Rohtas District, which is a part of Patna Division, is one of the 38 administrative districts of Bihar. Sasaram is the district headquarters. Rohtas District is located at 24 degree 30 minutes to 25 degree 20 minutes north latitude and 83 degree 14 minutes to 83 degree 20 minutes east longitude. Total area covered by Rohtas District is 3847.82 sq kms. Average altitude of this administrative district is 107.78 meters above the sea level. Rohtas District has 3 sub-divisions and 19 blocks.
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History of Rohtas District
History of Rohtas District suggests that this region was inhabited by aboriginal Oraon tribe, Bhar and others. One of the early inhabitants of the district was Kharwar tribe. The name of the district headquarters Sasaram is associated with king Sahasrabahu. The name of Rohtas District also has an association with Rohitaswa, son of Harishchandra. Mauryan emperors ruled the region for some time. Since 6th century BC to 5th century AD Rohtas District formed parts of Magadha Empire. Harsha rulers of Kannauj occupied this region in 7th century AD. Babur invaded Bihar in the year 1529. After Babur`s death, Sher Shah ruled the region. After seizing the fortresses of Sher Shah at Chunar and Rohtas, Humayun advanced to Bengal and while returning, he was defeated by Sher Shah at Chausa. Rohtas District also played a significant role in the country`s freedom struggle. After the independence of the country, in the year 1972 Rohtas was declared as a separate district.
Geography of Rohtas District
Rohtas District is bounded by Bhojpur District and Buxar District in the north, Palamau District and Garhwa District in the south, by Aurangabad District and parts of Gaya District in the east and by Kaimur District in the west. Geographically, this district is divided in two parts - hilly area that comprises the plateau of Kaimur and plain area in the eastern side. The climate of Rohtas District is of extreme type.
It becomes quite hot during summer and cool during the winter. January is the coldest month when the minimum temperature comes down to approximately 10 degree. Winter seasons starts from the month of November and lasts until February. The temperature begins to rise in March and it reaches the peak in the month of May when the mercury touches about 45 degree. Rain sets in some time in June and lasts till mid September. There after the humidity begins to fall. There is slight rainfall in October, but November and December are quite dry. Some winter rain occurs in January and February. Normal average rainfall of the district is 975 mm.
Tourism in Rohtas District
Tourism in Rohtas District offers several places to visit like Rohtasgarh Fort , Sasaram, Shergarh, Tarachandi, Dhurwan Kund and Gupta Dham, Bhaluni Dham, Dharklandha, Akbarpur and Rehal. These are some of the main attractions of Rohtas District that draw the attention of a large number of people every year. Some of these religious places also have some historical significance.
Rohtas District is well connected through railways and roadways with other cities of the state. Grand Trunk Road passes through the heart of Sasaram.