Saharsa is a city and a municipality in the Saharsa district in the Indian state of Bihar in northeast India, east of the

Kosi River. It is the administrative headquarters of the Saharsa District, and is in the Kosi Division. Sahrasa is also the name of the Parliamentary constituency, which contains the city and a major part of the district. The origin of the name Saharsa is unknown. Contents Earlier Saharsa district was within Munger District and also Bhagalpur Division. Kosi Division was formed on 2 October 1972, comprising Saharsa, Purnia and Katihar district, with its headquarters at Saharsa. Similarly a new Civil Sub-Division Birpur was created on 1 December 1972, consisting of 24 development blocks viz. Raghopur, Chhatapur, Basantpur and Nirmali which were previously under Supaul subdivision of this district. Two new districts Madhepura&Supaul have been formed from Saharsa district on 30 April 1981 and 1991. Saharsa district now consists of two subdivisions, viz. SaharsaSadar and SimriBakhtiarpur. The district consists of 10 development blocks and anchals each. Saharsa was created on 1 April 1954. Formerly it had no independent status and parts of Saharsa were included in the old districts of Munger& Bhagalpur A large parts of the district in the past was subjected to annual floods and inundation by a host of rivers originating from the Himalayas. The sub terai was noted for rice cultivation before it was subjected to the vagaries of the unpredictable Koshi. The district has been largely influenced by its geography. Whatever humans of historically important sites that may have existed here have been virtually started by the repeated flooding at the koshi river during the last half century or so. With the efforts of some early Europeans however, some important historical objects or landmarks have been preserved in a few places and it is on the basis of these that some kind of a connected account of the early history of the district can be constructed. ANCIENT TIME In ancient times Vaishali was the strongest republic in North-Bihar and beyond that lay the famous territory of Anguttarap. There was a small Janpad, named Apna, in Anguttarap and it included a portion of the district of Shaharsa. Although it is not confirmed whether this was a republic it is certain that the people of this area were outside the influence of the Lichchhavis. Various sites of the district, now completely eroded and destroyed by the koshi, viz. Biratpur, Budhiagarhi, Budhnaghat, Buddhadi, Pitahahi and Mathai are associated with Buddhism. Before the advent of Kosi in the district these sites supplied important materials, and during the district these sites supplied important materials, and during the period of erosion big buildings and huge construction whichlay covered under them were noticed falling into the river. Local legends confirm that Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira passed through the district during their missionary travels and delivered important sermons. Both Anga and North Bihar (including Shaharsa) continued to be independent till the early part of the sixth century B.C. For some time Magadha remained an integral part of Anga. But soon the prosperity of Anga declined. Bimbisara, the king of Magadh, annexed Anga to his empire. Though Anga seems to have continued as an independent Janpad. This was the characteristic of the whole of north Bihar until it was finally conquered by Ajatashatru. He finally defeated the Lichhavis and other independent republics of north Bihar and annexed the whole territory to the Kingdom of Magadha. The Magadhempire was growing rapidly and the whole of Bihar was brought under the sway of Magadhan rule by the Nandas and Mauryas.

In the first decade of this century a board of 58 punch marked coins of the Mauryan period was discovered from Gorhoghat. Later, the same type of coins were found at Patuaha by prof. R.K. Choudhary in 1956. He also came across some pieces of black polished ware near Mahishi and its surroundings. The Mauryan rule in this area stands firmly confirmed by a Mauryan pillar at Sikligarh on the Banmankhi-Forbesganj Road and another in the Kishanganj Police Station. Since Saharsa was a border district even in those days, the Mauryan rulers apparently took special care to guard its frontiers. The Mauryans were supplanted by Sungas and Kanvas and there did not seem to have been major political change in the district. Whether the Kushans conquered this portion cannot be determined. Between 320 and 1097 A.D. Under the Guptas (from 320 A.D.) the entire North Bihar was consolidated as a Tirbhukti (province) with its capital at Vaishali. Therefore, the forward province came to be known as Bhukti and the district came to be known as Vishaya. In North Bihar, there were two Bhuktis, viz. Tirabhukti (practically the whole of North Bihar) and Pundravardhanbhukti (included a portion of Saharsa, Purnia and a portion of North Bengal). The extent of Saharsa during the period under review was up to the confines of Pundravardhanbhukti which included some of its present area. After the decline of the Guptas the political gap came to be utilised by all contemporary chiefs. Taking advantage of the situation the Varmans of Kamrup (Assam) extended their authority up to the confines of the Kosi. The rule of purnavarman over North Bihar included the present district of Saharsa. The rise of Harsha in 7th century A.D. was an event of great importance. He brought under his sway the whole of Northern India. But the death of Harsha in 647 A.D. once again let loose the forces of disintegration. The Palas of Bihar and Bengal (8th century) A.D. gave a stable administration to the district. As South Bihar was pressed by the Kalchuris, the palas apparently shifted to North Bihar and Saharsa might have been their head quarters during the time of Vigraphapala-III. Quite a few villages in Saharsa district are associated with the names of pala rulers and it was through this district that the Palas could establish contact with Nepal. From the geographical point of view Saharsa was the most strategically suited from being the Jayaskandharar (temporary Capital) of the Palas at the time when they were surrounded on all sides by enemies. Between 1097 and 1765 A.D. The decline of the Pala authority in Bihar and Bengal was followed by the establishment of the Karnata in Mithila and the sena dynasties in Bengal. Both the Kanrnatas and senas claimed authority over portion of Saharsa and often entered into armed conflict. Nanyadeva, the first of the Karnatas, extended his influence from Champaran to Purnia. Probably, the two chiefs (Nanyadeva of the Karnatas dynasty and Vijay Sena of the Sena Dynasty) were allies who fell into disagreement over division of territory. The deopna inscription of Vijay Sena indicated that Nanyadeva was defeated and imprisoned some where in Supaul Sub division. It was Gangadeva, his son who liberated him. The sanokar inscription of vallalassena proves that his rule extended up to the district of Bhagalpur. The two sons of Nanyadeva, Malladeva and Gangadeva apparently drove the senas further east as indicated by the setting up of GangapurRanani (named after Gangadeva) in parganaNishanpurKurha and Maldiha (named after Malladeva) on the Saharsa-Purnia border. The Village Malhad near

Supaul is also associated with Malladeva. Gangadeva was succeeded by Narasimha deva during whose reign Mithila and Nepal were separated. Gradually, the Tughlaq authority in Mithilaweakend. Haji Illyas of Bengal taking advantage of this situation invaded Tirhut and defeated its ruler. He divided the Tirhut kingdom into two parts. As a result of this division the district of Saharsa came under the control of Oinwara rulers. The most famous king of this line was shicasimha, who issued gold coins. Vidyapati the famous poet, lived under his patronage. After the fall of oinwaras, there was virtual chaos. The GandhaviyaRajputs are said to have acquired power and ruled during this period of confusion. TheiGandhavariya trace their descent from the ruling chiefs of thrhut. The whole district of Saharsa was dotted with small chief transships created both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Even in the early past of Mughal rule they could venture to oppose the central authority as Bihar and the Afghans were opposed to the establishment of Mughal authority. The Karranis and the Afghans, in collusion with the local Rajput rulers and petty chiefs had made this district the centre of revolt. An old Kali temple in Mahishi. Raja Todarmal made the revenue settlement in Subah, Bihar in 1852. the very fact that most of the existing parganas of the district of Saharsa were assessed during the time of Akbar shows that the district had acquired administrative significance. During the course of the Mughal rule, the present district of Saharsa seems to have formed parts of SarkarTirhut, SarkarMunger and SarkarPurnia. The Muslim rule naturally had its influence on the life and culture of people. Some of the Rajput zamindars also became converts. The Muslims of Nawahatta circle in the district of Saharsa are said to have been originally Rajputs and their conversion in traced to the Mughal times. It is said that in 1654 Shahjehan bestowed the title of Raja on KesriSinha (Ancestor of sone-barsa Raj). Raja Fateh Singh of the same line is said to have sided with the East India Company against Mir Kasim in the battle of Udhuanala in 1763. In 1764 Saharsa passed with the rest of Bengal under the Control of East India company. During the Independence Movement of 1857, the people in revolt remained unchecked by the administration of Purnia and Bhagalpur and they moved unchecked through the terai area. They were very active in different parts of the district of Saharsa which was in the midst of a great turmoil. Since then it continued to be an important centre for various kinds of Political agitations directed against the British administration. The district of Saharsa played an important part in the Annie Besant in 1917 and Satyagarah Movement of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 received widespread support in the district. In Saharsa, the freedom movement was led, among others, by SarvashriMahtalLalYadava, ShivanandanMandal, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Rajendra Mishra, Ram BahadurSinha, YadunanadanJha and RajendraLal Das. Supaul and Madhepura Jails were full of Political prisoners. Thana Bihpur (in Bhagalpur district) was the scene of great activity where Dr.Rajendra Prasad was bitterly beaten by the police and the people of Saharsa were much agitated over this. Picketing tool place all over the district with full Vigour. The Period between 1930 and 1942 was marked by various Kisan agitations all over the district froBakast lands. The August revolution of 1947 formed a landmark in the history of the freedom movement in Saharsa district too. On the 29th of August, there was police firing at Saharsa and a number of persons were killed. After his escape from the Hazaribagh Jail in 1942 Sri Jay Prakash Narayan visited Saharsa district on his way to Nepal.

Sri Siyaram Singh of Bhagalpur formed Siyaramdal which had its branches in different parts the district of Saharsa in December 1942. Sri Siyaram Singh met Sri Jaya Prakash Narayan in Nepal where a conference on the works of Bihar was held under the presidency of ShriShivanandanManda l. The district played a prominent role in the subsequent events which continued till the country s independence. [edit] Geography Saharsa is located at 25.88N 86.6EFalling Rain Genomics, Inc - Saharsa. It has an average elevation of 41 metres (134 feet). Saharsa and its surrounding areas are a flat alluvial plain forming part of the Kosi river basin. This makes the land very fertile. However, frequent changes in the course of the Kosi, one of the largest tributaries of the Ganges, [1][2] have led to soil erosion. Flooding is a major reason for the poor connectivity of the area as bridges tend to get washed away. Major flooding occurs almost annually, causing a significant loss of life and property.[1] The famous conversation between Mandan Mishra and Shankracharya took place in Mahishi in Saharsa. In Sahara district, the main problems of the people are poverty, unemployment, and literacy. After the Kosi flood in 2008, problems of the people have been increased. [edit] Rivers Kosi and its tributaries [3] This is the most devastating river of Bihar and it earns the epithet "Sorrow of Bihar". Bagmati Baghmati is also notorious for its breach of embankments & frequently changing its meandering courses. Therefore here the river is in its youth stage where annual rate of deposition of alluvium is very high. [edit] Demographics As of 2001 India census,[2] Saharsa had a population of 124,015. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Saharsa has an average literacy rate of 58%, lower than the national average of 64.4%: male literacy is 66%(national average:75.6%), and female literacy is 48%(national average:54.2%). In Saharsa, 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.kahra and Bangaon has a very important contribution in entire sectoral development of Saharsa. [edit] Economy [edit] Agriculture Food Crop: Paddy Cash Crop: Makhana (Euryale feroxSalisb) [4] Mango Mustard Corn Wheat [edit] Industry Brick production.Saharsa is one of the biggest brick producing HUB in entire kosi area. Corn Product Corn product are getting manufactured at MaaKatyani Industry.

Jute Factory Soap Factory Chocolate Factory Biscuit Factory Proposed Paper Mill(Baijnathpur) [edit] Communication Links Saharsa is connected by railway and roadways to other major towns in Bihar. National Highway NH 107 connects it to Maheshkhunt and Purnia List of National Highways in India. The rural road network is in need of improvement.[3] Sahrsa does not have public transportation links by air (there is an air strip reserved for government use but no commercial flights exist) or waterways, but train connections can be made. It is connected to Kolkata by a direct train, the "Hate Bazaare Express". In early 2006, a much awaited broad gauge line connected it to Khagaria on the New Delhi-Guwahati main line. In early 2006, a weekly train was started to connect it to the national capital, New Delhi. In October 2006, a low-fare completely air-conditioned weekly train, christened the "GaribRath" (Poor's Chariot), has been started to connect Saharsa to Amritsar, with much fanfare. Earlier there was only a metre gauge line on the Khagaria - Mansi - Saharsa - Forbesganj section of East Central railway. The city is also served by India Post. Its Postal Code is: 852201. Landline telephone services have been augmented by cellular services; the quality deteriorates as one moves away from the city centre. Internet connectivity is still very basic: a few cyber cafes provide limited broadband service, and internet service in private homes is only beginning. Mobile services are working up to the rural areas, leading mobile companies like, Airtel, Reliance, Tata, BSNL, Aircel, Vodafone, Idea, Smart are working here. [edit] Language and Culture Maithili Hindi Urdu Angika [edit] Education [edit] Colleges 1. ManoharLalTekriwal(M.L.T)saharsa college Saharsa 2. R M College 3. Ramesh JhaMahila College 4. B.S.college 5. NIIT Saharsa Centre, Purab Bazar 6. S.N.S.R.K.S. College 7. Maharaja Harivallabh Singh Memorial College ,Sonbarsa [edit] Schools 1. Zila School Saharsa 2. Zila Girl School Saharsa 3. Nehru Academy, Vidyapati Nagar, Saharsa.

4. Koshi Convent Academy, Naya Bazar, Saharsa 5. S.S High School Nowhatta 6. JawaharNavodayavidyalaya 7. Veer Kunwarsingh high school 8. Jail Colony High School 9. Kalawati High School 10. KendriyaVidyalayaSaharsa 11. Middle School,Udainagar,Bahuarva 12. SimribakhtiyarPur High School 13. Islamia High School, Simribakhtiyarpur 14. Chakbharo High School,Simribakhtiyarpur 15. Senior Basic School, Hati 16.Bhagirath High School (Chainpur) 17.Gopal middle school(parri) 18. Tuition Bureau Residential School, saharsa 19. Manohar High School, Saharsa 20.ShriNavkumar Singh High School Lagma 21.MaaGayatri School Sahapur Bazar. 22. Benevolent Global Public School, SaharsaBasti, Saharsa (BGPS Web Site) 23.Girls high school,Simribakhtiyarpur 24.Butchan shah High School,Gandhi Path 25.Primary School Hussainchak 25.St. Xavier's School, IslamiyaChowk, Saharsa 26.JayPratap Singh Public School, Meera Cinema Road, Saharsa 27.darjelling Public School, TiwaryTola, Saharsa 28.Play and learn school, kayasthtola, Saharsa Earlier Saharsa district was within Bhagalpur Division. Kosi Division was formed on 2nd October 1972 comprising of Saharsa, Purnia and Katihar district with its head quarters at Saharsa. Similarly a new Civil Sub-Division Birpur was created on 01.12.1972. Consisting of 24 development Blocks viz. Raghopur, Chhatapur, Basantpur and Nirmali which were previously under supaul subdivision of this district. Two new districts Madhepura&Supaul have been formed from Saharsa district on 30.04.1981 and 1991. Saharsa district now consists of 2 subdivisions, viz. SaharsaSadar and SimriBakhtiarpur. The district consists of 10 development blocks and anchals each. Saharsa was created on 1st of April 1954. Formerly it had no independent status and parts of Saharsa were included in the old districts of Munger&Bhagalpur A large parts of the district in the past was subjected to annual floods and inundation by a host of rivers origination from the Himalayas. The sub terai was noted for rice cultivation before it was subjected to the vagaries of the unpredictable Koshi.

The district has been largely influenced by its geography. Whatever humans of historically important sites that may have existed here have been virtually started by the repeated flooding at the koshi during the last half century or so. With the efforts of some early Europeons however, some important historical objects or landmarks have been preserved in a few places and it is on the basis of these that some kind of a connected account of the early history of the district can be constructed.

ANCIENT TIME HOME In ancient times Vaishali was the strongest republic in North-Bihar and beyond that lay the famous territory of Anguttarap. There was a small Janpad, named Apna, in Anguttarap and it included a portion of the district of Shaharsa. Although it is not confirmed whether this was a republic it is certain that the people of this area were outside the influence of the Lichchhavis. Various sites of the district, now completely eroded and destroyed by the kosi, viz. Biratpur, Budhiagarhi, Budhnaghat, Buddhadi, Pitahahi and Mathai are associated with Budhism. Before the advent of Kosi in the district these sites supplied important materials, and during the district these sites supplied important materials, and during the period of erosis big buildings and huge construction which lay covered under them were noticed falling into the river. Local legends confirm that Lord Budhanad Lord Mahavira passed through the district during their missinonary travels and delivered important sermons.

Both Anga and North Bihar (including Shaharsa) continued to be independent till the early part of the sixth century B.C. For some time Magadh remained an intigral part of Anga. But soon the prosperity of Anga declined. Bimbsar, theking of Magadh, annexed Anga to his empire. Though Anga seems to have continued as an independent Janpad. This was the characteristic of the whole of north Bihar untill it was finally conquered by Ajatsatru. It was who finally defeated the Lichhavis and other independent republics of north Bihar and annexed the whole territory to the Kingdom of Magadha. The Magadhanempre was growing repidly and the whole of Bihar was brought under the sway of Magadhan rule by the Nandas and Mauryas.

In the first decade of this century a board of 58 punch marked coins of the Mauryan period was discovered from Gorhoghat. Later, the same type of coins were found at Patuaha by prof. R.K.Choudhary in 1956. He also came across some pieces of black polished ware near Mahishi and its surroundings. The Mauryan rule in this area stands firmly confirmed by a Mauryan pillar at Sikligarh on the Banmankhi-Forbesganj Road and another in the Kishanganj Police Station. Since Saharsa was a border district even in those days, the Mauryan rulers apparently took special care to guard its frontiers.

The Mauryans were supplanted by Sungas and Kanvas and there did notseem to have been major political change in the district. Whether the Kushans conquered this portion cannot be determined.

Between 320 and 1097 A.D. HOME Under the Guptas (from 320 A.D.) the entire North Bihar was consolidated as a Tirbhukti (province) with its capital at Vaishali. Therefore, the forward province came to be known as

Bhuktiand the district came to be known as Vishaya. In North Bihar, there were two Bhuktis, viz. Tirabhukti (practically the whole of North Bihar) and Pundravardhanbhukti (included a portion of Saharsa, Purnia and a portion of North Bengal). The extent of Saharsa during the period under review was upto the confines of Pundravardhanbhukti which included some of its present area.

After the decline of the Guptas the political gap came to be utilised by all contemporary chiefs. Taking advantage of the situation the Varmans of Kamrup (Assam) extended their authority up to the confines of the Kosi. The rule of purnavarman over North Bihar included the present district of Saharsa. The rise of Harsha in 7th century A.D. was an event of great importance. He brought under his sway the whole of Nothern India. But the death of Harsha in 647 A.D. once again let loose the forces of disintegration.

The Palas of Bihar and Bengal (8th century) A.D. gave a stable administration to the district. As South Bihar was pressed by the Kalchuris, the plas apparently shifted to North Bihar and Saharsa might have been their head quarters during the time of Vigraphapala-III. Quite a few villages in Saharsa district are associated with the names of pala rulers and it was through this district that the Palas could establish contact with Nepal. From the geographical point of view Saharsa was the most strategically suited from being the Jayaskandharar (temporary Capital) of the Palas at the time when they were surrounded on all sides by enemies.

Between 1097 and 1765 A.D. HOME The decline of the Pala authority in Bihar and Bengal was followed by the establishment of the Karnata in Mithila and the sena dynasties in Bengal. Both the Kanrnatas and senas claimed authority over portion of Saharsa and often entered into armed conflict.

Nanyadeva, the first of the Karnatas, extended his influence from Champaran to Purnia. Probably, the two chiefs (Nanyadeva of the Karnatas dynasty and Vijay Sena of the Sena Dynasty) were allies who fell into disagreement over division of territory. The deopna inscription of Vijay Sena indicated that Nanyadeva was defeated and imprisoned some where in Supaul Sub division. It was Gangadeva, his son who liberated him. The sanokar inscription of vallalassena proves that his rule extended upto the district of Bhagalpur.

The two sons of Nanyadeva, Malladeva and Gangadeva apparently drove the senas further east as indicated by the setting up of GangapurRanani (named after Gangadeva) in parganaNishanpurKurha and Maldiha (named after Malladeva) on the Saharsa -Purnia border. The Village Malhad nearSupaul is also associated with Malladeva. Gangadeva was succeeded by Narasimha deva during whose reign Mithila and Nepal were separated.

Gradually, the Tughlaq authority in Mithilaweakend. Haji Illyas of Bengal taking advantage of this situation invaded Tirhut and defeated its ruler. He divided the Tirhut kingdom into two parts. As a result of this division the district of Saharsa came under the control of Oinwara rulers. The most famous king of this line was shicasimha, who issued gold coins. Vidyapati the famous poet, lived under his patronage.

After the fall of oinwaras, there was virtual chaos. The GandhaviyaRajputs are said to have acquired power and ruled during this period of confusion. TheiGandhavariya trace their descent from the ruling chiefs of thrhut. The whole district of Saharsa was dotted with small chief transships created both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Even in the early past of Mughal rule they could venture to oppose the central authority as Bihar and the Afghans were opposed to the establishment of Mughal authority. The Karranis and the Afghans, in collusion with the local Rajput rulers and petty chiefs had made this district the centre of revolt.

Raja Todarmal made the revenue settlement in Subah, Bihar in 1852. the very fact that most of the existing parganas of the district of Saharsa were assessed during the time of Akbar shows that the district had acquired administrative siquifrence. During the course of the Mughal rule, the present district of Saharsa seems to have formed parts of SarkarTirhut, SarkarMunger and SarkarPurnia. The Muslim rule N\naturally had its influence on the life and culture of people. Some of the Rajput zamindars also became converts. The Muslims of Nawahatta circle in the district of Saharsa are said to have been originally Rajputs and their conversion in traced to the Mughal times. It is said that in 1654 Shahjehan bestowed the title of Raja on KesriSinha (Ancestor of sone-barsa Raj). Raja Fateh Singh of the same line is said to have sided with the East India Company against Mr.Kasim in the battle of Udhuanala in 1763.

In 1764 Saharsa passed with the rest of Bengal under the Control of East India company. During the Independence Movement of 1857, the people in revolt remained unchecked by the administration of Purnia and Bhagalpur and they moved unchecked through the terai area. They were very active in different parts of the district of Saharsa which was in the midst of a great turmoil. Since then it continued to be an important centre for various kinds of Political agitations directed against the British administration.

The district of Saharsa played an important part in the Annie Besant in 1917 and Satyagarah Movement of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 received widespread support in the district. In Saharsa, the freedom movement was led, among others, by SarvashriMahtalLalYadava, ShivanandanMandal, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Rajendra Mishra, Ram BahadurSinha, YadunanadanJha and RajendraLal Das. Supaul and Madhepura Jails were full of Political prisioners. Thana Bihpur (in Bhagalpur district) was the scene of great activity where Dr.Rajendra Prasad was bitterely beaten by the police and the people of Saharsa were much agitated over this. Picketing tool place all over the district with full Vigour. The Period between 1930 and 1942 was marked by various Kisan agitations all over the district froBakast lands.

The August revolution of 1947 formed a land mark in the history of the freedom movement in Saharsa district too. On the 29th of August, there was police firing at Saharsa and a number of persons were killed. After his escape from the Hazaribagh Jail in 1942 Sri Jay PrakashNayayan visited Saharsa district on his way to Nepal.

Sri Siyaram Singh of Bhagalpur formed Siyaramdal which had its branches in different parts the district of Saharsa in December 1942. Sri Siyaram Singh met Sri Jaya Prakash Narayan in Nepal where a conference on the works of Bihar was held under the presidentship of ShriShivanandanMandal.

The district played a prominent role in the subsequent events which continued till the country s independence