.A.V. Public School". Archived from the original on 2013-02-09. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  42. ^ "B.R.D.A.V. Public School". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  43. ^ "Registration for Admission (2025-26)". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  44. ^ "St. Paul Sr. Secondary School". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  45. ^ "Ministry of Education". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  46. ^ "WELCOME TO THE SITE OF THE KENDRIYAVIDYALAYA SANGATHAN". Archived from the original on 2004-01-07. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  47. ^ "St. Jude's Vidyalaya". Archived from the original on 2018-01-18. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  48. ^ "St. Jude's Vidyalaya". Archived from the original on 2018-01-18. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  49. ^ "St. Jude's Vidyalaya". Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  50. ^ "Mount Litera Zee School, Begusarai" [dead link]
  51. ^ "Mount Litera Zee School, Begusarai" [dead link]

Further reading