Muzaffarpur

The current city was established in 1875 during the British Raj for administrative convenience, by dividing the Tirhut district and was named after an aumil, Muzaffar Khan; thus the city came to be known as Muzaffarpur.{{cite book |last1=Faizi |first1=Amir Afaque Ahmad |title=Self-help Groups and Marginalised Communities |date=2009 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |isbn=978-81-8069-621-3 |page=6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PVNg-i-nx_MC&q=muzaffarpur |access-date=20 January 2020 |language=en}}

The city was founded in 18th century during British Raj period and was constituted a municipality in 1864. A major road and rail hub, it is a trade centre on the route between Patna (south) and Nepal (north). Lychee, sweet corn, mango, vegetables, rice and sugar milling alongside cutlery manufacturing are the chief industries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Muzaffarpur|title = Muzaffarpur | India| date=19 September 2024 }}

In 1972, the Sitamarhi and Vaishali districts were split off from Muzaffarpur.{{cite web | url = http://www.statoids.com/yin.html | title = Districts of India | access-date = 11 October 2011 | last = Law | first = Gwillim | date = 25 September 2011 | work = Statoids | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111017155710/http://www.statoids.com/yin.html | archive-date = 17 October 2011 | df = dmy-all }}

{{Further|Seismic zones of India}}

Muzaffarpur is located at {{Coord|26.12|N|85.4|E|format=dms}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Muzaffarpur.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321225654/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Muzaffarpur.html|url-status=dead|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Muzaffarpur, India|archive-date=21 March 2008|website=fallingrain.com}} The city lies in a highly active seismic zone of India. In the disastrous earthquake on 15 January 1934, much of the town suffered severe damage and many people died.[http://www.harappa.com/mom/dec98.html Bihar India Earthquake Movie, 15 January 1934] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106111128/http://www.harappa.com/mom/dec98.html |date=6 January 2009 }}. Harappa.com (15 January 1934). Retrieved on 9 January 2011. It has an average elevation of 47 meters (154 feet). This saucer shaped, low-centered town lies on the great Indo-Gangetic plains of Bihar, over Himalayan silt and sand brought by the glacier-fed and rain-fed meandering rivers of the Himalayas.

Muzaffarpur has a humid subtropical climate (Cwa) under the Köppen climate classification. The summer, between April and June, is extremely hot and humid (28–40 °C, 90% max). and winter is pleasantly cool, around 6-20 °C. Rainfall in Muzaffarpur City is comparatively less compared to other parts of Bihar.

{{Weather box

| location = Muzaffarpur (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2009)

| metric first = yes

| single line = yes

| Jan record high C = 30.8

| Feb record high C = 34.6

| Mar record high C = 39.4

| Apr record high C = 42.2

| May record high C = 44.5

| Jun record high C = 43.4

| Jul record high C = 43.5

| Aug record high C = 40.6

| Sep record high C = 38.2

| Oct record high C = 35.9

| Nov record high C = 33.2

| Dec record high C = 29.6

| year record high C = 44.5

| Jan high C = 21.7

| Feb high C = 26.1

| Mar high C = 31.4

| Apr high C = 35.8

| May high C = 35.3

| Jun high C = 35.0

| Jul high C = 33.0

| Aug high C = 33.1

| Sep high C = 32.6

| Oct high C = 32.0

| Nov high C = 28.6

| Dec high C = 24.1

| year high C = 30.7

| Jan low C = 10.4

| Feb low C = 13.6

| Mar low C = 17.8

| Apr low C = 22.6

| May low C = 25.1

| Jun low C = 26.7

| Jul low C = 27.0

| Aug low C = 27.0

| Sep low C = 26.0

| Oct low C = 23.0

| Nov low C = 16.8

| Dec low C = 12.0

| year low C = 20.6

| Jan record low C = 2.7

| Feb record low C = 2.2

| Mar record low C = 7.2

| Apr record low C = 12.6

| May record low C = 18.3

| Jun record low C = 19.4

| Jul record low C = 20.9

| Aug record low C = 20.6

| Sep record low C = 19.6

| Oct record low C = 14.4

| Nov record low C = 7.7

| Dec record low C = 4.0

| year record low C = 2.2

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 10.5

| Feb rain mm = 12.5

| Mar rain mm = 7.1

| Apr rain mm = 20.9

| May rain mm = 74.9

| Jun rain mm = 168.6

| Jul rain mm = 270.7

| Aug rain mm = 276.5

| Sep rain mm = 192.4

| Oct rain mm = 48.5

| Nov rain mm = 3.8

| Dec rain mm = 2.8

| year rain mm = 1089.2

| Jan rain days = 0.9

| Feb rain days = 0.9

| Mar rain days = 0.7

| Apr rain days = 1.5

| May rain days = 4.4

| Jun rain days = 7.0

| Jul rain days = 12.4

| Aug rain days = 11.9

| Sep rain days = 8.2

| Oct rain days = 1.7

| Nov rain days = 0.2

| Dec rain days = 0.3

| year rain days = 50.1

| time day = 17:30 IST

| Jan humidity = 79

| Feb humidity = 70

| Mar humidity = 57

| Apr humidity = 52

| May humidity = 63

| Jun humidity = 74

| Jul humidity = 82

| Aug humidity = 83

| Sep humidity = 83

| Oct humidity = 78

| Nov humidity = 76

| Dec humidity = 80

| year humidity = 73

| source 1 = India Meteorological Department{{cite web

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = April 8, 2024

}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| title = Station: Muzaffarpur Climatological Table 1981–2010

| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = January 2015

| pages = 513–514

| access-date = 24 August 2020}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M36

| access-date = 24 August 2020}}

}}

Muzaffarpur has been ranked 32nd best "National Clean Air City" under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |access-date=17 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=India - National Clean Air Programme }}

As of the 2011 India census,{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}} Muzaffarpur had a population of 393,724. Males constituted 52.96% (208,509) of the population and females 47.04% (185,215). Muzaffarpur had a literacy rate of 85.16%. Male literacy was 88.83%, and female literacy was 81.05%.{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=Cities having population 3 lakh and above |website=Census India |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |access-date=2024-05-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507135928/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2012 }}

As per 2011 census data, there are total 275,233 Hindus whereas 74,680 Muslims and 1,352 Christians along with other small minorities.{{Cite web | url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/bihar/muzaffarpur-population.html |title = Muzaffarpur District Population, Bihar, List of Taluks in Muzaffarpur}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption = Religion in Muzaffarpur (2011)

|label1 = Hinduism

|value1 = 77.65

|color1 = Orange

|label2 = Islam

|value2 = 21.07

|color2 = Green

|label3 = Other

|value3 = 1.28

|color3 = Grey

}}

File:Vasant Palace, Muzaffarpur.jpg

In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Muzaffarpur one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640). It is one of the 36 districts in Bihar currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).{{cite web|author=Ministry of Panchayati Raj|date=8 September 2009|title=A Note on the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme|publisher=National Institute of Rural Development|url=http://www.nird.org.in/brgf/doc/brgf_BackgroundNote.pdf|access-date=27 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405033402/http://www.nird.org.in/brgf/doc/brgf_BackgroundNote.pdf|archive-date=5 April 2012}}

File:Lychee garden in Muzaffarpur.JPG

The lychee crop, which is available from May to June, is mainly cultivated in the districts of Muzaffarpur and surrounding districts. Cultivation of litchi covers approximately an area of about 25,800 hectares producing about 300,000 tonnes every year. Litchi are exported to big cities of India like Mumbai, Kolkata, and even to other countries. India's share in the world litchi market amounts to less than 1%. The names of the litchi produced in Muzaffarpur are Shahi and China. The fruits are known for excellent aroma and quality.{{cite web |url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac684e/ac684e08.htm |title=7. Lychee Production in India |publisher=Fao.org |date=31 May 1992 |access-date=2 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117223239/http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac684e/ac684e08.htm |archive-date=17 November 2014 }}

Bihar's contribution in the production of lychee in about 40 percent of lychee produced in India.{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=162221|title=Bihar is the top litchi producing State, about 300 thousand metric tonnes of litchi is being produced from 32 thousand hectare areas: Shri Radha Mohan Singh|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=25 February 2021}}

Bihar has emerged as a brewery hub with major domestic and foreign firms setting up production units in the state. Vijay Mallya's group, United Breweries Group, is setting up a production unit to make litchi-flavoured wine, in Muzaffarpur in 2012. The company has leased litchi gardens.{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/liquor/bihar-emerging-as-brewery-hub/articleshow/11509175.cms |title=Bihar emerging as brewery hub |newspaper=Economic Times |access-date=16 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524125923/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/liquor/bihar-emerging-as-brewery-hub/articleshow/11509175.cms |archive-date=24 May 2014 |date=16 January 2012 }}

Muzaffarpur based Prabhat Zarda Factory is one of the leading tobacco manufacturers of India.{{cite news |last1=Sinha |first1=Nishant |title=Sale of tobacco products legal |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/sale-of-tobacco-products-legal/cid/1360913 |access-date=17 January 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=20 July 2016 |language=en}}

The production and sales of Lahti bangles is also very prominent in city. Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai also wore the Lahti bangles of the city at her wedding. {{Cite news |date=2012-10-18 |title=Aishwarya Rai's Muzaffarpur connection |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/aishwarya-rais-muzaffarpur-connection/articleshow/16858269.cms |access-date=2023-12-08 |issn=0971-8257}}

{{Main|Muzaffarpur Junction railway station}}

File:Aerial view of Muzaffarpur Junction.jpg

Muzaffarpur Junction railway station (MFP){{cite web |title=Muzaffarpur Jn |url=https://www.railyatri.in/stations/muzaffarpur-jn-mfp

|website=www.railyatri.in

|access-date=18 August 2022

|language=en}} is a main A1 Category railway junction in Sonpur Division of East Central Railway, having total 8 platforms, with three suburban stations, Ram Dayalu Nagar, Narayanpur Anant (Sherpur), Kaparpura and Jubba Sahni. More than 200 trains regularly visits this 136+ year old railway junction.

{{Further|Transport in Bihar}}File: Road connecting New Zero Mile with NH-57.JPG

National Highway 57 (India) comes via Gorakhpur, Motihari, Mehsi and crosses Muzaffarpur and National Highway 57 (India) goes to Darbhanga, Purnia. The East–West Corridor crosses Muzaffarpur thus connecting it to all the major towns and cities in India. National Highway 22 (India) starting from Hajipur passes through Muzaffarpur and connects Muzaffarpur to Sitamarhi. National Highway 28 (India) connects Mehsi and Muzaffarpur to Barauni, all 6 National Highways having junction there.

Muzaffarpur Airport (IATA: MZU, ICAO: VEMZ){{cite web |title=Muzaffarpur Airport |url=https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airports/muzaffarpur-airport-mzu

|website=centreforaviation.com

|access-date=16 August 2022

|language=en}} is located in Patahi of Muzaffarpur city (besides NH 722 Muzaffarpur - Chhapra (Rewa Ghat)) in the state of Bihar, India. It was operable from 1967 to 1982, on a regular basis. Currently it is not in operations, commercially.{{cite web |title=Muzaffarpur Airport (Bihar) |url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/muzzafarpur.jsp

|website=www.aai.aero

|access-date=16 August 2022

|language=en}}

Darbhanga Airport is the nearest domestic airport roughly 64 km away by road. Patna Airport is the nearest customs airport roughly 70 km from the city.

{{Main|Muzaffarpur Metro}}

It is been proposed to equip this city with rapid transit system (commonly referred to as metro). {{Cite news |date=2024-06-20 |title=Bihar cabinet gives nod to metro projects in four more cities |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/bihar-cabinet-gives-nod-to-metro-projects-in-four-more-cities/articleshow/111142523.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-13 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} Department of Urban and Housing of Government of Bihar proposed this project including three more cities named Bhagalpur, Gaya and Darbhanga. These are contributing as leading cities in the economy of Bihar, and there is significant population in these cities.

{{Cleanup list|section|date=June 2023}}

• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University

• Langat Singh College
• Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology
• Mahant Darshan Das Mahila College
• S.K.J. Law College
• Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital

• Kendriya Vidyalaya Muzaffarpur

File:रामवृक्ष बेनीपुरी.jpg, freedom fighter, Socialist Leader, editor and Hindi writer]]

• Rambriksh Benipuri, Indian freedom movement activist, eminent writer of Hindi literature
• George Fernandes, former Defence Minister of India
• Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi, Freedom F8ghtet and Politucal Activist
• Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Indian politician, Member of 18th Lok Sabha, Member of Third Modi ministry
• Devaki Nandan Khatri, the author of Chandrakanta, first modern Hindi novel
• Arunabh Kumar, founder and ex-CEO of The Viral Fever
• Dinesh Prasad Singh, Indian politician, Member of Bihar Legislative Council
• Veena Devi, Indian politician, Member of Lok Sabha, Vaishali (Lok Sabha constituency)
• Rajendra Prasad, India's first president, worked as a professor of English in Langat Singh College
• Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, sports spectator and fan of the Indian Cricket Team
• Shreya Narayan, Bollywood actress
• Aishwarya Nigam, Bollywood playback singer
• Jai Narain Prasad Nishad, Indian politician and member of parliament from Muzaffarpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Bihar.
• Ajay Nishad, Indian politician, Member of 17th Lok Sabha
• Raghunath Pandey, famous entrepreneur who founded Shri Krishna Medical College & Hospital ( SKMCH), Muzaffarpur.
• Jubba Sahni, freedom fighter
• Rajni Ranjan Sahu, Member Rajya Sabha, 1984–1996
• Sunil Sahu, Educator in the US
• Uday Shankar media executive and former journalist, president of FICCI, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, and chairman of Star India and The Walt Disney Company India
• Janki Ballabh Shastri, Hindi poet, writer and critic
• Baikunth Shukla, revolutionary hanged by the British in 1934
• Yogendra Shukla, revolutionary, Indian freedom movement activist, served time at Kalapani
• Basawon Singh, revolutionary, Indian freedom movement activist
• Chandeshwar Prasad Narayan Singh, diplomat and freedom fighter
• Kishori Sinha, Indian politician and educationalist
• Mridula Sinha, former Governor of Goa (2014{{ndash}}2019)
• Bapi Tutul, Music composer

• Appan Samachar
• List of cities in Bihar
• Sujini embroidery work of Bihar
• Muzaffarpur Shirsh Bihar United Football Club

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Muzaffarpur}}

• [http://muzaffarpur.nic.in Official website of Muzaffarpur District]
• [http://tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in Official website of Tirhut Division]
• {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Muzaffarpur|short=x}}

{{Tirhut Division|Collapsed}}

{{Bihar}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities and towns in Muzaffarpur district

Category:Populated places in Mithila, India