Gopalganj is a town, municipality and headquarters of Gopalganj district in the Indian state of Bihar. It was carved out of old Saran district on October 2, 1973. Gopalganj was part of erstwhile Saran district which encompassed Chhapra, Siwan and Gopalganj. In the 18th century, it was ruled by Hathwa Raj, which encompassed 1365 villages. Gopalganj covers 2033 sq kms of area and ranks as the 26th largest district in the state of Bihar. In the western part, it has Gandak River flowing southwards. It is mostly plains and fertile land. It is located at an average elevation of 66 mts above sea level. It is situated in the Northwest of Bihar State and is a border district, touching Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Gopalganj is adjoined to the West Champaran district in the north, the place where Mahatma Gandhi started his revolution for independence, the Satyagrah Andolan, East Champaran district in east, Chhapra district in southeast, Siwan district in South, Deoria district in West and Kushinagar district in northwest. The district is adjacent to the famous Valmiki National Park. One of the great Hindu shrines, the goddess of thawe, is located in this district. The magnificent fort erected by King of Hathwa, though in decadent state today but is a place of historical value. Near the fort are fourteen small mounds marking the spot where 14 ladies sacrificed their life owing to Sati Pratha. Nearby palace is an ancient Durga temple. In the premises of the temple a peculiar tree has grown up in cross shape. It has been a matter of research even today as its botanical family has not yet been identified.
