Located on the southern banks of the sacred Ganges River, Bhagalpur is one of Bihar’s oldest cities—dating back to ancient Anga Mahajanapada mentioned in the Mahabharata. Known today as the “Silk City,” its identity is deeply tied to Tussar silk weaving, a tradition that has thrived here for centuries. Bhagalpur’s artisans are internationally celebrated, and silk from here was even exported during the British era.

Beyond its textile fame, Bhagalpur is dotted with spiritual landmarks and historical ruins. The Vikramshila Mahavihara, one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India (after Nalanda), stands just 38 km away, offering a majestic look into ancient academia. Within the city, sites like Burhanath Temple, Khanqah-e-Shahbazia, and the remains of Champanagar link Bhagalpur to Sufi saints, early Hindu settlements, and scholarly achievements.

This city has also witnessed the confluence of dynasties, religions, and rebellions—from the Mauryas to the Mughals to the British. With riverfront ghats, colonial schools, mosques, and temples, Bhagalpur is a historian’s treasure trove woven together with threads of culture, spirituality, and revolution.