Motihari

Motihari Bapudham Motihari
City
Motihari Location in Bihar, India
Coordinates: 26°39′00″N 84°55′00″E / 26.65000°N 84.91667°E / 26.65000; 84.91667Coordinates: 26°39′00″N 84°55′00″E / 26.65000°N 84.91667°E / 26.65000; 84.91667
Country	India
State	Bihar
District	Purvi Champaran
Founded by	Government
Government
• Type	Democracy
• Body	Democratic
Elevation	62 m (203 ft)
Population (2001)
• Total	101,506
Languages
• Official	Bhojpuri, Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	845401
Telephone code	06252
Vehicle registration	BR-05
Lok Sabha constituency	Purvi Champaran
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Motihari
Website	eastchamparan.bih.nic.in

Motihari (Hindi: मोतिहारी) is the headquarters of East Champaran district (Purbi Champaran district) in the Indian state of Bihar. It is one of the important cities of Bihar.

History

In 1866 Champaran was made into a district with Motihari as its headquarters. On 1 December 1977, the Champaran district was divided into two districts, namely, Purbi Champaran (East Champaran) and Paschimi Champaran (West Champaran). Motihari and Bettiah became headquarters of East Champaran district and West Champaran district respectively. The municipality of Motihari was established in 1879. Though no authentic data is available, one of the oldest structures in Motihari appears to be the Briksha Sthan Math, a temple of the guardian deity of Motihari, dating back to 1805. During the British era, the town flourished and it became one of the important centers in North Bihar. Mahatma Gandhi came to Champaran to see the condition of farmers who were forced by the British to cultivate indigo in place of food grains.

Geography

Motihari is around 165 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar, 50 km from Bettiah, and 82 km from Muzaffarpur. The city is very close to Nepal. Birgunj, the second largest city of Nepal, is 55 km away. The closest villages are Madhubani ghat, Sirsha, Pataura etc. River Burhi Gandak flows nearby it.

Climate

Climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification sub-type for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).

Climate data for Motihari
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	22 (72)	26 (78)	31 (88)	34 (93)	36 (96)	34 (93)	32 (90)	32 (90)	32 (89)	30 (86)	27 (80)	23 (74)	29.9 (85.8)
Average low °C (°F)	8 (47)	11 (51)	15 (59)	21 (69)	24 (75)	26 (79)	26 (79)	26 (79)	25 (77)	21 (69)	13 (56)	9 (48)	18.8 (65.7)
Precipitation mm (inches)	23 (0.9)	10 (0.4)	30 (1)	43 (1.7)	71 (2.8)	201 (7.9)	437 (17.2)	280 (11)	250 (10)	100 (4)	5 (0.2)	0 (0)	1,450 (57.1)
Source: Weatherbase[1]

Demographics

As of 2011 India census,^[2] and As per provisional reports of Census India [8], population of Motihari in 2011 is 125,183; of which male and female are 67,438 and 57,745 respectively. The sex ratio of Motihari city is 856 per 1000 males.

In education section, total literates in Motihari city are 94,926 of which 52,904 are males while 42,022 are females. Average literacy rate of Motihari city is 87.20 percent of which male and female literacy was 90.36 and 83.52 percent.

Total children (0-6) in Motihari city are 16,325 as per figure from Census India report on 2011. There were 8,891 boys while 7,434 are girls. Child sex ratio of girls is 836 per 1000 boys.

Transport

Motihari is well connected viz rail and road services

Railways

Bapudham Motihari Station is A grade category railway station and is one of the most busiest station of samastipur Division.It is directly connected to some major cities of India viz Kolkata,Delhi,Mumbai,Amritsar,Kanpur,Guwahati,Jammu,Ahmedabad,Jaipur,Porbandar,Lucknow,Guwahati,Muzaffarpur,Darbhanga and bareilly.

Roadways

Motihari is connected with Muzaffarpur,Lucknow,Kathmandu by NH28.Bus Services are available to Muzaffarpur,Patna,Darbhanga,Kathmandu

Notable people

George Orwell, author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, was born in Motihari in 1903. His father, Richard Walmesley Blair was a deputy posted in the opium department in Bihar. However, when he was one year old, George left for England with his mother and sister. Until recently, the town of Motihari was largely unaware of its connection with Orwell. In 2003, Motihari discovered its role in Orwell's life when a number of journalists arrived in the city for Orwell's hundredth birthday. Local officials are making plans for the construction of a museum on Orwell's life.^[3][4][5]

Khan Bahadur Azizul Huq was one of the two Indian police officers who worked with Edward Henry in the development of fingerprint classification, known as Henry Classification System, still widely used in the world. "It was Khan Bahadur Azizul Huq who evolved a mathematical formula to supplement Henry's idea of sorting slips in 1024 pigeon holes, based on fingerprint patterns. Rai Bahadur Hem Chandra Bose made further contribution to the fingerprint science by evolving an extended system of subclassificaiton, a telegraphic code for finger impression and a system of single-digit classificaiton."^[6] Both Haque and Bose eventually received honoraria and recognition from the Government of India. At the time of final approval of the honorarium for Haque, the Home Department (Government of India) noted, "It appears from the information now received that he (Haque) was Sir Edward Henry's principal helper in perfecting the scheme and he actually himself devised the method of classification which is in universal use. He thus contributed most materially to a discovery which is of worldwide importance and has brought a great credit to the police of India."^[7] Upon retirement from the Police service in Bengal and Bihar, Khan Bahadur Azizul Huq settled in Motihari, and he is buried there.

One of the famous modern Hindi poet, author and daring freedom fighter of 1942 Quit India Movement Ramesh Chandra Jha belongs from Phulwariya district of Motihari.

Thakur Ramapati Singh was a Freedom Fighter, MLA. Minister, and MP from Motihari.Ram Behari Sharma,Advocate(Supreme Court Of India, High Court Of India,Civil Court)Freedom Fighter,Founder of Women's College,Motihari

Tourism and Places of interest

Kesaria

Kesaria has the tallest and the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. The stupa was discovered in 1998 during an excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The stupa dates to between 200 AD and 750 AD and may have been associated with the 4th century ruler, Raja Chakravarti. At 104 feet, Kesaria Stupa is one foot taller than the Borobodur Stupa in Java. It is also taller than the second largest stupa at Ghorakatora in the Nalanda district. The National Informatics Centre of East Champaran (Motihari) suggests the Kesaria Stupa was 123 feet tall before the 1934 earthquake in Bihar. According to a report by the A.S.I., the Kesaria Stupa was originally 150 feet in height. The height of Sanchi Stupa a world heritage site is 77.50 feet. The largest Hindu temple in the world Virat Ramayan Mandir will be 2268 ft. in length, 1296 ft. in width and 440 ft. in height. Its location is at Janaki Nagar near Kesaria in North Bihar at a distance of 120 km. from Patna and 60 km. from the historic town of Vaishali. It is spread over a sprawling area of 200 acres on the main Kesaria Chakia road near traditional Kathwalia-Bahuara village. Like South-East Asian temples it has layers instead of floors and in the first layer one will have to walk more than a km. to see four temples with shikhars (spires) in four corners and the marvels of the Ramayan through electronic gadgets. In the last layer the main Rãma temple consisting of Rãma, Sitã, Lava, Kusha and Valmiki will be at a height of 66 ft. with will have a sitting capacity for 20 thousand devotees at one time. In all there will be 18 temples with high spires. The Shive temple will comprise the largest Saiva-Linga in the world and it will be installed in such a fashion that devotees will have no difficulty in offering water, milk, etc. to the great deity. The renowned Hanuman (Mahavir) Mandir at Patna, after having established four famous, philanthropic hospitals in the Capital of Bihar, has now undertaken the construction of the largest Hindu temple in the world Virat Ramayan Mandir which will be larger than even Angkor Wat Temple situated in Cambodia, considered the largest-Hindu temple for centaury. Assets of the temple and its institutions are estimated at Rs. 300 crore. The cost of the new project Virat Ramayan Mandir will be around Rs. 500 crore. The temple trust provides Rs. 1 crore every year for the treatment of poor patients in Cancer and other hospitals run by the temple trust.

Gandhi Smarak (Motihari)

The foundation stone of this Gandhi memorial pillar was laid on 10 June 1972 by the then Governor, Mr. D.K.Barooch and if was dedicated to the nation by Mr. Vidyakar Kavi, a gandhian, on 18 April 1978. This memorial pillar has been designed by the famous artist of Santiniketan Mr. Nand lal Bose to commemorate the memory of Champaran Satyagah of Mahatma Gandhi who first raised voice against the atrocities of the British Indigo planters against poor peasants of Champaran.

Moti Jheel

Moti Jheel is the heart of Motihari. This is a big lake which speared around the Motihari. Moti Jheel is a historical canal located in the heart of the city of Motihari. It is also a beautiful attraction of the city that divides Motihari into two sections. Spectacular views are available for visitors on either side of the canal. Moti Jheel is a famous tourist attraction that is popular among visitors touring Bihar on a regular basis. Various activities such as boating and sightseeing are available and are hugely famous among those visiting the city. Recently, a flyover has been thrown open for the public to commute in a more frequent manner. It even resolves the travelling issues near the railway crossing as well.

Dariyapur

Dariya pur is situated 7 km from Areraj and 11 km from kotwah, Government Teacher Training Collage, G.P.O. - General Post office, Government Madarsha Islamia Dariyapur.

Phenhara

Phenhara is 35 km away of Motihari. Phenhara is a small town in this district. It has a very old middle school, which was established before 1930. Mahatma Gandhi once visited this place. Phenhara provides an example of Hindu and Muslim unity. Phenhara is a well educated and politically aware town. This town has a sangam of Middle School, H F High School and Madarsa Islamia. Of late, through reservation of seats in politics, Women of Phenhara have come forward to join hands in the development of the block.

Sitakund

Sitakund is situated 16 Kilometers from Pipra railway station.

Lauria (Areraj Lauria)

This place Lauria is 2 kilometers away from Areraj on Betia-Areraj road. The great emperor Ashok had built a Pillar known as Ashok Satambh. The pillar which is also known as "Stambh dharma lekh" bears the edict of Emperor Ashok. It is believed that this Ashok Satambh is 36 feet high with 37.6 inches of base weighs 40 tonns. It seems the ASI department of India has taken the top or crown part of this Ashok Satambh, statue of Lion has been deposited in Kolkata museum. For more details refer official government site.

Kesaria

Kesaria is a town in Bihar, India in the district of East Champaran, near Rampur Khajuria (NH28). It is the site of a stupa built by the King Ashoka. It is one of, if not the largest stupa in India. The Buddha once stayed in Kesariya (then called "Kesaputta"). On that occasion, he preached the Kesaputtiya Suttas (a group of sutras preached to the Kalamas of Kesaputta - A.i.188), which include the Kalama Sutta.^[8] The inhabitants of Kesariya were the Kosalans and the Kalamas.

Kesaria Stupa

Kesaria claims the tallest and the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. The stupa was discovered in 1998 during an excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The stupa dates to between 200 AD and 750 AD and may have been associated with the 4th century ruler, Raja Chakravarti.^[9]

Height At 104 feet, Kesaria Stupa is one foot taller than the Borobodur Stupa in Java. It is also taller than the second largest stupa at Ghorakatora in the Nalanda district.^[10] The National Informatics Centre of East Champaran (Motihari) suggests the Kesaria Stupa was 123 feet tall before the 1934 earthquake in Bihar. According to a report by the A.S.I., the Kesaria Stupa was originally 150 feet in height. The height of Sanchi Stupa a world heritage site is 77.50 feet. ^{[citation needed]}

Transportation and hotels at Kesaria Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation^[11] provides travel and accommodation from the state capital, Patna, for visits to the Bodh circuit (Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kesaria, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath), Jain Circuit (Rajgir, Pawapuri), and Sikh Circuit in Bihar. The corporation owns hotels and circuit homes at these tourist destinations.

Gallery

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  The Kesariya Stupa

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  The Kesariya Stupa

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  The Kesariya Stupa - maps.google

Mehsi

Mehsi is a small town located in East Champaran district of Bihar state, India. Mehsi is an entry point of East Champaran if you are travelling from Patna, Muzaffarpur to Raxaul, connected both by railway and roadway. Mehasi is famous for Peral Button Industry which is made from Oysters Shell commonly available in the river Sikarahana of this area. There are many button factories, a small scale industry, although most of the people depend upon agriculture and commerce.

Raxaul

Raxaul is a major town in the district of East Champaran and is the border town of India with Nepal. This town is known as the Gate way to Nepal. It is connected by NH28A and is 32 km away from Chhapawa (on NH28A), 52 km from Motihari (the District Town) and 60 km from Bettiah - the District town of West Champaran. Birganj - the Second Big City of Nepal is just 3 km away from this town.

Ramgarhwah

15 kilometer from Raxaul and 17 kilometer from Chapwa.

Education

Motihari has many educational institutions like Munshi Singh mahavidyalaya, affiliated to B.R.A.Bihar University is one of the oldest degree colleges in Champaran. Zila Government School is one of the best and oldest secondary high schools of Bihar, established in 1911 by the British government. Government Teacher Training Collage Dariyapur. Other notable schools are Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Secondary School located at Belbanwa, Behind Custom Office, Mangal Seminary (1927), Gopal Sah Vidyalaya (1918), M.J.K. Girls High School, Gopal sah Vidyalay (previously this was Hakok Academy: in this hostel George Orwell was born).

On June 13, 2012, Government of India announced setting of the Central University of Bihar at Motihari. This would be the second central university in Bihar besides the one at Gaya.^[12]

There are also several colleges for higher learning such as Mahila College (a college for women), ANS College, S.N.S. College, L.N.D. College, K.T.College near Singhiya gumti. All are affiliated to B.R.A.B.U.. An engineering college named as Motihari College of Engineering was established by Bihar Government. It is now affiliated with the recently formed Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna. M. It is under administrative control of the Department of Science and Technology and wholly funded by the government of Bihar. I offers undergraduate (UG) courses in four streams of engineering, w. The institute caters to the research and development activities of the state of Bihar. The College of Ayurvedic and Unani Medicine (Homeopathy Medical College, Motihari) is available to provide medical education. Many people from Bihar and India attend these educational institutions.

Some of colleges of Motihari and esat champaran district are

• Dariya Pur Government Teacher Training Collage Dariya Pur
• Motihari College of Engineering
• R.N.M. Ayurved College (Ravindra Nath Mukharjee Ayurved Mahavidyalaya)
• Dr. S. P. Singh College Of Teacher Education
• M.S.College (Munshi Singh College), Chandmari, Motihari
• LND College (Laxmi Narayan Dubey College), Sri Krishna Nagar, M

Some of the public schools in the town are:

• C S DAV Public school, kotwa road, Bankat, Motihari
• Jeewan public school, chandmari, Motihari
• Modern public school, chandmari, Motihari
• Shantiniketan jubilee school, Shantipuri, Motihari
• The Central School,Hospital Chowk

Industries

There are several industries in Motihari sub-division, which are small-scale industries such as a paper factory, a sugar mill, and some other small-scale industries. In a recent development a sugar factory is under development in Sariyatpur which will produce sugar, ethanol and power in several Megawatts. Motihari’s sugar mill is one of the largest in Bihar. Motihari is well connected by road and rail. The local railway station is Bapudham Motihari which is connected to all metropolitan cities and the national capital by railways. With educational institutions, mills and factories, and historical sites like Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Jheel, Gandhi Maidan, and natural scenery of the surrounding countryside bordering the foothills of the Himalayan range, Motihari is an attractive place for people to live, work, and attend educational institutions. It is also a delightful place for visiting. In the villages surrounding Motihari, most people's livelihood depends on agriculture and dairy products. The Motihari area is also known for its litchi fruit and Mitha Alua (sweet potatoes).

Notable people from Motihari

Ravish Kumar, TV anchor and journalist

References

External links

• Official website