Jehanabad District

Jehanabad District is an administrative district of Bihar with its headquarters at Jehanabad city. This district was carved out of old Gaya District on 1st August 1986. It was a sub-division of Gaya since 1872. The main aim behind the creation of this district was to accelerate the pace of development in tackling the problems of extremism, poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment. Jehanabad District is situated in between 25 degree to 25 degree 15 minutes north latitude and 84 degree 31 minutes to 85 degree 15 minutes eastern north latitude. Its surrounding districts are Patna District in north, Gaya in south, Nalanda in east and the newly created district of Arwal District in the west. The language spoken here is "Magahi", a dialect of Hindi language.

Jehanabad is situated at the confluence of Dardha River and Yamuna River. According to the provisional estimate, major part of the district is plain land. Geography of Jehanabad District comprises some principal rivers that include Son River, Phalgu River, Dardha and Yamuna River. Son River that touches the western part of Jehanabad District is the only perennial river. Rest of the rivers is seasonal. The climate of Jehanabad District is of extreme nature that is very hot in the summers and extremely cold in the winters. The average rainfall of the district is 1074.5 mm. The soil is very fertile, which is very suitable for the production of rice, wheat, cane, etc. However, no major minerals are found in the district.

According to the census 2011, the Jehanabad district has a population of 1,124,176. This gives this district a ranking of 412th in India. The district has a population density of 1,206 inhabitants per square kilometres. Jehanabad District has a sex ratio of 918 females for every 1000 males. The literacy rate of this district is 68.27%.

The economy of Jehanabad District is agriculture based. Jehanabad District is predominantly an agricultural district. The soil is highly fertile. This district is densely populated. Paddy, wheat, maize and pulses are the main agricultural crops raised by farmers in the district. Cane is also grown in some parts of the district.

The city of Jehanabad, which is the head quarter of the district, is situated at the confluence of the Dardha River and Yamuna.

Barabar Caves
The Barabar International Tourist Centre is situated in the hilly area of Makhdumpur in Jehanabad District. It is located at a distance of 50 kms from Gaya and 75 kms from Patna. The place had been popular for its ancient Seven Rock cut Buddhist Caves. This is one of the Buddhist Cave Temples in India. Barabar is also regarded as the origin of Ajivika sect. The scenic beauty and the calm and unpolluted surrounding attract many tourists from different places. In the month of July-August "Sraawani Mela" is organized here. It begins from the 1st day of Hindi "Saawan Month", and observed for one month.

Barabar is one of the oldest places of Indian civilization. It has been related to Mahabharata period. The great warrior of Mahabharata war that is the Battle at Kurukshetra, Ashwathama is said to be wandering even today in the valleys of Barabar. He had become immortal with the grace at Lord Sidhnath i.e. Lord Shiva.

Earlier Barabar was known as "Khalit Parwat" or "Nagarjuni parwat". During Mahabharata period, this was known "Gorthagiri" Vanasur was the Senapati of the king Jarasandha and had constructed a fort on the hills, the remains of which can be seen even today.

The Great Mauryan king Ashoka constructed a number of caves on the request of one of his queens for saints of Ajivak sect. Ashok`s grand son, Dashrath also constructed caves for saints of Ajivak sect and Buddhist monks. During his period, Barabar was attacked by the great ruler of Orissa king Kharwel. He demolished the "Gorthagiri Fort". This has been established by his Hanthi Cave inscription, situated at Udaygiri Mountain.

Barabar and Buddhism
Barabar bears a strong relationship with Buddhism in India. According to some historians this is the place where Lord Budha meditated for a long period of 12 Years. Later from here he moved along side "Niranjarna River" towards Bodh Gaya where he got enlightenment.

The Kaua Dol Mountain head resembles a Buddha-Stupa. In the eastern basement of it, a large and beautiful Buddha-Vihar was constructed by Sheel Bhadra. A large statue of Lord Buddha has also been found on a platform here. The figure is about eight feet higher with a breadth of four feet across the shoulder and six feet across the knees.

Banavar Dwar
Banavar Dwar is situated at Mussi on Patna-Gaya International tourist route. The gate has been designed according to Ancient Buddhist traditions and is a fine blend of modern architect and ancient culture and traditions.

Mirabigha
Mirabigha village is situated at about 4 km. South-East of Tehta Railway Station. This archaeological site has many temples mostly Shaivite. Most of them are brick-worked with some stone appendage. There are ruins of an ancient tank, which may be associated with the site. The site also has a host of Brahmanical deities, who once would have resided in these temples.