Munger

Munger, also spelled Monghyr, city, Bihar state, northeastern India. It lies on the Ganges (Ganga) River, just north of Jamalpur.

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 Mīr Qasīm, nawab of Bengal, made Munger his capital and built an arsenal and several palaces. It was constituted a municipality in 1864.

With major rail, road, and ferry-steamer connections, it is an important grain market. Industries include the manufacture of firearms and swords and ebony work. The city contains one of the largest cigarette factories in India. To the southeast is the pilgrimage site and thermal springs of Sitakund. Pop. (2001) 188,050; (2011) 213,303.