town, West Bengal state, northeastern India. The town lies just east of the Torsa River. It is an agricultural market centre, has major road and rail connections, and is linked by air with Kolkata (Calcutta) (Calcutta). Leather-goods manufacture is an important industry. Koch Bihar contains the maharaja's palace, a hospital, and a number of colleges affiliated with the University of North Bengal. Rice, corn (maize), legumes, oilseeds, and tobacco are the chief crops cultivated in the surrounding region. Dispersed forest areas shelter rhinoceroses, tigers, and gaurs (Indian bison). Pop. (2001) 76,874.