Chapra

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Chapra v • d • e Bihar • India
Chapra
District(s)	Chapra
Coordinates	25.773460° N 84.727470° E
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 36 m (118 ft)
Population	178,835 (2001)

Coordinates: 25.773460° N 84.727470° E

Chapra is a city and a district in Chapra district in the state of Bihar, India.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 References

[edit] History

The city is home to Jai Prakash Narayan and Jaiprakash Narayan University has been opened in the name of this stalwart of Indian politics. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first President of India , a renowned scholar and statesman was a native of undivided Saran (Chapra). Chapra was once part of a greater district called Saran. Later, the larger district was divided into three separate districts: Chapra, Siwan, and Gopalganj.

Some of the memorials in the city include Majhrool Haq and the Temple of Ambaji at Ambikasthan Peerbaba, Kot ke Devi and Temple of Dharamnath Ji. Lalu Prasad Yadav is a noted politician in the Chapra district.

It is also famous for its Bhojpuri heritage .The famous "Bhikhari Thakur" is a famous person from Chapra, and is often referred to as the Shakespeare of Bhojpuri. "Mahendra Misir" also a famous person in Bhojpuri Folk songs. He had specially invented the "Purvi" a style of Bhojpuri Folk song. He was the master in playing of several types of instruments. It is well known for Asia's biggest cattle mela at Sonpur. Maharshi Dadhichi was also belongs to Chhapra who had donated his bone to Gods for manufacturig of arms. Cottage of Dronacharya was also situated in Chhapra. The fight of "Gaj (Elephant) and "Grah" Corcodial was made at Sonepur in Chhapra also. At Chirand in Chapra ancient (primitive) bones were found and are placed in the Chapra Museum. It is famous for King Maurayadyaj who was ready to sacrifce his only son to Vaman Avatar Lord Vishnu.

The famous Ashoka Pillar is located about 33 Km from Chapra town (5 km from Maker Village). This is the place where Lord Buddha made his 13th stop on his way to attaining 'Nirvana'. He converted "Amrapali" - a local courtesan/powerful prostitute into a saint. This is now a major tourist attraction for Buddhists all over the world and is well maintained by the archaeological survey of India.

[edit] Geography

Chapra is located at 25.773460° N 84.727470° E^[1]. It has an average elevation of 36 metres (118 feet).

Located just above the Ganghara River's junction with the Ganges, its 1991 population was 136,877 people. Chapra is a road and rail hub, as well as a center for trade in agricultural products.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^GRIndia, Chapra had a population of 178,835. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Chapra has an average literacy rate of 61%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 72% and female literacy of 48%. 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.