Katihar is a city situated in the eastern part of the state of Bihar in India. It is the regional headquarter of Katihar district. It is one of the important cities of Bihar. Also it's a main route of Delhi - Guwahati railway line.
Katihar | |
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City | |
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![]() ![]() Katihar Location in Bihar ![]() ![]() Katihar Location in India | |
Coordinates: 25°32′N 87°35′E / 25.53°N 87.58°ECoordinates: 25°32′N 87°35′E / 25.53°N 87.58°E | |
Country | India |
State | Bihar |
District | Katihar |
Urban Agglomeration | Katihar |
Government | |
• Body | Katihar Municipal Corporation |
• Mayor | Binod Kumar |
Area | |
• Total | 33 km2 (13 sq mi) |
Elevation | 20 m (70 ft) |
Population (2011) | |
• Total | 240,565 |
• Rank | 117 |
Demonym(s) | Katiharites |
Languages | |
• Main | Hindi, English, Maithili, Surjapuri, Bengali |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | 854105 |
Vehicle registration | BR-39 |
Lok Sabha constituency | Katihar |
Vidhan Sabha constituency | Katihar |
Website | katihar |
Katihar is a part of the Mithila region.[2] Mithila first gained prominence after being settled by Indo-Aryan peoples who established the Mithila Kingdom (also called Kingdom of the Videhas).[3]
During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE), Kingdom of the Videhas became one of the major political and cultural centers of South Asia, along with Kuru and Pañcāla. The kings of the Kingdom of the Videhas were called Janakas.[4] The Mithila Kingdom was later incorporated into the Vajjika League, which had its capital in the city of Vaishali, which is also in Mithila.[5]
Katihar is connected through road network to the neighbouring cities of Bihar. Interstate bus services are not available. A highway NH 131A, however, connects it to Purnia, from where NH 27, NH 231 and NH 31 passes through or starts through.
The nearest airport is located at Purnia Airport near Purnea (30 km), but it is a airforce station. The nearest commercial airport is located at Bagdogra Airport (160 km) near Siliguri (West Bengal). However, recently the government has announced to open an air force base airport in Chunapur, Purnea to be allowed to use for commercial use. However, it is not operational yet.
Katihar Junction is a major strategic Railway Junction under Northeast Frontier Railways which connects North East India with the rest of India.[citation needed]
Katihar has many education institutions. Some CBSE schools in city are:
Government colleges:
Other important institutes:
Katihar Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) is a private medical college located in Katihar City suburbs and is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI),[23] one of the few medical schools in the Seemanchal region. It was established in 1987 and has been instrumental in providing medical care to the local people. The institute offers courses in MBBS and MD in different fields including Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology, general medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.[citation needed]
As per the 2011 census, Katihar Urban Agglomeration had a population of 240,565.[24] Katihar Urban Agglomeration includes Katihar (municipal corporation plus outgrowth) and Katihar Railway Colony (outgrowth).[25] Katihar Municipal Corporation had a total population of 225,982, out of which 119,142 were males and 106,840 were females. It had a sex ratio of 897. The population below 5 years was 31,036. The literacy rate of the 7+ population was 79.87 per cent.[26] Katihar is at 193th rank in terms of its population among the top 200 cities of India as per the 2011 census.
The climate of Katihar is nearly moderate with widespread rainfall during the monsoons sometimes bringing flood to the adjoining rural areas of the Katihar District.[citation needed]
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