Arrah has a total population of 2,61,430 and ranks 65th in terms of Hindi speakers. Arrah is a city of Bhojpur district of Bihar state. Highest employment in Bhojpur is in Agriculture sector, Government sector and in small-scale industries. Out of the entire workforce, 68% are employed in Agriculture sector, 26% Government and in small-scale industries and remaining 6% Household workers. Bhojpur is a good agricultural belt because the whole district comprises of the Gangetic plain which is very fertile which is suitable for agriculture. Ganga and Sone are the major rivers of Bhojpur district. The present district of Bhojpur came into existence in 1972. Earlier this district was a part of old Shahabad district. Buxar was a subdivision of old Bhojpur district. In 1992 Buxar became a separate district and rest of Bhojpur district now has three subdivisions-Arrah Sadar, Jagdishpur and Piro. Arrah town is the headquarters of the district and also its principal town. It is said that Arrah, the present headquarters of the district derives its name from the Sanskrit word ARANYA, which means forest. It suggests that the entire area around modern Arrah was heavily forested in old days. According to mythology, Sage Vishwamitra, the Guru of Ram, had his Ashram somewhere in this region. The famous Chinese pilgrim, HIEUN-TSANG, who journeyed through the country in the seventh century CE paid a visit to Mo-Ho-Solo in Shahabad. This place has been identified with the present village Masarh, 10 k.m. west of Arrah on Arrah-Buxar road. During the time of Mughal period also, Arrah and Shahabad were important centers. In 1857 Arrah played a remarkable role under Kunwar Singh who revolted against the Britishers in line with the Mutineers.
