Nawada District
Nawada district is one of the thirty-eight districts of Bihar. Nawada Town is its administrative headquarter. The district is the easternmost district of the Magadh division, one of the nine administrative divisions of Bihar. The area of the modern district was historically part of the Magadh, Shunga and Gupta empires. Koderma and Giridih districts of the state of Jharkhand lie on the southern border of the district; it also shares borders with Gaya, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and Jamui districts of Bihar.
Nawada Railway Station is main station of this district. Other railway stations are Tiliya Jn.(in Hisua), Warsaliganj, Kashichak.
History
The history of Nawada is part of the history of the ancient empire of Magadh which included the undivided districts of Patna, Nalanda and Gaya. This empire gained prominence during the reign of king Bimbisar of Haryanka dynasty. During this period both Buddha and Mahavir preached their doctrines. This entire region in those days was full of forests, wild animals and aboriginal tribes. Even today a considerable part of the district say nearly 20 percent, is spread over the hills and forests situated towards south and west and mainly contained in the belt of Rajauli, Govindpur, Kawakole, Hisua and Sirdala Blocks. The influence of Buddhism and Jainism at that time could extend only to the northern parts of the district of Nawada. Lord Buddha stayed in the undivided district of Gaya for a long time and he preached in many parts of the district of Nawada including Kurkihar, Parwati and Tapowan. Lord Mahavir also visited the northern parts of Nawada district.
With the fall of the Haryanka dynasty, the Sisunagas came to power and conquered Avanti (Malava). The Sisunagas were overpowered by Mahapadma Nanda, who founded the Nanda dynasty, and extended his domain over the entire northern India. They were succeeded by the Mauryas who founded their capital at Patliputra (present Patna). During the Ashok’s reign Gaya gained prominence once again. The history of this region after the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire till the rise of the imperial Guptas is shrouded in obscurity.
Samudragupta of the Gutpa dynasty became the king of Magadh around 330 A.D. Local dynasties came into prominence after the fall of the Gupta Empire. Later Gaya came under the sway of Harshavardhana and formed a part of his empire. After the death of Harsha in 468 A.D. a Tibetan-Chinese-Nepalese army invaded Magadh to avenge the earlier attack on a Chinese mission on way to meet Harsha who was no more. However, Harsha’s descendant Aditya-sena maintained independence of the region and his inscription has been found in Apsarh, a village in Warisaliganj Block of Nawada district, where remains of the ancient temples exist.
The control of Magadh thereafter by the Pala dynasty is evidenced by the inscription of king Rajayapala, son of king Narayan Pala, found in Kurkihar in Wazirganj Block of Gaya district. Kurkihar was the site of famous Buddhist monastery in the Pala period, and large number of bronze images of Buddhist and even Hindu deities have been found here during excavations and are presently stored in the Patna Museum.
Mahipal I ruled the kingdom during 988-1030 A.D. and an image found at Kurkihar bears an inscription dated 1009 A.D. Later this kingdom had to bear the brunt of repeated attacks of Gahedvala kings with their centre at Kashi (present Varanasi). The kingdom was ultimately lost to the Gahedvala king Govindchanda but in Gaya district Varnamana and his son Rudraman continued to rule. An inscription of Rudraman dated 1137-38. A.D. has been found at Govindpur in Nawada district. Govindapala, a Pala king, was ruling Nawada in 1162 A.D. Later, he was over thrown by the Senas of Bengal and Gahedvalas of Kanauj, and a clash over possession of Magadh ensued. Soon the Afghans overran Bihar.
Sometime after 1193 A.D. but before 1200 A.D. Mohammadbin-Bakhtiyar Khilji invaded Bihar. He stormed the monasteries at Biharsharif (Odantapuri), Nalanda and Kurkihar and also the historical temples at Apsarh and other places of grandeur.
Biharsharif became the headquarters of Muslim rulers in Bihar. Around 1285 A.D. Gaya was made a part of Muslim Subah of Bihar. The control of Bihar passed into the hands of the Sherqui dynasty of Jaunpur from 1394 to 1486. After the fall of this dynasty the Mughals gained control of the district. Finally, the British succeeded in establishing their hold over this area.
In 1760, Shah Alam invaded Bihar with a view to establishing his claim over the throne of Delhi. He was helped by Kamdar Khan of Nawada but Shah Alam was repulsed at Barh by the combined army of the Nawab of Bengal and the British. Shah Alam invaded the district again on the advice of Kamdar Khan and others, and the Mughal army defeated the British force. Kamdar Khan besieged Patna which was relieved by the timely arrival of Knox and his army. Then Kamdar Khan withdrew to Bihar. Shah Alam, while withdrawing, was caught unawares and attacked by the British force supported by the army of Nawab Mir Jafar and Governor Raja Ram Narayan. He was defeated and captured, brought to Patna and confined there. Kamdar Khan retreated to the hills of Ramgarh. A tomb of Kamdar Khan still exists at Hisua Block headquarters of Nawada district.
In 1845, Nawada was made a subdivision of Gaya district and finally on January 26, 1973 Nawada was separated from Gaya district and made a separate district. Afterthat each year on this day foundation day is celebrated.
Kakolat Falls are mentioned in Hindu Pauranik History as the abode of a king turned into a python by a Rishi's curse.
Geography
Nawada district is located on global map between 24°31' and 25°7' North latitude and 85°17' and 86°30'East longitude. The district occupies an area of 2,494 square kilometers (963 sq mile). The rank of the district in comparison to other districts of Bihar in terms of area is 18th. The district is bounded on the north by the district of Nalanda and Sheikhpura, on the south by the district of Jharkhand State, on the west by Gaya, on the east by the district of Jamui.
Natural divisions
The northern and southern parts of the district constitute two distinct natural regions. The northern part which is plain, formed of alluvial soil, is very fertile. Consequently, it is densely populated and has a rich historical background. The Southern part is hilly and undulating with a gentle ascent towards the south merging into hills and hilly ranges. In fact these hills form the southern fringes of the Chotanagpur plateau. Fertility of the soil (Laterite) is comparatively low. This area remained outside the pale of prosperous Magadh and till 1865 it formed part of district of Ramgarh. The entire, southern boundary of the district is a conglomeration of ridges and spurs. Some of these hills attain a height of about 2250 ft. The area is also interspersed by bare granite rocks of gigantic proportions jutting out of the earth. The important hills in the area named after famous Rishis are Durbasa, Shringi, Lomas, Jagbali and Valmiki.
Rivers
The district does not have any major river of importance. There are, however, some small rivers flowing through it such as Tilaiya, Ghaghra, Khuri, Sakri and Dhanarjya, the last mentioned having mythological significance.
The beds of these rivers are shallow, wide and sandy. They remain dry all through the year except during rainy season when they are virtually in spate. The confluence of all these five rivers takes place at a point near Giriak in Nalanda district from where the river Panchane rises. The district of Nawada also has some important water falls such as Kakolat and Had-hadwa. In the southern part of Rajauli Block of this district the famous Safi Mica Mines are situated.
Climatic condition
In summer the climate of the district is hot and dry but winter months are quite cool and pleasant. Winter comes towards the middle of October after the rains are over. The temperature begins falling and January is the coldest month of the year with mercury falling to about 6ºC. The blowing of westerly wind accompanied by dust storms about the middle of March marks the beginning of hot weather. The mercury starts shooting upward and May is the hottest month of the year when the maximum temperature goes up to 44ºC. The summer continues till the end of June when the onset of rains brings the much awaited relief and the temperature falls, though the humidity is still high the rise in humidity often makes the heat only more oppressive during the rainy season which lasts till the end of September. From November to February the district has a pleasant climate. The district also gets some winter rain.
Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in the district is 996.5 mm. Maximum rainfall occurs during the month of June to September when the district receives almost 80 percent of its average total rainfall. The district receives minimum rainfall during the month of December. Weather conditions become hot and humid during the rainy season. The average number of rainy days in district 31.35 rainy days (8.59% of the time) annually.[4]
Flora and Fauna
The district is, therefore, devoid of any forests. Among the trees found in the district are Neem, Bel, Siris, Sisam, Simal and Jack-Fruit are found near village settlements. The district also has some tracts of grass lands.
There are still quite dense and shelter wild animals. Occasionally tigers, panthers, bears, deer, sambhars and wild boads can be seen in jungles of the district.
Land use Pattern
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of the district and also the main source of livelihood of the people. Rainfall still controls the agricultural economy of Nawada district.
Paddy is the main crop of the district. During recent years wheat sowing has also been encouraged. Other crops grown are maize, potato, gram, marua, sugarcane and Khesari.
In the district 5 types of soil are generally found. These are (i) Loam, (ii) Sandy, (iii) Clay, (iv) Sandy Loam and (v) Clay Loam.
The areas where these kinds of soil are generally found and the crops for which they are useful are indicated below :-
Loam - Found in Nawada, Sirdala and Akbarpur Blocks.
Sandy - Available in some parts of Nawada, Sirdala and Hisua Blocks. It is suited for crops like maize, oil-seeds and groundnut.
Clay - Available in parts of Pakri Barawan and Kawakole. It is suited for paddy, gram and wheat.
Sandy Loam - Found in the development Blocks of Nawada, Warisaliganj, Akbarpur, Narhat and Hisua. It is useful mainly for wheat, maize and paddy.
Clay Loam - Available in Rajauli and Sirdala Blocks. It is useful for paddy, wheat and potato.
Administrative divisions
Nawada sub-division
- Hisua – Bagodar, Chhatihar, Chitarghati, Dhanwa, Dona, Eknar, Hadsa, Hisua Nagar Panchayat, Kaithir, Pachra, Sonsa, Tekpur, Tungi
- Warisaliganj –Gopalpur, Makanpur, Apsarh, Baghi Bardiha, Pakribarawan, Chakwae, Dosut, Hajipur, Kochgawn, Kumbhi, Kutri, Manjaur, Masudha, Mohiuddin Pur, Mosima, Naromurar, Paingari, Gorapar, Saur, Shahpur, Thera, Warisaliganj Nagar Panchayat, maafi, simri, may, chainpur, chandipur, balyari, baali, bilaari.
- Nawada – Bhadauni, Akauna Minhai, Amthi, Bhadokhra, Bhagwanpur, Didaur, Gonawa, Jamuawa,Patwa Sarai,Gopal Ganj, Jhunathi, Kharant, Loharpura, Mahuli, Nanaura, Nawada Nagar Parishad, Oraina, Paura, Kadirganj, Samai, Sonsiahri
- Kawakol – Chhabail, Darawa, Debnagar, Kawakol, Kebali, Khadshari, Lalpur, Mahudar, Manjhila, Nawadaih, Paharpur, Pali, Pandegangot, Saroni, Shekhodewra
- Nardiganj – Dohra, Handiya, Ichua Karna, Kahuara, Kosla, Masaurha, Nardiganj, Nanaura, Odo, Parma, Pesh
- Kashichak – Parwati, Revera, Jagdishpur, Chandinama, Khakhari, Belar, Birnawa, Subhanpur, Derhgaon, Sarkatti
- Pakari Barawan – Belkhunda, Budhaul, Dioura, Okaura, Dewdha, Dhodha, Dumrawan, Dumari, Lilo, Sundari, Euri, Jiuri, Kewala, Kunanpur, Pakri Barawan, Poksi
Rajauli sub-division
- Akbarpur – Baksanda, Baliya Buzurg, Barail, Barew, Bhanail, Bhudhuwa, Fattehpur, Gobind Bigha, Kulna, Ladaha, Malikpur,Rajhat Sharif Nemdarganj, Mankhar, Pachgawan, Pachrukhi, Paijuna, Panti, Parto Karahri, Pharaha, Sakarpura, Diri
- Narhat – Babhnaur, Jamuara, Khanwa, Konibar, Narhat, Pali Kurd, Punaul, Punthar, Saidapur Goasa, Shekhpura
- Meskaur – Akri Pandebigha, Barat, Barosar, Biju Bigha, Meskaur, Mairzapur, Pasarhi, Rasulpur, Saraye, Tetariya, Mahugay
- Sirdala – Abdul, Akauna, Bandhi, Bargawan, Chaube, Chaukia, Dhiraundh, Ghaghat, Khalkhu, Khanpura, Khatangi, Laund, Rajan, Sanrh Majhgawn, Sirdala, Upardih
- Rajauli – Amawa East, Amawa West, Andharbari, Bahadurpur, Chitarkoli, Dhamni, Hardiya, Jogya Maran, Lengura, Murhena, Parka Buzurg, Rajauli Nagar Panchayat, Sawaiya Tand, Sirodabar, Takua Tand
- Govindpur – Baksoti, Baniya Bigha, Budhwara, Madhopur, Bisunpur, Bhawanpur, Delhua, Sarkanda, Sughri, Govindpur
- Roh – Nazardih, Ohari, Marui
Nawada also has 5 Assembly constituencies: Nawada, Hisua, Rajauli, Govindpur and Warisaliganj.
Economy
The main crops harvested in the district are paddy, wheat, pulses, and vegetables. Industrial facilities in the district include beedi factories and silk handlooms. Formerly, sugar cane farming and processing also took place; the district's single sugar mill, located in Warisaliganj, is currently non-functional and a proposal of Ambuja Cement (a subsidary brand of Adani Groups) factory is given to BUIDCO. Kadirganj, located 6km from Nawada, has a small scale (Handloom Silk) Industry where more than 250 weavers families are involved in weaving handloom silk clothes.
Rajauli, Hisua and Warsaliganj are emerging as significant market hubs for the hinterland regions bordering Jharkhand state, and have also produced many professionals including physicians, surgeons, engineers who are working in many parts of India. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India identified Rajauli as the possible site for creating an additional 2,800 MW of nuclear power capacity in the state.
In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Nawada one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640). It is one of the 38 districts in Bihar currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).
Transport
National Highway 20 runs roughly north–south through the western side of district, serving many villages and towns, including the administrative center of Nawada. National Highway 120 follows a 30km route in the far northwestern corner of the district, passing through the town of Hisua. Including state highways and other routes connecting villages, the district has approximately 420km of paved roads. Deluxe buses are also available from Nawada to cities like Patna, Bihar Shariff, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Koderma, Kolkata, Ranchi, Bokaro, Jamshedpur etc.
The district lies in the East Central Railway of Indian Railways; the Gaya–Kiul line crosses the district roughly east–west, and connects with the Bakhtiyarpur–Tilaiya line at Tilaiya Junction. Four pair of express trains and several local trains run on the Gaya-Kiul line via Nawada railway station. Though electrification is complete, doubling of railway line is under process. This would provide alternative route for Kolkata and North-East bound trains and would enhance passenger services and freight trains. Currently a Delhi bound train is already scheduled and running from Godda to New Delhi and vice versa has halt at Nawada railway station.
Demographics
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 412,119 | — |
| 1911 | 431,938 | +0.47% |
| 1921 | 430,323 | −0.04% |
| 1931 | 477,400 | +1.04% |
| 1941 | 554,733 | +1.51% |
| 1951 | 613,724 | +1.02% |
| 1961 | 741,633 | +1.91% |
| 1971 | 893,937 | +1.89% |
| 1981 | 1,099,177 | +2.09% |
| 1991 | 1,359,694 | +2.15% |
| 2001 | 1,809,696 | +2.90% |
| 2011 | 2,219,146 | +2.06% |
| source: 10 A-2 Bihar.pdf | ||
According to the 2011 census Nawada district has a population of 2,219,146, This gives it a ranking of 205th district in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 889 inhabitants per square kilometre (2,300/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 22.49%. Nawada had a sex ratio of 936 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 61.63%. 9.71% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 25.47% and 0.09% of the population respectively.
At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 55.52% of the population in the district spoke Magahi, 36.64% Hindi and 7.57% Urdu as their first language.
Politics
| District | No. | Constituency | Name | Party | Alliance | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nawada | 235 | Rajauli | Prakash Veer | RJD | MGB | |||
| 236 | Hisua | Nitu Kumari | INC | MGB | ||||
| 237 | Nawada | Vibha Devi Yadav | RJD | MGB | ||||
| 238 | Govindpur | Md Kamran | RJD | MGB | ||||
| 239 | Warsaliganj | Aruna Devi | BJP | NDA | ||||
Education
The district has a good literacy percentage. There are numerous institutions for Higher education and secondary education.
Higher educational institutes
- KLS College, Nawada
- TS College, Hisua
- Krishna Memorial College, Nawada
- Krishak college, Dheodha-Pakribarawan, Nawada
- S N Sinha college, Warisaliganj
- SGBK Sahu Senior Secondary School, Warisaliganj
- Mahila college, Warisaliganj
- National school mafi warisaliganj
- Warsi College Pandeygangout Kawakol, Nawada
- RMW College, Nawada
- Seth Sagarmal College
- Sita Ram Sahu College, Nawada
- Ram lakhan Singh Yadav College, Nawada
- Triveni College of Education, Nawada
- Swami Sahjanand Saraswati Sanskrit College, Nawada
- Ganauri Ramkali Teacher's Training College, Nawada
- Nawada Vidhi Mahavidyalaya
- Ravikant Punam B.Ed college Dosut Warsaliganj, Nawada
Secondary educational institutes
- RPS Convent Public School, Nawada
- TPS International School, Pipra Kushahan, Sirdalla
- Dayal Public School, Nawada
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Rewar, Nawada
- High School Aanti, Kadirganj,Nawada
- Gyan Bharti Model Residential Complex, Hisua
- Modern English School, Nawada
- Manas Bharti Educational Complex, Nawada
- Jeevan Jyoti Public School, Nawada
- Gyan Bharti Public School, Nawada
- Jeevan Deep Public School, Nawada
- Gyan Bharti Public School, Pakribarawan, Nawada
- St. Joseph's School, Nawada
- The Diksha School, Nawada
- Delhi Public School, Nawada
- Dav Public School, Nawada
- Dav Public School, Rajuli
- Frontline Public School, Nawada
- Gandhi Inter School, Nawada
- Bless International School (CBSE 10+2 Arts, Science & Commerce) ,Nawada
- Bodhi Tree International School, Nawada
- Unique Public School,Nawada
Tourism
Nawada is in southern Bihar and is known for its natural environment. Kakolat Waterfall is a popular tourist spot. Narad museum and Rajauli have also attracted tourists over the years.
There is a newly constructed 108 feet high statue of Gautam Buddha at Wat Thai temple in Hisua, Nawada (Tallest in India). This statue has been constructed through the Thai organization Wat Nawa Mandara Dhammakar.
Indrasal Cave, Surya Mandir Handiya, Shri Gunnawan Ji Tirth, Shekhodewra Ashram, Budhauli Monastery & 52 Kothi 53 Dwar are other places of tourist’s attraction in Nawada. Historians believe that this place was a reputed religious center for the Hindus in the Palas period.
Nawada has a museum of national importance, the Narad Museum, which was established in 1974. Some other temples and religious spots within the district are Govardhan Mandir, The Surya Narayana Mandir (Handiya), Shobhnath Temple, Sankat Mochan, Patalpuri Mandir, Sri Digambar Jain Temple and Sri Jain Guniyaji Jal Mandir (Gonawa Jal Mandir), this temple is dedicated to Jain Muni Gandhar Gautam Swami. The Surya Narayana Mandir of Handiya is the earliest and it is supposed to be of Dvapara Yuga. The Surya Narayana Mandir of Handiya was constructed by the King of Magadha Jarasandha. Jarasandha’s daughter Dhaniya was suffering from leprosy, and used to stay at this holy place every day for devotion. The Myth says that she used to bathe in the nearby pond and was cured. Soon after Dhaniya established a place of worship, Maa Bhagwati, in a nearby village, and a Shivalinga at Dhaniya hill, which is just a ways from the main temple .
Handiya is surrounded to the north side by Rajgir Mountain, and to the south by a river. Each year, thousands of people come to visit this holy place. The Surya Narayana Mandir is also known for betel nuts like Magahi Pan.
Apart from these, other tourist places like Kakolat Falls, Bodhgaya, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Kauwakol (Sadakat Ashram) and Rajgir can be reached by traveling on the road within 1–2 hours. People visit sufi shrines & Dargah of Khawaja Syed Abdullah Chishti Chota Sheikhpura, Hazrat Sarwar Sultan Lakhi Diwan (Hasua), Hazrat Dariya Shaheed ( Ansar Nagar), Hazrat Jalal Bukhari ( Nawada), Hazrat Nemat Shaheed, Bari Dargah, Nawada, Hazrat Sufidullah and two hundred years old Khanquah Afzalia Faridia Asdaqiah at Sherpur, Nawada and centuries old (in the reign of akbar) Khanquah Chishtia at Chota Sheikhpura, Narhat, Nawada.
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