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{{Short description|City and municipality in Bihar, India}}
{{About|the municipality in India|its namesake district|Saharsa district}}
{{more citations needed| date=October 2018}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Saharsa
| other_name = Saharsa city
| nickname =
| settlement_type = City
| image_skyline = Matasyagandha Madndir Saharsa.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Saharsa Mandir
| pushpin_map = India Bihar
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Bihar, India
| coordinates = {{coord|25.88|N|86.6|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flagu|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = [[Bihar]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Saharsa district|Saharsa]]
| established_title = 
| established_date = 1954
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = Saharsa Municipality
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 21
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 41
| population_total = 156540
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 =
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]], [[English language|English]], [[Sanskrit]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 852201-852154-852221-852127
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 916478
| registration_plate = BR-19
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 933 females per 1000 males [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Madhepura (Lok Sabha constituency)|Madhepura]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Saharsa (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Saharsa]]
| website = {{URL|http://saharsa.bih.nic.in/}}
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-BR]]
| footnotes =
| official_name = Saharsa
}}
'''Saharsa''' is a city and a municipality in the [[Saharsa district]] in the eastern part of the state of [[Bihar]], [[India]]. It is situated near the eastern banks of the [[Kosi River]]. It serves as the administrative headquarters for [[Saharsa District]] and is also the (Divisional Headquarter) of the [[Kosi Division]] of the state of Bihar, which includes Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul districts.

The name ''Saharsa'' originates from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Saharsha'' meaning 'laden with joy'. The city has a significant number of [[Maithili language|Maithili]] speakers. Alongside Maithili, [[Hindi]] is widely understood and spoken.

==History==
Saharsa is part of the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]],<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA27 |title = Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective|isbn = 9788175330344|last1 = Jha|first1 = Makhan|year = 1997}}</ref> which first gained prominence after settlement by [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] tribes that established the [[Mithila Kingdom]] (also known as the Kingdom of the Videhas).<ref>[[Michael Witzel]] (1989), ''Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. Caillat, Paris, pages 13, 17 116–124, 141–143</ref> During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videhas developed as one of the major political and cultural centres of South Asia, along with ''Kuru'' and ''Pañcāla''. The kings of the Videhas Kingdom were referred to as [[Janaka]]s.<ref>{{cite book |author=Witzel, M. |author-link=Michael Witzel |year=1989 |chapter=Tracing the Vedic dialects |title=Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |location=Paris |editor1-last=Caillat |editor1-first=C. |pages=141–143 |publisher=Fondation Hugot}}</ref>

The Videha Kingdom was later incorporated into the [[Vajji]] confederacy, which had its capital in the city [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], which is also located in Mithila.<ref>{{cite book |author=Hemchandra, R. |year=1972 |title=Political History of Ancient India |location=Calcutta |publisher=University of Calcutta}}</ref>

In the 20th century, Saharsa district was part of the [[Munger district|Munger]] and [[Bhagalpur district|Bhagalpur]] districts. On 1 April 1954 it was made a district of its own.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} It was also made the headquarters of [[Kosi division]] composed of [[Saharsa district|Saharsa]], [[Purnia district|Purnia]] and [[Katihar district]], with its headquarters at Saharsa, on 2 October 1972.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} A new Civil Sub-Division Birpur consisting of 24 development blocks, including Raghopur, Chhatapur, Basantpur and Nirmali, which were previously under Supaul subdivision of the district, was created on 1 December 1972.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} Two new districts, [[Madhepura district|Madhepura]] and [[Supaul district|Supaul]], were formed from Saharsa district on 30 April 1981 and 1991. Saharsa district now consists of two subdivisions; Saharsa Sadar and Simri Bakhtiarpur. The district consists of 10 development blocks and anchals each.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

==Economy==

===Agriculture===
[[File:Paddy Plantations near Saharsa Town, Koshi Anchal, Bihar.jpg|thumb|Paddy Plantations near Saharsa city, Koshi Anchal, Bihar region]]
It is the major producer of best quality of [[Maize|Corn]] and [[Euryale ferox|Makhana]] in India.From Saharsa corn and Makhana are exported abroad countries like [[United States|America]], [[Australia]], [[France]], [[Japan]], [[England]]. Every year 2 lakhs tonnes of corn are exported to different countries and similarly Makhana also. The following crops are grown in the region; [[Euryale ferox|Makhana]] ,<ref>http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/Lake2002abs/ses124.html</ref> [[rice]], [[mango]]es, [[litchi]], [[bamboo]], [[Mustard oil|mustard]], [[Maize|corn]], [[wheat]] and [[sugarcane]]. [[Teak|Sagwan]] or Teak [[Teak|Tectona Grandis]] trees are now grown on a large scale.

==Air Transport==
[[Darbhanga Airport]] is the nearest operational airport roughly 97 km away via road. Spicejet is currently working from Darbhanga to different metropolitan cities.
[[Rajbiraj Airport]] is the nearest operational airport roughly 102 km away and can be easily accessed via [[Kunauli]] border cross. [[Shree Airlines]] operates daily flights between [[Rajbiraj]] and [[Kathmandu]]<ref>[https://www.aviationnepal.com/rajbiraj-airport-to-resume-its-flight-services-from-may-8-as-shree-airline-prepares-for-flight-operation/]</ref>

== Geography ==
Saharsa is located at {{Coord|25.88|N|86.6|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Saharsa.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Saharsa]</ref> It has an average elevation of 41 metres (134 feet). Saharsa and its surrounding areas occupy a flat [[alluvial plain]] forming part of the [[Koshi River|Kosi]] river basin. The town lies in the Kosi alluvial [[megafan]], one of the largest [[alluvial fan]]s in the world. The land is very fertile but frequent changes in the course of the Kosi, one of the largest tributaries of the [[Ganges]],<ref>http://ponce.sdsu.edu/kosi_river_india.html</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.himalmag.com/apr2001/essay2.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-10-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625184456/http://www.himalmag.com/apr2001/essay2.html |archive-date=25 June 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> have led to the problems associated with soil erosion. Flooding is a major reason for the poor connectivity of the area; bridges are often washed away. Major flooding occurs almost annually, causing a significant loss of life and property.<ref>[http://www.indiadaily.org/entry/13-districts-457-villages-drown-in-flood-in-bihar/ Bihar Flood]</ref>

===Rivers===

[[File:Water Logging in the Town, Saharsa.jpg|thumb|Water Logging in the Town, Saharsa]]
[[File:Rajwanshi Nagar, Koshi Chowk, Saharsa (Koshi Division), Bihar.jpg|thumb|Rajwanshi Nagar, Koshi CHowk, Saharsa (Koshi Division), Bihar]]

The [[Koshi River]] and its tributaries flood annually, affecting about 21,000 km2 (8,100 sq mi) of fertile agricultural lands and affecting the rural economy. This is the most devastating river of Bihar, earning it the epithet "Sorrow of Bihar".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://disc.gsfc.nasa.gov/geomorphology/GEO_4/GEO_PLATE_F-19.HTML |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-10-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929065044/http://disc.gsfc.nasa.gov/geomorphology/GEO_4/GEO_PLATE_F-19.HTML |archive-date=29 September 2006 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The [[Bagmati River]] regularly breaches its embankments and frequently changes its meandering courses. The annual rate of deposition of alluvium is very high.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}. The [[Gandak River]] also flows through the southern part of Saharsa.

===Demographics===
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2014}}
In 2011, Saharsa had population of 1,897,102, of which male and female were 995,502 and 901,600 respectively. There was change of 25.79 percent in the population compared to population as per 2001. In the previous census of India 2001, Saharsa District recorded increase of 33.03 percent to its population compared to 1991.

The initial provisional data suggest a density of 1,125 in 2011 compared to 895 of 2001. Total area under Saharsa district is of about {{convert|1686|km2|mi2}}.

Average literacy rate of Saharsa in 2011 were 54.57 compared to 39.08 of 2001. Male and female literacy were 65.22 and 42.73 respectively. For 2001 census, the same figures stood at 51.66 and 25.27 in Saharsa District. Total literate in Saharsa District were 829,206 of which male and female were 521,560 and 307,646 respectively. In 2001, Saharsa District had 465,577 in its total region.

The sex ratio in Saharsa stood at 906 female per 1000 male compared to 2001 census figure of 910. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per latest reports of Census 2011 Directorate.<ref>An official Census detail of Saharsa, a district of Bihar has been released by Directorate of Census Operations in Bihar. Enumeration of key persons was also done by census officials in Saharsa District of Bihar.</ref>

==Communication links==
{{See also|List of National Highways in India}}

{{rws|Saharsa Junction}} is a railway station on the [[East Central Railway]]. It Covers up to {{rws|Purnia Junction}}, Forbesganj Station and {{rws|Khagaria Junction}}. In early 2005, a much-awaited [[broad gauge]] line connected it to [[Khagaria]] on the New Delhi-[[Guwahati]] main line. Earlier there was only a metre gauge line on the Khagaria – Mansi – Forbesganj section of the East Central Railway. Saharsa is directly connected to {{rws|New Delhi}}, {{rws|Sealdah}},{{rws|kolkata}}, {{rws|Amritsar}}, {{rws|Bandra}} and {{rws|Ranchi}} via Train.

Saharsa is connected by railway and roadways to other major towns in Bihar But NH's are full of potholes, not in driving conditions. {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}} connects it to [[Maheshkhunt]] and [[Purnia]]. {{jct|NH|107|country=IND}} connects Sonbarsa raj, Paharpur, Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Saharsa, Madhepura, Banmankhi as well. The rural road network is in need of improvement.<ref>[http://www.omms.nic.in/citizens/dynamic/imsreport/CostAnalysisPerKM.asp?state=BR&cmbstate=Bihar&district=29&cmbdistrict=Saharsa&year=&cmbyear=&reportlevel=2 Per kilometre Cost for Bihar] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20070619133630/http://www.omms.nic.in/citizens/dynamic/imsreport/CostAnalysisPerKM.asp?state=BR&cmbstate=Bihar&district=29&cmbdistrict=Saharsa&year=&cmbyear=&reportlevel=2 |date=19 June 2007 }}</ref>

Saharsa does not have an air transport service, though there is an airstrip reserved for government use. [[Darbhanga Airport]] is the nearest domestic airport roughly 88 km away by road. The city is also served by India Post. Its Postal Code is: 852201.

== Educational Institutes ==
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
[http://www.fb.com/vijetaschoolsaharsa]
* Snehi Sangeetalaya
* ANSS High school saharsa (jail colony)
[http://www.fb.com/vijetaclassessaharsa]

* [[Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College and Hospital]]
* Benevolent Global Public School<ref>[ Benevolent Global Public School]</ref>
* Buddha Public School
* Creative Mind Residential School
* CTE Saharsa
* Darjeeling Public School
* DAV Central School, Saharsa
* Delhi Public School<ref>[http://www.dpssaharsa.co.in/ Delhi Public School]</ref>
* Doon Public School *
* East N West Teachers Training College
* Eklavya Central School<ref>[http://www.eklavyacs.com/ Eklavya Central School]</ref>
* Evening college
* Global English Medium School
* Green Field School
* Indian High School saharsa<ref>[http://ihssaharsa.com/ Indian High School saharsa]</ref>
* ITI Saharsa
* Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya - JNV Saharsa
* Jay Pratap Singh Public School<ref>[http://www.jpspschool.com/ Jay Pratap Singh Public School]</ref>
* Kendriya Vidiyalaya Saharsa<ref>[http://www.kvsaharsa.org Kendriya Vidiyalaya Saharsa]</ref>
* Kid Care School, Saharsa Bihar
* Manohar High School
* Master Mind Public School<ref>[http://www.mmpssaharsa.com/ Master Mind Public School]</ref>* Govt. Girls High School
* Middle School Sulindabad
* मिलेनियम किड्स अकादमी स्कूल - शिवपुरी, सहरसा.
* [[MLT College Saharsa]]
* Mukami Mission Academy
* R.M.M. Law College
* Rachana Public School
* Rajendra Mishra College
* S M Carmel School
* Sarvodaya Public School
* Shanti Mission Academy<ref>[http://www.shantimissionacademy.co.in/ Shanti Mission Academy]</ref>
* Shanti Niketan Shikshan Sansthan
* S.R.M School<ref>[https://srm-school-saharsa-bihar.business.site/ S.R.M School]</ref>
* SNSRKS College
* St Paul's School
* St. Micheal Academy
* St.Xavier<ref>[http://stxavierssaharsa.com/ St.Xavier]</ref>
* Tagore Residential School
* Tuition Bureau
* Vairagya International Public School
* Vimal Bharti School
* Zila Girls High School
* Green Crescent Children's Academy
* +2 Islamia High School
{{Div col end}}

* Zila Boys School Saharsa
*Excellence Residential Academy
*MANDAN BHARTI AGRICULTURE COLLEGE AGWANPUR SAHARSA

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Broad Gauge Conversion near Rajwanshi Nagar, Saharsa.jpg|thumb|Broad Gauge Conversion near Rajwanshi Nagar, Saharsa
File:Kosi Bridge at Baluwaha Ghat near Saharsa Town.jpg|thumb|Kosi Bridge at Baluwaha Ghat near Saharsa Town
File:Ugratara Shakti Peeth (Temple) in Mahishi, Near Saharsa Town.jpg|thumb|Ugratara Shakti Peeth (Temple) in Mahishi, Near Saharsa Town
File:Ugratara Devi Shakti Peeth, Mahishi, Near Saharsa Town.jpg|thumb|Ugratara Devi Shakti Peeth, Mahishi, Near Saharsa Town
File:Chandika Sthan Temple near Saharsa Town.jpg|thumb|Chandika Sthan Temple near Saharsa Town
File:Matsyagandha Temple in Saharsa Town.jpg|thumb|Matsyagandha Temple in Saharsa Town
</gallery>

==Notable people==
*[[Mandana Mishra]] Maithil philosopher, defeated by [[Adi Shankaracharya]]
*[[Bindheshwari Prasad Mandal]], [[Chief Minister of Bihar]]
*[[Tarkishore Prasad]], [[Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar]]
*[[Dinesh Chandra Yadav]] Minister, [[Government of Bihar]]
*[[Baldev Mishra]] Writer
*[[Mehi]], [[Saint]]
*[[Jamshedpur Gopeshwar]], [[Politician]]
*[[Anwar Ahmad Khan]] Vice Chancellor of [[Ranchi University]]
*[[Ulka Gupta]], [[Actress]]
*[[Mehboob Ali Kaiser|Choudhary Mehboob Ali kaiser]], [[Politician]]
*[[Rajkamal Choudhary]] Writer
*[[Anand Mohan Singh]] Politician, Writer

== See also ==
* [[List of cities in Bihar]]
*[[Majhaul]]
*[[Nauhatta]]
*[[Shankarpur]]
*[[Chainpur, Bihar|Chainpur]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Kosi Division}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Saharsa| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Mithila, India]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Saharsa district]]

Saharsa - Revision history

imported>Vijay8808: /* Gallery */