Banka was one of the oldest sub-divisions of
Bihar, created in 1853, with two nizamats(civil administration), Banhara (Amarpur) and Brahmapur (Baunsi). With an area of 3,019 sq km, Banka District has a population of over 1.3 million. Banka city is the district headquarters. Paddy, wheat, maize and lentils are some of the important agricultural crops.
Banka is known for the fifteen day long Makara Sankranti mela held on the
Mandar hill.
