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District Profile

Introduction

Nawada district, located in the southern part of Bihar, is one of the 38 districts in Bihar. Nawada town serves as the administrative headquarters. The district spans an area of 2,494 square kilometers (963 square miles) and is located at 24.88°N 85.53°E.

In 1845, Nawada was established as a Subdivision of Gaya district. On 26th January 1973, Nawada was formed as a separate district. The name “Nawada” is believed to be derived from “Nau-abad” meaning “new town,” which was once known as the Eliot Market (Bazaar). The district is divided by the Khuri River, with the older portion on the left bank and the more modern areas, including public offices and other facilities, on the right bank.

The Sarvodaya Ashram in Nawada, inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad and nurtured by Jayaprakash Narayan, is an iconic site that has added to Nawada’s historical significance.


Location

Nawada is situated in the Magadh division of South Bihar at coordinates 24.88°N 85.53°E. The district has an average elevation of 80 meters (260 feet) above sea level and an area of 2,492 square kilometers (962 square miles).

Nawada shares borders with Nalanda District to the north, Sheikhpura and Jamui Districts to the east, Gaya District to the west, and Koderma and Giridih Districts of Jharkhand to the south.


History & Cultural Background

Nawada is a region of immense historical importance. The Magadh Empire was founded by King Brihadratha in this region, and it was ruled by prominent dynasties such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and Kanah.

The Surya Narayana Mandir of Handiya is an ancient temple believed to have been established during the Dwaparayuga by King Jarasandha. The temple is historically significant and draws millions of visitors annually. Handiya is beautifully surrounded by the Rajgir Mountains to the north and the river to the south.

Other famous historical and religious spots include Tapoban, the birthplace of the mighty King Jarasandh, Sitamarhi, where Goddess Sita gave birth to Lava, and the Bodhgaya, Pawapuri, Rajgrih, and Nalanda, easily accessible from Nawada.


Geography & Physiography

Nawada is located in the South West Alluvial Plain agro-climatic zone of Bihar. The district lacks significant perennial rivers. The terrain is mainly plain, with rocky areas along the southern border, where the terrain meets the Jharkhand region.


Climate & Rainfall

The climate is sub-tropical to sub-humid with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from 4ºC to 16ºC during winter and can rise up to 46ºC in summer. The monsoon season begins in the third week of June and lasts until September. The average annual rainfall in the district is 996.5 mm.


Rivers & Soil

Key rivers in Nawada include Sakri, Khuri, Panchane, Bhusri, Tilaiya, and Dhanarjay. These rivers are ephemeral, with shallow, wide, and sandy beds.

The district has five types of soil:

  • Loam (in Nawada, Sirdala, and Akbarpur)
  • Sandy (in Nawada, Sirdala, and Hisua)
  • Clay (in Pakribarawan and Kowakole)
  • Sandy Loam (in Nawada, Warisalianj, Akbarpur, Narhat, and Hisua)
  • Clay Loam (in Rajauli and Sirdala)

Infrastructure

Nawada has a robust network of roads. Key routes include National Highway 31 and National Highway 82, with 4 State Highways and 120 km of state roads. Nawada is well connected to the rest of Bihar and neighboring Jharkhand.

The district also lies under the jurisdiction of East Central Railway, with the Gaya-Kiul line passing through it. Bodhgaya Airport is the nearest airport, situated about 58 km away.


Economic Profile

The primary economic activity is agriculture, with 78% of the population dependent on farming. Animal husbandry and casual labor are secondary sources of livelihood. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Sarvodaya Ashram promotes agricultural technology in the region.

While there are no large-scale industries in Nawada, the district is home to some small and medium enterprises, including silk weaving and stone chip production. Additionally, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has identified Rajauli as a potential site for the establishment of a nuclear power plant.


Tourism

Nawada offers several tourist attractions, including the Kakolat Waterfall, Sekho Devra Ashram, Hariya Sun Temple, and Baba Majaar. The district’s rich historical and religious heritage makes it a potential hub for tourism, especially with proximity to other famous sites like Bodhgaya, Rajgrih, and Nalanda.


Demographic Data

As of the 2011 Census, the population of Nawada district is 2,219,146, with 1,144,668 males and 1,074,478 females. The district has 337,353 households.


Administrative Units

Nawada district comprises 2 sub-divisions, 14 blocks, 14 circle offices, 1 Nagar Parishad, 3 Nagar Panchayats, 182 Panchayats, 1099 Revenue Villages, and 26 police stations.