Manjhaul

Geography

Manjhaul is located at 25.557°N 86.128°E / 25.557; 86.128. It has an average elevation of 41 metres (134 feet). It has an area of 9.8 km².

Climate

The climate of Manjhaul is a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) with high variation between summer and winter in terms of both temperature and rainfall. The temperature varies from 46 °C (115 °F) in summers to around 0 °C (32 °F) in winters. Summers are long, extending from early April to October, with the monsoon season occurring in the middle of the summer. Winter starts in November and peaks in January. The annual mean temperature is around 25 °C (77 °F); monthly daily mean temperatures range from approximately 09 to 34 °C (48 to 93 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1384mm of which 83% falls between Mid June and & Mid-October. Monsoon normally starts in June and lasts till October. The early monsoon currents, channeled to the NW are the principal source of rainfall of the region. 17% of pre monsoonal rains, which is spread in the different months of the year (specially in the months of November–December–January) have been explained as due to Norwester affect and rest during monsoons due to Himalayan affect. Heavy rains, supplemented by physiographic/geomorphic features lead to heavy flood.

Demographics

As reported by the Census of India 2011 Manjhaul village has population of 87411 of which 45453 are males while 41958 are females.

In Manjhaul village population of children with age 0-6 is 15950 which makes up 18% of total population of village. Average Sex Ratio of Manjhaul village is 888 which is lower than Bihar state average of 918. Child Sex Ratio for the Majhaul as per census is 865, lower than Bihar average of 935.

Kaber Lake

It is one of the largest lake of India. It expands in a vast area of 64 square kilometres situated in the Manjhaul subdivision of the district. Jaimangalgarh is situated on the southern flank of the vast Kawar lake. Kaber lake is a shelter of hundreds of species of domestic and migrant birds. Birds from Siberia and Himalayan region can be seen here during winter season, period between September to April. The famous Ornithologist Salim Ali resided here for his research work and was influenced with life protection Act 197 and a proclamation was made by the government to develop it as a Bird Sanctuary but years have passed with the hope in the eyes of local people. Kaber Lake is major source of fresh water fishes which is famous for its delicacy in the region.

Birds including different species of Cranes, Doves, Hawks, Fowls, Quails etc. and a variety of aquatic plants create a wonderful scene here in the winter and spring.

Jaimangla Garh

Jaimanglagarh is famous not only for its archaeological importance. It is a historical site related to the religious sentiments of people of this region. It has ample reputation as the Shaktipeeth. Goddess Jaimangalain local tradition is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees. The sculpture of Vishnu is placed in another temple just in the northern side of the old Goddess temple. It is said that the area of the mound was entirely covered with forest, which was helpful in Tantra- practices. The vast Kawar lake touching the foot of the mound presents a remarkable landscape to the viewers.

Overall the site has immense potency to be developed as a tourist place. On the one hand the Jaimanglagarh mound, the sculptures, the set of Herson stupa across the lake and the other smaller mounds surrounding it reflect its archaeological prominence, the vast lake, its Bio- diversity and its profoundness to be the shelter of thousands of migrant birds in winters proclaim it to be developed as an eco- tourist centre. Having such important sites in a periphery of only four square kilometers this site should be developed as a tourist complex.

Jaimanglagarh Mound

Jaimangalpur is situated on the southern flank of the vast Kawar Lake. It is popularly known as Jaimangalgarh. The topology and the height of the mound is remarkable.

Jaimangalgarh is in fact a set of two mounds. The western part is separated by a channel from the main eastern part. The eastern has evidence of fortification. It is large in size. At present the temple of mata Jaimangala, for which the site enjoys the great popularity in local tradition, is situated on this southern part. The variety of potshreds can be seen everywhere on both mounds. (N.B.P. black polished ware, Redware etc.). It seems that the fortified southern part used to remain the residential premises of the royal family whereas the northern might be associated to officials. It is important to notice that there are few other mounds across the Kawar Lake surrounding the main mound. One is towards south while the other is towards East. The cultural sequence of the both mounds seems to be almost same and both of them seem to come into existence just after the main site. The Harsan stupa is towards East and at least another two mounds namely Kanti Dih and Sakra Bad lie in the same direction. In short, at least four smaller mounds and the stupa fall in the periphera of 2 km . Sculpture – Black stone, Pala period.

Four handed Vishnu standing sambhanga. A well decorated crown over head. Ajamulambi Mala (garland), right lower hand exposed frontward in Abhaymudra while upper left holding the Shudarshan Chakra. Gada placed downward between the lower armpit. Upper left hand holding the shankha upward while lower holds the shrifala. Under this arm holding shrifala is sitting Garuda Dev in worshiping posture (Aradhaya mudra). The sculpture seems to represent the matured pala or Rajputa period.

Education

Manjhaul is home to a number of schools and colleges. R.C.S. College, Manjhaul is one of the oldest colleges of Begusarai District. R.C.S. college is imparting education on Intermediate and Graduation (Hons.) level in Science and Art subjects.

Schools in Manjhaul

M. S. INTER COLLEGE(Class XI - XII) J. M. H. School (Class VII - X) R. D. P Girls High School (Class VII - X) Mussoorie Public School (Class I - VIII)

Manjhaul has one co-ed middle school(Class I - VI) and one middle school(Class I - VI) for girls only as well.

Transport

Buses, Tempos, and Motor bikes are the main modes of transport.

Railways

Begusarai railway station is the nearest railway station. It's 17 km from Manjhaul.

Cycling

Manjhaul is among the most bicycle-friendly village in Begusarai. More than 70% families have bicycle.

Ali Hussain (The Bird Man)

Hailing from the Mirshikar community, Ali Hussain’s traditional occupation was bird-trapping which he sold to local and distant buyers. But a time came when killing of birds in his neighbourhood – in and around Kanwar lake in Begusarai was declared illegal and a traditional bird-trapper found himself being called a poacher and intruder. Hussain however continued with his old ways not able to find any other occupation he could excel at. Then again, another time in the 1960s, Hussain had an encounter with the famed Salim Ali. Salim Ali took the talented poacher under his wings as an assistant and what you then get is a scientist of the folksiest kind! Traditional bird-trapper to poacher to a scientist is indeed like having lived three lives in one.

Hussain lives at Manjhaul village in Begusarai and assists scientists on projects. He can determine the sex of a bird through its feather, body movement and other characteristics. He knows the English and Hindi names of around 500 species of birds.

Festivals

People of Manjhaul celebrate Chhath, Durga Puja, Holi, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Eid al-Fitr, Muharram and many more festivals.