Tirhut

Historically Tirhut refers to the Indo-Gangetic plains lying north of the Ganga River, in the Indian state of Bihar. The geographical area known as Tirhut corresponds to the ancient region of Mithila. Tirhut, a densely populated area of India, has alluvial plains and several rivers pass through these plains. The main crops include paddy, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. Some regions of Tirhut, particularly around Muzaffarpur and Hajipur are respectively renowned for Litchi [http://muzaffarpur.nic.in/] and bananas.

In ancient time, the area was part of the kingdom of Vaishali.

During the initial period of the British Raj, Tirhut district was formed in 1873, as part of Patna division. Tirhut district was thereafter reorganized into two districts, namely, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur. In 1908, Tirhut was carved out of Patna division to form a new division named Tirhut division, a name which still (2005) continues, but the boundaries have changed several times due to reorganization of districts and creating smaller districts over decades. Originally, Tirhut division consisted of five districts: Darbhanga , Muzaffarpur, Saran, East and West Champaran.

During the 19th and early 20th century, Tirhut region was an important place for Indigo plantation and processing. Mahatma Gandhi started his Satyagraha movement from areas around, Motihari, which was part of Tirhut. Currently, Indigo plantation and processing has since become extinct in this region.

ee also

*Tirhut division