Gauradaha

Gauradaha ( Nepali: गौरादह) is a municipality located in the Jhapa District of Koshi Province in eastern Nepal . The municipality was established on 19 September 2015 through the merger of five existing Village Development Committees (VDCs): Maharanijhoda, Baigundhura, Juropani, Kohabara, and Gauradaha . This consolidation was part of a broader governmental initiative that increased the total number of municipalities in Nepal to 217 . The administrative centre of Gauradaha Municipality is situated in Dhobiniya chowk, which lies in the central part of the municipality.

Geography and location

Gauradaha is geographically positioned in the southeastern region of Nepal , within the Jhapa District of the Koshi Province. The municipality covers a geographical area of 149.86 square kilometres.

The southeastern location of Gauradaha places it in close proximity to the border with India. This adjacency has fostered significant cross-border trade and facilitated cultural exchanges between the two nations. Historically, the area falls within the Mechi Zone of eastern Nepal, an older administrative division that is still referenced in some contexts. While the maximum elevation of the entire Jhapa District reaches 506 meters (1,660 ft) , Gauradaha itself is situated in the lower plains or foothills characteristic of the Terai region. This lower elevation typically results in a warmer climate and terrain well-suited for agricultural activities.

History

The establishment of Gauradaha as a municipality on 19 September 2015 marked a significant administrative change for the region. Prior to this, the area was composed of several distinct Village Development Committees. The decision by the Nepalese government to merge Maharanijhoda, Baigundhura, Juropani, Kohabara, and the former Gauradaha VDCs into a single municipality was part of a nationwide effort to restructure local governance. This initiative aimed to enhance local administration and development by creating larger, more consolidated administrative units across the country, bringing the total count of municipalities to 217.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Nepal census, the total population of Gauradaha Municipality was 60,451 . This figure represents a notable increase from earlier data. The population density in 2021 was recorded as 403.3 persons per square kilometre . The gender distribution in 2021 showed a slightly higher female population, with 28,695 males (47.5%) and 31,756 females (52.5%), resulting in a sex ratio of 90.36 males per 100 females.

The age structure of the population in 2021 indicates a relatively young demographic profile, with 15,420 individuals in the 0-14 years age group, 39,352 in the 15-64 years group, and 5,679 individuals aged 65 years and over. Literacy rates from a recent survey show that 85.5% of males are literate, compared to 73.1% of females, suggesting a gender disparity in educational attainment.

Data on the place of birth from the 2021 census reveals that 34,064 residents were born within Gauradaha itself, while 4,687 were born in other local units within the same district. Additionally, 19,292 residents were born in other districts of Nepal, and 2,387 were born in other countries, indicating a degree of migration into the municipality. The citizenship data from 2021 shows that the vast majority of residents are citizens of Nepal (60,345), with a small number holding Indian citizenship (106). The total number of households in Gauradaha was recorded as 14,846.

Culture and society

Gauradaha is recognized as a culturally vibrant area, where diverse ethnic groups coexist peacefully and actively participate in their respective traditions and festivals. The Jhapa District, in which Gauradaha is situated, is known for its significant ethnic diversity, with representation from approximately 110 castes and ethnic groups. Major communities in the district include Bahun, Chhetri, Santhal, Rajbanshi, Limbu, and Rai. This rich ethnic tapestry is also reflected in the linguistic landscape of the region. While Nepali is the most widely spoken language in Gauradaha, with 32,868 speakers, a multitude of other languages are also spoken, including Maithili, Rajbanshi, Tajpuriya, Santhali, Limbu, Tamang, Newar, Tharu, Urdu, Rai, Magar, Ganagai, Dhimal, Bangla, Hindi, Bhojpuri, Gurung, Majhi, Bantawa, Danuwar, Chamling, Sunuwar, Uranw/Urau, Yakkha, Sampang, Bhujel, and Doteli . This linguistic diversity underscores the multilingual nature of the community.

Based on the 2011 census data for Gauradaha, the top five castes represented were Brahmin - Hill (13,843), Chhetri (12,379), Tajpuriya (3,808), Rajbansi (3,674), and Santhal (2,784). The presence of both "Hill" Hindu communities like Brahmins and Chhetris, and Terai communities such as Tajpuriya, Rajbansi, and Santhal, highlights the migration and settlement patterns that have shaped the demographic composition of the area. Jhapa's geographical position as a meeting point between the eastern hills and the Terai plains has historically contributed to this substantial ethnic and linguistic diversity.

Economy and connectivity

The economy of Gauradaha benefits significantly from its proximity to India, which facilitates active cross-border trade. This exchange of goods and services plays a crucial role in the local economic activities. Furthermore, the Mahendra Highway, Nepal's longest highway, passes through the nearby Damak municipality. While not directly bisecting Gauradaha, the highway's close proximity ensures essential connectivity to other major parts of Nepal, aiding in the transportation of goods and people.

References

Populated places in Jhapa District
Municipalities in Koshi Province
Nepal municipalities established in 2015
Municipalities in Jhapa District

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