Dulha

Dulha [means groom] is the name of a small village in Bisfi block of Madhubani district in the state of Bihar, India. This article is important because of its funny name 'Dulha'. This funny place name although has no trace of its origination. However, a rich father in law might have gifted this place to his newlywed son in law (groom). A newlywed groom is popularly known as Dulha in Hindu culture.

Population

The population is dominated by Maithil Brahmin, a group of highest ranking castes among Brahmin. Total population would be approx 2500 which include other castes (SC, ST, and OBC) as well. Maithili is the mother-tongue and widely spoken here. Since medium of education is Hindi which is also a national language, the official communication is basically in Hindi.

Location

Dulha village is located in Khairi Banka North panchayat which is in Bisfi Block at the south west of Madhubani district in Bihar, India. Village coordinates are 26°20'41"N and 85°56'35"E. It is surrounded by Bhoj Pandaul (village) in East, Khangraitha (village) in West, Rupauli (village) in North and Khairi Banka (village) in South.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main occupation but now majority of population have migrated to cities in search of better job prospects. The agricultural production include paddy, wheat, maize, pulses, vegetables, mango, etc. Village ponds and borewells are the main source of irrigation. The area receives heavy rainfall during rainy season (mid June to September). Almost every year floods ravage the crops as a result farmers loose enthusiasm and stop cultivation. Moreover, the production patten has also change. The input cost is very high compared to the production per katha. Farmers here normally use conventional ways of cultivation. However, modern technologies like uses of tractors and other farming tools have slowly taking place of conventional tools. The unscientific use of fertiliser and insecticide in fields have badly affected the production pattern in this area. The food production is however basically for household consumption and not for commercial purpose. A few farmer produce more than what they require for household consumption and earn revenue as well.

Education

The education system is in very poor state here. Village has got one government run middle school which is the only source of education for children. High school students have to travel 6 to 7 km every day to reach their schools. The popular schools are Government Sr. Sec. School at Keoti Ranway and Simri. Once upon a time, School at Keoti Ranway used to be one of the best in the area. For higher education, students have to either go to Madhubani or Darbhanga and stay in lodge (private hostels) until they complete their education. This is very expensive for students whose parents income entirely depend on agricultural productivity. Girls students suffer a lot as they generally leave studies after 10th as there are no schools or colleges nearby.

Resources

This village has five ponds which are the main source of water for general purpose including irrigation. Earth water is the main source of drinking water here. Almost every household has handpump. The village is fully electrified but there is inconsistent supply of electricity. And therefore, there are private generator operators who have become main supplier of electricity in the village. This is well connected by a pacca road leading to both its block and district headquarters Madhubani and Darbhanga. There are many other kachcha roads which give connectivity to the surrounding villages. A rural market (haat) opens twice a week in a school campus at Khairi Banka which is 2 km away where common household and grocery items are available for public to shop. For large-scale shopping, people of the village normally go to district headquarters either Madhubani or Darbhanga.

Map

The map of this village can be seen at http://wikimapia.org/#lat=26.3437681&lon=85.9412384&z=15&l=0&ifr=1&m=b"

Area Representatives

The area representatives are:

• Village Panchayat Head - Khairi Banka North – Mr. Nawal Kishore Yadav " Mukhiyaji "
• Representative in the State Legislative Assembly - Dr. Faiyaj Ahmad of Rashrtiya Janta Dal
• Representative in the Parliament - Mr. Hukmadeo Narayan Yadav of Bharatiya Janata Party