Happy TravellerWelcome to Katihar, a city situated in the eastern part of the state of Bihar in India. This city is one of the important cities of Bihar and is the regional headquarters of Katihar district. It is also a main route of Delhi – Guwahati railway line. Let’s dive into the history, transportation, education, demographics, religion, climate, and some interesting sites to see in Katihar.
== History ==
Katihar is a part of the Mithila region. Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by Indo-Aryan peoples who established the Mithila Kingdom (also called Kingdom of the Videhas). During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), the Kingdom of the Videhas became one of the major political and cultural centers of South Asia, along with Kuru and Pañcāla. The kings of the Kingdom of the Videhas were called Janakas. The Mithila Kingdom was later incorporated into the Vajjika League, which had its capital in the city of Vaishali, which is also in Mithila. Later it was dominated by the Chaudhary family who were the biggest landlord of Kosi commissioner and holds approx 15000 acre land in Katihar district and 8500 acre in Purnia district. The founder of the Chaudhary family was Taj Ali Chaudhary and his four sons Chaudhary Khuda Baksh, Chaudhary Qadir Baksh, Khan Bahadur Chaudhary Mohammad Baksh, and Elahi Baksh.
== Transport ==
Katihar is well-connected through the road network to the neighboring cities of Bihar. However, interstate bus services are not available. A highway, NH 131A, connects it to Purnia, from where NH 27, NH 231, and NH 31 passes through or starts through. The nearest airport is located at Purnia Airport near Purnea (30 km), but it is an airforce station. The nearest commercial airport is located at Bagdogra Airport (160 km) near Siliguri (West Bengal). However, recently the government has announced to open an air force base airport in Chunapur, Purnea, to be allowed to use for commercial use. However, it is not operational yet. Katihar Junction is a major strategic Railway Junction under Northeast Frontier Railways which connects North East India with the rest of India.
== Education ==
Katihar has many education institutions. It has some of the best schools like Katihar Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandir, Colonels Academy International School of East India, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Manipal public school, SBP Vidya Vihar, Scottish Public School, and many more. There are many government colleges like D.S. College, Govt. Polytechnic, K.B Jha College, M J M Mahila College, and Sita Ram Chamaria College. Other important institutes are Katihar Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Purnea University, Suryadeo Law College, and Maharshi Menhi Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital.
== Demographics ==
As per the 2011 census, Katihar Urban Agglomeration had a population of 240,565. Hinduism is the major religion in Katihar city with 185,196 Hindus (76.9%), 53,213 Muslims (22.1%). Other religions include 794 Christians (0.33%), 373 Sikhs (0.15%), 221 Jains (0.09%), 70 Buddhists (0.03%), and 960 (0.4%) did not state.
== Climate ==
The climate of Katihar is nearly moderate with widespread rainfall during the monsoons sometimes bringing flood to the adjoining rural areas of the Katihar District.
== Sites to See ==
Katihar has some interesting sites to see like the Kolasi, Korha, and Tingachhia. Kolasi is a temple of Lord Shiva situated at a distance of 9 km from the city center. Korha, located 10 km from Katihar is famous for its rock inscriptions of the Gupta period. Tingachhia is a famous picnic spot in Katihar located in the middle of the forest.
Come and visit Katihar to explore the hidden gems of this beautiful city.
