Munger

Munger, formerly spelt as Monghyr, is a twin city and a Municipal Corporation situated in the Indian state of Bihar. It is the administrative headquarters of Munger district and Munger Division. Munger was one of the major cities in Eastern India and undivided Bengal during Mughal period and British Raj. It is one of the major political, cultural, educational and commercial centers of Bihar and Eastern India. Munger is situated about 180 km (110 mi) east of capital city Patna, about 480 km (300 mi) west of Eastern India's largest city Kolkata and 1,200 km (750 mi) from country's capital New Delhi. Historically, Munger is known for being an ancient seat of rule. The twin city comprises Munger and Jamalpur situated on the southern bank of the river Ganges. It is situated 8 km (5.0 mi) from Jamalpur Junction, 180 km (110 mi) east of capital city Patna and 430 km (270 mi) from Kolkata the capital of West Bengal. Munger is said to have been founded by the Guptas (4th century CE) and contains a fort that houses the tomb of the Muslim saint Shah Mushk Nafā (died 1497). In 1763, the Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim made Munger his capital and built an arsenal and several palaces. It was constituted a municipality in 1864.