Bhojpur came into existence in 1972. Ara town is the headquarters of the district and also its principal town.
It is said that Ara, the present headquarters of the district in Bihar derives its name from the Sanskrit word Aranya, which means forest. It suggests that the entire area around modern Ara was heavily forested in old days. According to mythology, sage Vishwamitra, the Guru of Rama, had his 'Ashram' somewhere in this region.
Bhojpur district has a close linkage with that of its parent district of Shahabad, which had an old and interesting history. In the pre-historic days also there is evidence of the area being inhabited.
"In the old days, Shahabad formed part of the ancient kingdom of Magadh which also contained portions of the present Patna & Gaya district. Though included in the kingdom of Emperor Ashoka, the general absence of Buddhists' monuments from a greater part of the district suggests that it remained almost immune from the Buddhist influence of the time.”
"The famous Chinese pilgrim, Hieun-Tsang, who journeyed through the country in the seventh century A.D., paid a visit to Mo-Ho-Solo in Shahabad. This place has been identified with the present village Masarh, 10 km west of Ara on Ara-Buxar road. The Chinese pilgrim found that the inhabitants were all Brahmins who did not respect the law of Buddha. He, therefore, felt disappointed and did not proceed to any other place in the district."
"Not much is known about the history of the district after the fall of Guptas. In all probability it relapsed into the hands of the aboriginal tribes and came under control of petty chieftains. The most dominant people during this period were Cheros. They ruled over the greater portion of the district. Then came the Rajputs from Ujjain in the province of Malwa. Raja Bhoj was their king and the term 'Bhojpur' now applicable to the area is derived from him."
The Medieval period history:
Akbar, after his accession, includes the district of Shahabad in his empire, though the control was not very tight. Akbar's General Man Singh, made efforts to organise the revenue administration of the district on a sound footing. But the local chiefs continued to resist. The Rajas of Jagdishpur and Bhojpur defied the Mughals. The Raja of Bhojpur rebelled against Jahangir. His successor Raja Pratap, was done to death by Shahjahan and the Queen was forced to many a muslim courtier. This finally quietened the Bhojpur family but stray troubles continued till the last days of Mughals.
After this the District had a very uneventful history till 1857 when Kunwar Singh revolted against the Britishers in line with the Mutineers.
Places to see:
Veer Kunwar Singh Qila, Jagdishpur: The great warrior of 1857 belonged to Jagdishpur. His fort is still there to reminds us of the great son of the soil who fought for the freedom till his last.
Maharaja College, Ara: The present Maharaja college premises is an important historical site. There is an entry point of a tunnel that is believed to be connected with the Jagdishpur fort of Kunwar Singh.
Aranya Devi Temple: This is famous temple of Aranya Devi (Forest Goddess). She is said to be the deity goddess of Ara town. Here one statue is of ADI SAKTI and the second is established by the Pandavas. The temple is very old and draws many devotees every day. It is situated at the top of stone boulde
Maa Kali Mandir: This temple is situated at Bakhorapur about 15 km from Ara. This is one of the oldest temples in India and so big. A 85 feet (26 m) high statue of maa kali is being made near this temple. Temple is situated at the bank of holly river ganga. The main temple is made of granite and marble stones. Nowadays this palace is famous for different types of films and suiting.
Chaturvuj Narayan Mandir: This very ancient statue of Laxmi -Narayan is situated at Chaturvuj village of Piro block.
Bhavani Mandir Chaturvuj Baraon: 13th-century statue . "GADH KALI MANDIR"-GARHANI This temple is situated at Garhani Taluk.Garhani about 20 km from Ara Railway station.This temple is old and re-constructed in 2009-10.As per the villagers this temple established at Period of CHERO.
Jagdamba Mandir: Here is an ancient statue of Goddess Jagdamba at Mukundpur village of Charpokhari block.
Parswanath Mandir: It is a century old Jain Temple located at Masadh Village.
Mahamaya Mandir: This temple is at Ekwari village of Sahar block. This was made during Mughal period.
Mahathin Mai Mandir: This is located at Bihiya, draws lots of women devotees.
Jain Sidhant Bhawan: It has a such library which contains unique collection of materials related to Jainism.
Paihari Jee Ka Ashram: It is an ashram at Dhrampur village at Sahar block.
Sri Hanuman Mandir: Matiyara,Kayamnagar,near 9 km from ara railway station
Lakar Sah Ki Mazar: It is situated at Sahpur, it a famous mazar of a local Muslim saint.
Kurwa Shiv: There are some ancient statues related to Banasur. It is situated in Shahpur - Billoti Road.
Venkatesh Mandir: This temple situated at Perhap village has a statue of Southern architectural style.
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