Katihar boasts of vibrant past with many rulers from several dynasties casting their spell over the city during different periods. The earlier rulers belonged to the Magadha dynasty. Later, King Ajatshatru who was second in the line of the Magadh kings had ruled from Rajgir. The 4th century BC saw the emergence of the Maurya dynasty, which was represented by King Ashoka. In fact, the Magadha dynasty rose to glory initially after which the Guptas (4th and 5th centuries AD) followed with the Palas of Bangal, who reigned until 1197 AD. The city saw the emergence of The Muslim rule as well. Their rule longed for five centuries from the 12th to 17th century who have left an indelible mark on the state of Bihar. The British annexed Katihar along with the whole Bihar in 1764 AD in the Battle of Buxar and ruled the region until India‘s Independence in 1947 AD.
Post independence Katihar was one of the sub-divisions of the old Purnia district which was eventually bifurcated as a separate district on 2nd October, 1973. Currently the district of Katihar has three sub-divisions, namely – Katihar, Barsoi and Manihari and Sixteen community development blocks. It also consists of 238 Panchayats and 1548 Villages of Bihar state.
The Magadhas, King Ajatshatru, The Mauryas, King Ashoka, The Guptas, The Palas, The Mughals and The British are the rulers who ruled the kingdom
