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List of Districts in Bihar, Population, By Area, Divisions

Check out the full List of Districts in Bihar. Bihar has 38 districts, each unique in significance, like Gaya and Bhagalpur highlight the state's diversity. Explore the List of Districts in Bihar.
authorImageBhavya Upadhyay22 May, 2024
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List of Districts in Bihar

List of Districts in Bihar: Bihar, a state in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and rapidly developing infrastructure. Understanding the administrative structure of Bihar is crucial to appreciating its governance and regional diversity. This blog explores the districts of Bihar, their administrative divisions, size, population, and importance. We will also look at the largest and smallest districts, recent developments, and the geographical, economic, and cultural significance of these districts.

List of Districts in Bihar

Bihar's 38 districts, each with its distinct identity and importance, collectively contribute to the state's rich tapestry. From the bustling streets of Patna to the serene landscapes of West Champaran, each district has its own story to tell. The recent developments in infrastructure and services highlight the state’s progress and potential. Understanding these districts helps appreciate Bihar's role in India's history, economy, and culture.

How Many Districts in Bihar

As of the latest administrative division, Bihar is divided into 38 districts. These districts are grouped into nine administrative divisions: Patna, Tirhut, Saran, Darbhanga, Kosi, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Munger, and Magadh. Each district is further subdivided into blocks and villages, making the administrative process more manageable and systematic.

List of Districts in Bihar By Their Size and Population

Bihar’s districts vary significantly in terms of size and population. Here is a glimpse of some districts based on these criteria:
List of Districts in Bihar By Their Size and Population
S.NO. Districts Area Covered Population
1 Araria 2,829 2,811,569
2 Arwal 637 699,000
3 Aurangabad 3,303 2,540,073
4 Banka 3,018 2,034,763
5 Begusarai 1,917 2,970,541
6 Bhagalpur 2,569 3,037,766
7 Bhojpur 2,473 2,728,407
8 Buxar 1,624 1,706,352
9 Darbhanga 2,278 3,937,385
10 East Champaran 3,969 5,099,371
11 Gaya 4,978 4,391,418
12 Gopalganj 2,033 2,562,012
13 Jamui 3,099 1,760,405
14 Jehanabad 1,569 1,125,313
15 Khagaria 1,486 1,666,886
16 Kishanganj 1,884 1,690,400
17 Kaimur 3,363 1,626,384
18 Katihar 3,056 3,071,029
19 Lakhisarai 1,229 1,000,912
20 Madhubani 3,501 4,487,379
21 Munger 1,419 1,367,765
22 Madhepura 1,787 2,001,762
23 Muzaffarpur 3,173 4,801,062
24 Nalanda 2,354 2,877,653
25 Nawada 2,492 2,219,146
26 Patna 3,202 5,838,465
27 Purnia 3,228 3,264,619
28 Rohtas 3,850 2,959,918
29 Saharsa 1,702 1,900,661
30 Samastipur 2,905 4,261,566
31 Sheohar 443 656,916
32 Sheikhpura 689 634,927
33 Saran 2,641 3,951,862
34 Sitamarhi 2,199 3,423,574
35 Supaul 2,410 2,229,076
36 Siwan 2,219 3,330,464
37 Vaishali 2,036 3,495,021
38 West Champaran 5,229 3,935,042

Districts of Bihar - Administrative Divisions

The nine administrative divisions of Bihar serve as the primary subdivisions, each encompassing several districts:
Districts of Bihar - Administrative Divisions
Division Bihar Districts
Patna Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Patna, Rohtas, Nalanda
Saran Saran, Siwan , Gopalganj
Tirhut East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, West Champaran
Purnia Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia
Bhagalpur Banka, Bhagalpur
Darbhanga Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur
Kosi Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul
Magadh Arwal, Aurangabad, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nawada
Munger Begusarai,Jamui, Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura

Largest District of Bihar

The largest district in Bihar by area is West Champaran , covering approximately 5,228 square kilometers. This district is known for its agricultural productivity and historical significance, being associated with Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha.

Smallest District in Bihar

The smallest district in Bihar is Sheikhpura , with an area of around 689 square kilometers. Despite its size, Sheikhpura plays an important role in the state's economy through agriculture and small-scale industries.

List of Districts in Bihar and Their Importance

Bihar's 38 districts are not just administrative units but repositories of rich cultural heritage, economic vigor, and geographical significance. Delve into the List of Districts in Bihar and uncover their importance in shaping the identity and trajectory of this historically significant state.
List of Districts in Bihar and Their Importance
District Importance
Patna Capital city; political, administrative, and cultural center
Gaya Religious significance for Buddhists and Hindus
Bhagalpur Historical trade and commerce center; known for silk production
Muzaffarpur "Land of Litchis"; famous for litchi cultivation and trade
Darbhanga Rich cultural heritage; known for music, literature, and Mithila painting
Munger Historical center for education, trade, and arms production
Nalanda Ancient Nalanda University; renowned center for learning in ancient India
Madhubani Internationally acclaimed for Madhu Bani paintings; traditional art form
Sitamarhi Birthplace of Sita, central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana
Siwan Agricultural productivity; center for trade and commerce
Vaishali Birthplace of Lord Mahavira, 24th Jain Tirthankara
Katihar Strategic transportation hub; known for agricultural produce
Purnia Agricultural trade center; known for cereals and spices
Rohtas Historical Rohtas Fort; built by Sher Shah Suri; scenic beauty
Samastipur Agricultural productivity; known for rice cultivation

Recent Development in Districts of Bihar

Bihar has witnessed significant development across its districts in recent years, transforming its infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors. This progress is evident in the construction of new roads and bridges, the establishment of educational institutions, and the upgrading of healthcare facilities. These advancements not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also drive economic growth and attract investment to the state. This section delves into the recent developments that are shaping the future of Bihar's districts.

Recent Development in Districts of Bihar
District Project/Initiative
Patna
  • Patna Metro Rail Project
  • Patna Airport Expansion
  • Science City
Bhagalpur
  • Buxar Bhagalpur Expressway
Darbhanga
  • AIIMS Darbhanga
Nalanda
  • Nalanda International Cricket Stadium
  • Raxaul Haldia Port Expressway
Aurangabad
  • Aurangabad Darbhanga Jaynagar Expressway
Champaran
  • Various Development Projects
Other Districts
  • Mahatma Gandhi Setu Parallel Bridge
  • Raxaul Haldia Port Expressway

Geographical, Economic, and Cultural Importance of the Districts in Bihar

The districts of Bihar encapsulate a vibrant tapestry of geographical, economic, and cultural significance. From the fertile plains of Patna to the historical richness of Gaya, each district contributes uniquely to Bihar's identity. Let's delve deeper into the multifaceted Geographical, Economic, and Cultural Importance of the Districts in Bihar.

Geographical, Economic, and Cultural Importance of the Districts in Bihar
District Geographical Location Economic Importance Cultural Significance
Araria Northern Bihar, close to Nepal border Agriculture, rice cultivation Rich folk traditions, Bhojpuri and Maithili culture
Arwal Central Bihar Agriculture, wheat, maize Vibrant rural culture, local festivals
Aurangabad Central Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, small-scale industries Historical significance, association with Magadh Empire
Banka Southeastern Bihar, bordering Jharkhand Agriculture, rice, maize, fruits Rich tribal culture, Karma and Sarhul festivals
Begusarai Northern Bihar, Gangetic plains Industrial hub, oil refineries, fertilizer plants Bhojpuri culture, folk music and dance forms
Bhagalpur Eastern Bihar, on the banks of the Ganges Silk production, jute mills, agriculture Silk industry, historical sites like Vikramshila University
Bhojpur (Ara) Central Bihar, Bhojpur region Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Revolutionary history, birthplace of freedom fighters
Buxar Western Bihar, bordering Uttar Pradesh Agriculture, rice, wheat, lentils Battle of Buxar, Maurya Empire association
Darbhanga Northern Bihar, Mithila region Agriculture, rice, maize, pulses Mithila art, traditions, music, and dance forms
East Champaran Eastern Bihar, along Indo-Nepal border Agriculture, sugarcane, paddy, wheat Champaran Satyagraha, Mahatma Gandhi's movement
Gaya Central Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, pilgrimage tourism Ancient Buddhist sites, Mahabodhi Temple
Gopalganj Western Bihar, close to Uttar Pradesh border Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Bhojpuri culture, folk songs and dances
Jamui Southeastern Bihar, Chhotanagpur Plateau Agriculture, maize, wheat, pulses Tribal culture, Karma and Sarhul festivals
Jehanabad Central Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, rice, wheat, maize Historical sites, Barabar Caves
Kaimur (Bhabua) Western Bihar, bordering Uttar Pradesh Agriculture, rice, wheat, lentils Diverse tribal culture, local festivals
Katihar Northeastern Bihar, close to West Bengal border Agriculture, rice, jute, sugarcane Bengali influence, folk music and dance forms
Khagaria Northeastern Bihar, Gangetic plains Agriculture, rice, wheat, maize Folk traditions, festivals
Kishanganj Northeastern Bihar, bordering West Bengal Agriculture, rice, maize, jute Bengali and Assamese cultural influence
Lakhisarai Southeastern Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, rice, wheat, pulses Historical significance, Champa city
Madhepura Northeastern Bihar, Kosi region Agriculture, rice, maize, pulses Folk traditions, festivals
Madhubani Northern Bihar, Mithila region Agriculture, rice, maize, pulses Madhubani painting, folk traditions
Munger Eastern Bihar, on the banks of the Ganges Industries, gun manufacturing, paper mills Historical landmarks, Munger Fort
Muzaffarpur Central Bihar, Tirhut region Agriculture, sugarcane, litchi, mango Litchi orchards, cultural festivals
Nalanda Central Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, rice, wheat, pulses Nalanda University, ancient center of learning
Nawada Central Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, rice, wheat, maize Historical sites, Rajgir and Pawapuri
Patna Central Bihar, along the banks of the Ganges Diverse economy, agriculture, industry, services Cultural hub, historical sites, festivals
Purnia Northeastern Bihar, close to West Bengal border Agriculture, rice, maize, jute Folk traditions, music, and dance forms
Rohtas Western Bihar, bordering Uttar Pradesh Agriculture, rice, wheat, pulses Historical significance, Rohtas Fort
Saharsa Northeastern Bihar, Kosi region Agriculture, rice, maize, sugarcane Folk traditions, music, and dance forms
Samastipur Northern Bihar, Tirhut region Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Cultural heritage, ancient temples, festivals
Saran (Chapra) Western Bihar, along the banks of the Ganges Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Historical sites, freedom fighters' association
Sheikhpura Southeastern Bihar, Magadh region Agriculture, rice, wheat, pulses Historical significance, Naulakha Garh
Sheohar Northern Bihar, Tirhut region Agriculture, rice, wheat, pulses Folk traditions, music, and dance forms
Sitamarhi Northern Bihar, Mithila region Agriculture, rice, maize, pulses Association with Sita, Ramayana character
Siwan Western Bihar, close to Uttar Pradesh border Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Cultural heritage, ancient temples, folk traditions
Supaul Northeastern Bihar, Kosi region Agriculture, rice, maize, pulses Folk traditions, music, and dance forms
Vaishali (Hajipur) Central Bihar, Tirhut region Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Birthplace of Lord Mahavira, ancient city of Vaishali
West Champaran Western Bihar, along Nepal border Agriculture, rice, wheat, sugarcane Champaran Satyagraha, cultural diversity

List of Districts in Bihar FAQs

Q.1 What is the 38 district name in Bihar?

Ans. The 38th district in Bihar is Sheohar.

Q.2 How many districts are in the Bihar 2024 list?

Ans. The Bihar 2024 list comprises 38 districts.

Q.3 How many districts are there in Bihar?

Ans. Bihar comprises 38 districts.

Q.4 What are the 7 divisions of Bihar?

Ans. The seven divisions of Bihar are Patna, Tirhut, Saran, Darbhanga, Kosi, Purnia, and Bhagalpur.

Q.5 Which is the smallest district of Bihar?

Ans. Sheikhpura is the smallest district in Bihar.
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