Munger is a modern town with historical roots. Previously named Monghyr, this town has many historical sites. During the reign of Nawab Mir Qasimthe capital of Bengal had been shifted fromMurshidabad to Munger away from British influence. Mir Qasim had been installed by the British East India Company but eventually rebelled against their endless demands, circa 1760-64, whilst in Munger, Mir Qasim raised an independent army to counter the British. Mir Qasim built a fort near the Ganges river which remains an important tourist destination.
Monghyr was a town and district of British India, in the Bhagalpur division of Bengal. The town is on the right bank of the Ganges, and has a railway station, with steam ferry service to the railway on the opposite bank of the river. In 1195 Monghyr, a fortress of great natural strength, appears to have been taken by Mahommed Bakhiyar Khilji, the first Moslem conqueror of Bengal. Henceforth it is often mentioned by the Mohammedan chroniclers as a place of military importance, and was frequently chosen as the seat of the local government. After 1590, when Akbar established his supremacy over the Afghan chiefs of Bengal, Monghyr was long the headquarters of his general,
Munger is famous for its manufacturing industries of firearms, swords. These products are abundant, but are noted for cheapness rather than quality. The art of inlaying sword-hilts and other articles with gold and silver affords employment to a few families.
After the disastrous earthquake of 1934 the town was rebuilt to give it a modern look but in keeping with its history.
Munger is situated in a serene location beside the Ganga, considered a holy river, and has many interesting places to visit. This modern town has the second highest literacy rate in Bihar state. But serenity here has been broken seriously by the gun factory and the illegal trafficking of guns. Lawlessness has become prevalent (sicsic) in recent times. Currently Munger is a relatively unknown area of India though it has produced some known people including Harshvardhan Sinha and Anju Chakraborty, wife of Jeevon Chatterjee, ex-officer of the Indian Army. Sinha's family is still active in the campaign against gun trafficking. Munger is also the place where Karna reside during period of Mahabharta. In Mahabharta Karna often referred as "Angraj"(The King of Ang). In ancient time Munger was known as Ang.
A few NGOs have recently taken the responsibility of making Munger a world famous destination.
Munger District has many good schools and colleges. These include Notre Dame Academy in Jamalpur and Munger, Saraswati Vidya Mandir,DAV Public School,St.Xavier's School,Kendriya Vidyalaya, Little Angels School, S.K.D. Memorial Public School, New Era etc. are some other household names. The oldest school in the district is the Zila School (formerly Government English School) which was founded in 1854. There are two girls' schools, Baijnath Girls School and B.R.M. School Madhopur, in Munger town. R.D. & D.J. college, Women's college, J.R.S. college are institutes for higher education. R.D. & D.J. college is one of the oldest and renowned College in the Bihar and Eastern India Zone. The alumni of these institutes are now working all over world and have brought laurels to the District. Bihar School of Yoga (deemed university) attracts students from all over world. Around 400 Australians, Americans etc. register for the yoga course every year with this figure rising continuously.
