Begusarai is the industrial and financial capital of Bihar and the administrative headquarters of theBegusarai district, which is one of the 38 districts of the Indian state ofBihar. The district lies on the northern bank of the riverGanges in theMithila region of India.
Begusarai is home toKanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, a really important wetland that's a safe place for birds that travel long distances each year. It has been declared a Ramsar Site, signifying its international importance.[5] The city also has a history of big industries, like theBarauni Refinery, which has been a major part of the area's economy.[6] Beyond its industrial side, Begusarai is known for its rich folk culture and local festivals, reflecting the traditions of Bihar. It is the cultural capital ofMithila.[7]
The origin of the name Begusarai is subject to two primary etymological theories:
Begu's Sarai: One theory posits that the name derives from a man named "Begu", a devotee ofBari Durga Maharani, who served as the caretaker of the town's historic marketplace, known as Sarai.[27]
Begum's Sarai: Alternatively, it is suggested that the name originates from the combination of "Begum" (queen) and "Sarai" (inn). This theory proposes that a "Begum" fromBhagalpur regularly undertook a month-long pilgrimage toSimaria Ghat on theGanges River, and the location of her temporary residence became known as Begum's Sarai, eventually evolving into Begusarai.[28]
Begusarai lies in the middle of the mid-Ganga plain and generally has low-lyingterrain with a south to south-easterly slope.[31] Begusarai is basically divided into threefloodplains: theGanga floodplain,Burhi Gandak floodplain, Kareha-Bagmati floodplain.
As per the2011 census, Begusarai Municipal Corporation had a total population of 251,136, of whom 133,931 were male and 117,205 were female with a sex ratio of 875. The number of people under five years of age was 37,966. The literacy rate of people seven years and up was 79.35%.[1]
Hinduism is the most followed religion in Begusarai city, with 224,282 followers (89%). Islam is second, with 26,531Muslims (10.53%). Other religions include 325Christians (0.13%), 134Sikhs (0.05%), 31 Jains (0.01%), 29 Buddhists (0.01%), 14 other religions (0.01%), and 662 (0.26%) that did not answer.[33]
Begusarai, located in Bihar, India, has a rich and complex political history that has been shaped by caste dynamics, the rise of communist ideologies, and the growing influence of national parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Its political landscape reflects a combination of class struggles, ideological shifts, and the influence of powerful caste groups, especially the Bhumihars.[34]
The political structure of Begusarai, like much of Bihar, has been deeply influenced by caste. In the early 20th century, the Bhumihar community—traditionally landowners and holders of political power—dominated the region.[35]
Being one of the dominant castes in Bihar, the Bhumihars were crucial in local political affairs, controlling much of the land and thus influencing economic and political decisions.[36] Their influence extended through their support for moderate political factions, including the Congress Party and later the JD(U), which focused on development and governance.[37]
Caste, however, did not remain a static force. As Bihar moved through post-independence phases, political power began to shift toward more organized caste-based parties, with backward castes and Dalits increasingly finding their political voice.[38] The Bhumihars, while still influential, had to navigate a more complex political system, especially as the region's working-class population began to seek greater representation.[39]
Begusarai became a stronghold for the Communist Party of India [CPI] during the 1970s and 1980s, a period when leftist ideologies found resonance with the region’s agrarian population.[40] The CPI capitalized on the discontent among landless peasants and the rural poor, offering an alternative to the established land-owning elites.[41] The communists advocated for land reforms and social justice, aiming to redistribute land and wealth.[42]
This appeal to the working class posed a challenge to the traditional power structures, which included the Bhumihars.[43] Despite the CPI’s grassroots support among the poor and landless, the Bhumihars, as large landowners, often found themselves at odds with the party’s revolutionary stance.[44] However, their influence meant that they could sometimes negotiate with or adapt to changing political winds, even in a district dominated by leftist ideologies.[45]
In the late 1990s and 2000s, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] became a dominant force in Bihar, including Begusarai. Nitish Kumar’s rise coincided with a desire for political stability and development, which resonated with both urban and rural voters.[46] JD(U)’s broader appeal to various caste groups, including backward castes, Dalits, and even some upper-caste groups like the Bhumihars, allowed the party to maintain a significant presence in the region.[47]
However, even as Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) presented itself as a party focused on governance and development, caste-based politics still played a crucial role.[48] The Bhumihars, while often aligned with JD(U), had their own interests that they balanced against the promises of the party.[49] As a result, the region saw a complex political landscape where caste and ideology were constantly in flux, with different groups maneuvering to secure their influence.[50]
The 2010s brought about a major shift in Begusarai’s political environment with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which capitalized on the growing influence of Hindu nationalism and the appeal of Narendra Modi’s leadership.[51] In Begusarai, the BJP's message resonated especially with the upper castes, including the Bhumihars, who found its focus on national security and economic development appealing.[52] The BJP, drawing on both Hindu identity politics and promises of economic growth, successfully attracted significant support in the region, marking the decline of the CPI and the rise of right-wing politics.[53]
For the Bhumihars, who have historically been a key part of Bihar's political establishment, the BJP represented a new direction in alignment with their values.[54] While still politically strategic, the Bhumihars now found themselves not only aligned with regional parties like JD(U) but also more prominently with national forces like the BJP.[55] This shift showed the increasing role that caste politics still played, with the BJP drawing on its pro-Hindu, pro-development platform to garner support across a range of caste groups.[56]
The political history of Begusarai is a reflection of Bihar’s broader political shifts, particularly in terms of caste-based power dynamics, the rise of left-wing politics, and the eventual prominence of Hindu nationalism.[57] Over the decades, the Bhumihars have remained a central force, navigating the complex interplay between land ownership, political affiliation, and social standing.[58] From their historic dominance to their more recent alliance with national parties like the BJP, the Bhumihars’ role in shaping Begusarai’s political landscape cannot be understated.[59]
Today, Begusarai’s politics is a blend of caste-based calculations and national ideological shifts, with the Bhumihars continuing to play an essential role in determining electoral outcomes.[60] The rise of the BJP has added a new dimension to the region's politics, but the influence of caste and the legacy of earlier political movements remain deeply embedded in the district’s political fabric.[61]
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. The main crops of the Begusarai district areoilseeds,anise seeds, tobacco, jutes, potatoes, red chilis, tomatoes, and rape-seeds. In fruits, Begusarai has recently become a major contributor in producinglitchi, mango, guava, and banana. Basil leaves[62] and pearl[63] farming are also present in the local area.
Even today, only theBarauni refinery contributes around Rs 500 crore (5,000,000,000)[64] to the stateexchequer yearly. Begusarai also has an inactiveairport in Begusarai Ulao.[65] Begusarai had the second highestper capita income in the financial year of 2019–2020 in Bihar, after Patna.
Agriculture: The Heart of the EconomyA large part of Begusarai's economy relies on agriculture.[66]Farmers grow crops like rice, wheat, maize, and lentils.[66]This makes agriculture a primary source of income for many people living in the rural areas of Begusarai.[66]Many families supplement their income with dairy farming, raising cows and buffaloes for milk and dairy products.[67]Fishing also plays a role, with people catching fish from rivers and ponds for local markets.[67]Industries: Powering the CityOne of the most significant industries in Begusarai is the Barauni Refinery, an oil refinery.[68]This refinery provides jobs and contributes significantly to the local economy.[68]There is also a thermal power plant located in Barauni, generating electricity for the region.[69]Fertilizer production is another major industry, with Hindustan Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited operating in the area.[70]Small-scale industries also exist, including businesses related to agricultural processing and local crafts.[66]Other Sources of Income: The Everyday JobsMany people in Begusarai are also involved in trade and commerce, with local markets and shops bustling with activity.[66]The service sector, including transportation, education, and healthcare, also provides employment opportunities.[67]Driving rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and other vehicles is a common way to earn a living.[71]Construction labor provides daily wages for many during building projects.[72]Education is a significant sector, with teachers and private tutors contributing to the community.[73]Government jobs also provide stable employment for a portion of the population.[74]Small businesses, like tea stalls and grocery stores, meet the daily needs of the residents.[75]
The culture of Begusarai is the cultural heritage ofMithila. Begusarai is famous for Simaria, a fair of devotional significance every year usually during November in the month ofKartik, according to the IndianPanchang.[76] Men and women in Begusarai dress for the festivals; the costumes of Begusarai stem from the traditional culture of Mithila.Panjabi Kurta andDhoti have aMithila Painting borderedMaroon coloured Gamchha, the Symbol of Passion, Love, Bravery, and Courage, are common clothing items for men. Men wear gold ring in their nose, which symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and wealth followingVishnu. They also wear Balla on their wrist. In ancient times, there was no colour option in Mithila, so the Maithil women wore white or yellowsari with a red border. Today, they wearLaal-Paara (the traditional red-boarded white or yellowsari)[77] on some special occasions, as well asShakha-Pola,[78] with lahthi in their hand. InMithila culture, this represents new beginnings, passion and prosperity.Red also represents the Hindu goddessDurga, a symbol of new beginnings and feminine power. During Chhaith, the women of Begusarai wear pure cotton dhoti without stitching which reflects the pure, traditional culture of Mithila. Usually crafted from pure cotton for daily use and from pure silk for more glamorous occasions, traditional attire for women of Begusarai includes Jamdani, Banorisi, and Bhagalpuri, among others. Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Begusarai, includingChhaith andDurga Puja.
Dhuno-Naach is the Cultural Dance of Begusarai,Mithila. Dhuno-Naach is performed in Begusarai, Samastipur, Khagaria,Katihar, andNaugachhia during Durga Puja and Kalipuja with Shankha-Dhaak Sounds and Jhijhiya is performed inDarbhanga, Muzaffarpur,Madhubani and their neighbour districts.[79]
In Mithila, painting is a form of wall art and is practiced widely in Begusarai. The artform originated among the villages in Begusarai, Darbhanga, Naugachhia, and Madhubani, while more contemporary paintings known asBegusarai Art,Maduhubani art,Darbhanga Art, andNaugachhia Art are on paper and canvas.[80]
Here is a list of the main festivals of Begusarai:
Chhath: Prayers during Chhathpuja are dedicated to thesolar deity,Surya and her Sister Ranbay Maay(Chhathi Maiya), to show gratitude and thankfulness
Saama-Chakeba: includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in thePuranas.
Aghaniya Chhath : Very popular with the name of "Chhotka-Pabni" and Dopaharka Aragh inMithila. Celebrated in Aghan Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi.
Baisakkha Chhath : This is celebrated in month of Baishakh Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi and It is also called Chhotka-Pabni(Dopaharka Aragh) inMithila.[81]
Jitiya: celebrated mainly in entireMithila[84] and Nepal; mothers fast (without water) for wellbeing of their children.[85]
Vivaha Panchami: Hindu festival celebrating the wedding of Rama and Sita. It is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Agrahayana month (November–December) as per Maithili calendar and in the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar.
Kalpwas: Celebrated in Every Kartik Month in Simaria Dhaam atSimaria Ghat, Begusarai.
Lakshmi Puja: In Mithila, the night is known as Kojagari Purnima also called Lachhmi Puja. Kojagari translates to 'one who is awake' in Maithili. It is believed that Goddess Lachhmi visits people's houses on this night, checks whether they are staying awake, and blesses them only if they are awake. It is Harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season in Mithila
Durga Puja: a ten-day festival,[87][88] of which the last five are of the most significance.[89] is an important festival in theShaktism tradition of Hinduism.[90][91][92] It marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shiftingasura,Mahishasura.[93][94][A] Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.[96][97]
Kali Puja: Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon dayDipannita Omavasya of the Hindu month Kartik
Saraswati Puja: marks the preparation for the arrival ofspring. The festival is celebrated by people ofDharmic religions in theSouth Asian countries in different ways depending on the region. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation forHolika andHoli, which take place forty days later.[98]
Holi: In Mithila, Holi starts from Sarsatti Puja(Bosant Ponchami) and ends on Phagun Purnima. Maithils Celebrated Holi for 40 Days. Also Offering Gulaal to Shiva and Gauri on Moha Shivratri.
Poos Kalipuja: Celebrated on Poos Omabasya in Mithila.
Maha Shivratri: Maithil celebrates Moha Shivaratri in Phagun and Saavan Maas.
^In the Shakta tradition ofHinduism, many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.[95]