The Abode Of Rishi Vishwamitra

The district of Bhojpur came into existence in 1972 with its headquarters at Ara. It has a close linkage with its parent district of old Shahabad, which has an interesting history. In the pre-historic days also, there is evidence of the area being inhabited. It is said that Ara, the present headquarters of the district, derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Aranya’ which means forest. It suggests that the entire area around modern Arrah was heavily forested in old days. According to mythology, Rishi Vishwamitra, the family Guru of Ram, had his abode somewhere in this region. Babu Kunwar Singh, the rebellion leader of Indian Independence struggle, belonged to this place.