Munger

Munger is an administrative center in the state of Bihar, stretching along the southern bank of the Ganges with a long waterfront of temples, residential quarters and lanes. The city grows along the river and continues into neighboring Jamalpur, with both connected by bridges and continuous roads.

Chandragupta Maurya used the site as a military base in the 4th century BCE, and several dynasties rebuilt the fort over the centuries. Nawab Mir Qasim moved his capital here in the 18th century and established an arsenal, turning the city into a center for weapon production.

The name comes from ancient references to Modagiri or Mudgagiri, tied to a hill or elevated terrain. Visitors today see pilgrims and locals walking down to the river to perform daily rituals and gather by the water.

Two railway stations link the city to the rest of Bihar and neighboring states, with Jamalpur Junction serving more frequent trains than the station in the city center. Streets along the waterfront are busiest during the day, while lanes inside the city are narrower and quieter.

The city has a long tradition of making rifles and other weapons that continues in small workshops to this day. Many of these craft shops operate in narrow lanes, where visitors sometimes hear the sound of metal hammering.

Location: Munger district

Founders: Chandragupta Maurya

Elevation above the sea: 43 m

Shares border with: Bhagalpur

Website: https://munger.nic.in

GPS coordinates: 25.37735,86.47310

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42