Begusarai is a city and the headquarters of Begusarai district in the Indian state of Bihar. Situated on the northern bank of the Ganges, it lies in the Mithila region of Bihar and is one of the major industrial centres of the state, particularly known for its petroleum refining and fertiliser industries.
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Bihar |
| District | Begusarai |
| Region | Mithila |
| Languages | Hindi, Maithili, Urdu |
| Civic body | Begusarai Municipal Corporation |
Geography
Begusarai is located in the Gangetic plain of north Bihar, on the northern bank of the Ganges. The terrain is alluvial and largely flat, supporting intensive agriculture. The district contains Kanwar Lake, one of Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lakes, which is an important wetland and bird habitat. The city lies to the east of Patna, the state capital, and is connected to it by road and rail.
History
The name Begusarai is generally believed to be derived from Begum and Sarai, referring to a resting place associated with a Mughal-era noblewoman. Historically, the area formed part of the ancient Mithila cultural region and was later included in the Mughal subah of Bihar. Under British rule, the territory of present-day Begusarai was part of the larger Munger district. Begusarai was carved out as a separate district in 1972.
Economy and industry
Begusarai is one of Bihar's most industrialised districts. Major industrial establishments include:
- Indian Oil Corporation's Barauni Refinery, commissioned in the 1960s, located at Barauni in the district.
- Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) Barauni, a fertiliser plant revived on the site of the earlier Barauni unit of the Fertilizer Corporation of India.
- Barauni Thermal Power Station, operated in association with NTPC.
Agriculture remains a significant source of livelihood, with paddy, maize, wheat, pulses and oilseeds being important crops. Dairy and fisheries also contribute to the rural economy.
Transport
Begusarai is well connected by rail and road. Barauni Junction, located within the district, is a major railway junction on the Indian Railways network, linking northern, eastern and central India. National Highway 31 passes through the district, and the Rajendra Setu and the newer Digha–Sonpur and other Ganga bridges in the wider region link the area to south Bihar. The nearest major airport is Patna's Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport.
Administration and politics
Begusarai functions as the administrative headquarters of Begusarai district, which is part of the Munger Division. The district is divided into several subdivisions and blocks. The Begusarai Lok Sabha constituency sends one member to the lower house of the Indian Parliament, and the district contains multiple seats in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. The city is administered by the Begusarai Municipal Corporation.
Culture and education
The city is associated with the Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, who was born in the village of Simaria in present-day Begusarai district and is regarded as a national poet (Rashtrakavi). Festivals such as Chhath, Durga Puja, Holi and Eid are widely observed. Educational institutions in the district include government and private colleges affiliated to Lalit Narayan Mithila University, along with technical and polytechnic institutes.
Notable people
- Ramdhari Singh Dinkar – Hindi poet and Rashtrakavi.
Significance
Begusarai is significant as a hub of heavy industry in Bihar, hosting one of eastern India's earliest oil refineries and major fertiliser and power facilities. It is also notable as the site of Kanwar Lake, an ecologically important wetland, and as the birthplace of one of modern Hindi literature's most prominent figures.