Muzaffarpur, city in northeastern India, in northern Bihar state, located in the middle Gangetic Plain near the Burhi Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganges River. The city is surrounded by productive agricultural land and is an important center for agriculturally based industries, including rice and sugar milling and wholesale trade. Muzaffarpur is also famous for its litchi orchards. Trade is the most important economic activity in the city, which is served by a railroad junction connecting it to Nepal. A major road also passes through Muzaffarpur, and the nearest airport is located in Patna. The University of Bihar (founded in 1952) is in Muzaffarpur. Occasional overflow of the Burhi Gandak River during the rainy season creates a flood hazard. In January 1934 an earthquake caused extensive damage to the city and killed more than 2500 people in the area. Muzaffar Khan founded the city in the 18th century. Population (1991) 241,107.
