Archaeological evidence suggests that the region of Bihpur has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Excavations at Gawaridih, a village in the block, have revealed traces of an agrarian settlement dating back more than 3,200 years. Finds include terracotta figurines, iron implements, pottery and remains of farming practices, indicating a well-organized early community.[3]
Further discoveries at the same site point to a Copper–Megalithic culture, nearly 5,000 years old, with copper tools, pottery shards, baked bricks and animal fossils unearthed during surveys.[4] Relics of the Buddhist period (c. 6th–5th century BCE) have also been reported, suggesting cultural continuity from prehistoric to early historic times.[2]
The region later became part of the Anga mahajanapada, one of the sixteen great states of ancient India, with its capital at Champa (near present-day Bhagalpur). This association places Bihpur within the historical landscape of eastern India’s early political and cultural developments. [5][6]
Role in freedom struggle
Satyagraha at Bihpur
Bihpur played an important role during the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. It was an Important centre of satyagraha during the anti colonial struggle. The Swaraj Ashram at Bihpur became a centre of activity for Congress volunteers and freedom fighters. On 31 May 1930, British officials raided the Ashram, seizing khadi, charkhas and even throwing out the national flag in an attempt to suppress the movement.[7][8]
In the following days, local satyagrahis launched protests against liquor and ganja shops as part of Gandhi’s call for nashabandi (prohibition). The police responded with lathi-charges and arrests.
A major event took place on 9 June 1930, when Dr. Rajendra Prasad, along with leaders like Abdul Bari and Baldev Sahay, addressed a public meeting near the Ashram. The gathering was broken up by police violence, and Dr. Prasad himself was beaten and briefly detained at Bihpur railway station jail. The incident caused widespread outrage and strengthened the movement in the region, with prominent figures such as Rai Bahadur Dwarkanath resigning from the Bihar Legislative Council in protest.[9]
These events gave Bihpur a distinct place in Bihar’s freedom struggle, remembered as a site where the national leadership directly engaged with rural satyagrahis.[10][11][12][13]
Quit India Movement and Local Heroes
Bihpur’s contribution to India’s fight for independence did not end with the Salt Satyagraha of 1930. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, local patriots once again took a stand. Even though detailed records are sparse, the Khadi Bhawan remained a place of quiet but profound remembrance—where, to this day, names like Jatadhari Chaudhary (died in 1997) , Shanichar, Foudi Mandal, Biranchi Mandal, Khusarru Manjhi, and Dashrath Mahto are honored for laying down their lives for freedom. Annual gatherings ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Likewise, Yusuf Mehr Ali—a socialist leader active in the call of “Karomaro” and the chant of “Simon-go-back”—is fondly recalled by local socialists for his courage during those turbulent times.[14][15]
Post-independence
After independence, the Government of India launched the Community Development Programme on 2 October 1952 to promote rural development through planned administration. Under this scheme, rural areas were divided into administrative units known as Community Development Blocks. Bihpur was brought under this framework in the 1960s and functions today as one of the sixteen blocks of Bhagalpur district . The block administration oversees programmes related to agriculture, irrigation, education, health and rural infrastructure.[16][17][18][19]
Geography and Demographics
Total area of Bihpur block is 149km². It is surrounded by the Ganga and Kosi rivers. It has a population of 1,23,386 peoples and population density of 826 inhabitants per sq km. There are about 23,503 houses in the sub-district. It is a complete rural area.[20][21]
Average literacy rate of Bihpur Block in 2011 were 60.26% in which, male and female literacy were 67.19% and 52.21% respectively. Total Literate in Bihpur Block were 60,944 of which male and female were 36,506 and 24,438 respectively.[21]
Language
Angika is the regional language in Bihpur . Hindi is the official language in the block and Urdu is the additional official language .[22][23][21]
Economy
Banana Bowl of Bihar
Bihpur block in Bhagalpur district as a part of Naugachia subdivision is popularly known as the “Banana Bowl of Bihar” for its extensive banana cultivation. The fertile lands along the Ganga support lush orchards spread across villages such as Milki, Jhandapur, Vikrampur, Sonbarsha, Marwa, Jairampur, Kaharpur, Hario, Phulaut, Sahori, Gauripur, Chakrami, Bhramarpur, Nagarpara and several others. These areas are dominated by large banana plantations, though litchis and mangoes are also grown in smaller quantities mainly from Babhangama orchards.[24]
Sonbarsa–Ghatora is a floodplain wetland complex in Bihpur block, under Naugachia subdivision of Bhagalpur, Bihar. Hydrologically it sits on the Ganga–Kosi confluence belt, where old channels and oxbows feed seasonal marshes—typical of this active river morphology near Naugachia.[25][26]
It has emerged as one of Bihar’s notable winter bird sites. During the 2024 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), Ghatora recorded ~10,110 waterbirds—among the higher single-site counts in the state. Later that winter, observers reported three notable firsts for the site: Hen Harrier, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Ruddy-breasted Crake.[27][28]
Bihpur Swaraj Ashram
Swaraj Ashram is located in Bihpur Bazaar of Bhagalpur district . It played a pivotal role during the Indian independence movement. Established as a hub for the local Congress committee, the ashram housed activities like khadi promotion, charkha spinning, and meetings of satyagrahis. In present times, Swaraj Ashram continues to be a symbol of patriotic pride for the region. [29] The site is cleaned and decorated on national occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day, where locals gather to honor the memory of the freedom fighters. However, the ashram is yet to receive formal heritage status or systematic conservation, limiting its recognition beyond the district.[30][31]
Brajleshwar Mahadev Mandir , Marwa
Brajleshwar Mahadev Mandir , Marwa
Brajleshwar Mahadev Mandir (also known as Baba BrajleshwarnathMandir or Mini Devghar) is a Shiva temple located in Marwa (Madwa) village of Bihpur block, Bhagalpur district, Bihar. The temple is considered to be more than 400 years old and is centred on a self-manifested (svayambhu) shivlinga. According to local legend, a cow used to shed milk at the site where the lingam was later found, after which King Jhabban Singh is said to have dreamt of Lord Shiva instructing him to build the shrine.[32][33]
The temple is regarded as a manokamna sthal (wish-fulfilling site), where devotees believe that their prayers are answered and untimely death (akal mrityu) is prevented. It is especially significant during Sawan and Mahashivaratri, when thousands of pilgrims walk nearly 40 km carrying Ganga water for jalabhishek of the deity[34]
Hazrat Mangan Shah Dargah , Milki
Hazrat Mangan Shah Tomb
Mangan Shah Dargah is a centuries-old Sufi shrine located in Milki village, Bihpur block, Bhagalpur district, Bihar.It is around 250 years old and dedicated to HazratData Mangan Shah . The shrine holds deep spiritual significance in the region and is widely known for its traditions and centuries-old culture of Hindu-Muslim unity in northern India.The practice of a Hindu Kayastha family offering the first chadar has continued for generations, cementing the dargah's reputation as a symbol of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb culture. Every year, during the Urs festival, devotees from different faiths gather at the dargah to pay homage to the saint. [35]The celebrations feature qawwali performances, communal meals, and spiritual gatherings, reflecting the Sufi ideals of peace, inclusivity, and harmony. [36][37]
Local traditions narrate that Hazrat Mangan Shah himself was a figure of compassion and tolerance, welcoming people of all backgrounds to his spiritual circle. The dargah’s shared reverence across communities has helped preserve social harmony in the region for generations. Easily accessible from Thana Bihpur railway station (about 3 km away), the site continues to attract pilgrims and visitors interested in both its spiritual legacy and cultural significance.[38][39]
Bam Kali Mandir , Thana Bihpur
Bam Kali Mandir , Bihpur
Bam Kali Mandir (also called Maa Bam Kali Temple) is a prominent Hindu shrine located in Bihpur, Bhagalpur district, Bihar, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, one of the principal deities in the Shakti tradition of Hinduism. According to local records and reports, worship at the Bam Kali Mandir has been ongoing for over 250 years. The temple holds a central place in the cultural identity of the Bihpur–Jamalpur Panchayat . The temple serves as a spiritual hub for the region, especially during Kali Puja and other Hindu festivals. Thousands of devotees participate in the celebrations and rituals, with the temple premises hosting grand immersion (visarjan) processions each year.[40][41]
Administration
According to Bihpur Gram Panchayati System, Bihpur is divided into 16 Gram Panchayats and 64 villages.
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