Hajipur (/ˈhɑːdʒɪpʊər/HAH-jip-oor,[8]Hindi:[ˈɦaːdʒiːpʊr]ⓘ) is the headquarters and largest city of
Vaishali district of the state of
Bihar in
India. Hajipur is the
16th 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 cultivating Bananas.[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 the
Patna Regional Development Authority(PRDA) area includes Hajipur under
Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation.[13][14][15]Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the
longest 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 the
Ganga while Patna lies on the south, the Gandhi Setu bridge connects both cities. Another bridge, the
Digha–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 to Greater Patna, which would entail absorbing Hajipur and other
surrounding 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 only
twin 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]
In ancient times, Hajipur was known as Ukkacala[26] and was the first village after crossing the
Ganga at Patna. The village of Hajipur gained significance, as it was the venue of one of the discourses given by
Buddha. Buddha preached the Cula Gopalaka Sutta, a Middle Length Discourse, here. Along with that, it is also of interest because a portion of
Ananda's ashes were
enshrined in the town. Ananda, the closest disciple of Buddha, acted as the Buddha's attendant for twenty years and outlived him by several
decades.[27][25] Hajipur is also known for the land of Amrapali.[28]
In
British India, Hajipur was a small town in the
Muzaffarpur district situated on the confluence of the Ganges and
Gandak. Hajipur features conspicuously in the history of struggles between
Emperor Akbar and the rebellious Afghan
Karrani rulers of Bengal, being twice besieged and captured by the imperial troops, in 1572 and 1574.[29] In 1912
Bihar and Orissa was divided from the Presidency of Bengal. After independence the city of Hajipur came under state of Bihar which was formed on the
linguistic basis.[4][21]
Geography and climate
Hajipur is the headquarters of
Vaishali after its separation from
Muzaffarpur district on 12 October 1972. It is located at 25°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 river
Ganga and is budding as one of the foremost profit-making and manufacturing region of the state.[31][21]
Gandak River
Hajipur city is bounded by the
Gandak 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 with
Sonepur.[33]
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 as Csa. 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—
Source: Climate table (average high and low) and average precipitation[37]
Demographics, languages, and religion
Historical population
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 and
linguistically, Hajipur is similar to that of Patna. As per 2011
census 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 demonym Hajipurian. 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 Maithili, named after Mithila, the ancient name of North Bihar is most widely spoken. English is also spoken by Hajipurians, and other widely spoken dialects and languages include
Maithili,
Bajjika,
Urdu and
Angika.[40][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.[41][42]
There is a dedicated industrial area in Hajipur apart from
Export Promotion Park of India, Hajipur—(EPIP), maintained by Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority—(BIADA)[43] in an area of 150 acres where many Big Brands of FMCG & Agro-based companies like Pepsico, Britannia, HUL, Godrej, Anmol, Sudha, 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.[44][45] The Export Promotion Industrial Park, is a multiple-product export processing zone in
East India developed by the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the
Government of Bihar and by the administrative body BIADA located in Hajipur, In the administrative
Vaishali district, has 94
acres (38
ha; 0.147
sq mi) of land with modern infrastructure.[46][47]
Places of interest
Ramchaura Mandir
The
Ramchaura Mandir is a Hindu Temple in the city of Hajipur, Bihar. Dedicated to
Lord 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.[48] The Ramchaura Mandir has a tradition of celebrating
Rama 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 the
Patna Museum.[49][50]
Pataleshwar Mandir
Dedicated to
Lord Shiva,
Pataleshwar Mandir is located at Hajipur. Since, the ancient period Shiva is believed to be in the form of
Lingam here. The worship of the
Shiva-Linga originated from the famous hymn in the
Atharva-VedaSamhita sung in praise of the Yupa-Stambha.[51]
Kaunhaara Ghat
Lord Vishnu with Gaja and Graah
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 of
Gaja (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 that
Lord Vishnu had to interfere in the fight to save his devotee Gajaraj, who was being drowned by a crocodile. Both Gaja and Graah were
gandharvas. 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.[52]
Jami Masjid
Jami Masjid
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 to
Akbarnamah.[53] The remarkable monument is a spectacular example of Indo-Persian architecture, the central dome being larger than the others.[54]
The ancient village of
Vaishali is located 35 km North—West of Hajipur. The place can be reached by road and offers many archaeological places to see which includes
Buddha Stupa,
Pillars of Ashoka, Abhishek
Puskarani (coronation Tank of
Vajjika rulers). Vaishali Mahotsava is held every year on
Baisakh Purnima(Full Moon Day of 1st Hindu Month) during mid-April to celebrate the birth anniversary of 24th
Jain Tirthankar—
Mahavir who was born here in the village
Kundalpur, 4 km from Vaishali. The soil of this land is blessed by the visit of
Buddha twice during the 3rd century BC.[63][64][65]
Museums
Deep Narayan Singh Museum[66] was established in 1979.[67]
Asia's longest river bridge, the
Mahatma Gandhi Setu (built 1982), is in Hajipur and connects the city to
Patna across the Ganga.[111] The four lane prestressed
RCC bridge was commissioned into service during the year 1982. Travellers get an enthralling experience and panoramic view of lush green
banana plantations.[112][113]
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 to
Chhapra which further joins
Ghazipur city in UP. NH 31 starts from Patna and is connected further with
Gaya and
BodhGaya through state highway.[115][116]
Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Bridge is a big project of Bihar. The chief minister of Bihar
Nitish Kumar announced it on 23 August 2015. This bridge will be connecting two major national highways.[118] This bridge will be the longest bridge in India after completion.[119]
TV programming is provided by regional news channels like
Zee Bihar, Kashish News,
Sahara Samay Channel,
News18 Bihar,[123]DD Bihar.[124] 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.[125][126]
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Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2012. censusindia.gov.in
^"CDP Patna"(PDF). Infrastructure Professionals Enterprise (P) Ltd., C - 2, Green Park Extension, New Delhi – 110016, INDIA. PATNA — Urban Development Department. July 2006. pp. 20, 21 (area) 52 (metropolis), 31 (geography).
Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
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"Districts of India". Statoids.
Archived from the original on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011. statoids.com
^Indian Ministry of Forests and Environment.
"Protected areas: Bihar". Archived from
the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011. oldwww.wii.gov.in
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the original(PDF) on 26 November 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
^"Cabinet OKs new bridge on Ganga". The Times of India. 17 July 2015.
Archived from the original on 9 September 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015. timesofindia.indiatimes.com