Siwan district, located in the western part of Bihar, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, agriculture, and modern aspiration. Originally a sub-division of Saran district, Siwan became a full-fledged district in 1972, forming a part of the historic Kosala kingdom in ancient days.
Geographic Location and Demographics
The district covers an area of approximately 2,219 square kilometers, stretching from latitude 25.58° to 26.23° North and longitude 84.10° to 84.47° East. Siwan is bordered by Saran district to the east, Gopalganj district to the north, and the districts of Deoria and Ballia in Uttar Pradesh to the west and south, respectively. According to the most recent estimates, Siwan’s population in 2025 is about 41.85 lakhs (4.18 million), with a density of 1,501 persons per km².
The sex ratio stands at 988 females per 1000 males, and the average literacy rate has seen significant improvement, currently at nearly 69.5%—much above the state average. The child population (0-6 years) constitutes roughly 16.5% of the total population, reflecting a youthful demographic.
Historical Significance
Siwan has remarkable historical and mythological importance. Don village in the Darauli block is traditionally associated with Sage Dronacharya’s gurukul from the epic Mahabharata. The area was a part of several kingdoms—Kosala, Banaras, and the Delhi Sultanate—and later came under British rule after the Battle of Buxar in 1764. The district contributed significantly to India’s freedom movement, with many local leaders and common people actively participating in various uprisings and campaigns.
Administrative Setup
Today, Siwan district is divided into 2 sub-divisions and 19 community development blocks. It comprises 4 municipalities and 293 Gram Panchayats, facilitating local governance and rural development. The administrative headquarters is in Siwan town, which is also an important urban center as a hub for education, healthcare, and commerce.
Economy and Agriculture
The economy of Siwan is predominantly agrarian, with fertile alluvial soil supporting the cultivation of paddy, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and potatoes. 72.6% of the district’s land is under cultivation. Recent years have witnessed the adoption of new agricultural practices, contributing to increased productivity. Siwan ranks as the 10th largest GDP contributor in Bihar.
Small-scale industries with artisan-based production (like textiles, leather, furniture, and paper products) exist, but the district’s economic heart remains in farming. The dairy sector is also emerging, with government incentives fostering milk processing units and co-operatives. Urban Siwan thrives on retail, construction, and service activities, partly fueled by remittances from NRIs who have roots in the region.
Cultural and Educational Highlights
Siwan is famous as the birthplace of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, underscoring its prominence in the country’s history. The district is also home to vibrant religious traditions, festivals, and fairs, with a mixed population representing various faiths and communities.
Literacy levels are relatively high compared to rest of Bihar, and the district is known for its schools, colleges, and educational initiatives aimed at promoting youth advancement and skill-building.
Siwan
Siwan district combines a storied past with dynamic present-day development. Its rich legacy is matched by ongoing progress in agriculture, education, and community leadership. As the district grows, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the socio-economic and cultural landscape of Bihar, making it an area of pride and promise for its residents and the state as a whole.