The Most Populated Cities In Bihar

Bihar is an Indian state located in the northern part of the country. It is India's 13th biggest state by area and the 3rd largest by population. Bihar has a population of 103,804,637 people. The most populated cities in Bihar are:

1. Patna

The capital city of the state is also its most populous city. Patna hosted a population of 2,046,652 in 2011. Patna is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. A King of the Magadha Empire founded the city in 490 BCE. The city was formerly known as Pataliputra and served as the capital city of major Indian empires. It was a seat of learning, arts, astrology, and other ancient knowledge forms. India’s renowned scholars inhabited this city. The modern city today is named Patna and is located on the banks of the Ganges river. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Several religious centres, historical monuments, and ancient educational institutions are located in this city.

2. Gaya 

Bihar’s second most populated city is a centre of religious, historical, and mythological importance. The city attracts thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims each year. It serves as the headquarters of the Bihar district of the same name. The population of Gaya in 2011 was 470,839. The city is located on the Phalgu River’s banks about 100 km to the south of Patna. The great Indian epics of Ramayan and Mahabharata mention this city. 

3. Bhagalpur 

The third most populated city of Bihar, Bhagalpur is located on the banks of the Ganges river. It had a population of 410,210 in 2011. The city is also associated with age-old Indian history. It is currently the headquarters of the Bhagalpur district and division. The city is surrounded by vast tracts of highly fertile agricultural land where rice, barley, maize, wheat, etc., are grown. Bhagalpur is the Bhagalpur Division’s hub of education, politics, and commerce.

4. Muzaffarpur

The city of Muzaffarpur is located in the Bihar district of Muzaffarpur. The fourth most populated city of Bihar, Muzaffarpur recorded a population of 393,724 in 2011. The city is often nicknamed the Lychee Kingdom for its Shahi lychees. The Burhi Gandak River flows by the city.

5. Purnia

With a population of 310,817 in 2011, Purnia ranks as Bihar’s fifth most populous city. The city serves as the headquarters of both the district and division of Purnia. It is located about 300 km from Patna. 

The complete list of cities of Bihar ranked according to population is provided below: