Jamui district is an administrative district in the Indian state of Bihar. Located in the southern part of the state, it forms part of the Munger Division. The town of Jamui serves as the district headquarters. The district is known for its association with Jain religious tradition, its hilly terrain along the Chhotanagpur plateau fringe, and its mineral resources.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Bihar |
| Division | Munger |
| Headquarters | Jamui |
| Type | District of Bihar |
| Parent district | Munger (until 1991) |
Jamui was carved out of the erstwhile Munger district on 21 February 1991, becoming a separate district of Bihar. The region has a long historical and religious legacy, and is traditionally identified with Jrimbhikgram, a place mentioned in Jain texts as associated with the attainment of kevala jnana (omniscience) by Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, on the banks of the Rijubaluka river. The site at Lachhuar (Lakhisarai-Jamui region) draws Jain pilgrims for this reason.
The district lies in southern Bihar and is bordered by Lakhisarai to the north, Banka to the east, Munger to the north-east, Sheikhpura and Nawada to the west, and the state of Jharkhand (Giridih and Deoghar districts) to the south. The terrain transitions from alluvial plains in the north to forested hills and outcrops of the Chhotanagpur plateau in the south. Major rivers include the Kiul and the Barnar. Forested tracts cover a substantial portion of the southern blocks.
Jamui district is divided into administrative subdivisions and community development blocks, including Jamui, Sikandra, Khaira, Barhat, Lakshmipur, Sono, Jhajha, Chakai, Gidhaur, and Aliganj. The district forms part of the Jamui Lok Sabha constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. Civil administration is headed by a District Magistrate, while law and order is supervised by a Superintendent of Police.
The district economy is predominantly agrarian, with paddy, wheat, maize, and pulses among the principal crops. Jamui is noted for mineral deposits; the area around Karmatia and certain blocks has been explored for mica, and surveys by the Geological Survey of India have indicated the presence of gold-bearing reserves in parts of the district, particularly around Sono. Forest produce and small-scale industries also contribute to local livelihoods.
According to the 2011 Census of India, Jamui district had a population of approximately 1.76 million. The district has a significant tribal population, including Santal communities in the southern hill blocks such as Chakai and Sono. Hindi is the principal language, with Magahi and Angika widely spoken.