Hajipur | |
|---|---|
 Anticlockwise, from top:Hajipur Railway Station,Institute of Hotel Management,River Gandak—Old Gandak Bridge,Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Shri Yantra Mandir, Mall,East Central Railway Office. | |
| Nickname: Gateway to North Bihar[1] | |
  Hajipur Location in Bihar Show map of Bihar Hajipur Location in India Show map of India | |
| Coordinates:25°41′33″N85°12′30″E / 25.6925°N 85.2084°E /25.6925; 85.2084 | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Bihar |
| Division | Tirhut |
| District | Vaishali |
| First settled | 1350 AD |
| Named after | Haji Ilyas Shah |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor—Council |
| • Body | Hajipur Municipal Council[2] |
| • Mayor | Sangeeta Kumari[3] |
| • MLA | Awadhesh Singh |
| • MP | Chirag Paswan |
| Area | |
• City | 19.64 km2 (7.58 sq mi) |
| • Rural | 137.27 km2 (53.00 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 46 m (151 ft) |
| Population (2011)[5] | |
• City | 147,688 |
| • Rank | BR: 16th |
| • Density | 7,500/km2 (19,000/sq mi) |
| • Rural | 296,288 |
| Demonym | Hajipurian |
| Language(s) | |
| • Official | Hindi[6] |
| • Additional official | Urdu[6] |
| • Regional | Bajjika[7] |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Pincode(s) | 844101–3 |
| Area code | +91—(0)6224 |
| ISO 3166 code | IN-BR |
| Vehicle registration | BR-31 |
| Literacy[4](2011) | 76.80% |
| Sex ratio[4](2011) | 892♀ / 1000♂ |
| Lok Sabha constituency | 21. Hajipur (SC) |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Hajipur (123) |
| Climate | Csa(Köppen) |
| Precipitation | 993 millimetres (39.1 in) |
| Avg. annual temperature | 25.8 °C (78.4 °F) |
| Website | vaishali |
Hajipur (/ˈhɑːdʒɪpʊər/HAH-jip-oor,[8]Hindi:[ˈɦaːdʒiːpʊr]ⓘ) is the headquarters and largest city ofVaishali district of the state ofBihar inIndia. Hajipur is the16th most populous city of Bihar, besides being the second-fastest developing city, next to Patna. It had a total population of 1.47 lakh as per census 2011.[9] Vaishali district is ranked 8th among 38 districts in Bihar in terms of growth.[10][11]
The city is known for cultivatingBananas.[12]Patna, is only 10 km (6.2 mi) from Hajipur, with the cities separated by the Ganges river. The metropolitan region of Patna comprises thePatna Regional Development Authority(PRDA) area includes Hajipur underBihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation.[13][14][15]Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of thelongest bridges in the world at 5.75 kilometres (3.57 mi) links Hajipur to Patna.[16][17] After Patna, it is the fastest-developing city in Bihar, primarily because of its proximity to Patna. Hajipur lies on the north bank of theGanga while Patna lies on the south, the Gandhi Setu bridge connects both cities. Another bridge, theDigha–Sonpur Bridge,[18][19] which crosses the Ganga north-west of Patna, narrows the distance between Hajipur and Patna. There have been plans to expand Patna toGreater Patna, which would entail absorbing Hajipur, Bidupur and othersurrounding towns.[20][21]
The area of Hajipur city is spread across 19.64 km2 (7.58 sq mi). The city is divided into 39 Wards. Hajipur is the onlytwin city of Patna and lies nearest to the capital and shares most of its government works, headquarters, educational institutions. Being another district headquarters, it is equal to the capital in terms of powers.[22][23]
The founder of Hajipur,Haji Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah's tomb is now called asHaji-Pir and the name of the headquarters ofVaishali district, "Hajipur" emerged from the same word.[24][4][25]
In ancient times, Hajipur was known asUkkacala[26] and was the first village after crossing theGanga at Patna. The village of Hajipur gained significance, as it was the venue of one of the discourses given byBuddha. Buddha preached theCula Gopalaka Sutta, a Middle Length Discourse, here. Along with that, it is also of interest because a portion ofAnanda's ashes wereenshrined in the town. Ananda, the closest disciple of Buddha, acted as the Buddha's attendant for twenty years and outlived him by severaldecades.[27][25] Hajipur is also known for the land ofAmrapali.[28]
InBritish India, Hajipur was a small town in theMuzaffarpur district situated on the confluence of the Ganges andGandak. Hajipur features conspicuously in the history of struggles betweenEmperor Akbar and the rebellious AfghanKarrani rulers of Bengal, being twice besieged and captured by the imperial troops, in 1572 and 1574.[29] In 1912Bihar and Orissa was divided from the Presidency of Bengal. After independence the city of Hajipur came under state of Bihar which was formed on thelinguistic basis.[4][21]
Hajipur is the headquarters ofVaishali after its separation fromMuzaffarpur district on 12 October 1972. It is located at25°41′N85°13′E / 25.69°N 85.22°E /25.69; 85.22.[30] It has an average elevation of 46 metres (150 ft). Hajipur is located 10 km from Patna, transversely on the sacred riverGanga and is budding as one of the foremost profit-making and manufacturing region of the state.[31][21]
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Hajipur city is bounded by theGandak river in the west and the holy Ganges in the south. A good network of rail, road, and water transport exists in the city, connecting it with other parts of the district as well as state and country.Mahatma Gandhi Setu (5,575 m long, prestressed box culvert type RCC bridge) over river Ganges connects it with Patna,[32] the state capital, while another rail and road bridge over Gandak connects it withSonepur.[33]
Hajipur subdivision became home to theSalim Ali—Jubba Sahni Bird Sanctuary[34] (Baraila Lake), which has an area of 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi), established in 1997.[35]
The plain terrain of the city and its nearby area is famous for banana, litchi, and mango plantations. The region looks green with plants and trees growing in a semi-tropical monsoon climate. However, the months of May–June is hot, and December–January is cold.[36]
Köppen and Geiger classifies the location asCsa. The average temperature is 25.8 °C; the hottest month being May with an average temperature of 32.2 °C and the coldest month being January with an average temperature of 17.1 °C. The average temperatures vary by 15.1 °C in a year. The average annual rainfall is 993 mm. The driest month is December, with an average precipitation of 3 mm and the wettest month is July with an average precipitation of 266 mm.[37]
The table below details historical monthly averages for climate variables—
| Climate data for Hajipur | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.6 (74.5) | 26.3 (79.3) | 32.8 (91.0) | 33.8 (92.8) | 38.6 (101.5) | 36.4 (97.5) | 32.8 (91.0) | 32.2 (90.0) | 32.2 (90.0) | 31.8 (89.2) | 28.8 (83.8) | 24.9 (76.8) | 31.2 (88.1) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.1 (62.8) | 19.6 (67.3) | 25.4 (77.7) | 28.3 (82.9) | 32.2 (90.0) | 31.6 (88.9) | 29.6 (85.3) | 29.4 (84.9) | 29.1 (84.4) | 27.2 (81.0) | 22.2 (72.0) | 18.1 (64.6) | 25.8 (78.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 10.7 (51.3) | 13.0 (55.4) | 18.1 (64.6) | 22.9 (73.2) | 25.9 (78.6) | 26.9 (80.4) | 26.5 (79.7) | 26.6 (79.9) | 26.1 (79.0) | 22.7 (72.9) | 15.7 (60.3) | 11.4 (52.5) | 20.5 (69.0) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 15 (0.6) | 6 (0.2) | 5 (0.2) | 8 (0.3) | 27 (1.1) | 137 (5.4) | 266 (10.5) | 259 (10.2) | 195 (7.7) | 66 (2.6) | 6 (0.2) | 3 (0.1) | 993 (39.1) |
| Source: Climate table (average high and low) and average precipitation[37] | |||||||||||||
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 21,398 | — |
| 1911 | 19,233 | −10.1% |
| 1921 | 16,760 | −12.9% |
| 1931 | 19,299 | +15.1% |
| 1941 | 21,963 | +13.8% |
| 1951 | 25,149 | +14.5% |
| 1961 | 34,044 | +35.4% |
| 1971 | 41,890 | +23.0% |
| 1981 | 62,520 | +49.2% |
| 1991 | 87,687 | +40.3% |
| 2001 | 119,412 | +36.2% |
| 2011 | 147,688 | +23.7% |
| Population history of Hajipur (1901-2011). Source:[38] | ||
Culturally andlinguistically, Hajipur is similar to that of Patna. As per 2011census Hajipur city has a population of 147,688, out of which males were 78,047 and females were 69,641. The literacy rate was 76.80 percent, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 82.45%, and female literacy is 70.47%. In Hajipur, 14.15% of the population was under six years of age, a total of 20,899 with 11,090 boys while 9,809 are girls. The sex ratio of 892 females per 1,000 males was lower than the national average of 944 and Child sex ratio of girls is 884 per 1000 boys.[4][38]
Residents of Hajipur are referred to by the demonymHajipurian. Hindi is the main language of the city, also the official language of the Bihar state but many other languages are spoken too. The native dialect is Bajjika, the ancient name of North Bihar is most widely spoken. English is also spoken by Hajipurians, and other widely spoken dialects and languages includeBajjika,Urdu andAngika.[41][6]
The economy of Hajipur is largely service orientated, but it also has an agricultural base and industrial sector. As of 2011, service accounts for 55%, industry 9%, and agriculture 35% of the economy of the city.[42][43]
There is a dedicated industrial area in Hajipur apart fromExport Promotion Park of India, Hajipur—(EPIP), maintained byBihar Industrial Area Development Authority—(BIADA)[44] in an area of 150 acres where many Big Brands of FMCG & Agro-based companies likePepsico,Britannia Industries,HUL,Godrej Consumer Products,Anmol Industries,Sudha Dairy, Wayss Ice Cream, Bansal, Treat, Avon Cycle, etc. have their manufacturing units. There are several upcoming construction projects from private and public sectors with three new bridges connecting to Patna.[45][46] The Export Promotion Industrial Park, is a multiple-product export processing zone inEast India developed by theMinistry of Commerce and Industry, theGovernment of Bihar and by the administrative body BIADA located in Hajipur, In the administrativeVaishali district, has 94acres (38 ha; 0.147 sq mi) of land with modern infrastructure.[47][48]
TheRamchaura Mandir is a Hindu Temple in the city of Hajipur, Bihar. Dedicated toLord Ram. As per local folklore, it is said to have been in existence since the Ramayana period and Shri Ram is believed to have visited this place on his way to Janakpur, where his footprints are worshiped.[49] The Ramchaura Mandir has a tradition of celebratingRama Navami, on the birth anniversary of Shri Rama. A small fair is also organised on the eve of Rama Navami. Archeological objects excavated from Ramchaura are kept at thePatna Museum.[50][51]
Dedicated toLord Shiva,Pataleshwar Mandir is located at Hajipur. Since, the ancient period Shiva is believed to be in the form ofLingam here. The worship of theShiva-Linga originated from the famous hymn in theAtharva-VedaSamhita sung in praise of the Yupa-Stambha.[52]
Bateshwar Nath Temple, BiharBateshwar Nath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Dhandua village, Basantpur Panchayat, Hajipur, Vaishali district, Bihar, India. The temple is situated approximately 28 km from the district headquarters of Vaishali. As per local folklore, the temple has existed since the Mughal period and is believed to have miraculously appeared at the center of a thousand-year-old banyan tree. The temple's origins are associated with an intriguing legend that suggests it was self-constructed. The temple holds a significant place in the religious and cultural landscape of the region. Every year, it hosts the Basant Panchami festival (February–March) with great enthusiasm. Additionally, a month-long fair is organized on the occasion of Mahashivratri, attracting devotees and visitors from nearby areas. Surrounded by vast agricultural fields, the temple offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere, making it a notable destination for those seeking peace and devotion. Recognizing its historical and religious significance, the Bihar Government has approved a project to develop the site into a recognized historical and tourist attraction. The temple is currently managed by Bateshwar Nath Vikash Seva Sansthan, an NGO, under the leadership of Mithilesh Kumar Singh, an advocate and the secretary of the organization.
It is considered one of the main ghats of Ganga—Gandak, where worshiping and cremation has been performed for centuries. This ghat received its name based on an ancient legend. According to this legend, "The famous fight ofGaja (elephant)-Graah (crocodile), which is well covered in Indian scriptures, is the reason behind people asking -kaun haara. Hence the name-Kaunhara ghat. Scriptures tell thatLord Vishnu had to interfere in the fight to save his devotee Gajaraj, who was being drowned by a crocodile. Both Gaja and Graah weregandharvas. But due to some curse, they became Gaja and Graah. Lord Vishnu killed Graah to give him instant salvation, and saved the life Of Gajaraj." The depiction of fighting Gaja—Graah is an emblem for the city and is prominently shown on the Hajipur railway station's dome and other notable places.[53]
Jami Masjid is one of the states' oldest mosques erected in 1587 AD during the Mughal rule by Makhsus Shah, the contemporary governor of Bihar Sharif according toAkbarnamah.[54] The remarkable monument is a spectacular example of Indo-Persian architecture, the central dome being larger than the others.[55]
Located opposite Hajipur is a place of Sonepur where the forty-night-longSonepur Cattle Fair is held every year starting fromKartik full moon day. The place goes lively at the onset of winter with the mass holy deep inriver Gandak by Hindu at Kaun—haara Ghat.[56] Being claimed as the biggest animal fair in Asia.Government of Bihar's Department of Rural Development,Department of Agriculture organises training and exhibitions.[57] The visitors can stay in hotels at Hajipur or they can hire luxurySwiss cottages erected on sand dunes beside river Gandak.[58][59][60] The tent and cottages are provided byDepartment of State Tourism.[61][62][63]
The ancient village ofVaishali is located 35 km North—West of Hajipur. The place can be reached by road and offers many archaeological places to see which includesBuddha Stupa,Pillars of Ashoka, AbhishekPuskarani (coronation Tank ofVajjika rulers). Vaishali Mahotsava is held every year onBaisakh Purnima(Full Moon Day of 1st Hindu Month) during mid-April to celebrate the birth anniversary of 24thJain Tirthankar—Mahavir who was born here in the villageKundalpur, 4 km from Vaishali. The soil of this land is blessed by the visit ofBuddha twice during the 3rd century BC.[64][65][66]
Museums
Deep Narayan Singh Museum[67] was established in 1979.[68]
Raj Narain College,[72]Jamuni Lal College,[73]Deo Chand College,Vaishali Mahila College,Intermediate Women's College, Chaurasia Raj Kishore College,[74] JaiPrakash Evening Intermediate College,[75] Maitreya College of Education and Management,[76] Licchavi College of Teacher's Training,[77] Maa Tara Institute of Health technology and Management,[78] R.S. Sharda Devi Education College,[79] Bihar College of Education,[80] Bihar Industrial Training Centre,[81] District Institute of Education and Training.[82]
Schools in Hajipur are either government run schools or private schools . The schools are affiliated toBihar School Examination Board (BSEB), the All-IndiaIndian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) or theCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) boards. Hindi and English are the primary languages of instruction.[83] Some top Schools are —G.A Inter School,Kendriya Vidyalaya,[84]St. Paul's High School,[85] St. Georgia Girls' School,[86] Indian Public School,[87] Surajdeo Memorial School,[88]Delhi Public School.[89]
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Hajipur city has a modern railway zonal office.[105] It is the headquarters of theEast Central Railway zone of theIndian Railways.[106][107][108]Hajipur Junction is directly connected to most of the major cities in India. Public transportation is provided for bybuses,auto rickshaws andlocal trains.BSRTC has started city bus service on Hajipur via Patna.[109][110] Luxury bus service in Hajipur running via NH-31 connects several neighbouring cities is provided by theBihar State Road Transport Corporation.[111] Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation.[112] App based cab service is available.[113]
Asia's longest river bridge, theMahatma Gandhi Setu (built 1982), is in Hajipur and connects the city toPatna across the Ganga.[114] The four lane prestressedRCC bridge was commissioned into service during the year 1982. Travellers get an enthralling experience and panoramic view of lush greenbanana plantations.[115][116]
The city is primarily served byLok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport,Patna (PAT)[117] - which is just 21.2 km (13.2 miles) SW or an hour drive from Hajipur.
Hajipur is connected to other parts of India through national and state highways. Hajipur is well connected with roads to various major cities of Bihar like Patna, Sonpur, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Chhapra. The major highways are-
NH 31 touches the city and connects it toChhapra which further joinsGhazipur city in UP. NH 31 starts from Patna and is connected further withGaya andBodhGaya through state highway.[118][119]
NH 22 connects Hajipur to Sonbarsa (Nepal border) viaMuzaffarpur andSitamarhi
NH 322 Starts from Hajipur toMusrigharari (Samastipur) viaJandahaHindi andEnglish newspapers are easily available in the city, includingDainik Jagran,Hindustan,Prabhat Khabar,Dainik Bhaskar,The Times of India,Hindustan Times,The Hindu,The Economic Times andThe Indian Express. There is also the Hindi and English mixed newspaper tabloidInext.[123][124][125]
TV programming is provided by regional news channels likeZee Bihar, Kashish News,Sahara Samay Channel,News18 Bihar,[126]DD Bihar.[127] There are several news programmes broadcast by local cable operators in city areas and all renowned channels are broadcast in each corner of the city areas.[128][129]
Hajipur has the following FM radio stations—
| No. | Name | Frequency | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Radio City | 91.1 FM | Hindi |
| 02 | Red FM | 93.5 FM | Hindi |
| 03 | Big FM | 95.0 FM | Hindi & Bhojpuri |
| 04 | Radio Mirchi | 98.3 FM | Hindi |
Electricity supply to the city is regulated and distributed by theBihar State Power Holding Company Limited.[132] The city gets electricity fromNorth Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited which is controlled by Bihar State Electricity Board.[133][134][135]
Direct–to–home (DTH) is available viaDD Free Dish,Airtel digital TV,Dish TV,Tata Play,d2h,Sun Direct andIndependent TV and all Cable operators.[136][137][138]
Hajipur has its own home network of theBharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India's state-owned telecom and internet services provider. BothGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile services are available.[139] Apart from telecom, BSNL also provides broadband internet service.[140] Among private enterprises,Bharti Airtel,Reliance Jio,Vodafone Idea andTata Teleservices[141] are the leading telephone and cell phone service providers in the city.[142][143][144]
One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Hajipur".Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 12 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 827.
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