The Muzaffarpur district is one of the thirty-eight districts of Biharstate, India. Muzaffarpur district is part of and also the headquarters of Tirhut division. Muzaffarpur district is the financial and un-official capital of North Bihar[1] Tirhut is the ancient name of all of northern Bihar. [2]
The history of Muzaffarpur dates back to the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. According to legend, Rajarshi Janak ruled Videha, a region that included present-day eastern Nepal and northern Bihar. Sitamarhi, a place in this region, is sacred to Hindus, who believe that Sita, also known as Vaidehi, was born there.
Medieval
The recorded history of Muzaffarpur begins with the rise of the Vrijjan Republic. The district was later influenced by the Licchavis, a powerful and influential clan. The Vrijjan Republic was a confederation of eight clans, with the Licchavis being the most prominent. The kingdom of Magadh also had matrimonial alliances with the Licchavis in 519 BC.
Influence of Buddhism and Jainism
Muzaffarpur was also influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. Vaishali, a center of religious renaissance, was the birthplace of Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankar and a contemporary of Buddha. Ambarati, 40km from Muzaffarpur, is believed to be the village home of Amrapali, the famous Royal court dancer of Vaishali.
Muslim Rule and British Era
In the 14th century, Muzaffarpur came under Muslim rule. The district was later controlled by the Pala kings and the Sena dynasty. In the 18th century, Muzaffarpur became part of the Mughal Empire. The district was later annexed by the East India Company in 1764, following their victory at the Battle of Buxar.
Struggle for independence
Muzaffarpur played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. The district was a center of nationalist movement, with Mahatma Gandhi visiting the area in 1920 and 1927. The famous bomb case of 1908, in which a young Bengali revolutionary, Khudi Ram Bose along with Prafulla Chaki attempted to assassinate British Judge Douglas Kingsford by throwing a bomb at his carriage but he was not inside it. Instead, the carriage was carrying the wife and daughter of barrister Pringle Kennedy. For this act he was hanged, at Central Jail Muzaffarpur.
Cultural significance
Muzaffarpur is a cultural hub of Bihar, known for its rich blend of Hindu traditions. Often referred to as the Deoghar of Bihar, the city has a diverse cultural heritage that has contributed to the birth of many notable personalities.
In 1972, the districts of Sitamarhi and vaishali were separated from Muzaffarpur to form independent administrative units. Times of India (1 January 2025). [4]
Many streams pass through the district. The area has been prone to floods. The district lies in the fertile region of Gangetic plain. Muzaffarpur district occupies an area of 3,175.9 square kilometres (1,226.2sqmi),[5] comparatively equivalent to Canada's Mansel Island.[6]
Economy and industry
As of 2024, Muzaffarpur has a GDP per capita income of approximately $402.22, contributing around 4.7% to Bihar's total GDP.
The city has emerged as a significant industrial and commercial hub in the state, with key installations such as the NTPC Kanti Thermal Power Station, Textile units, and Bag manufacturing clusters. Prominent industries, including Bihar Drugs & Organic Chemicals Ltd and Muzaffarpur Dairy, have played a vital role in boosting the local economy and generating substantial employment.
Muzaffarpur is a major center for wholesale cloth trade and agriculture-based industries, further reinforcing its economic importance. Owing to its commercial influence and strategic location, Muzaffarpur is often regarded as the Economic and Unofficial capital of North Bihar.[7]
Bela Industrial Area: This area is known for its Indias largest bag manufacturing cluster and over 50 operational textile units.[8]
Bariyarpur Industrial Area (Motipur): Located in Motipur, this area is situated near the East West Corridor and the Motihari-Muzaffarpur 4-lane highway
On 5 August 2025, the Bihar Cabinet approved the development of new industrial areas in Paroo, Muzaffarpur, covering 700 acres of land at an estimated cost of ₹297 crore.
Mega Food Park A pioneering initiative spanning 78 acres, developed at ₹180.57 crores, promoting food processing and entrepreneurship.[9]
Bio-Fuel Plants: Six biofuel plants contribute to sustainable energy solutions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Leather Product Park: A 10-acre park in Bela Industrial Area, hosting 95 companies for collaborative manufacturing, promoting the leather industry.
Semiconductor firm Suresh Chips & Semiconductor, a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, is the only semiconductor company in Bihar[10]
Dairy Plants Sudha, ITC Limited dairy plants and many more related industries operate in Muzaffarpur, contributing to the region's dairy sector and providing employment opportunities.
Kanti Thermal Power Station A thermal power plant located in Kanti, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, with a capacity to generate electricity, meeting the region's power demands.
Lychee cultivation is renowned for its litchi cultivation, covering approximately 25,800 hectares, producing about 300,000 tonnes every year, with exports to major cities in India and abroad.
Lahti bangles The production and sales of lahti bangles are prominent in the city, with Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai wearing them at her wedding, showcasing the city's craftmanship
Muzaffarpur Military Station is a small cantonment area located on Circuit House Road, Shrirampuri, Muzaffarpur. The entire Cantonment is controlled and managed by the 151 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (TA) Jat Regiment.
The 151 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) JAT is a unit of the Territorial Army (TA) of India, affiliated with the Jat Regiment of the Indian Army. The battalion is based in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and functions as a part-time voluntary force, providing military training and operational support to the regular army.
Transport
Muzaffarpur is a Major Transport Hub in North Bihar as it is well connected with All the Major Cities & Towns of the Country
NH 27 which is part of India's East–West highway corridor passes through Muzaffarpur. Muzaffarpur is connected to other parts of India by NH 27,NH 22, NH 122 and Bihar State highways 48 & 4 [9]Asian Highway 42 (AH42) passes through Muzaffarpur, India, as part of the National Highway 27 (NH 27) route within the city[10]
Metro Rail
Muzaffarpur Metro is a proposed metro railway service in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. The proposal was proposed by the department of Urban Development and Housing Development of Bihar Government to provide facility of metro railway services in Muzaffarpur
For this project, RITES has already completed the survey, finalized the station and route for the Muzaffarpur metro, and sent it to the Bihar government for approval.[11][12]
Airport
Patahi Airport, located in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, is currently not operational but is slated for development and expansion, with plans for a longer runway and to accommodate 19 Seater aircraft. [13]
According to the 2011 census, Muzaffarpur district has a population of 4,801,062,[20] roughly equal to the nation of Singapore[21] or the US state of Alabama.[22] This gives it a ranking of 24th th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 1,514 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,920/sqmi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 28.14%. Muzaffarpur has a sex ratio of 900 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 63.4%. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 15.66% and 0.12% of the population respectively.[20]
↑ District Administration, Muzaffarpur. History | District Muzaffarpur, Government of Bihar. District Muzaffarpur, Government of Bihar. Retrieved [access date].
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