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Chhapra
City in Bihar, India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Chhapra (ISO: Chaparā) is a city and the administrative headquarters of the Saran district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is located near the confluence of the Ghaghara River and the Ganges River.
Chhapra rose to prominence in the 18th century as a thriving river-based trade center.[5][6] During this period, European colonial powers—including the Dutch, French, Portuguese, and British—established saltpetre refineries in the region, contributing to its economic significance. The city was formally recognized as a municipality in 1864.[7]
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History and Culture
Chhapra is notable as the hometown of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India. The city has played an important role in the political and cultural history of Bihar.
The predominant languages spoken in Chhapra are Bhojpuri and Hindi, reflecting the region's rich linguistic and cultural diversity. According to the 2011 Census, Chhapra had a population of 202,352 with an average literacy rate of 78.47%, which is higher than the national average at that time.[8]
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Tourism
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Chhapra is a relatively peaceful city, enriched by its historical legacy and cultural landmarks. Several sites in and around the city hold religious, archaeological, and historical significance. Notable tourist destinations include:
- Aami Mandir (Amba Asthan)
Located in Dighwara, about 37 km east of Chhapra, Aami Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is considered a Shakti Peeth. The temple, constructed in the form of a fort, lies on the banks of the River Ganga. It features a sacred garden and a deep well that is believed never to dry up. The temple draws large crowds, particularly during the Navratri festivals in April and October.
- Dhorh Ashram
Situated north of Parsagarh, Dhorh Ashram is known for its archaeological significance. It houses several ancient artifacts and is home to an old temple dedicated to Bhagwan Dhadheswar Nath, which features a massive Shivlinga made of stone.
- Gautam Asthan
Located about 5 km west of Chhapra, this site is believed to be the ashram of Gautam Rishi, a revered sage mentioned in the Ramayana. According to legend, this is the place where Ahalya—his wife—was freed from a curse and restored to her human form by Lord Rama.
- Chirand
Situated 11 km southeast of Chhapra, on the northern banks of the River Ghaghara, Chirand is an important archaeological site. Excavations have revealed a continuous cultural sequence dating back over 4,000 years, including remains from the Neolithic (Parshan) period. The findings provide crucial insights into early human settlement and urban development in the region.
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Geography
Chhapra is located at 25.7848°N 84.7274°E latitude and 84.7274°E longitude. The city sits at an average elevation of 36 metres (118 feet) above sea level and is positioned near the confluence of the Ganges and Ghaghara rivers.[9] It has an average elevation of 36 metres (118 ft). Located approximately 70 kilometres from Patna, the state capital, Chhapra lies in a region known for its fertile alluvial soil, making it highly suitable for agriculture. The area supports the cultivation of a variety of crops, with sugarcane and maize being the most prominent.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, the Chhapra Urban Agglomeration had a total population of 212,955. The urban agglomeration comprises Chhapra (Nagar Panchayat) and Sandha (Census Town).
The Chhapra Nagar Panchayat alone accounted for a population of 201,597, of which 106,250 were males and 95,347 were females, resulting in a sex ratio of 897 females per 1,000 males. Children aged 0–6 years numbered 27,668.
The effective literacy rate (for the population aged 7 years and above) in Chhapra was 81.30% as per the 2011 census.[10] [11] [12]
Religion
Hinduism is the largest religion in Chhapra city with 1,64,811 Hindus (81.45%). Islam is the second largest religion in Chhapra city with 36,639 Muslims (18.11%). Other religions includes 219 Christians (0.11%), 100 Jains (0.05%), 55 Sikhs (0.03%), 14 Buddhists (0.01%), 514 did not answer (0.25%).[13]
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Transport
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Chhapra is well-connected by rail and road, with a major railway junction and several national highways.
Roadways
Chhapra is served by several National Highways, including the under-construction 
NH 19 (Chhapra–Hajipur Highway), which is being developed as a four-lane highway. Other National Highways passing through or connecting to Chhapra in the Saran district include 
NH 85, 
NH 101, 
NH 102 and 
NH 331. Additionally, 
NH 722 (Chhapra-Muzaffarpur)[14] is also being upgraded to a four-lane highway.
Key National Highways
- NH 19: The Chhapra-Hajipur Highway spans 66.74 km as a four-lane road and forms part of the old NH 19.
- NH 331: This highway runs from Chhapra to Mohammadpur, passing through major destinations such as Jalalpur, Baniapur, and Sahajitpur.
- NH 722: The Chhapra-Muzaffarpur section of this highway is currently being upgraded to a four-lane road, enhancing connectivity and road conditions.
- Other Highways: The Saran district, where Chhapra is located, is also connected by several other National Highways, including NH 85, NH 101, and NH 102.
Chhapra Double Decker Flyover
Chhapra Double Decker Flyover is a two-tier elevated road under construction in Chhapra, Saran district, Bihar, India. The project aims to ease traffic congestion in the city by separating through-traffic from local movement across major intersections.
The flyover has a total length of about 3.5 kilometres, extending from Bhikhari Thakur Chowk to the Bus Stand, covering key points such as Gandhi Chowk, Katahari Bagh, Salempur Chowk, and Municipal Chowk. Each deck is around 5.5 metres wide, with a vertical clearance of approximately 7.5 metres between levels.
The project was launched in July 2018 at an initial cost of ₹411.32 crore, later revised to ₹696 crore under the Central Road Fund (CRF). Construction is being carried out by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL).
Once completed, it will be one of the longest double-decker flyovers in North India.[16]
Railways
Chhapra Junction is the major Railway Station of the Saran District lies on the North Eastern Railway zone. It is connected directly to all the major cities of India.
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Notable people
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- Adbhutananda, Hindu monk, disciple of Ramakrishna
- Akhilendra Mishra, Bollywood actor
- Anand–Milind, music director
- Bhikhari Thakur, Bhojpuri language poet and singer
- Brajkishore Prasad, national activist
- Chitragupta (composer), music director
- Daroga Prasad Rai, 10th Chief Minister of Bihar
- Jayaprakash Narayan, Indian independence activist
- Khuda Bakhsh 1842–1908, Indian lawyer, judge, historian and founder of Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, Patna
- Mahendar Misir, Bhojpuri poet
- Raghuveer Narayan, Bhojpuri poet
- Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- Ramchandra Manjhi, Bhojpuri folk dancer
- Surur Hoda, Socialist leader and Order of British Empire (OBE) recipient
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See also
Climate
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References
External links
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