Bahraich district General information
Bahraich District is one of the districts of Uttar Pradesh state of India, and Bahraich town is the district headquarters. Bahraich District is a part of Devipatan Division.
History
The dense forests and fast flowing rivers are the specialities of district Bahraich. There are many Mythological facts about the great historical value of district Bahraich. It was famous as the Capital of God Brahma, the maker of universe. It was also known as part of Gandharva Forest. Even today North east area of several hundred square Kms of the district is covered by the forest. It is said that Brahma ji deveoloped this forest covered area as the place of worship for Rishis & Sadhus. Therefore this place come to known as " Brahmaich"
According to some other historians in the middle age this place was the capital of "Bhar" dynasty. Therefore it was called as "Bharraich". Which later come to be known as "Bahraich".
Famous Chinese visitors Hwaintsang & Feighyaan visted this place. The famous Arab visitor Ibne-ba-tuta visted Bahraich and wrote that Bahraich is a beautiful city situated at the bank of holy river Saryu.
According to Puraans King Luv, the son of God Ram & King Prasenjit ruled Bahraich. Also during the period of exile Pandavas & along with mother Kunti visited this place.
The guru of Maharaja Janak , Rishi Ashtwakra used to live here. Rishi Valmiki & Rishi Balark also used to live here .
Geography
District Bahraich is situated in North eastern part of Devipatan Division. It is situated between the 28.24 & 27.4 latitude & 81.65 to 81.3 eastern longitude. According to ceusus of 1991 the area of distt. is 4696.8 sq km. which is 31.99% of the Devipatan Division. District Bahraich has a international border with Nepal on the Northern part. Distt. Barabanki & Sitapur are in South , Khiri in West and Gonda & Srawasti are in eastern side of the district Bahraich. Northern part of the district is Tarai region which is covered by the dense natural forest. Chakia , Sujauli , Nishangara , Mihinpurwa , Bichia & Baghauli are the main forest areas of the district. Sarju & Ghaghra are the major rivers of the district.
District Bahraich is connected with Railway & Road routes to the other parts of the Nation.
Climate
Climate of the district is hot & humid. The maximum & minimum tempreture ranges between 44 C & 5 C. The average rainfall is 1125 mm.
Soil
Soil of District Bahraich is fertile. Domat , Matiyar , Balui , & Light domat are the types of soils in the district. Due to fertile nature of the land greenery is spread throughout the District.
Land Water
Major part of land water is received from rivers & lakes. Sarju , Rapti , Ghaghra , Kaudiyala are the ever flowing rivers. Besides there are various lakes & ponds in the District.
Ground Water
Ground Water is not a problem in the District. The level of ground Water is sufficiently high. Water is normally found at 60 to 70 feet. Therefore for all industrial & agricultural purpose water is always avilable with the help of tubewells & pumpsets.
Mineral Wealth
Mineral Wealth of the District is almost negligible but the nature has abundantly provided with forest wealth which plays an important role in the economic development of the District.
Forest Wealth
According to the records of board of revenue in year 1994 - 95 95040 Hec. of land of the District is covered by dense forest. Trees of teak , Shisham , & Khair etc are found here. Therefore " kattha" factories are situated in Mihinpurwa block of the District. Ideal wood for furniture & buildings work is found here. Mango , Guava etc are the fruit trees found here in abundance.
Demography
According to census of 1991 the total population of Bahraich is 18, 40, 373. Which is 29.04% of Div. Devipatan. Out of this 9, 97, 512 were male & 8, 42, 861 were female. Rural population of the District is 16, 50, 010 & Urban population is 1, 90, 363. Literacy rate of the district is quite low. Only 3, 62, 080 were litterate. Out of which 2, 83, 910 were male & 78, 170 were female. Population of Schedule cast & Schedule tribes are 2, 78, 260 & 6150 respectively. Total Male Female ratio is 1000:845.
Tourist Place
Dargah Sharief : Dargah Sharief is situated 3 Km North to Bahraich city. Dargah of Syed Salar Masood Gazhi is here. It was built by Firoz Shah Tuglak. It is blindly believed that after taking bath in the water of this Mazare-Sharief, people suffering with any kind of skin diseases, get releif fully from this. Every year from 1st Sunday of JEST mah (Hindi month ) during summer, a fair is celebrated for a month here in which lakhs of devotees pray.
Chittaura Jheel : Chittaura Jheel is situated at around 8 Km between Bahraich and Gonda Road. A small river named Teri Nadi flows through this lake. Ashtwarka Muni, the Guru of Maharaja Janak used to live here in his ashram. The great battle was fought between Maharaja Suheldev and Syed Masood Gazi near this lake. In which Maharaja Suheldev won. Every year a fair is organized here on Basant Panchami.
Temple of Junglee Nath : This is a very old temple of lord Shiva. It is situated approx 6 Km from Itaha Road near Gandharva lake. It is a very religious & holy place for the people of " Tharu" tribe.
Kailashpuri Barrage : This barrage is situated on the border of Lakhimpur & Bahraich. It is 7 Km South of Bichia station, on Ghaghra river. Sharda Nahar flows towards Lakhimpur & Sarju Nahar flows towards Bahraich from here for irrigation purpose. It is also a very beautiful place to visit.
Kartaniya Ghat Alligator Breeding center : On the banks of river Gerua Alligator breeding cum research center was devolped. It was established in year 1951 by the Govt. to protect various extinct species of Alligators & Crocodiles. Various species of Alligators & Crocodiles are send to whole India from here.
Tourists can also have joy ride on elephant in the dense forests here.