butwal city

Historically Butwal connected Nepali people with their Indian neighbors. As the British East India Company annexed Awadh from its hereditary rulers while the Shah Dynasty attempted to annex the Terai, Butwal became one of bones of contention leading to the Gurkha War 1814-16.[1].

When King Tribhuvan fled from Nepal to India in 1950, he travelled through Butwal, then little more than a village on the western bank of Tilottama River (also popularly known as Tinau River). However with the construction through Butwal of Siddhartha Highway from the border at Sunauli to Pokhara and then the east-west Mahendra Rajmarg across the Terai, the village grew rapidly and developed into a modern township.[2]
[edit] Archeological Significance

Fossils of ancient hominoids Ramapithecus were found near the Tinau (Tilottama) River as early as 1932, including 10.1 million year old dental bones.[3]
[edit] Population

The population of Butwal in 2008 was 3,71,384.[4]. Most of the population consists of Pahari immigrants from nearby hill districts especially (Palpa), (Arghakhanchi) (Gulmi)and (Syangja). There are also students, and ex-Gurkha soldiers commonly called Lahure (Nepali: लाहुरे), and a significant Madheshi population.
[edit] Culture and religion

Hindus in the majority celebrate Holi, Teej, Maha Shivratri, Dashain, Tihar and Bhai Tika. Many Paharis go to their native villages during the month from Dashain through Tihar and the town becomes nearly deserted.

There are also Muslims of Terai origin.
[edit] Economy

The economy of Butwal centers around education, trade and transportation. Butwal has always been a major trading centre for Pahari (hill people) from districts to the north, as is evident from the establishment of Batauli Bazar at the edge of the hills in old Butwal. Presently the main trading centre is near Traffic Chowk. Numerous shops sell Chinese and Indian goods. Butwal also has small and medium scale manufacturers of woodwork, ironsheet, metalware and aluminium sheet. There are rice mills including Siddhababa Rice mill,Aryal Rice Mill(Jharbaira-Murgiya) and Sita rice mill. Butwal is also famous for gharelu udyog.

An influx of students from nearby hilly regions contributes to Butwal's economy. Additional income is remitted by expatriate Nepalis and from Gurkha Soldiers employed by the Indian and British Armies.
[edit] Transport

Like most of Nepal, buses are the most important means of transport with private operators offering service to various destinations. Until 2003 most of the fleet was older large buses. Since then operators have added newer minibuses popularly called micro. Older jeeps are used to take people to nearby hilly regions. Rickshaws are also a popular means of urban transport, however taxicabs are gaining popularity with growing affluence. Motorcycles are a common means of personal transportation around town. Numbers registered have increased from 1200 in 1999 to 80,000 in 2008.
[edit] Education

Butwal has emerged as a major center of education in Lumbini Zone. Butwal Multiple Campus (Nepali: बुटवल बहुमुखी क्याम्पस) affiliated with Tribhuvan University is the largest campus with more than 5000 students and classes in Arts, Education, and Science.

Local schools affiliated with Pokhara University include:

* Lumbini Engineering College for both intermediate and under graduate