Katihar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Katihar | type = city | latd = 25.53 | longd = 87.58
locator_position = right | state_name = Bihar
district = Katihar
leader_title =
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altitude = 20
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 175,169| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
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Katihar is a city and a municipality in Katihar district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is the administrative headquarters of Katihar district.

Geography

Katihar is located at coord|25.53|N|87.58|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Katihar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Katihar] ] It has an average elevation of 20 metres (65 feet).The main rivers of the District are mighty Ganga (southern boundary, 25 kilometers from Katihar Town), magnificent Kosi (western boundary, 30 kilometers from Katihar Town) and beautiful Mahananda besides many other small rivers like Kari Kosi (flowing by the side of Katihar town), Kamla etc. The Kosi (Sorrow of Bihar) merges with Ganga at the south-west boundary of Katihar District. This District shares boundary with two states i.e. Jharkhand at the southern side and West Bengal at the eastern side. The Bangla Desh lies around 80 km east of Katihar town and Nepal lies around 100 km north of Katihar Town. There is rail connectivity to both the borders from Katihar railway station. The hills of Jharkhand near the southern bank of Ganga is even visible from Katihar Town on a clear day.Its proximity to the Himalayas in the north, Jharkhand plateau in the south and a multiple of rivers combined with good rainfall gives it a distinct climate which can be termed more or less pleasant during most of the year. The rainy season flood is an annual feature.

Demography

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Katihar had a population of 175,169. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Katihar has an average literacy rate of 63%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy is 70%, and female literacy is 55%. In Katihar, 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

The history of Katihar is as old as that of India. The area finds its place in the Mahabharata legend. It is said that during the period of Agyat vaas Pandavas spent its time in this area. It is also said that Lord Krishna has visited the area during Mahabharata period and had lost a mani at present Manihari (earlier Maniharan). Raja Birat of Morang also visited the place. The district has been under rule of Anga, and Magadha kings during the time of Mahajanpadas. The area was ruled by the kings of Pal dynasties. With the advent of Muslim rule in the North India Ikhtiyar-ud-din Bakhtiyr Khilazi subjugated this area and subsequently this area remaimed under indirect Mughal rule. With the strengthening of British rule Katihar came under the cluthches of Maharazas, Zamindars and Nawabs who were British Indian Agents. Till the trifurcation of Bihar, Bengal and Orissa; Katihar remained part of Bengal province and subsequently became part of Bihar Suba. With the passage of time British rule was challenged in India and Katihar was in the forefront of the agitation. With the independence of India the people of Katihar breathed free along with all the Indians. Katihar remained a subdivisional town of Purnea District for long time till it was created as an indepenedent District.

Culture and civilization

The area was tossed between kings, Nawabs, zamindars from time to time and each rule has its impact on the district of Katihar. The town has got a cosmopolitan look. It was the main center of jute industry in Bihar which attracted workers from Mithilanchal area of Bihar, Purvanchal area of UP, Magadh region of Bihar and Bhojpuri speaking belt of Bihar and people from Nepal. The people from different region flocked to this town in search of job in jute factory, match factory and flour mills. Besides the original inhabitant of Kosi-Mahananda-Ganga Region the town witnessed an influx of permanent settlers from different region of Bihar and UP. Its proximity to Jharkhand brought many adivasis close to the town.

The partition of India had its own impact on the set up of town. Many rich Muslims either migrated to West Pakistan or East Pakistan (now Bangla Desh). But majority of Muslims chose to remain where they were. Many Hindus who came durting partition chose to settle at Katihar. The migration of Hindus continued till formation of Bangla Desh. Government of India provided them with piece of land to settle now known as Ek(1) number and Do(2) number colonies. Many Bengali Hindus settled in the town wherever they found a place. These people who were once referred as refugees in their own land because of partition has contributed significantly to the culture of Katihar.

Government of India built a colony for them near Purana Jute Mill, known as Burma Colony Tingachhia. But all the refugees could not be accommodated in the colony and many settled here and there.

Guru Teg Bahadur the ninth Guru of Sikh, while returning from Assam passed through district and many local population embraced Sikhism. The famous village is Laksmipur near Karha Gola. There is a Gurudwara in the town also and there is a sizeable population of Sikhs in the town.

There is a sizeable population of Marwari and Sindhi community who are the driving force behind the economy of Katihar. Like whole of the East and North-East India they control the trading activity in Katihar. In fact in remote villages of this District one may find a Marwari doing business.

The District itself was once the part of undivided Bengal Province and there are many original Bengali inhabitants in the villages and town. In fact there is a school Ram Krishna Mission School in the town affiliated to the West Bengal Education Board.

The people here speak, Hindi, Urdu, Angika, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Marwari, Polia, Surjapuri etc.

The town has a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Jain religion followers.

Economy

The major source of living is agriculture. There are few industries in the town:-- Two jute mills and two flour mill are worth mentioning. The jute mills known as Purana Mill and Naya Mill once shaped the characteristics of town. Of late there has been lock outs, re-opening of the mills but the jute industry is in bad shape. There are units which are producing agricultural equipments in tingachhiya. The rice industry is a flourishing business in the Katihar town. The industry here is mainly agro based. One of the agro-based industry to join the group is Makhana. The Makhana Phodi (the place where edible makhana is produced from raw makhana) is growing fast. The cloth market here dealing in cotton and sarees is very vibrant and caters to nearby districts and the bordering countries of Nepal and Bangladesh. There are also a couple of old cycle trading companies with huge turnover. Pharmaceuticals business is also pretty good with huge turnover.The main crops are paddy, jute, makhana, banana, wheat and pulses. The agriculture is the mainstay of District but due to frequent floods, no proper irrigation facility and poor or no electric supply has hampered the rural area dependent upon agriculture. There is large scale migration of poor people to the various cities of India in search of job.hggf

Communications

Katihar is a major railway station under North-East Frontier Railway. It is a very old station. In fact Katihar junction is a five (Eight if local lines taken together) line junction. 1st line goes to Barauni, 2nd line to Kolkata, 3rd line to Jogbani (Nepal border), 4th line to Guwahati, 5th line to Manihari. The other three local lines go to Purana Jute Mill, Naya Jute Mill and FCI. Katihar is also the headquarters of Katihar Railway Division. The major station under this division includes New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kishanganj etc. The world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway falls under the jurisdiction of Katihar Railway Division. One can find trains to Nepal and Bangladesh border from here. In fact pre independence this station was connected with present day Bangladesh. All the trains passing through Katihar stops here. One can get a direct train to most of the Indian cities from this station. The notable trains are Rajdhani Express, Capital Express, Avadh Assam Express, North-East Express, Dadar Express, Amprapali Express, Sikkim Mahananda Express, Amarnath Express, Hate Bazare Express, Bangalore Express etc. Due to lack of poor road network train communication is the only source of communication.

The town does not fall on the national highway. However, NH-31 passes through the District and it is not far from Katihar Town. The road connectivity is not so good. Bus service is mostly limited to Purnea, Siliguri, Jogbani, Manihari, Bhagalpur etc.The nearest commercial airport is Bagdogra (190 km). There is an old time airstrip in the town which is mostly used as a helipad. The place is known as Hawai Adda.

Katihar is a Telecom District headed by General Manager Telecom, BSNL which covers the areas of Purnea, Kishanganj, Fobesganj, Araria, etc. Airtel, RTL, Aircel, Tata, Reliance Infocomm are the other private players giving telecom services. The teledensity is low especially in rural area which reflects the economic backwardness of the rural area.

Education

There are many colleges and schools in the towns. The notables are

Colleges

D. S. College, K. B. Jha College, Mahila College, Sur Tulsi College, Sita Ram Chamariya College, Katihar Medical College.

chools

Maheshwari Academy (estd. 1917),Marwari PathshalaZila SchoolHari Shankar Nayak High SchoolChildren's Happy HomeAdarsh VidyalayaGirls SchoolRK Mission School ( West Bengal Education Board)Kendriya VidyalayaAdhin Ajab Lal Manjhi Children's AcademyScottish Public SchoolMadhya Vidyalaya TingachhiyaRam Kanthoo SchoolColonels AcademyA.L.High School SonailiSalmari High SchoolR.K. High School AzamnagarDHARMPUR GHANDHI HIGN SCHOOL,KRISHNA NAGER(KATIHAR)RAJYEKIY MADHE VIDYALA KHAIRAKANYA PATHSALA SALEMPURBubhna Middle School Sonaili KatiharMajheli Middle School Pranpur KatiharPahlagarh Middle School Sonaili Katihar.M.B.T.A.Islamia High School,Katihar.DURGA PRASAD HIGH SCHOOL, DURGAGANJ, KUMHARI. KANYA MADHYA VIDYALAYA, KUMHARI, SWAMI VIVEKANAND SHIKSHAN SANSTHAN, SHANTI VIHAR, KUMHARI.

Others

Katihar Medical College and Hospital Katihar, Maharshi Mehi Homepathic Medical College, I.T.I., Jute Research Institute,Katihar High School,Gandhi High School,Bold texta beautiful girl MONA also belongs to katihar. this is most importanat fact. she is merred and her husband is working at indian oil corporation limited.i love mona.

Landmarks

Temples

The two notable landmarks are the Durga Asthan and the Kali Asthan. Centrally located is the Post Office.

Theatres

There are four cinema halls Shyama Talkies, Prakash Talkies, Hardayal Talkies & the Vasant Talkies.

Railway Station

Katihar Railway Station is the most famous landmark of the town. It is one of the biggest junctions of India. It is a five (Eight if local lines taken together) line junction. 1st line goes to Barauni, 2nd line to Kolkata, 3rd line to Jogbani (Nepal border), 4th line to Guwahati, 5th line to Manihari. The other three local lines go to Purana Jute Mill, Naya Jute Mill and FCI. Katihar is also the headquarters of Katihar Railway Division. The major station under this division includes New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kishanganj etc.

Famous Places

Simalya-It is a house situated at Amla Tola known for the famous fish tank on its roof.It is popularly known as machali tanki.

Others

Bazar Samiti Tingachhiya(BURMA COLONY), Mangal Bazar, Officer's Coloney Mirchaibadi, Shiv Mandir Chowk, Chodhury Mohalla Chowk, Purana Jute Mill, Naya Jute Mill, Sirsa Military Camp, BMP Parade Ground, DRM Office,Budhu Chowk, Collectoriate, Mirchaibari Chowk, Medical College, D.S. College, Doordarshan Tower, Hawai Adda, Barik Chowk are the important places in Katihar District,Durgasthan Chowk,Hardayal Chowk.

Religious places

* Durga Mandir - The place itself is famous as Durga Asthan. The annual Durga Puja Mela in September-October is a must visit. This small town very old Durga Mandir is unique in the Eastern India. The sacrifice (Bali) of any animal is not allowed here.
*There is also a Durga Mandir known as choti Durga mandir/ Sarva mangala sarva janik durga sthan near officer's colony, mirchaibari chowk,KATIHAR. The annual Durga puja mela in September-October is a must visit,
* Kali Mandir at Vinodpur - This is also known as Patthar Kali or Bari Kali. This temple is unique. Generally we see Goddess Kali with her tongue out and in aggressive mode. But the Pratima (Idol) of Kali here does not show its tongue outside. It is a Soumya Maa Kali.
#sri sri 108 manokamana mata mandir located in lalkothi road,annual mela in september-october must see.
* Gyatri Shaktiptih at Mirchaibari
* Al Jamia Nizamia Faizul Uloom, Malik pur haat
* Anuman Mandir in Vijay nagar
* Bari Masjid Rampara (Salik)
* Chhoti Masjid Ganja Gali * Dargah village Rahmanpur Takiya sharif, near Barsoi
* Church in new colony
* Dargah Village BENI Near Salmari
* East & West Academy, Chowki Haat
* Gurudwara near new market
* Hanuman Mandir( Michaibari Chowk )
* Kali Mandir At Salempur
* Kali Mandir at Tingachhia
* Katihar new modal railway station.
* Madarasa-ul-uloom Majheli, Katihar
* Majar at K.B.Jha road
* Masjid Amla Tola near new market road
* Masjid in magal bazar
* Mumtazia Madarasa and Eidgah Majheli, Katihar
* Shani mandir at Durgaasthan
* Madarsa Dar-ul-Uloom, Katihar
* Kali mandir at Gami Tola.
#Durga mandir in sonaili.
#Hanuman mandir in churi patti,katihar
#baba ganinath mandir in hawaiadda,katihar.
*HANUMAN MANDIR AT RAILWAY STATION,KATIHAR.

Famous Shops to visit

*Chowki Haat - a Rural market
*Kurum Market
*Satayanarayan sawarmal,
*Gopal soni,
*Bharat Iron Store(Mr.chand),
*Rauf & Sons(Optical),
*Vishal Auto Parts,
*Universal Medical Store,
*Khalsha(Mangal Bazzar),
*Woodland Furniture,
*Peter England,
*He & She,
*Charlie Outlaw(Vinodpur),
*Grihashti(Vinodpur),
*BNT, katihar (binodpur)
*Quality.
*CALCUTTA DRESSES.
*DELHI DRESSES.
*DIAMOND
*ASHISH MOTORS, ETC.

Several showrooms have opened in recent years.

However several malls may come up in coming ye

Famous Restuarants

*Mahabir Hotel, Chowki market
*Anand Kunj,
*Deluxe,
*Gopal Misthan Bhandar,
*Rajhans,
*Satkar,
*Khanna Khajana,
*Chappan Bhog,
*Woodland etc.

Famous Hotels to Stay

*Satkar,
*Ossana,
*Rajasthan,
*Akarsh,
*Katihar Boarding,
*Krishna Boarding
*Hotel Aaram.
*Hotel Shanti, etc.

Famous Food Items

*Doodh damma (A dish prepared with the pulp of mangoes)
*Samosa,
*Jalebi,
*Dosai,
*Gulab Jamun,
*Laddu,
*Mooori and ghumni,
*Jhalmudhi,
*Golgappa etc.

Places of interest

Baliharpur/Chowki => At about 40 km north-east from Katihar town.Nearby places: Kadwa, Sonaili, Baliharpur.The village is versatile in all aspects. People from almost all caste and religion live here as a common fraternity. The main source of living is agriculture and business. There is one market (Haat-truly eccentric) in the eastern part of the village. The haat is condsidered to be the pivotal of all the business related interests. People from nearby villages often visit the same for shopping. The river Mahananda is located at about two kilometres towards east-north. The riverbed of Mahananda is so beautifully laid out that its beauty is enchanting.But now its a devastating river.Earlier Baliharpur was located on the bank of Mahananda river, but due to river erosion, the 75% part of village was eroded and swept away into river. Village scattered in near by area... Thus new Baliharpur came into existence which is now adjacent to Chowki Haat. Chowki haat is local market for the near by villagers, most of shop owners are from Baliharpur village.

Majheli => is near about 25 KiloMeters from Sonaili Railway station towards south and 20 KiloMeters from Katihar district HeadQuarter towards east direction and between Katihar town and Salmari.Nearby places: Sonaili, Bhogaon, Bastol, Pranpur. This village comes under Patharwar Panchayat under Pranpur Block.

The village is also versatile in all aspects. People from almost all castes live here as a common fraternity. Peoples from different religions and cast like Shershahbadi, Pandit, Mandal are staying together. Main source of living is agriculture and business. Some people are working in state government and Private sectors. The famous Eidgah near 'Mumtazia Madarsa' where people of more than 12 villages offer Namaj-e-Eid every year. From new generations people like Mahbub Ali Azad (Software Engineer), Dr. Faiyaz Alam(MBBS) and some others giving a great exceptional contribution towards educational environment in this region. Mukhiya of this rgion(Patharwar Panchayat) is Mojibur Rahman. The river Mahananda is running near about 10 km east of this village.

Rahman Pur, situated 40 km north from Katihar town, is very near to Barsoi. This village is a historic village due to presence of Mazar-e-Sharif. Every year lots of devotees come here to offer prayer during Urs celebrations. It is also known as heart of Katihar due to its beauty and connectivity from West Bengal. Written by Jamalul Haque

The District of Katihar shares boundary with the newly formed Province of Jharkhand and to be more precise with the Santhal Pragana area of Jharkhand. Due to this proximity there are many areas in the district populated by the Santhals (Adi-Vasis). It is a treat to visit an Adivasi village more popularly called as Sautar Toli or Tola. The tribal culture and ethnic extravaganza is at its best here. The Sunday and Wednesday Haat of Bara Bazar attracts a lot of Santhals who mostly come to do their weekly marketing. The Chhowa Gud ( Mollasses in granular form) and Mahuwa (dried flower of Mahuwa Tree) are the most sought after commodities which are used for making mahuwa ( an intoxicating drink-liquar- Sharaab) by the Santhals.

Manihari :- The place get its name from God Krishna. Once God Krishna visited this place and lost his Mani, that is how it became Mani Haran and subsequently Manihari. The small town located at the bank of Ganga some 15 miles south of Katihar town is a place to visit during the holy Snan of Kartik Purnima and Maghi Purnima. Here one can see the old steamer ferrying across Ganga between Sahebganj(Jharkhand) and Manihari(Bihar). This place is also famous for the physician cum famous Bengali writer Balai Chandra Mukhopadhyaya. The Hate Bazare Express originally running between Katihar and Sealdah gets its name from the famous novel Hate Bazare by Sri Balai Chandra Mukhopadhyaya also known as Banaphool. One can find steamer service in the River Ganga connecting Manihari(Bihar) with Sahebganj(Jharkhand).

Lakshmipur :- This place is situated near Karha Gola Road Railway Station in Katihar District on the bank of Ganga. This village is famous for its uniqueness that its inhabitants are SIKHS. Not only this, there are few adjoining villages which have Sikh population and Gurudwaras. The Village Lakhsmipur has a famous Gurudwara and historical shrine dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur with an ancient copy of Guru Granth Sahib. When Guru Teg Guru Bahadur was returning from Assam to Patna he stayed at this village ( earlier location Kant Nagar). The people of the village became his followers and accepted the Sikh Faith. Many people visit this village as it is associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Bharri :- Bharri is small Village situated in north-east Bihar adjacent with Nepal & W.Bengal border with all facility.Bharri is a tiny village situated in the north-eastern Bihar district of Katihar. Bharri comes under the constituency of Kadwa. It's Sub-divisional office at Barsoi and Block Development Officer(BDO)'s Office at Kumhari. This Village has a Hospital and also a post office and also a Panchayat office which is headed by people elected member called Mukhiya (Who is responsible to check all the development in the Panchayat) and a Sarpanch (who is responsible to check all the issue related to crime and its settlement). This village has a proper telephone communication to District Headquarter Katihar and as well as Sub-divisional office Barsoi and also have a proper electricity and road communication Bharri.It is 11 KiloMeters from Sonaili Railway station and 38 KiloMeters from Katihar district HeadQuarter towards north-west direction. It is famous for its unique Chhath Puja celebrations. There is an ancient temple of God Maharaja (the King). People pray god Maharaja all the time because it is located outskirts of the village. This village has a rich educational background like 3-6 doctors among them 2-3 working for villagers, 5-10 Engineers working in different domains all over India, One is Professor in India's famous University JNU and One is currently studying, 3-5 serving/served the Indian Railway, above 25 is still giving their best to our future children as a teacher.

Marghia-- Marghia is a beautiful village Surrounded by N.H-31 and New Delhi- Gouhati Raylways Trak. It is Sittuated near a small river, which makes air fresh and cool for people of Magrhia.There are near about 10 thousand population is there, with 1 Middle-School and more then 20 Primary lavel School, There is a Islamic Madarsa also there . Education ration 40% is there. All religions people live in marghia.Hndu(10%), Muslim(80%),Sikh(5%)and other backward cast(5%)........Niamatur Rahman ia a famus parsnalty person is there...

Mallikpur:-Mallikpur is a small villge situated in the north eastern part of katihar. The place is known because of its animals market and local trading. Also the place rose to the popularity because of a private Islamic school/madrasa Al Jamia tul Nizamia Faizul Uloom الجامعة النظامية فيض العلوم>It is 90 kms away from district town. The literacy rate is very low. Only about 25 percent population of the village are lterate. Percapita income is also very low. West Bengal is just 1 km away from this village. The growth differences cleary reflets between Bengal and Bihar while comparing the one kilometer distance between the two states. Development rate is very low due to its remotely connection from the district town and low literacy rate. Edited by: Jamalul Haque Press Reporter

References