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{{About|the municipality in India|its namesake district|Purnia district}}
{{About|the municipality in India|its namesake district|Purnia district}}
 
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{original research|date=February 2022}}
 
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Purnea
| name               = Purnia
| settlement_type         = [[Urban Agglomeration]]
| native_name        = ''Pūrniyan''<!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| image_skyline           = Purnea Skyline.jpg
| official_name      = Purnea
| image_alt                =  
| nicknames          = Mini Darjeeling, Makhana Capital of India<ref>{{cite web|title=Purnea is imerging as Makhana Capital of India|website=[[ThePrint]] |date=27 February 2025 |url=https://theprint.in/feature/wheres-the-makhana-capital-darbhanga-or-purnea-fight-for-makhana-board-turns-political/2513438/}}</ref>
| image_caption            = Purnia Skyline
| settlement_type   = [[Urban Agglomeration]]
| pushpin_map             = India Bihar#India3
| image_shield      =
| pushpin_label_position   = left
| image_skyline     = {{multiple image
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| border      = infobox
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Bihar, India##Location in India
| total_width = 300
| coordinates             = {{coord|25.778|87.476|display=inline,title}}
| image_style =
| subdivision_type         = Country
| perrow      = 1/2
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}
| caption_align = center
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| image1 = JailChowkPurnea.jpg
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| caption1 = Tricolour hosted at Jail Chowk Purnia
| subdivision_type3       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| image2 =  
| subdivision_name1       = {{flagicon image|Bihar Government Banner.png}}[[Bihar]]
| caption2 = Purnia Skyline
| subdivision_name2       = [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]
| image3 = Puran Devi Mandir Purnea.jpg
| subdivision_name3       = [[Purnia district|Purnia]]
| caption3 = Maa Puran Devi Mandir, Purnea City
| established_title       = Established
}}
| established_date         = 14 February 1770
| pushpin_map       = India Bihar#India3
| named_for               = Goddess Puran Devi or Sanskrit word ''Purn Aranya''
| pushpin_label_position = left
| government_type         = [[Municipal Corporation (India)]]
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| governing_body           = Purnea Municipal Corporation
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Bihar, India##Location in India
| leader_title1           = [[Mayor]]
| coordinates       = {{coord|25.778|87.476|display=inline,title}}
| leader_name1             = Bibha Kumari
| subdivision_type   = Country
| unit_pref               = Metric
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| area_total_km2           = 92
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| area_urban_km2           = 60
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| area_rank               = [[List of cities in Bihar by population|2nd in Bihar]]
| subdivision_type3 = Subregion
| area_footnotes           =  
| subdivision_type4  = [[List of divisions in India|Division]]
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| subdivision_type5  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| elevation_m             = 36
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Bihar Government Banner.png}}[[Bihar]]
| population_total         = 496,830 <ref name=pop />
| subdivision_name2 = [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Thakur |first=Ripunjay Kumar |date=2022-03-01|title=Historical Geography of Early Medieval Mithila: From Videha to Tirhut.|url=https://www.academia.edu/72670545|publisher=New Archaeological & Genological Society, Kanpur, India|issn=2348-8301|access-date=2025-08-21}}</ref>
| population_urban         = 496,830
| subdivision_name3 = [[Kosi-Seemanchal]]
| population_rank         = [[List of cities in Bihar by population|4th in Bihar]]
| subdivision_name4  = [[Purnia division|Purnia]]
| population_demonym       =
| subdivision_name5  = [[Purnia district|Purnia]]
| demographics1_title1    = Spoken
| established_title = Established
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| established_date   = 14 February 1770
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| named_for         = Goddess Puran Devi or Sanskrit word ''Purn Aranya''
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| government_type   = [[Municipal Corporation (India)]]
| postal_code             = 854301,854302(Main City), 854303(South-West Suburbs & [[Purnia Airport]]), 854304(North-West Suburbs), 854305(Khuskibagh & [[Purnia Junction railway station|Purnia Railway station]]), 854326(Eastern Suburbs), 854330(Northern Suburbs & [[Kasba (Purnia)|Kasba]]) (Purnia)<ref>{{cite web |title=Pin Codes of Purnia, Bihar, India, Purnia Pincode Search |url=https://indiapincodes.net/Bihar/Purnia/ |website=indiapincodes.net |access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref>
| governing_body     = [[Purnia Municipal Corporation]]
| area_code               = +91 6454
| leader_title1     = [[Mayor]]
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| leader_name1       = Bibha Kumari
| registration_plate       = [[List of RTO districts in India#BR.E2.80.94Bihar|BR-11]]
| unit_pref         = Metric
| blank1_name_sec1         = Literacy
| area_total_km2     = 92
| blank1_info_sec1         = 74.09%
| area_urban_km2     = 60
| website                 = {{URL|purnea.bih.nic.in}}
| area_rank         = [[List of cities in Bihar by population|2nd in Bihar]]
| footnotes               =  
| area_footnotes     =  
| leader_title2           = [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
| elevation_footnotes =  
| leader_name2             = [[Santosh Kumar (politician)|Santosh Kumar Kushwaha]]
| elevation_m       = 36
| leader_title3           = MLA
| population_total   = 496,830 <ref name=pop />
| leader_name3             = Vijay khemka
| population_urban   = 496,830
| leader_title4            = [[District Magistrate]]
| population_rank   = [[List of cities in Bihar by population|4th in Bihar]]
| leader_name4            = Mr. Suharsh Bhagat([[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]])
| population_demonym =  
| demographics1_info1      = [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Angika]], [[Urdu]]
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| blank2_name_sec1         = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| blank2_info_sec1         = [[Purnia (Lok Sabha constituency)|Purnia]]
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| official_name            = Purnea
| postal_code       = 854301, 854302 (Main City), 854303 (South-West Suburbs & [[Purnia Airport]]), 854304 (North-West Suburbs), 854305 (Khuskibagh & [[Purnia Junction railway station|Purnia Railway station]]), 854326 (Eastern Suburbs), 854330 (Northern Suburbs & [[Kasba (Purnia)|Kasba]]) (Purnia)<ref>{{cite web |title=Pin Codes of Purnia, Bihar, India, Purnia Pincode Search |url=https://indiapincodes.net/Bihar/Purnia/ |website=indiapincodes.net |access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref>
| area_code         = +91 6454
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#BR.E2.80.94Bihar|BR-11]]
| blank1_name_sec1   = Literacy
| blank1_info_sec1   = 74.09%
| website           = {{URL|purnea.bih.nic.in}}
| footnotes         =  
| leader_title2     = [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
| leader_name2       = [[Pappu Yadav]]
| leader_title3     = MLA
| leader_name3       = Vijay khemka
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]]
| demographics1_title2 = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2 = [[Urdu]]
| demographics1_title3 = Regional
| demographics1_info3 = [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Surjapuri]], [[Eastern Maithili|Purbi Maithili]] and [[Angika]]
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[Purnia (Lok Sabha constituency)|Purnia]]
}}
}}


'''Purnia''' ({{audio|Purnea4wikipedia.ogg|pronunciation}})(also [[Romanization|romanized]] as '''Purnea''') is [[List of cities in Bihar by population|the fourth largest city of Bihar]] and emerging as the biggest economic hub in [[North Bihar]]. It serves as the administrative headquarters of both [[Purnia district]] and [[Purnia division]] in the [[Indian state]] of [[Bihar]]. It is well known for its favourable climate like [[Darjeeling]] and have abundance amount of resources for human settlements and economic activities.
'''Purnia''' ({{audio|Purnea4wikipedia.ogg|pronunciation}}; also [[Romanization|romanized]] and officially<ref>{{cite web|title=Official name of Purnia|url=https://purnea.bih.nic.in}}</ref> known as '''Purnea''') is [[List of cities in Bihar by population|the fourth largest city of Bihar]] and is emerging as the largest economic hub in [[North Bihar]]. It serves as the administrative headquarters of both [[Purnia district]] and [[Purnia division]] in the [[Indian state]] of [[Bihar]]. It is well known for its favourable climate like [[Darjeeling]] and has an abundance of resources for human settlements and economic activities.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}


Total geographical area of Purnia Urban Agglomeration is {{Convert|92|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|2}} which is next only to Patna. Population density of the city is 3058 persons per km sq. making it the [[List of cities in Bihar by population|4th largest city of Bihar by population]].<ref name="pop">{{cite web |title=Population of Cities in India 2021 - StatisticsTimes.com |url=https://statisticstimes.com/demographics/country/india-cities-population.php |website=statisticstimes.com}}</ref> It is nearly 315&nbsp;km from [[Patna]], as well as 171&nbsp;km from [[Siliguri]], 90&nbsp;km from [[Bhagalpur]]. It is 640&nbsp;km from [[Guwahati]] (Approx.) and 450&nbsp;km from [[Kolkata]], the capital of the adjacent state of [[West Bengal]] and the largest city in [[East India]]. Purnia district covers 3202.31 sq.&nbsp;km of the state of [[Bihar]]. The [[Indian army|Indian Army]], [[Indian Air Force]], and three of five branches of India's [[Central Armed Police Forces]] – the [[Border Security Force]] (BSF), the [[Sashastra Seema Bal]] (SSB), and the [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] (ITBP) – have bases around the district.
The total geographical area of Purnia Urban Agglomeration is {{Convert|92|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|2}} which is next only to Patna. The population density of the city is 3058 persons per km sq. making it the [[List of cities in Bihar by population|4th largest city of Bihar by population]].<ref name="pop">{{cite web |title=Population of Cities in India 2021 - StatisticsTimes.com |url=https://statisticstimes.com/demographics/country/india-cities-population.php |website=statisticstimes.com}}</ref> It is nearly 315&nbsp;km from [[Patna]], as well as 171&nbsp;km from [[Siliguri]], 90&nbsp;km from [[Bhagalpur]]. It is 640&nbsp;km from [[Guwahati]] (approximately) and 450&nbsp;km from [[Kolkata]], the capital of the adjacent state of [[West Bengal]] and the largest city in [[East India]]. Purnia district covers 3202.31 sq.&nbsp;km of the state of [[Bihar]]. The [[Indian army|Indian Army]], [[Indian Air Force]], and three of five branches of India's [[Central Armed Police Forces]] – the [[Border Security Force]] (BSF), the [[Sashastra Seema Bal]] (SSB), and the [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] (ITBP) – have bases around the district.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
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==History==
==History==
Purnia is part of the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jha |first=Makhan |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective |year=1997 |isbn=9788175330344 |pages=27–30}}</ref> Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by [[Indo-Aryan peoples]] who established the [[Mithila Kingdom]] (also called Kingdom of the Videhas).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Witzel |first=Michael |title=Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |year=1989 |editor-last=Caillat |location=Paris |pages=13, 17 116–124, 141–143}}</ref> During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videha became one of the major political and cultural centers of [[South Asia]], along with Kuru and Pañcāla. The kings of the Videha Kingdom were called [[Janaka]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Witzel |first=Michael |title=Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |publisher=Fondation Hugot |year=1989 |editor-last=Caillat |editor-first=C. |location=Paris |pages=141–143 |chapter=Tracing the Vedic dialects |author-link=Michael Witzel}}</ref> The Videha Kingdom was later incorporated into the [[Vajjika League]], which had its capital in the city of [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], which is also in Mithila.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hemchandra |first=R. |title=Political History of Ancient India |publisher=University of Calcutta |year=1972 |location=Calcutta}}</ref>
===Ancient History===
Purnia is part of the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jha |first=Makhan |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective |year=1997 |isbn=9788175330344 |pages=27–30 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. }}</ref> Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by [[Indo-Aryan peoples]] who established the [[Mithila Kingdom]] (also called Kingdom of the Videhas).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Witzel |first=Michael |title=Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |year=1989 |editor-last=Caillat |location=Paris |pages=13, 17 116–124, 141–143}}</ref> During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videha became one of the major political and cultural centers of [[South Asia]], along with Kuru and Pañcāla. The kings of the Videha Kingdom were called [[Janaka]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Witzel |first=Michael |title=Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes |publisher=Fondation Hugot |year=1989 |editor-last=Caillat |editor-first=C. |location=Paris |pages=141–143 |chapter=Tracing the Vedic dialects |author-link=Michael Witzel}}</ref> The Videha Kingdom was later incorporated into the [[Vajjika League]], which had its capital in the city of [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], which is also in Mithila.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hemchandra |first=R. |title=Political History of Ancient India |publisher=University of Calcutta |year=1972 |location=Calcutta}}</ref>
 
The earliest inhabitants of Purnia were [[Anga|Angas]] and [[Pundra|Pundras]]. In the epics, the Angas are grouped with the Bengal tribes and were the eastern most tribes known to the [[Aryans]] during the period of [[Atharvaveda|Atharva Samhita]] while the [[Pundra|Pundras]], although they had Aryan blood were regarded as degraded class of people in the [[Aitareya Brahmana]], [[Mahabharata]] and [[Manusmriti|Manu Samhita]], because they neglected the performance of sacred rites. According to the legend of Mahabharata, Biratnagar which gave shelter to the five [[Pandava]] brothers during their one year incognito exile, is said to be located in Purnia.<ref>{{cite web|title =History of Purnea District|url =https://purnea.nic.in/about-district/history/|access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref>
 
===Medieval history===
During the ninth century, the [[Pala dynasty]] rose to power in the region formerly known as [[Pundra]] and [[Anga]]. A monolithic structure located near the Darara factory in the western part of the district is believed to date from this period.
 
By the beginning of the thirteenth century, the southern portion of the district is said to have formed part of the kingdom of [[Lakshman Sen]], whose capital was at [[Nadia]]. This region was subsequently conquered by [[Bakhtiyar Khilji]] during the early phase of Muslim expansion in eastern India.
 
In the early days of [[Mughal rule]], Purnia functioned as a remote military frontier province of the [[Mughal Empire]]. A substantial portion of its revenue was expended on defending its borders against frequent incursions by tribal groups from the north and east. In the early seventeenth century, a faujdar was appointed with the title of Nawab, combining military command of the frontier forces with the fiscal responsibilities of a diwan, or superintendent of revenues. At this time, the northern frontier was marked by Jalalgarh, a fortified outpost located a few miles north of Purnia town.


In the 17th-century the rulers of Purnia were involved in wars with the [[History of Limbuwan|Kings of Limbuwan]].
In 1722, the office of faujdar was held by Saif Khan, regarded as the most prominent governor of Purnea. He significantly expanded the district’s boundaries, pushing the [[Nepalis]] frontier approximately 30 miles northward to its present position. He also annexed the Dharampur pargana, which at the time lay west of the [[Kosi river|Kosi River]] and was formerly part of the sarkar of [[Monghyr]].


At the beginning of British rule, many people from Europe came to Purnia and settled here. At that time, Purnia was a complete 'Purania', which means jungle. In the early days, Europeans settled around the [[Saura river]] in the middle of the city, which we now know as Rambagh area.
One of Saif Khan’s successors, Shaukat Jang, later declared war against [[Siraj-ud-Daulah]], the [[Nawab of Bengal]]. In 1757, Siraj-ud-Daulah—emboldened by his recent capture of [[Calcutta]]—marched toward Purnea and secured a decisive victory at Nawabganj.  


However, later all these Europeans started coming west from Saura river and started making their own 'Kothi'. The civil lines we see in different parts of the country were also in Purnia. The only difference was that in the civil lines of [[Lucknow]], [[Kanpur]] etc., British officers used to stay, while Gentlemen Farmers in Purnia.
The district came under [[United Kingdom|British]] control in 1765, along with the rest of [[Bengal]]. However, it remained in a state of administrative disorder until 1770, when a [[British people|British]] official was appointed with the title of Superintendent, marking the beginning of effective colonial administration.


Among the most active European zamindars in Purnia were Alexander John Forbes and Palmer. Alexander John Forbes bought the Sultanpur pargana from Mahajan Babu Pratap Singh of [[Murshidabad]] in 1859 AD and became a Zamindar. Forbes city (Forbesganj) in the Sultanpur pargana was named after him. But Forbes lived in the city of Purnia. He was interested in building the race course and all other kinds of clubs.
During the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]], two groups of mutineers entered Purnia. Owing to the prompt and decisive action of the Commissioner, George Yule, they were driven into [[Nepal]] before they could cause any serious disturbance.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://ia601502.us.archive.org/17/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.128753/2015.128753.Bihar-District-Gazetteers-Purnea.pdf |title = Medieval History of Purnia| work= Page 67 |publisher =Secretariat Press, Bihar, Patna| access-date = 8 January 2026}}</ref>


Today, in the city where we see the Girl's high school, Forbes Kothi was used to be there. The Kothi used to be full with European settlers in the past.
===European Settlement in Purnia during Early British Rule===


Alexander Forbes and his wife Diana died of malaria in 1890. Time changed and the Forbes family sold the Sultanpur estate to the country's business house J. K. Singhania, because at that time there was a lot of jute cultivation going here.
In the early phase of [[British Raj|British rule]], several [[Europeans]] arrived in Purnia and settled there permanently. At that time, Purnia was truly ''Purainiya''—a region dominated by dense forests. In the initial years, European settlers established themselves around the [[Saura river|Saura River]], located in the central part of the town, an area that is today known as Rambagh.


Like Forbes, another Englishman lived in Purnia for a long time, his name was Palmer. He bought the zamindari of a king here and settled here. Palmer's only daughter, Mrs. Downing, was his heir. Mrs. Downing had two heirs - her son C. Y. Downing and daughter Mrs. Hays.
Over time, Europeans gradually moved westward from the [[Saura river|Saura River]] and began constructing large residential estates, known as kothis. Similar to the Civil Lines found in cities such as [[Lucknow]] and [[Kanpur]], Purnia also developed a comparable area. However, while Civil Lines in other cities were primarily inhabited by [[British people|British]] administrative officers, Purnia’s Civil Lines were largely home to European “gentleman farmers.”


Today, the grand residence of Hez Saheb is the main building of Purnia College. There are different stories about Palmer, but other than those stories, this Englishman is still in the memories of Purnia.
Among the most influential European zamindars in Purnia were Alexander John Forbes and Palmer.


Actually there is a dyke in the city which protects the city from floods. There is one area in the frontier of the city - Baghmara. From here, there is an embankment parallel to the Saura river, which was built by Palmer. This dam has been known as the Palmer Dam named after him.
In 1859, Alexander John Forbes purchased the Sultanpur Pargana from [[Murshidabad]]-based moneylender Babu Pratap Singh, thereby becoming a zamindar. The town of [[Forbesganj]] ''(formerly spelled Farbisganj)'' was established in Sultanpur Pargana and named after him. Despite owning Sultanpur, Forbes resided in [[Purnia|Purnia town]], where he was quite popular. He showed a keen interest in social and recreational activities and played a role in establishing racecourses and clubs. The site where the Girls’ High School stands today once housed Forbes’ residence. In its time, this kothi was a hub of European social life.


Indigo cultivation was first started in Purnia by an Englishman named John Kelly. Later many Europeans cultivated indigo here vigorously. The Shillingford-dynasty was the foremost among them who built 'Nilha Kothi' in the places like Nilganj, Mahendrapur, Bhavbada. The story of Shillingford is also very interesting. He was a hunter. Still when we go from Purnea towards Dhamdaha and towards Sarsi area, we get to hear the story of Neelha farmer.
Another European who lived in [[Purnia]] for an extended period was Palmer<ref>{{cite web|title =Bihar villagers desecrate graves of British officials in search of valuables|url =https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/bihar-villagers-desecrate-graves-of-british-officials-in-search-of-valuables-1.87264743|access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref>. He purchased a local royal estate and settled in the region. Today, the grand residence of the Hays family serves as the main building of Purnia College.


These English Gentleman Farmers have contributed most to the story of becoming Purnia from Poorania. These people did a lot of work regarding the city's settlement. Purnia was very open, green and open area.
Opposite Forbes’ residence once stood the house of a prominent [[indigo]] planter. It is believed that the racecourse in Purnia was developed by this planter, William Terry. Terry is remembered controversially and is often described as oppressive in local memory.


<ref>{{Cite web |title=शहरनामाः खेत पूर्णिया का जमींदार यूरोप के |url=https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/tale-of-a-city-purnea-the-land-of-purnea-and-landlords-were-from-europe-1-1156367.html |access-date=2020-07-18 |website=aajtak.intoday.in |language=hi}}</ref>
[[Indigo]] cultivation in Purnia was first introduced by an Englishman named John Kelly. Subsequently, several Europeans expanded indigo farming in the region. The Shillingford family was among the most prominent, establishing indigo factories (neel kothis) in areas such as Neelganj, Mahendrapur, and Bhavbada.
 
These European gentleman farmers played a significant role in transforming ''Purainiya'' into modern Purnia. They contributed extensively to urban planning and settlement. The town was characterized by open spaces, abundant greenery, and the influence of the [[Saura river|Saura]] and [[Kosi river|Kosi]] rivers, along with their numerous tributaries flowing around the city. European settlers constructed elegant residences both within the town and in surrounding areas. In 1882, [[Loreto Convent, Darjeeling|Loreto Convent]] of [[Darjeeling]] established a residential school in [[Purnia]] specifically for the children of these European gentleman farmers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=शहरनामाः खेत पूर्णिया का जमींदार यूरोप के |url=https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/tale-of-a-city-purnea-the-land-of-purnea-and-landlords-were-from-europe-1-1156367.html |access-date=2020-07-18 |website=aajtak.intoday.in |language=hi}}</ref>
 
== Tourism ==
Purnea is home to several significant religious sites attracting devotees from across the region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Place of Interest in Purnea|url=https://purnea.nic.in/places-of-interest/}}</ref>
[[File:Puran Devi Mandir Purnea.jpg|thumb|Maa Puran Devi Mandir, Purnea City|center|200x200px]]
* '''Purandevi Mandir''' – Dedicated to Maa Puran Devi, believed to be one of the Sidh Peethas, drawing large crowds during [[Durga Puja]], situated at Purnea City.
[[File:City Kali Mandir Purnea.jpg|thumb|City Kali Mandir, Purnea City|center|200x200px]]
*'''City Kali Bari''' – A revered Kali temple, situated on the bank of [[Saura river]]. Established by the Bengali community, this temple follows traditional Bengali customs and rituals.
[[File:Mata Sthan Purnea.jpg|thumb|Mata Sthan, Adampur Purnea|center|200x200px]]
*'''Mata Sthan''' – A well-known pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Shakti, situated at Adampur.
[[File:Panchmukhi Mandir Purnia.jpg|thumb|Panchmukhi Mandir, Forbesganj More, Purnea|center|200x200px]]
*'''Panchmukhi Mandir''' – A temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, known for its five-faced idol at Forbesganj More {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}.
[[File:Aastha Mandir Purnea.jpg|thumb|Aastha Mandir, Jail Chowk, Purnea|center|200x200px]]
*'''Aastha Mandir''' – A modern temple serving as a center for religious and community gatherings, devoted to [[Krishna]].
[[File:Prahalad Sthambh Purnea.jpg|thumb|Prahalad Sthambh, Banmankhi, Purnea|center|200x200px]]
*'''[[Prahlad Stambh|Prahalad Sthambh]]''' – Associated with the [[Narasimha]]-[[Prahlad]] legend, symbolizing devotion and righteousness. It is situated at [[Banmankhi]].
[[File:Kamakhya Mandir Purnea.jpg|thumb|Kamakhya Mandir, Majra, Purnea|center|200x200px]]
*'''Kamakhya Mandir''' – Inspired by Assam’s [[Kamakhya Temple]], known for Tantric rituals, situated at Majra.
[[File:Dhima Shiv Temple Purnea.jpg|thumb|Dhima Shiv Temple, Banmankhi, Purnea|center|200x200px]]
*'''Dhima Shiv Temple''' – A sacred Shiva temple, particularly significant during Mahashivaratri, is situated in [[Banmankhi]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2025}}


Purnia and its surrounding lands lie in the [[sub-montane]] alluvial tract of the [[Gangetic Plain]]. The city however lies on the banks of numerous tributaries of the [[Koshi River]]. Two major rivers traverse Purnia city with the [[Kari Kosi]] river on the western end and the [[Saura river]] on the eastern end. The main city is situated between these two rivers.
Purnia and its surrounding lands lie in the [[sub-montane]] alluvial tract of the [[Gangetic Plain]]. The city however lies on the banks of numerous tributaries of the [[Koshi River]]. Two major rivers traverse Purnia city with the [[Kari Kosi]] river on the western end and the [[Saura river]] on the eastern end. The main city is situated between these two rivers.
Line 115: Line 165:


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|location = Purnia (1981–2010, extremes 1901–2009)
|location = Purnia (1991–2020, extremes 1901–present)
|metric first = yes
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|single line = yes
Line 123: Line 173:
| Apr record high C = 43.3
| Apr record high C = 43.3
| May record high C = 43.9
| May record high C = 43.9
| Jun record high C = 43.0
| Jun record high C = 43.5
| Jul record high C = 38.9
| Jul record high C = 38.9
| Aug record high C = 38.2
| Aug record high C = 38.2
Line 131: Line 181:
| Dec record high C = 31.6
| Dec record high C = 31.6
|year record high C = 43.9
|year record high C = 43.9
| Jan high C = 23.2
| Jan high C = 22.5
| Feb high C = 27.0
| Feb high C = 27.2
| Mar high C = 32.2
| Mar high C = 32.2
| Apr high C = 35.2
| Apr high C = 35.1
| May high C = 34.9
| May high C = 34.8
| Jun high C = 34.4
| Jun high C = 34.4
| Jul high C = 32.9
| Jul high C = 33.3
| Aug high C = 33.2
| Aug high C = 33.5
| Sep high C = 32.9
| Sep high C = 33.3
| Oct high C = 32.3
| Oct high C = 32.5
| Nov high C = 29.9
| Nov high C = 29.9
| Dec high C = 25.8
| Dec high C = 25.3
|year high C = 31.2
| year high C = 31.2
| Jan low C = 8.7
| Jan low C = 9.0
| Feb low C = 11.3
| Feb low C = 11.6
| Mar low C = 15.7
| Mar low C = 16.1
| Apr low C = 20.2
| Apr low C = 20.4
| May low C = 23.1
| May low C = 23.4
| Jun low C = 25.0
| Jun low C = 25.1
| Jul low C = 25.4
| Jul low C = 25.7
| Aug low C = 25.6
| Aug low C = 25.8
| Sep low C = 24.7
| Sep low C = 24.8
| Oct low C = 21.0
| Oct low C = 21.5
| Nov low C = 14.9
| Nov low C = 15.2
| Dec low C = 10.1
| Dec low C = 10.5
|year low C = 18.8
| year low C = 19.2
| Jan record low C = 1.3
| Jan record low C = 1.3
| Feb record low C = 1.7
| Feb record low C = 1.7
Line 171: Line 221:
|year record low C = 1.3
|year record low C = 1.3
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 9.0
| Jan rain mm = 8.2
| Feb rain mm = 8.1
| Feb rain mm = 8.2
| Mar rain mm = 11.1
| Mar rain mm = 14.9
| Apr rain mm = 41.8
| Apr rain mm = 45.5
| May rain mm = 155.2
| May rain mm = 140.6
| Jun rain mm = 306.0
| Jun rain mm = 284.6
| Jul rain mm = 399.6
| Jul rain mm = 350.6
| Aug rain mm = 320.5
| Aug rain mm = 301.7
| Sep rain mm = 321.9
| Sep rain mm = 310.6
| Oct rain mm = 80.8
| Oct rain mm = 81.3
| Nov rain mm = 5.6
| Nov rain mm = 5.0
| Dec rain mm = 5.6
| Dec rain mm = 4.0
|year rain mm = 1665.2
| year rain mm = 1555.2
| Jan rain days = 0.8
| Jan rain days = 0.8
| Feb rain days = 1.0
| Feb rain days = 1.0
| Mar rain days = 1.0
| Mar rain days = 1.2
| Apr rain days = 2.7
| Apr rain days = 2.9
| May rain days = 6.6
| May rain days = 6.1
| Jun rain days = 10.8
| Jun rain days = 10.8
| Jul rain days = 15.1
| Jul rain days = 14.9
| Aug rain days = 13.1
| Aug rain days = 13.4
| Sep rain days = 11.4
| Sep rain days = 11.4
| Oct rain days = 3.5
| Oct rain days = 3.2
| Nov rain days = 0.5
| Nov rain days = 0.4
| Dec rain days = 0.6
| Dec rain days = 0.5
|year rain days = 67.0
|year rain days = 66.6
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 75
| Jan humidity = 79
| Feb humidity = 62
| Feb humidity = 65
| Mar humidity = 48
| Mar humidity = 50
| Apr humidity = 50
| Apr humidity = 53
| May humidity = 63
| May humidity = 64
| Jun humidity = 74
| Jun humidity = 75
| Jul humidity = 82
| Jul humidity = 81
| Aug humidity = 82
| Aug humidity = 82
| Sep humidity = 83
| Sep humidity = 84
| Oct humidity = 80
| Oct humidity = 80
| Nov humidity = 78
| Nov humidity = 80
| Dec humidity = 79
| Dec humidity = 83
|year humidity = 71
|year humidity = 73
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name="IMDnormals">{{Cite web |date=January 2015 |title=Station: Purnea Climatological Table 1981–2010 |url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf |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 |access-date=24 August 2020 |website=Climatological Normals 1981–2010 |publisher=India Meteorological Department |pages=631–632}}</ref><ref name="IMDextremes">{{Cite web |date=December 2016 |title=Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) |url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |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 |access-date=24 August 2020 |publisher=India Meteorological Department |page=M37}}</ref>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{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
}}</ref><ref name="IMDnormals">{{Cite web |date=January 2015 |title=Station: Purnea Climatological Table 1981–2010 |url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf |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 |access-date=24 August 2020 |website=Climatological Normals 1981–2010 |publisher=India Meteorological Department |pages=631–632}}</ref><ref name="IMDextremes">{{Cite web |date=December 2016 |title=Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) |url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |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 |access-date=24 August 2020 |publisher=India Meteorological Department |page=M37}}</ref>
}}
}}


Line 217: Line 272:
{{See also|List of cities in Bihar by population}}
{{See also|List of cities in Bihar by population}}
As of the 2011 census, Purnia Municipal Corporation had a total population of 282,248, of which 148,077 were males and 134,171 were females.<ref name="MCorpPop">{{Cite book |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1009_PART_B_DCHB_PURNIA.pdf |title=District Census Handbook - Purnia |publisher=censusindia.gov.in |year=2014 |page=24 |access-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516151107/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1009_PART_B_DCHB_PURNIA.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> It had a sex ratio of 906 females to 1,000 males. The population below 6 years was 43,050. The literacy rate for the 6+ population was 73.02%, compared to the 74.04% national average.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |url-status=live |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 |access-date=2012-04-16 |website=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011}}</ref> Purnia Urban Agglomeration, comprising Purnia Municipal Corporation and [[Kasba (Purnia)|Kasba]] (Nagar Panchayat),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Constituents of urban Agglomerations Having Population 1 Lakh & above |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306023808/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2016 |access-date=2012-04-16 |website=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011}}</ref> had a population of 310,817 in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226074535/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf%20 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |access-date=2012-04-16 |website=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011}}</ref>
As of the 2011 census, Purnia Municipal Corporation had a total population of 282,248, of which 148,077 were males and 134,171 were females.<ref name="MCorpPop">{{Cite book |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1009_PART_B_DCHB_PURNIA.pdf |title=District Census Handbook - Purnia |publisher=censusindia.gov.in |year=2014 |page=24 |access-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516151107/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1009_PART_B_DCHB_PURNIA.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> It had a sex ratio of 906 females to 1,000 males. The population below 6 years was 43,050. The literacy rate for the 6+ population was 73.02%, compared to the 74.04% national average.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |url-status=live |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 |access-date=2012-04-16 |website=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011}}</ref> Purnia Urban Agglomeration, comprising Purnia Municipal Corporation and [[Kasba (Purnia)|Kasba]] (Nagar Panchayat),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Constituents of urban Agglomerations Having Population 1 Lakh & above |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306023808/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2016 |access-date=2012-04-16 |website=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011}}</ref> had a population of 310,817 in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226074535/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf%20 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |access-date=2012-04-16 |website=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011}}</ref>
===Religion and language===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|float=center
|caption = Languages spoken in Purnia City (2011)<ref>[https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2000.XLSX 2011 census data] censusindia.gov.in</ref>
|label1= [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|value1= 54.96
|color1 =orange
|label2= [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
|value2 = 14.86
|color2 =green
|label3 = [[Maithili language|Maithili]]
|value3 = 8.58
|color3 =red
|label4 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value4 = 8.19
|color4 =yellow
|label5 = [[Kurukh language|Kurukh]]
|value5 = 2.31
|color5 =brown
|label6 = [[Bhojpuri&nbsp; language|Bhojpuri]]
|value6 = 1.60
|color6 =pink
|label7 = Others
|value7 = 9.46
|color7 =blue
}}
{{bar box|width = 250px
{{bar box|width = 250px
  |barwidth = 100px |cellpadding="0"
  |barwidth = 100px |cellpadding="0"
Line 224: Line 307:
|left1=Religion
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|float=center
|bars=
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|DarkOrange|75.19 }}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|DarkOrange|75.19 }}
Line 233: Line 316:
{{bar percent|Others|Black|0.52}}}}
{{bar percent|Others|Black|0.52}}}}


===Languages===
According to the 2011 census of India, 75.19% of Purnia's residents practice [[Hinduism]]. [[Islam]] is the second most popular at 23.26%. [[Christianity]], [[Jainism]], [[Sikhism]], and [[Buddhism]] are among the other minority religions. 0.52% practice other religions and 0.1% no particular religion.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: Bihar |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11366/download/14479/DDW10C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
[[Maithili language|Maithili]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ranjan |first=Manish |title=Bihar Samanya Gyan |isbn=9789386300850 |pages=111}}</ref> is native language and [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]] are the other languages spoken by the people of Purnia. [[Surjapuri language|Surjapuri]] and [[Santali language|Santali]] dialects are also spoken in some parts of the city. English continues to be taught in the English Medium schools.
 
[[Maithili language|Maithili]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ranjan |first=Manish |title=Bihar Samanya Gyan |date=19 January 2021 |isbn=9789386300850 |pages=111 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan }}</ref> is the native language of [[Purnia]], including its [[Angika]] and [[Eastern Maithili|Purbi Maithili]] dialects. [[Hindi]] and [[Urdu]], the official languages of the state of [[Bihar]], are widely spoken. [[Bengali language|Bengali]] is also used by sections of the population. [[Bhojpuri&nbsp; language|Bhojpuri]], [[Surjapuri]], [[Santali language|Santali]], and [[Kurukh language|Kurukh]] are spoken by minority communities. [[English language|English]] is commonly used as a secondary language and is taught in English-medium schools.
 
==Administration==
[[Purnia]] serves as a major administrative hub in North-Eastern [[Bihar]]. It functions as the headquarters for several regional and district-level governing bodies:
 
*[[Purnia District]]: The city is the seat of the District Magistrate and Collector.
*[[Purnia Division]]: It acts as the divisional headquarters, overseeing the districts of [[Purnia district|Purnia]], [[Araria district|Araria]], [[Katihar district|Katihar]], and [[Kishanganj district|Kishanganj]].
*Regional Offices: Hosts various Bihar Government regional offices, including those for education, health, and infrastructure development.
 
===Civic Administration===
The Purnia Urban Agglomeration is governed by two distinct municipal bodies responsible for providing essential utility services, infrastructure development, and sanitation.
 
'''Purnia Municipal Corporation'''<ref>{{cite web|title =Official Website of Purnia Municipal Corporation|url =https://purneanagarnigam.net/bmc/public|access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
*The [[Purnia Municipal Corporation]] (PMC) is the primary civic body for the city.
*Area: Approximately {{Convert|60|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|2}}
*Wards: The corporation is divided into 46 administrative wards.
*Responsibilities: Management of water supply, solid waste, street lighting, and urban planning within the core city limits.
 
'''Kasba Municipality'''<ref>{{cite web|title =Official Website of Kasba Municipality|url =https://www.nagarparishadkasba.com/|access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
*The Kasba Municipality oversees the northern part of the urban sprawl.
*Area: Approximately {{Convert|32|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|2}}
*Wards: Divided into 26 wards.
*Responsibilities: Providing civic amenities and regulatory oversight for the [[Kasba, Purnia|Kasba]] suburban area.
 
===Law Enforcement===
Law and order in the city and its outskirts are maintained by the [[Bihar Police|Purnia Police]]. The urban area is served by several specialized and territorial police stations and Town Outposts (TOP).<ref>{{cite web|title =Police Station in Purnia|url =https://gis.bihar.gov.in/DEPTS/RCD.aspx|access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title =Police Station in Purnia|url =https://police.bihar.gov.in/en/Search_PS.aspx|access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
 
'''Police Stations (Thana)'''
<br>The primary police stations handling investigations and security include:
 
*Khazanchi Hat Police Station
*Sadar Police Station
*Madhubani Police Station
*Mufassil Police Station
*Maranga Police Station
*Sahayak Khazanchi Hat Police Station
 
'''Specialized Units'''
*Mahila Police Station
*Cyber Police Station
*SC and ST Police Station
*Traffic Police Station
 
'''Town Outposts (TOP)'''
<br>Smaller units focused on localized patrolling and immediate response:
 
*Purnea City OP
*Bhatta Bazar TOP
*Gulabbagh TOP
*Katihar More TOP
*Fanishwar Nath Renu TOP (named after the renowned local author)
*Sudin Chowk TOP


==Economy==
==Economy==


In recent years, Purnia is growing as epicenter for service, automobile and many more economic sectors. This results as fast changing in lifestyle and economy of city.
In recent years, Purnia is has become a regional epicenter for the service and automobile sectors.
Primarily, Gulabbagh, Khuskibagh, [[Line Bazar]], Bhatta Bazar, Madhubani Bazar, City Industrial Estate and Maranga Outgrowth Centre are the prime locations for the economic activities.
Primarily, [[Gulabbagh]], Khuskibagh, [[Line Bazar Purnia|Line Bazar]], Bhatta Bazar, Madhubani Bazar, City Industrial Estate and Maranga Outgrowth Centre are the prime locations for the economic activities.
 
===Gulabbagh and Khuskibagh===
 
Gulabbagh and Khuskibagh are situated at eastern outskirts of main city, and known for their famous agriculture markets (in local language ''mandi''). Many merchants come from [[Nepal]] and [[West Bengal]] to purchase supplies of raw materials, especially [[Maize]]. GulabBagh in Purnia houses a major grain storehouse and is Asia's largest [[maize]] trading center. This location as well as central and eastern Bihar supply the grain requirements of [[Bengal]], [[Nepal]], and the states of [[Northeast India]]. Numerous highways in Purnia, including {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|131A|country=IND}} provide excellent connectivity to all parts of [[India]]. Khuskibagh has fruit and vegetable markets that are close to {{stnlnk|Purnia Junction}} (station code: PRNA), which provides rail connectivity.


===Gulabbagh & Khuskibagh===
==Healthcare==


Gulabbagh and Khuskibagh are situated at eastern outskirts of main city, and known for their famous agriculture market (in local language ''mandi''). Many merchants come from [[Nepal]] and [[West Bengal]] to purchase supplies of raw material and specially [[Maize]]. GulabBagh in Purnia houses a major grain storehouse and is Asia's largest [[maize]] trading center. This location as well as central and eastern Bihar supply the grain requirements of [[Bengal]], [[Nepal]], and the states of [[Northeast India]]. It is also an epic centre of highways in Purnia, as well {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|131A|country=IND}} passes that provides excellent connectivity to all parts of [[India]]. Khuskibagh has fruit and vegetable market that is too close to {{stnlnk|Purnia Junction}} (station code: PRNA) that provides rail connectivity.
Purnia has one government medical college hospital, several government Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), and numerous private hospitals that provide healthcare services to the city and surrounding regions.


===Agriculture===
===Government Hospital===


Purnia is supplied with agricultural products by its [[Purnia district|surrounding countryside]]. The [[alluvial soil]], irrigated by the [[Koshi River|Kosi]] and [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]] rivers, has been particularly suited to the [[paddy cultivation]] of [[rice]]. Other crops grown are [[potatoes]], [[wheat]], [[khesari]], [[chickpeas]], [[chili pepper]]s, [[maize]], [[Masoor dal|lentils]], [[Pigeon pea|arhar dal]], [[barley]], [[sugarcane]], [[tobacco]], [[Euryale ferox|makhana]], [[mung beans]], and [[jute]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agriculture in Purnia |url=http://www.purnea.co.in/home/agriculture.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230020346/http://purnea.co.in/home/agriculture.aspx |archive-date=30 December 2010 |access-date=13 February 2011}}</ref> The previous extensive growing of jute supported a former flourishing [[jute]] industry which has now declined. The cultivation of maize has however soared in recent years in the city's outskirts.
*[[Government Medical College and Hospital, Purnea]]<ref>{{cite web| url =https://gmchpurnea.com/|title =Official Website of GMCH, Purnea | access-date = 8 January 2026}}</ref>


Purnia is a powerful poultry producer and has also been catering to the demands of the nearby regions of Nepal and [[West Bengal]] for many years. Purnia is also well known for its fisheries. Fishes are also transported to the nearby markets of West Bengal, especially those in the [[Siliguri]] Metropolitan Region, the nearest large urban centre.
===Government UPHC===
Source:<ref>{{cite web| url = http://statehealthsocietybihar.org/administrative/UPHC_contacts.pdf |title = State Health Society, Bihar; UPHC Contacts| work= Page 3 |publisher=State Health Society, Bihar | access-date = 8 January 2026}}</ref>
*UPHC, Gulabbagh
*UPHC, Mata Chowk
*UPHC, Madhubani
*UPHC, Purnea Court
*UPHC, Purnea City


==Education==
==Education==
[[File:Law College,Purnea.jpg|thumb|BMT Law College, Purnea]]
[[File:Law College,Purnea.jpg|thumb|BMT Law College, Purnea]]
Purnia has always been a centre of education in the north Bihar region. Zila School, founded in 1800 during the period of [[British Raj|British rule]], is Purnia's oldest school, and one of the city's largest. [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya]], Garhbanaili (14&nbsp;km away from main city) is a prestigious school run by the government. Vidya Vihar Residential School, the leading Boarding School of Bihar has its campus at Parora on Purnea. India's leading school chain [[G D Goenka Public School]] has its third campus of Bihar in Purnea after Patna and Gaya. Purnia also has a [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]]. Other prominent schools are -
Purnia has historically been a center of education in the North Bihar region. The Zila School, founded in 1800 during the period of [[British Raj|British rule]], is the oldest school in Purnia and one of the largest in the city. [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya]], Garhbanaili (located 14&nbsp;km from the main city), is a prestigious government-run school.<ref>{{cite web|title=JNV Purnea Website|url=https://navodaya.gov.in/nvs/nvs-school/PURNEA/en/home/}}</ref> Vidya Vihar Residential School, a leading boarding school in Bihar, has its campus in Parora, Purnia.<ref>{{cite web|title=VVRS Website|url=https://www.vvrs.org/}}</ref> G D Goenka Public School, one of India's leading school chains, established its third campus in Bihar in Purnia, following those in [[Patna]] and [[Gaya, India|Gaya]]. Purnia also has a [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]].<ref>{{cite web|title=KV Purnia Website|url=https://purnia.kvs.ac.in/}}</ref>
* Vidya Vihar Residential School
* Don Bosco public School
* S.R. DAV Public School
* Ursuline Convent English/Hindi Medium School
* Millia Convent English Medium School
* Purnia High School
* Indian Public School
* B.B.M. High School
* St. Peter Residential School
* Mount Zion Mission School
* Bright Career English School
* Bijendra Public School
* Saraswati Vidya Mandir
* Saraswati Shishu Mandir
* St. John's High School
* Greenfield Public School


There are colleges for higher studies concentrating [[engineering education|engineering]], [[law]], [[arts]], and [[home science]]. Having recognition from the state government and various other government [[University|universities]] such as [[Aryabhatta Knowledge University]], [[Bihar Agriculture University]] and [[Purnea University]], these colleges include:
===Colleges===
* Purnia College
Purnea has several colleges offering higher education in disciplines such as [[engineering]], [[law]], [[arts]], and [[home science]]. These institutions are recognized by the state government and affiliated with various universities, including [[Aryabhatta Knowledge University]], [[Bihar Agricultural University]], and [[Purnea University]].
* B.M.T. Law College
 
The major colleges in Purnia include:
* Purnea College<ref>{{cite web|title=Purnea College Official Website|url=https://purneacollege.ac.in/}}</ref>
* Purnea Mahila College<ref>{{cite web|title=Purnea Mahila Official Website|url=https://www.purneamahilacollege.ac.in/}}</ref>
* [[Purnea College of Engineering]]<ref>{{cite web|title=PCE Official Website|url=https://www.pcepurnia.org/}}</ref>
* [[Government Medical College and Hospital, Purnea]]<ref>{{cite web|title=GMCH Purnea Official Website|url=https://gmchpurnea.com/}}</ref>
* Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College<ref>{{cite web|title=BPSAC Website|url=https://bausabour.ac.in/college-homepage.aspx?cc=002}}</ref>
* B.M.T. Law College<ref>{{cite web|title=BMT Official Website|url=https://www.bmtlawcollege.org/}}</ref>
* Government Polytechnic of Purnea<ref>{{cite web|title=GP Purnea Website|url=https://www.gppurnea.in/}}</ref>
* [[Vidya Vihar Institute of Technology]]
* [[Vidya Vihar Institute of Technology]]
* Millia Group of Colleges (managed by Millia Education Trust)
* Millia Group of Colleges (managed by Millia Education Trust)
* [[Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College|Bhola Paswan Shastri Agriculture College]]
* Purnia Mahila College
* Millia Institute of Technology
* Millia Institute of Technology
* Millia Polytechnic Rambagh
* Millia Polytechnic, Rambagh
* Government Polytechnic of Purnea
* Simanchal Institute of Medical Science, Kasba  
* Purnia College of Engineering
* Simanchal Institute of Medical Science, Kasba (OPD functional from Jan 2018)
* Government Medical College and Hospital, Sadar Hospital Purnea
* Shershah Institute of Medical Sciences
* Shershah Institute of Medical Sciences
* Medical College and Hospital by Millia Educational Trust
* Medical College and Hospital by Millia Educational Trust


3D animation and multimedia institute:
Additionally, a 3D animation and multimedia institute is located in Madhubani Bazar.


* Animation School (Madhubani Bazar)
=== Healthcare ===
The [[Indian Red Cross Society]] operates the second-largest blood bank in Bihar, with a capacity of 1,000 units, following the one in [[Patna]]. The [[Bihar government]] has recently inaugurated one of three megastock warehouses for medicines at [[Kasba (Purnia)|Kasba]], which serves 13 districts of North Bihar.


The [[Indian Red Cross Society]] has the largest blood bank in the state after Patna, with a capacity of 1,000 units. The [[Bihar government]] recently inaugurated one of the three megastock warehouses for drugs/medicines at [[Kasba (Purnia)|Kasba]], which aims to serve the 13 districts of North Bihar.
=== Sports and recreation ===
The Indira Gandhi Stadium houses a [[Sports Authority of India]] sports hostel for athletes. The DSA and Zila School grounds serve as the city's outdoor stadiums. In January 2025, the [[Bihar government]] announced the construction of a modern sports complex at Rangbhumi Maidan in Purnia at a cost of ₹42 crore. The project aims to provide advanced facilities for local athletes, enabling them to perform excellently at the state and national levels.<ref>{{Cite web|title=पूर्णिया में 40 करोड़ की लागत से बनने वाले स्पोर्ट्स कॉम्पलेक्स के लिए जिला अधिकारी ने किया निरीक्षण|url=https://www.hindusthansamachar.in/Encyc/2025/2/25/Sports-complex-will-be-built-in-Purnia-at-a-cost-o.php}}</ref>


The [[Indira Gandhi Stadium, Purnia|Indira Gandhi Stadium]] houses the [[Sports Authority of India]] sports hostel for athletes. The DSA and Zila School grounds are the city's outdoor stadiums.
=== University ===
 
Purnia is home to [[Purnea University]], the ninth university in Bihar. It is the only university in the [[Purnia division|Purnia Commissionerate]] and includes affiliated colleges from the districts of [[Purnia district|Purnia]], [[Katihar district|Katihar]], [[Araria district|Araria]], and [[Kishanganj district|Kishanganj]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Purnea University Official Website|url=https://purneau.ac.in/}}</ref>
The region has been blessed with [[Purnea University]] (9th University of Bihar). The university is the only in Purnea Commissionerate. It includes colleges of Purnea, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj.


==Transportation==
==Transportation==


===Air===
===Airways===
[[File:Four Indian Air Force MI-17 V5 Medium Lift Helicopter on standby at Air Force Station Purnea (in Bihar) as part of flood relief operations being undertaken in Bihar on August 04, 2014.jpg|thumb|Helicopter at Air Force Station Purnea]]
[[File:Four Indian Air Force MI-17 V5 Medium Lift Helicopter on standby at Air Force Station Purnea (in Bihar) as part of flood relief operations being undertaken in Bihar on August 04, 2014.jpg|thumb|Helicopter at Air Force Station Purnea|center|200x200px]]
 
[[File:Pxn purnea airport.jpg|thumb|Terminal Building of Purnea Airport|center|200x200px]]
[[Purnea Airport]], also known as Chunapur Airport (Airforce Station), is located within the cantonment area but is restricted to army usage only. Proposals for the airport to operate scheduled flights are being widely discussed at the level of the state government.
* '''[[Purnia Airport]]''' (IATA: PXN, ICAO: VEPU), is located within the cantonment area and used by both army and commercial purpose, which is approximately 5&nbsp;km from the city center. The airport operates scheduled flights for Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
 
The nearest commercial airport, [[Bagdogra Airport]], is about 150&nbsp;km away at [[Bagdogra]] in [[Darjeeling district]]. And [[Darbhanga Airport]] is around 231 km from Purnia. [[Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport]] (Patna Airport) is located in Patna, capital of Bihar, at a distance of 310&nbsp;km from Purnia.


===Rail===
===Railways===
[[File:Seemanchal at Purnia.jpg|thumb|Purnia Junction|center|250x200px]]
* '''{{stnlnk|Purnia Junction}}''' ''(station code: PRNA)'' is situated on [[Jogbani–Katihar line]] of the [[Northeast Frontier Railway]] (NFR), which is located 7&nbsp;km from the city centre, and closer to the residents of Khuskibagh, [[Gulabbagh]], and Eastern Purnia. This station have good connectivity to {{stnlnk|Jogbani}}, {{stnlnk|Katihar}}, {{stnlnk|Barauni}}, {{stnlnk|Danapur}}, {{stnlnk|Muzaffarpur Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Darbhanga}}, {{stnlnk|Samastipur}}, {{stnlnk|Siliguri Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Malda Town}}, {{stnlnk|Kolkata}}, {{stnlnk|Prayagraj Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Kanpur Central}}, {{stnlnk|Anand Vihar Terminal}}, {{stnlnk|Perambur}} and {{stnlnk|Erode}}. It is served by both Indian Railways premium trains; '''[[Vande Bharat Express]]''' & '''[[Amrit Bharat Express]]'''.


[[File:Purnea Jn front.jpg|thumb|Purnea Junction Main Entrance]]
[[File:Purnia Court.jpg|thumb|Purnia Court railway station|center|250x200px]]
Purnia is served by two railway stations separated by 5&nbsp;km, {{stnlnk|Purnia Junction}} (station code: PRNA) and {{stnlnk|Purnia Court}} (station code: PRNC). Purnia Junction is closer to the residents of Khuskibagh, Gulabbagh, and Eastern Purnia, while Purnia Court is in the western part of the city and caters to the residents of Madhubani, Janta Chowk, and Central and Western Purnia.
*'''{{stnlnk|Purnia Court}}''' ''(station code: PRNC)'' is located in main city area, serving [[Saharsa–Purnia line]] of the [[East Central Railway]] (ECR), and caters to the residents of Madhubani, Janta Chowk, [[Line Bazar Purnia|Line Bazar]], Central and Western Purnia. Many [[Express trains in India|express trains]] originate from this station, that provides connectivity to {{stnlnk|Banmankhi Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Dauram Madhepura}}, {{stnlnk|Saharsa Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Khagaria Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Begusarai}}, {{stnlnk|Patna Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Gaya Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Bokaro}}, {{stnlnk|Ranchi}}, {{stnlnk|Chhapra Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Gorakhpur}}, {{stnlnk|Gonda Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Sitapur}}, {{stnlnk|Bareilly Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Moradabad}}, {{stnlnk|Ambala Cantonment}}, {{stnlnk|Ludhiana}}, {{stnlnk|Jalandhar City}} & {{stnlnk|Amritsar}}.
Purnia Junction is situated on [[Barauni–Katihar section|Barauni–Katihar, Saharsa and Purnia sections]] of the [[Northeast Frontier Railway]] (NFR) and [[East Central Railway zone]] that connects Purnia to {{stnlnk|Katihar Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Jogbani}}, {{stnlnk|Saharsa Junction}} and {{stnlnk|Barauni Junction}}. There are daily and weekly trains to {{stnlnk|Kolkata}}, {{stnlnk|Delhi Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Patna Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Ranchi Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Muzaffarpur Junction}}, [[Bapudham Motihari railway station|Motihari]], {{stnlnk|Lucknow Charbagh}}, {{stnlnk|Kanpur Central}}, {{stnlnk|Gorakhpur Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Gaya Junction}}, and other nearby cities.


===Road===
===Roadways===
[[File:NH-231 Purnea.jpg|thumb|Newly Constructed {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}  across Purnea]]
[[File:NH-231 Purnea.jpg|thumb|NH-231 at Purnea College of Engineering|center|250x200px]]
[[File:NH-131A,Ranipatra.jpg|thumb|NH-131A Purnea-Manihari Highway|center|250x200px]]


National Highways namely {{jct|NH|31|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|131A|country=IND}} make Purnia accessible to the people from nearby cities & states while [[state highways]] connect the other neighbouring cities and villages to the main city area. The newly constructed {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}} directly connects Purnia to some important towns and cities of [[North Bihar]] namely [[Darbhanga]] & [[Muzaffarpur]]. It takes nearly 5 hours to reach [[Muzaffarpur]] through this [[Limited-access road|Expressway]]. This expressway which also traverses through the newly built Kosi Mahasetu bridge ends at [[Muzaffarpur]] to continue further for Patna. It has turned out to be an alternate route for Patna & has helped in decongesting the ever busy and traffic-prone NH31.
National Highways namely {{jct|NH|31|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}, {{jct|NH|131A|country=IND}} make Purnia accessible to the people from nearby cities & states while [[state highways]] connect the other neighbouring cities and villages to the main city area.
* '''{{jct|NH|27|country=IND}}''', also known as the ''[[North–South and East–West Corridor|East–West Corridor]]'', passes through [[Purnia]]. The corridor runs from [[Silchar]] to [[Porbandar]], providing the city with excellent connectivity across [[India]]. It connects Purnia to major cities such as [[Silchar]], [[Guwahati]], [[Siliguri]], [[Kolkata]], [[Kishanganj]], and [[Dalkhola]] in the east, and [[Lucknow]], [[Gorakhpur]], [[Muzaffarpur]], [[Darbhanga]], [[Supaul]], [[Jogbani]], [[Forbesganj]], and [[Araria]] in the west.


{{jct|NH|31|country=IND}} traverse the main city and terminate Gulab bagh at {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}} in the east and [[Patna]] to the west via [[Mokama]], [[Khagaria]] & [[Begusarai]].
*'''{{jct|NH|231|country=IND}}''', which provides regional connectivity within [[Bihar]], also passes through [[Purnia]]. It starts from [[Korha, Katihar|Korha]], at its junction with '''[[National Highway 31 (India)|NH-31]]''', connecting the city to [[Bhagalpur]], [[Munger]], [[Khagaria]], [[Begusarai]], [[Patna]], and [[List of cities in Bihar by population|several other cities in Bihar]]. [[National Highway 231 (India)|NH-231]] further connects [[Purnia]] to [[Madhepura]] and [[Saharsa]]. The Khagaria–Purnia section, under NH-31 and NH-231, is currently being upgraded to a four-lane highway.


The east–west corridor connecting [[Silchar]], [[Assam]] to [[Gujarat]] passes through Purnia in the form of {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}}. It is a modern four-lane highway constructed by [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI). State Highways 60, 62, 65, 77 & 90 also pass through Purnia.
*'''{{jct|NH|131A|country=IND}}''', originates in [[Purnia]] and is a four-lane national highway connecting the city to [[Katihar]], [[Manihari]], [[Sahibganj]], and [[Malda, West Bengal|Malda]]. It serves as an important route linking [[Nepal]] with [[Jharkhand]], facilitating interstate and cross-border connectivity.


{{jct|NH|31|country=IND}} and {{jct|NH|27|country=IND}} are four-lane expressways and are a strength to the intercity transportation services.
*The '''Patna–Purnia Expressway''' is an under-construction greenfield national expressway connecting the state capital [[Patna]] to [[Purnia]]. Designated as [[File:NE9-IN.svg|24px]], the expressway starts in [[Vaishali district]] and passes through [[Samastipur district|Samastipur]], [[Darbhanga district|Darbhanga]], [[Saharsa district|Saharsa]], and [[Madhepura district|Madhepura districts]], before terminating in [[Purnia district]]. The expressway has a total length of approximately 244 km.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Patna-Purnia Expressway NE-9|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/patna-city-patnapurnia-expressway-indias-9th-expressway-40065511.html|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>


==Notable Events==
==Notable events==
Phanishwar Nath Renu's popular story "Maare Gaye Gulfam" which was adapted into a film ''[[Teesri Kasam]]'' (The Third Vow), by [[Basu Bhattacharya]] (produced by the poet-lyricist [[Shailendra (lyricist)|Shailendra]]) in 1966 was shot in Purnia, in which old Purnea is pictured, especially 'the Gulabbag Mela'.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
Phanishwar Nath Renu's popular story "Maare Gaye Gulfam" which was adapted into a film ''[[Teesri Kasam]]'' (The Third Vow), by [[Basu Bhattacharya]] (produced by the poet-lyricist [[Shailendra (lyricist)|Shailendra]]) in 1966 was shot in Purnia, in which old Purnea is pictured, especially 'the Gulabbag Mela'.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}


Purnia held the record for making and displaying the world's longest [[tricolour (flag)|tricolour]] flag, with the length measured at 7,100 metres (7.1&nbsp;km) before it was broken on 12 August 2019 by [[Raipur]], [[Chhattisgarh|Chattisgadh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=7km-long tricolour to be hoisted in Purnia on Aug 20 - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/7km-long-tricolour-to-be-hoisted-in-Purnia-on-Aug-20/articleshow/53728480.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823214626/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/7km-long-tricolour-to-be-hoisted-in-Purnia-on-Aug-20/articleshow/53728480.cms |archive-date=23 August 2016 |access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-20 |title=World Largest Flag Purnea Bihar |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtrfxpU-6Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208220642/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtrfxpU-6Y |archive-date=8 February 2017 |access-date=2016-08-23 |website=1st News 24x7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Human Chain" Unfurls 15-Km-Long Tricolour In Chattisgarh, Enters Record |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/human-chain-unfurls-15-km-long-tricolour-in-chattisgarh-enters-champions-book-of-world-records-2083720 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204154534/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/human-chain-unfurls-15-km-long-tricolour-in-chattisgarh-enters-champions-book-of-world-records-2083720 |archive-date=4 December 2019 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
Purnia held the record for making and displaying the world's longest [[tricolour (flag)|tricolour]] flag, with the length measured at 7,100 metres (7.1&nbsp;km) before it was broken on 12 August 2019 by [[Raipur]], [[Chhattisgarh|Chattisgadh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=7km-long tricolour to be hoisted in Purnia on Aug 20 - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 August 2016 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/7km-long-tricolour-to-be-hoisted-in-Purnia-on-Aug-20/articleshow/53728480.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823214626/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/7km-long-tricolour-to-be-hoisted-in-Purnia-on-Aug-20/articleshow/53728480.cms |archive-date=23 August 2016 |access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-20 |title=World Largest Flag Purnea Bihar |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtrfxpU-6Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208220642/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtrfxpU-6Y |archive-date=8 February 2017 |access-date=2016-08-23 |website=1st News 24x7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Human Chain" Unfurls 15-Km-Long Tricolour In Chattisgarh, Enters Record |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/human-chain-unfurls-15-km-long-tricolour-in-chattisgarh-enters-champions-book-of-world-records-2083720 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204154534/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/human-chain-unfurls-15-km-long-tricolour-in-chattisgarh-enters-champions-book-of-world-records-2083720 |archive-date=4 December 2019 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
<!-- ♦♦♦♦ Do not add anyone to this list unless they have their own Wikipedia article ♦♦♦♦-->
<!-- ♦♦♦♦ Do not add anyone to this list unless they have their own Wikipedia article ♦♦♦♦-->
* [[Raja Bahadur Kirtyanand Sinha]] (1880-1938), patron and known for charitable works
* [[Raja Bahadur Kirtyanand Sinha]] (1880–1938), patron and known for charitable works
*[[Syed Abdus Samad (footballer)]] (1895-1964), footballer
*[[Syed Abdus Samad (footballer)]] (1895–1964), footballer
* [[Satinath Bhaduri]] (1906–1965), novelist and politician
* [[Satinath Bhaduri]] (1906–1965), novelist and politician
* [[Phanishwar Nath 'Renu']] (1921–1977), novelist
* [[Phanishwar Nath 'Renu']] (1921–1977), novelist
* [[Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay]] (1899–1979), playwright and poet
* [[Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay]] (1899–1979), playwright and poet
* [[Bhola Paswan Shastri]], three-time Chief Minister of Bihar
* [[Bhola Paswan Shastri]], three-time Chief Minister of Bihar
* Alo Roy, noted Bengali poet, story writer and cultural organiser.
* [[Awadhesh Kumar Bharti|Air Marshal A.K.Bharti]], Deputy chief of the Air Staff, [[Indian Air Force]]
* Alo Roy, noted Bengali poet, story writer and cultural organiser
* [[Sushant Singh Rajput]], actor
* [[Sushant Singh Rajput]], actor
* [[Gurmeet Choudhary]], actor
* [[Gurmeet Choudhary]], actor
* [[Ajit Sarkar]], politician
* [[Elizabeth Sharaf un-Nisa]], 18th century Mughal noble
* [[Sweta Singh]], News Editor
* [[Manish Vatsalya]], Film Director


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 00:33, 13 March 2026

This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Purnia district.
Purnia
Pūrniyan
Urban Agglomeration
Purnea
Tricolour hosted at Jail Chowk Purnia
Maa Puran Devi Mandir, Purnea City
Nicknames: 
Mini Darjeeling, Makhana Capital of India[2]
Purnia is located in Bihar
Purnia
Purnia
Location in Bihar, India
Purnia is located in India
Purnia
Purnia
Location in India
Coordinates: 25°46′41″N 87°28′34″E / 25.778°N 87.476°E / 25.778; 87.476
Country India
StateBihar
RegionMithila[1]
SubregionKosi-Seemanchal
DivisionPurnia
DistrictPurnia
Established14 February 1770
Named forGoddess Puran Devi or Sanskrit word Purn Aranya
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation (India)
 • BodyPurnia Municipal Corporation
 • MayorBibha Kumari
 • MPPappu Yadav
 • MLAVijay khemka
Area
 • Urban Agglomeration92 km2 (36 sq mi)
 • Urban
60 km2 (20 sq mi)
 • Rank2nd in Bihar
Elevation
36 m (118 ft)
Population
 • Urban Agglomeration496,830[3]
 • Rank4th in Bihar
 • Urban
496,830
Language
 • OfficialHindi
 • Additional officialUrdu
 • RegionalMaithili, Bengali, Surjapuri, Purbi Maithili and Angika
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
854301, 854302 (Main City), 854303 (South-West Suburbs & Purnia Airport), 854304 (North-West Suburbs), 854305 (Khuskibagh & Purnia Railway station), 854326 (Eastern Suburbs), 854330 (Northern Suburbs & Kasba) (Purnia)[4]
Telephone code+91 6454
Vehicle registrationBR-11
Literacy74.09%
Lok Sabha constituencyPurnia
Websitepurnea.bih.nic.in

Purnia (About this soundpronunciation (help·info); also romanized and officially[5] known as Purnea) is the fourth largest city of Bihar and is emerging as the largest economic hub in North Bihar. It serves as the administrative headquarters of both Purnia district and Purnia division in the Indian state of Bihar. It is well known for its favourable climate like Darjeeling and has an abundance of resources for human settlements and economic activities.[citation needed]

The total geographical area of Purnia Urban Agglomeration is 92 km2 (35.52 sq mi) which is next only to Patna. The population density of the city is 3058 persons per km sq. making it the 4th largest city of Bihar by population.[3] It is nearly 315 km from Patna, as well as 171 km from Siliguri, 90 km from Bhagalpur. It is 640 km from Guwahati (approximately) and 450 km from Kolkata, the capital of the adjacent state of West Bengal and the largest city in East India. Purnia district covers 3202.31 sq. km of the state of Bihar. The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and three of five branches of India's Central Armed Police Forces – the Border Security Force (BSF), the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) – have bases around the district.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Several possible origins for the name Purnia have been proposed. The name may originate from the Sanskrit word Purna–Aranya, which means "complete jungle".[6] Purnia could also be an altered form of the old name Purania, derived from the word purain or Lotus, which is said to have grown on the Kosi and Mahananda rivers.

The city's name is also romanized as Purnea.

History[edit | edit source]

Ancient History[edit | edit source]

Purnia is part of the Mithila region.[7] Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by Indo-Aryan peoples who established the Mithila Kingdom (also called Kingdom of the Videhas).[8] During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), Videha became one of the major political and cultural centers of South Asia, along with Kuru and Pañcāla. The kings of the Videha Kingdom were called Janakas.[9] The Videha Kingdom was later incorporated into the Vajjika League, which had its capital in the city of Vaishali, which is also in Mithila.[10]

The earliest inhabitants of Purnia were Angas and Pundras. In the epics, the Angas are grouped with the Bengal tribes and were the eastern most tribes known to the Aryans during the period of Atharva Samhita while the Pundras, although they had Aryan blood were regarded as degraded class of people in the Aitareya Brahmana, Mahabharata and Manu Samhita, because they neglected the performance of sacred rites. According to the legend of Mahabharata, Biratnagar which gave shelter to the five Pandava brothers during their one year incognito exile, is said to be located in Purnia.[11]

Medieval history[edit | edit source]

During the ninth century, the Pala dynasty rose to power in the region formerly known as Pundra and Anga. A monolithic structure located near the Darara factory in the western part of the district is believed to date from this period.

By the beginning of the thirteenth century, the southern portion of the district is said to have formed part of the kingdom of Lakshman Sen, whose capital was at Nadia. This region was subsequently conquered by Bakhtiyar Khilji during the early phase of Muslim expansion in eastern India.

In the early days of Mughal rule, Purnia functioned as a remote military frontier province of the Mughal Empire. A substantial portion of its revenue was expended on defending its borders against frequent incursions by tribal groups from the north and east. In the early seventeenth century, a faujdar was appointed with the title of Nawab, combining military command of the frontier forces with the fiscal responsibilities of a diwan, or superintendent of revenues. At this time, the northern frontier was marked by Jalalgarh, a fortified outpost located a few miles north of Purnia town.

In 1722, the office of faujdar was held by Saif Khan, regarded as the most prominent governor of Purnea. He significantly expanded the district’s boundaries, pushing the Nepalis frontier approximately 30 miles northward to its present position. He also annexed the Dharampur pargana, which at the time lay west of the Kosi River and was formerly part of the sarkar of Monghyr.

One of Saif Khan’s successors, Shaukat Jang, later declared war against Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. In 1757, Siraj-ud-Daulah—emboldened by his recent capture of Calcutta—marched toward Purnea and secured a decisive victory at Nawabganj.

The district came under British control in 1765, along with the rest of Bengal. However, it remained in a state of administrative disorder until 1770, when a British official was appointed with the title of Superintendent, marking the beginning of effective colonial administration.

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, two groups of mutineers entered Purnia. Owing to the prompt and decisive action of the Commissioner, George Yule, they were driven into Nepal before they could cause any serious disturbance.[12]

European Settlement in Purnia during Early British Rule[edit | edit source]

In the early phase of British rule, several Europeans arrived in Purnia and settled there permanently. At that time, Purnia was truly Purainiya—a region dominated by dense forests. In the initial years, European settlers established themselves around the Saura River, located in the central part of the town, an area that is today known as Rambagh.

Over time, Europeans gradually moved westward from the Saura River and began constructing large residential estates, known as kothis. Similar to the Civil Lines found in cities such as Lucknow and Kanpur, Purnia also developed a comparable area. However, while Civil Lines in other cities were primarily inhabited by British administrative officers, Purnia’s Civil Lines were largely home to European “gentleman farmers.”

Among the most influential European zamindars in Purnia were Alexander John Forbes and Palmer.

In 1859, Alexander John Forbes purchased the Sultanpur Pargana from Murshidabad-based moneylender Babu Pratap Singh, thereby becoming a zamindar. The town of Forbesganj (formerly spelled Farbisganj) was established in Sultanpur Pargana and named after him. Despite owning Sultanpur, Forbes resided in Purnia town, where he was quite popular. He showed a keen interest in social and recreational activities and played a role in establishing racecourses and clubs. The site where the Girls’ High School stands today once housed Forbes’ residence. In its time, this kothi was a hub of European social life.

Another European who lived in Purnia for an extended period was Palmer[13]. He purchased a local royal estate and settled in the region. Today, the grand residence of the Hays family serves as the main building of Purnia College.

Opposite Forbes’ residence once stood the house of a prominent indigo planter. It is believed that the racecourse in Purnia was developed by this planter, William Terry. Terry is remembered controversially and is often described as oppressive in local memory.

Indigo cultivation in Purnia was first introduced by an Englishman named John Kelly. Subsequently, several Europeans expanded indigo farming in the region. The Shillingford family was among the most prominent, establishing indigo factories (neel kothis) in areas such as Neelganj, Mahendrapur, and Bhavbada.

These European gentleman farmers played a significant role in transforming Purainiya into modern Purnia. They contributed extensively to urban planning and settlement. The town was characterized by open spaces, abundant greenery, and the influence of the Saura and Kosi rivers, along with their numerous tributaries flowing around the city. European settlers constructed elegant residences both within the town and in surrounding areas. In 1882, Loreto Convent of Darjeeling established a residential school in Purnia specifically for the children of these European gentleman farmers.[14]

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Purnea is home to several significant religious sites attracting devotees from across the region.[15]

Maa Puran Devi Mandir, Purnea City
  • Purandevi Mandir – Dedicated to Maa Puran Devi, believed to be one of the Sidh Peethas, drawing large crowds during Durga Puja, situated at Purnea City.
City Kali Mandir, Purnea City
  • City Kali Bari – A revered Kali temple, situated on the bank of Saura river. Established by the Bengali community, this temple follows traditional Bengali customs and rituals.
Mata Sthan, Adampur Purnea
  • Mata Sthan – A well-known pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Shakti, situated at Adampur.
Panchmukhi Mandir, Forbesganj More, Purnea
  • Panchmukhi Mandir – A temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, known for its five-faced idol at Forbesganj More NH 231.
Aastha Mandir, Jail Chowk, Purnea
  • Aastha Mandir – A modern temple serving as a center for religious and community gatherings, devoted to Krishna.
Prahalad Sthambh, Banmankhi, Purnea
Kamakhya Mandir, Majra, Purnea
  • Kamakhya Mandir – Inspired by Assam’s Kamakhya Temple, known for Tantric rituals, situated at Majra.
Dhima Shiv Temple, Banmankhi, Purnea
  • Dhima Shiv Temple – A sacred Shiva temple, particularly significant during Mahashivaratri, is situated in Banmankhi.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Purnia and its surrounding lands lie in the sub-montane alluvial tract of the Gangetic Plain. The city however lies on the banks of numerous tributaries of the Koshi River. Two major rivers traverse Purnia city with the Kari Kosi river on the western end and the Saura river on the eastern end. The main city is situated between these two rivers.

Purnia city has an area of 92 square kilometres (36 sq mi).

Climate[edit | edit source]

Purnia is known for its favourable climate; it has earned the name "Mini Darjeeling" for this reason. Purnia has a largely humid climate, with the highest level of rainfall in Bihar state and humidity rising to above 70%. A cold season, from November to February, is followed by a hot season from March to June. The monsoon season begins in early June and lasts until September; 82% of its total annual rainfall falls during the monsoon season.

January, the coldest month, has a mean daily minimum temperature of 5 to 10 °C and a mean daily maximum of 20 to 25 °C. Wind is typically light in the non-monsoon seasons but during the monsoon, storms and depressions originating in the Bay of Bengal cause heavy rain and strong winds.

Climate data for Purnia (1991–2020, extremes 1901–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 29.3
(84.7) 		35.3
(95.5) 		40.6
(105.1) 		43.3
(109.9) 		43.9
(111.0) 		43.5
(110.3) 		38.9
(102.0) 		38.2
(100.8) 		37.4
(99.3) 		36.6
(97.9) 		34.8
(94.6) 		31.6
(88.9) 		43.9
(111.0)
Average high °C (°F) 22.5
(72.5) 		27.2
(81.0) 		32.2
(90.0) 		35.1
(95.2) 		34.8
(94.6) 		34.4
(93.9) 		33.3
(91.9) 		33.5
(92.3) 		33.3
(91.9) 		32.5
(90.5) 		29.9
(85.8) 		25.3
(77.5) 		31.2
(88.2)
Average low °C (°F) 9.0
(48.2) 		11.6
(52.9) 		16.1
(61.0) 		20.4
(68.7) 		23.4
(74.1) 		25.1
(77.2) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.8
(78.4) 		24.8
(76.6) 		21.5
(70.7) 		15.2
(59.4) 		10.5
(50.9) 		19.2
(66.6)
Record low °C (°F) 1.3
(34.3) 		1.7
(35.1) 		5.4
(41.7) 		10.4
(50.7) 		15.0
(59.0) 		17.8
(64.0) 		20.7
(69.3) 		19.6
(67.3) 		18.0
(64.4) 		10.0
(50.0) 		4.6
(40.3) 		2.1
(35.8) 		1.3
(34.3)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 8.2
(0.32) 		8.2
(0.32) 		14.9
(0.59) 		45.5
(1.79) 		140.6
(5.54) 		284.6
(11.20) 		350.6
(13.80) 		301.7
(11.88) 		310.6
(12.23) 		81.3
(3.20) 		5.0
(0.20) 		4.0
(0.16) 		1,555.2
(61.23)
Average rainy days 0.8 1.0 1.2 2.9 6.1 10.8 14.9 13.4 11.4 3.2 0.4 0.5 66.6
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 79 65 50 53 64 75 81 82 84 80 80 83 73
Source: India Meteorological Department[16][17][18]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

See also: List of cities in Bihar by population

As of the 2011 census, Purnia Municipal Corporation had a total population of 282,248, of which 148,077 were males and 134,171 were females.[19] It had a sex ratio of 906 females to 1,000 males. The population below 6 years was 43,050. The literacy rate for the 6+ population was 73.02%, compared to the 74.04% national average.[20] Purnia Urban Agglomeration, comprising Purnia Municipal Corporation and Kasba (Nagar Panchayat),[21] had a population of 310,817 in 2011.[22]

Religion and language[edit | edit source]

Languages spoken in Purnia City (2011)[23]

  Hindi (54.96%)
  Urdu (14.86%)
  Maithili (8.58%)
  Bengali (8.19%)
  Kurukh (2.31%)
  Bhojpuri (1.60%)
  Others (9.46%)
Religions in Purnia City (2011)
Religion Percent
Hinduism
 
 75.19 %
Islam
 
 23.26%
Christianity
 
 0.60%
Sikhism
 
 0.12%
Jainism
 
 0.35%
Others
 
 0.52%

According to the 2011 census of India, 75.19% of Purnia's residents practice Hinduism. Islam is the second most popular at 23.26%. Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are among the other minority religions. 0.52% practice other religions and 0.1% no particular religion.[24]

Maithili[25] is the native language of Purnia, including its Angika and Purbi Maithili dialects. Hindi and Urdu, the official languages of the state of Bihar, are widely spoken. Bengali is also used by sections of the population. Bhojpuri, Surjapuri, Santali, and Kurukh are spoken by minority communities. English is commonly used as a secondary language and is taught in English-medium schools.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Purnia serves as a major administrative hub in North-Eastern Bihar. It functions as the headquarters for several regional and district-level governing bodies:

  • Purnia District: The city is the seat of the District Magistrate and Collector.
  • Purnia Division: It acts as the divisional headquarters, overseeing the districts of Purnia, Araria, Katihar, and Kishanganj.
  • Regional Offices: Hosts various Bihar Government regional offices, including those for education, health, and infrastructure development.

Civic Administration[edit | edit source]

The Purnia Urban Agglomeration is governed by two distinct municipal bodies responsible for providing essential utility services, infrastructure development, and sanitation.

Purnia Municipal Corporation[26]

  • The Purnia Municipal Corporation (PMC) is the primary civic body for the city.
  • Area: Approximately 60 km2 (23.17 sq mi)
  • Wards: The corporation is divided into 46 administrative wards.
  • Responsibilities: Management of water supply, solid waste, street lighting, and urban planning within the core city limits.

Kasba Municipality[27]

  • The Kasba Municipality oversees the northern part of the urban sprawl.
  • Area: Approximately 32 km2 (12.36 sq mi)
  • Wards: Divided into 26 wards.
  • Responsibilities: Providing civic amenities and regulatory oversight for the Kasba suburban area.

Law Enforcement[edit | edit source]

Law and order in the city and its outskirts are maintained by the Purnia Police. The urban area is served by several specialized and territorial police stations and Town Outposts (TOP).[28][29]

Police Stations (Thana)
The primary police stations handling investigations and security include:

  • Khazanchi Hat Police Station
  • Sadar Police Station
  • Madhubani Police Station
  • Mufassil Police Station
  • Maranga Police Station
  • Sahayak Khazanchi Hat Police Station

Specialized Units

  • Mahila Police Station
  • Cyber Police Station
  • SC and ST Police Station
  • Traffic Police Station

Town Outposts (TOP)
Smaller units focused on localized patrolling and immediate response:

  • Purnea City OP
  • Bhatta Bazar TOP
  • Gulabbagh TOP
  • Katihar More TOP
  • Fanishwar Nath Renu TOP (named after the renowned local author)
  • Sudin Chowk TOP

Economy[edit | edit source]

In recent years, Purnia is has become a regional epicenter for the service and automobile sectors. Primarily, Gulabbagh, Khuskibagh, Line Bazar, Bhatta Bazar, Madhubani Bazar, City Industrial Estate and Maranga Outgrowth Centre are the prime locations for the economic activities.

Gulabbagh and Khuskibagh[edit | edit source]

Gulabbagh and Khuskibagh are situated at eastern outskirts of main city, and known for their famous agriculture markets (in local language mandi). Many merchants come from Nepal and West Bengal to purchase supplies of raw materials, especially Maize. GulabBagh in Purnia houses a major grain storehouse and is Asia's largest maize trading center. This location as well as central and eastern Bihar supply the grain requirements of Bengal, Nepal, and the states of Northeast India. Numerous highways in Purnia, including NH 27, NH 231, NH 131A provide excellent connectivity to all parts of India. Khuskibagh has fruit and vegetable markets that are close to Purnia Junction (station code: PRNA), which provides rail connectivity.

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

Purnia has one government medical college hospital, several government Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), and numerous private hospitals that provide healthcare services to the city and surrounding regions.

Government Hospital[edit | edit source]

Government UPHC[edit | edit source]

Source:[31]

  • UPHC, Gulabbagh
  • UPHC, Mata Chowk
  • UPHC, Madhubani
  • UPHC, Purnea Court
  • UPHC, Purnea City

Education[edit | edit source]

BMT Law College, Purnea

Purnia has historically been a center of education in the North Bihar region. The Zila School, founded in 1800 during the period of British rule, is the oldest school in Purnia and one of the largest in the city. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Garhbanaili (located 14 km from the main city), is a prestigious government-run school.[32] Vidya Vihar Residential School, a leading boarding school in Bihar, has its campus in Parora, Purnia.[33] G D Goenka Public School, one of India's leading school chains, established its third campus in Bihar in Purnia, following those in Patna and Gaya. Purnia also has a Kendriya Vidyalaya.[34]

Colleges[edit | edit source]

Purnea has several colleges offering higher education in disciplines such as engineering, law, arts, and home science. These institutions are recognized by the state government and affiliated with various universities, including Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Bihar Agricultural University, and Purnea University.

The major colleges in Purnia include:

Additionally, a 3D animation and multimedia institute is located in Madhubani Bazar.

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

The Indian Red Cross Society operates the second-largest blood bank in Bihar, with a capacity of 1,000 units, following the one in Patna. The Bihar government has recently inaugurated one of three megastock warehouses for medicines at Kasba, which serves 13 districts of North Bihar.

Sports and recreation[edit | edit source]

The Indira Gandhi Stadium houses a Sports Authority of India sports hostel for athletes. The DSA and Zila School grounds serve as the city's outdoor stadiums. In January 2025, the Bihar government announced the construction of a modern sports complex at Rangbhumi Maidan in Purnia at a cost of ₹42 crore. The project aims to provide advanced facilities for local athletes, enabling them to perform excellently at the state and national levels.[42]

University[edit | edit source]

Purnia is home to Purnea University, the ninth university in Bihar. It is the only university in the Purnia Commissionerate and includes affiliated colleges from the districts of Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Kishanganj.[43]

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Airways[edit | edit source]

Helicopter at Air Force Station Purnea
Terminal Building of Purnea Airport
  • Purnia Airport (IATA: PXN, ICAO: VEPU), is located within the cantonment area and used by both army and commercial purpose, which is approximately 5 km from the city center. The airport operates scheduled flights for Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

Railways[edit | edit source]

Purnia Junction
Purnia Court railway station

Roadways[edit | edit source]

NH-231 at Purnea College of Engineering
NH-131A Purnea-Manihari Highway

National Highways namely NH 31, NH 27, NH 231, NH 131A make Purnia accessible to the people from nearby cities & states while state highways connect the other neighbouring cities and villages to the main city area.

Notable events[edit | edit source]

Phanishwar Nath Renu's popular story "Maare Gaye Gulfam" which was adapted into a film Teesri Kasam (The Third Vow), by Basu Bhattacharya (produced by the poet-lyricist Shailendra) in 1966 was shot in Purnia, in which old Purnea is pictured, especially 'the Gulabbag Mela'.[citation needed]

Purnia held the record for making and displaying the world's longest tricolour flag, with the length measured at 7,100 metres (7.1 km) before it was broken on 12 August 2019 by Raipur, Chattisgadh.[45][46][47]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Thakur, Ripunjay Kumar (1 March 2022). "Historical Geography of Early Medieval Mithila: From Videha to Tirhut". New Archaeological & Genological Society, Kanpur, India. ISSN 2348-8301. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  2. ↑ "Purnea is imerging as Makhana Capital of India". ThePrint. 27 February 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Population of Cities in India 2021 - StatisticsTimes.com". statisticstimes.com.
  4. ↑ "Pin Codes of Purnia, Bihar, India, Purnia Pincode Search". indiapincodes.net. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  5. ↑ "Official name of Purnia".
  6. ↑ "Official Web site of Purnea Dist. Admn". Purnea.bih.nic.in. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  7. ↑ Jha, Makhan (1997). Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective. M.D. Publications Pvt. pp. 27–30. ISBN 9788175330344.
  8. ↑ Witzel, Michael (1989). Caillat (ed.). Tracing the Vedic dialects in Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes. Paris. pp. 13, 17 116–124, 141–143.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  9. ↑ Witzel, Michael (1989). "Tracing the Vedic dialects". In Caillat, C. (ed.). Dialectes dans les litteratures Indo-Aryennes. Paris: Fondation Hugot. pp. 141–143.
  10. ↑ Hemchandra, R. (1972). Political History of Ancient India. Calcutta: University of Calcutta.
  11. ↑ "History of Purnea District". Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  12. ↑ "Medieval History of Purnia" (PDF). Page 67. Secretariat Press, Bihar, Patna. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  13. ↑ "Bihar villagers desecrate graves of British officials in search of valuables". Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  14. ↑ "शहरनामाः खेत पूर्णिया का जमींदार यूरोप के". aajtak.intoday.in (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  15. ↑ "Place of Interest in Purnea".
  16. ↑ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  17. ↑ "Station: Purnea Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 631–632. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  18. ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M37. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  19. ↑ District Census Handbook - Purnia (PDF). censusindia.gov.in. 2014. p. 24. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  20. ↑ "Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  21. ↑ "Constituents of urban Agglomerations Having Population 1 Lakh & above" (PDF). Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  22. ↑ "Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  23. ↑ 2011 census data censusindia.gov.in
  24. ↑ "Table C-01 Population by Religion: Bihar". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  25. ↑ Ranjan, Manish (19 January 2021). Bihar Samanya Gyan. Prabhat Prakashan. p. 111. ISBN 9789386300850.
  26. ↑ "Official Website of Purnia Municipal Corporation". Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  27. ↑ "Official Website of Kasba Municipality". Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  28. ↑ "Police Station in Purnia". Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  29. ↑ "Police Station in Purnia". Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  30. ↑ "Official Website of GMCH, Purnea". Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  31. ↑ "State Health Society, Bihar; UPHC Contacts" (PDF). Page 3. State Health Society, Bihar. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  32. ↑ "JNV Purnea Website".
  33. ↑ "VVRS Website".
  34. ↑ "KV Purnia Website".
  35. ↑ "Purnea College Official Website".
  36. ↑ "Purnea Mahila Official Website".
  37. ↑ "PCE Official Website".
  38. ↑ "GMCH Purnea Official Website".
  39. ↑ "BPSAC Website".
  40. ↑ "BMT Official Website".
  41. ↑ "GP Purnea Website".
  42. ↑ "पूर्णिया में 40 करोड़ की लागत से बनने वाले स्पोर्ट्स कॉम्पलेक्स के लिए जिला अधिकारी ने किया निरीक्षण".
  43. ↑ "Purnea University Official Website".
  44. ↑ "Patna-Purnia Expressway NE-9". Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  45. ↑ "7km-long tricolour to be hoisted in Purnia on Aug 20 - Times of India". The Times of India. 16 August 2016. Archived from the original on 23 August 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  46. ↑ "World Largest Flag Purnea Bihar". 1st News 24x7. 20 August 2016. Archived from the original on 8 February 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  47. ↑ ""Human Chain" Unfurls 15-Km-Long Tricolour In Chattisgarh, Enters Record". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 4 December 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Chakrabarti D.K. (1996b). From Purnea to Champaran: The distribution of sites in the north Bihar plains. South Asian Studies, 12: pp. 147–158

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