History
Muzaffarpur was a part of the ancient Vajjika League, one of the principal mahājanapadas of Ancient India.
Ancient
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 Seeta, 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 Lord Buddha. Ambarati, 40 km 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, was hanged, also took place in Muzaffarpur.
Cultural significance
Muzaffarpur is a meeting place of Hindu and Islamic cultures and has a unique blend of traditions. The district's position on the frontier line between two vibrant spiritual influences has given rise to modified institutions, representing mutual assimilation. This diversified element has made Muzaffarpur the birthplace of many towering geniuses.
In 1972, both Sitamarhi and Vaishali districts were split from Muzaffarpur. [3] [4]
Geography
Muzaffarpur district is served by rivers Gandak, Budhi Gandak, Bagmati and Lakhandei.
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 (1,226.2 sq mi), [5] comparatively equivalent to Canada's Mansel Island. [6]
Demographics
Historical population| Year | | |
|---|
| 1901 | 1,078,094 | — |
|---|
| 1911 | 1,113,058 | +0.32% |
|---|
| 1921 | 1,077,631 | −0.32% |
|---|
| 1931 | 1,150,419 | +0.66% |
|---|
| 1941 | 1,269,186 | +0.99% |
|---|
| 1951 | 1,377,181 | +0.82% |
|---|
| 1961 | 1,598,346 | +1.50% |
|---|
| 1971 | 1,909,059 | +1.79% |
|---|
| 1981 | 2,357,388 | +2.13% |
|---|
| 1991 | 2,953,903 | +2.28% |
|---|
| 2001 | 3,746,714 | +2.41% |
|---|
| 2011 | 4,801,062 | +2.51% |
|---|
| source: [7] |
| Religions in Muzaffarpur district (2011) [8] |
|---|
| Religion | | Percent |
| Hinduism | | 84.00% |
| Islam | | 15.53% |
| Other or not stated | | 0.47% |
According to the 2011 census, Muzaffarpur district has a population of 4,801,062, [9] roughly equal to the nation of Singapore [10] or the US state of Alabama. [11] 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/sq mi). 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. [9]
Economy and industry
Muzaffarpur's GDP per capita income stands at $402.22, [16] as of 2024 reports, accounting for 4.7% of Bihar's total. The city has emerged as a significant industrial hub, boasting key installations like Prabhat Zarda Factory, Ganesh Foundries Limited, and NTPC's Kanti Thermal Power Station. Major industries, including Bihar Drugs & Organic Chemicals Ltd. and Muzaffarpur Dairy, have generated substantial employment opportunities. The city is also a vital center for wholesale cloth trade and agriculture-based industries.
Transport
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. [24]
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. [25]
Education
Muzaffarpur is also known as the educational hub of North Bihar. According to the Bihar Economic Survey 2024–25, Muzaffarpur is home to a total of 60 colleges. It is also the headquarters of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University. Additionally, Muzaffarpur houses the first government engineering college Bihar Government, Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology , which was established in 1954. The city also has a government medical college Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital. [26]
Apart from these, Muzaffarpur is home to several other notable colleges.
Schools
- D.A.V. Bakhri & Khabra
- G.D. Mother International School
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Muzaffarpur & Kendriya Vidyalaya CRPF Camp Jhaphan
- Prabhat Tara School
- Delhi Public School Muzaffarpur
- Shemford Futuristic School, Muzaffarpur
In addition to the mentioned schools and colleges, there are many other schools and colleges in Muzaffarpur.
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