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Kaimur district

Overview

Kaimur is a district in the Indian state of Bihar. It lies in the south-western part of the state, bordering Uttar Pradesh, and forms part of the Patna Division. The district takes its name from the Kaimur Range, an eastern extension of the Vindhya mountain system, which dominates its southern landscape. Bhabua serves as the administrative headquarters of the district.

Key facts

Attribute Detail
State Bihar
Country India
Headquarters Bhabua
Division Patna Division
Region Western Bihar / Bhojpur cultural region
Geographical feature Kaimur Range (Vindhya system)

Background

Kaimur district was carved out of the erstwhile Rohtas district. Prior to its formation, the area was part of the larger Shahabad region, which was historically subdivided into Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, and Kaimur. The district is largely agrarian, with the northern plains drained by tributaries of the Ganges and Son rivers, while the southern part rises into the forested Kaimur plateau.

Geography

The district is bounded by Rohtas to the east, Buxar and the state of Uttar Pradesh to the north and west, and Madhya Pradesh's frontier areas to the south through the plateau. The Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest protected areas in Bihar, lies partly within the district and supports forests of sal and mixed deciduous species along with associated fauna.

Major towns and blocks

  • Bhabua – district headquarters
  • Mohania – important commercial town along the Grand Trunk Road
  • Ramgarh, Chainpur, Chand, Bhagwanpur, Adhaura, Durgawati, Kudra, Rampur, Nuaon – administrative blocks

Administration

Kaimur district is administered by a District Magistrate. For revenue administration it is divided into sub-divisions and community development blocks, with Bhabua being the principal sub-division. The district sends representatives to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, and the area falls under the Sasaram Lok Sabha constituency for parliamentary elections; parts of the district have historically been associated with reserved constituencies.

Economy

The economy of the district is predominantly agricultural. Paddy and wheat are the principal crops, with pulses and oilseeds also cultivated. Proximity to the Grand Trunk Road (National Highway 19) and the Howrah–Delhi main railway line passing through Mohania and Kudra has supported trade and transport-linked activity in the northern belt. The plateau region remains comparatively less developed and forested.

Culture and heritage

Kaimur is associated with the Bhojpuri linguistic and cultural sphere. The district contains several sites of archaeological and religious interest, including:

  • Mundeshwari Temple at Ramgarh, considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India, built in stone with an octagonal plan and dedicated to forms of Shakti and Shiva.
  • Karkatgarh waterfall on the Karmanasa river, a natural site on the Kaimur plateau.
  • Rock paintings and prehistoric shelters in the Kaimur hills, indicating early human occupation.

Transport

The district is well connected by road through National Highway 19 (the historic Grand Trunk Road), which traverses Mohania. Rail connectivity is provided by stations on the Howrah–Delhi route, including Kudra and Bhabua Road (near Mohania). The nearest major airport is at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, with Patna and Gaya also accessible.

References