WEAVER'S WORLD / BHAGALPUR / HISTORY

WEAVER'S WORLD / BHAGALPUR / HISTORY

Bhagalpur, largest city of Eastern Bihar, biggest after Patna, the capital, is on the southern bank of the river Ganges. A major educational, commercial and political centre, it covers an area of approximately 110 sq.km. It finds mention even in ancient history by Chinese travelers who referred to it as one of the biggest trade centres of Eastern India at that time. It was having a very big harbor at one time. Called the “Silk City” on account of its production of Tussar silk fabrics, it produces for domestic consumption as well as exports too. It gets additional technical inputs from the Silk Institute and the Agricultural University.

Bhagalpur was once ruled by King Karna during the Mahabharata days. It is derived from Bhagdatpuram meaning ‘city of good luck’. Subsequently it has seen Mughal rule and British Rule. Bhagalpur in modern times has seen some unruly scenes of riots and killings. Today it is most popular for its silk fabrics.