# Nawada

Nawada is a town and a municipality in Bihar, India. It is also the Headquarters of the Nawada district. It is situated on both sides of the Khuri River at 24º 53’ N and 85º 33’ E. The name evolved from Nau-abad, meaning the new town. In 1845, it was established as a Subdivision of Gaya district. On 26 January 1973, Nawada was formed as a separate district from Gaya district. It is a part of Magadh Division.

## History

Nawada is a part of the ancient Magadh Empire located in south Bihar. The origin of the name Nawada is from Persian Nau-abad, which means "New Town" which was earlier known as ‘The Eliot Market (Bazaar)’. Before its acquisition by the East India Company, Nawada was ruled by the nearly independent Rajas of Hisua who ruled over the Muslim Mayi (clan). After its acquisition, Nawada was in great disorder until 1845, when it became the headquarters of the newly created subdivision. The elements of disorder resurfaced again during the Mutiny of 1857, when Nawada was over run by marauding parties. The local offices were destroyed, but government records were saved by the native officials who hid them in a cave on a neighboring hill. These are the only available public records dating back to an era before 1857 in the district. Two miles to the north, there is a Jain temple standing in the middle of a large water tank to the west of the public road, but the city itself contains no important building and has little historical interest. The city contains one of the two Satyagraha ashrams in the country established by Gandhi ji. It was also the birthplace and workplace of Indrabhuti Gautama, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir in Jainism. The modern town is only 40 kilometers from Nalanda University, the oldest university in the world.
Nawada is southernmost district of Bihar and its neighbouring next state Jharkhand. Over the years when all other districts in Bihar has seen development, Nawada still struggling for basic needs. One of the major problem in district is corruption. Town has enormous encroachment and government authorities are not doing much to keep this city clean and encroachment free.

## Geography

Nawada is located at 24°53′N 85°32′E﻿ / ﻿24.88°N 85.53°E﻿ / 24.88; 85.53. It has an average elevation of 80 metres (260 ft). The city is divided into two blocks by the Khuri River, the left bank being the older section, while the right bank is the modern section with public offices, a sub-jail, dispensary and schools.

## Demographics

According to the 2011 census, Nawada City has a population of 180,740. Nawada has a ratio of 957 females for every 1,000 males. The average literacy rate is 74%, higher than the national average of 63.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 67%. In Nawada, 17% of the population is under 6 years of age. Hindi, Magahi and Urdu are the main languages spoken in the area.
Railway Stations -

### Rail network

The main line of Gaya-Kiul railway section passes through Nawada. Nawadah (Nawada Railway Station), important railway station of the city.
Currently you can reach nawada by following route
* Patna Railway Station → Gaya Railway Station → Nawadah
* New Delhi → Kanpur Central → Prayagraj Jn. → Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn. → Sasaram → Gaya Jn. → Nawadah

### Road network

From Patliputra Bus Terminal, Patna (Bairiya Bus Stand) or Gandhi Maidan Bus Stand, Patna to Nawada Bus Stand via NH 20.
From Gaya through NH 120 & SH 8 (Bihar)

### Air

By air, Nawada is well connected to several airports of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal:
* Gaya Airport 69 kilometres (43 mi)
* Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna 123 kilometres (76 mi)
* Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi 224 kilometres (139 mi)
* Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata 445 kilometres (277 mi)
* Deoghar Airport 167 kilometres (103.769 mi)

## Educational Institute

This town has some good educational institutes like Government Engineering College, Nawada Vidhi Mahavidyalaya, Rajendra Memorial Women's (RMW) College, Kanhai Lal Sahu (KLS) College.
Schools :- St. Joseph's School, Jeevan Jyoti Public School, Modern English School, Gyan Bharti School, R.P.S.Convent Public School, Delhi Public School, The Diksha School, Dayal Public School, SHEMROCK Child Care, Bodhie Tree International School.