Baharampur

For the settlement in Bangladesh, see Baharampur, Bangladesh.

Bahrampur
—  city  —
Bahrampur Location of Bahrampur in West Bengal and India
Coordinates	24°06′N 88°15′E / 24.1°N 88.25°E / 24.1; 88.25Coordinates: 24°06′N 88°15′E / 24.1°N 88.25°E / 24.1; 88.25
Country	India
State	West Bengal
District(s)	Murshidabad
Parliamentary constituency	Baharampur
Assembly constituency	Baharampur, Nabgram, Kandi
Population	305,609 (2011[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 18 metres (59 ft)

Baharampur (Bengali: বহরমপুর) (also spelled Berhampore or Berhampur) is a city in the West Bengal state of India. Baharampur is the sixth largest city in West Bengal (after Kolkata, Asansol, Siliguri, Durgapur and Malda) and situated in central part of West Bengal. Baharampur (Berhampore) is nominated for becoming the municipal corporation. In earlier days it was known as Brahmapur because many of the Brahmin families settled there. Baharampur is the administrative headquarters of the Murshidabad district. It is located about 200 km (124 mi) from Kolkata (earlier known as Calcutta), the state capital.

History

Fort at Baharampur, c. 1850

Berhampore was fortified in 1757 by the East India Company, after the Battle of Plassey in June 1757, and it continued as a cantonment until 1870. But the foundation of the city of Berhampore remains questionable

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.

Karnasubarna, which is very near Berhampore, has a history dated back to 600 AD. Many buildings from the late 1600s can still be seen. The cantonment was constituted as a municipality in 1876 and was the headquarters of Murshidabad district. The Berhampore College was founded in 1853 and in 1888 made over to a local committee, mainly supported by Rani Swarnamayi.

On 25 February 1857, the first major armed battle of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 took place in Barrack Square, Baharampur,^[1] while Berhampur was ruled by Raja Krishnath and his ancestors. In 1901, Baharampur had a population of 24,397, and included the ancient town of Kasim Bazar.^[2] The place which is considered as a legitimate arena of all procedural events and circumstances that has been profoundly well described. The Kasim Bazar and Lalbag areas are witness to a bloody yet glorious era of History of India. A very much impacted areas of Berhampore are those place in the banks of the stream Bhagirathi river giving a receding process of downgrade and evolution of the abscess marketing and thus leading to one of the well victimized estate of remarkable famine conditions prevailed in 1971. The elegant piece of art can be found in this region, the handcraft in making of carpet, basket, miniature painting, all made up of jute, thus signifies that this area is a splendid producer of jute and it defines how the cultivation of the land is in this region. In those days sons learnt from their fathers that the fields near the stream of the Ganges are the most fertile land, so this was described by the British as "The Golden Bengal". Down the time after the East India Company, there happens to be a lot of disruption in the Law and Order of the place. It is not balanced properly, it may be due to the unprecedented activities and thus making a black mark on the soil, which once used to be called as the capital of the country. Yes it the obvious reason Murshidabad was considered to be called the capital, then it was directed to Calcutta (now Kolkata) be the capital and thus finally it was accepted as Delhi.

Geography

Baharampur is located at 24°06′N 88°15′E / 24.1°N 88.25°E / 24.1; 88.25.^[3] It has an average elevation of 18 metres (59 feet).

Hazarduari Palace.

The city is located approximately 200 km north of Kolkata at 24°4′N 88°9′E / 24.067°N 88.15°E / 24.067; 88.15 and is situated on the eastern side of the Bhagirathi River, a major distributary of the Ganges. The city’s industries include silk weaving, ivory carving, rice and oil-seed milling and precious metal working. A famous type of metal used to make bells called "Khagrai Kansha" is made in the city. This is a type of brass that is used to make utensils like dishes & bowls.

Baharampur is also popular for a special type of fried sweets called "Chanabora". It is also a rail and road hub of the bihar state and is an important agricultural center.Recently a new bus terminus has been set up here, which is said to be one of a kind in the state. Saidabad Raj Bari,Manindra Chandra Vidyapith school [previously named Hardinz school], Berhampore central jail [where Netaji SuBhas Chandra Bose was prisoned], K.N.College [where Master da (Surya Sen) studied], Barrack Square [where sipoy mutiny started at 1857], Ghatbandar, Saidabad, Khagra are the most popular places of Berhampore. The bridge of Ramendrasunda Trivedi joins Berhampore with North Bengal.Now Kadbeltala are gradually become office colony, varieties public office set up there. This place has notified a series of wars and victories which has dramaticized a significant impact to the place interms of finance and politics.

Demographics

Kathgola Palace.

In the 2011 census, Baharampur Urban Agglomeration had a population of 305,609, out of which 156,489 were males and 149,120 were females. The 0–6 years population was 23,182. Effective literacy rate for the 7+ population was 88.38.^[4]

As of 2001^[update] Indian census,^[5] Baharampur had a population of 160,168. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Baharampur has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 53% of the males and 47% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economics

Khagra, a neighbourhood in Bahrampur is renowned for its manufacture of bell-metal and brass utensils, as well as ivory and wood carving.^[6][7]

Baharampur is famous for the sweet 'Chhana-bora', the savoury 'Khaja', sweet 'Manohara' and also very famous for Murshidabad Silk (Tassar).

Schools

Krishnath College School ( West Bengal Board, Estd. 1853 AD), Iswar Chandra Institution (Estd. 1916 AD), Mary Immaculate School (ICSE and ISC, Estd. 1962 AD), Berhampore Jagannath Academy, Maharani Kaseswari Girls High School ( West Bengal Board), Gurudas Tarasundari institution(earlier London Missionary School), Manindra Chandra Vidyapith, Shilpa Mandir, Prabha Rani Public School, Holy Garden Model School, Gitaram Academy (ICSE and WBBHSE), Kendriya Vidyalay (CBSE), Lipika Memorial School, Mahakali Pathshala,Manindra Nagar High School (Cossimbazar),Jawhar Navodaya Vidyalaya are the most prominent schools.

Transport

Rail - Berhampore Court Station (BPC), cossimbazar Station (CSZ) and Murshidabad Station (MBB) stands on the Sealdah-Lalgola line of the eastern railway. Bhagirathi express, Hazarduari Express,Lalgola Fast Passenger, Lalgola Passenger are the trains that run daily. Berhampore Court Express (Dhanadhanye Express) is also an express train that takes the Sealdah-Lalgola route. Khagraghat (KGLE) is another station that is connected to Howrah through Barharwa-Azimganj-Katwa Loop Line. Intercity express and passenger trains, Jansatabdi express takes this route. If one wish to come to Berhampore from north of West Bengal it is best to take the Khagraghat station as destination.

Road - as Baharampur is the administrative headquarters of the Murshidabad districtas and as it stands just in the center position of West Bengal, it acts as the link between North Bengal and South Bengal. This city is well connected by National Highway 34. There are bus services on regular basis from South Bengal to North Bengal and Vicecersa and there is a Bus Terminus called 'Mohona'. Any buses that starts from Kolkata to North Bengal halts at Berhampore. Buses from Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Suri, Durgapur, Asansol, Dhubri, Bhutan, Malda for Berhampore is easily available.

Water - as Berhampore is city just beside the river Bhagirathi, one can also avail water transport. Launchboat from Kolkata to Berhampore and Hazarduari is available. Berhampore north to Berhampore south is connected via launchboats. Regular boat transport is also available from Berhampore to other towns of Murshidabad such as Azimganj and Jiaganj.

Tourist spots

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Hazarduari at night

Old Cossimbazar Palace

new Cossimbazar Palace

European residency cemetery, late 1600 AD

Dutch graveyard

Berhampore is a famous place for tourists in West Bengal. It gets tourists' flow from locals and as well as from foreigners, being the first Head Quarter of the East India Company and having a long history enriched by the Nawabs, Kings, zamindars and other European colonial forces such as Dutch, Portuguese, English and French.

Some notable tourist destinations in this area are:

• Hazarduari Palace - it was built in 1837 by General Duncan Mcleod for Nawab Humaun Jah, descendent of Mir Zafar.
• Imambara - built in 1847 AD. by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jahat at a cost of more than 6 lacs. The Imambara, which is the largest in Bengal, is perhaps the largest in India.
• Katra Masjid - built by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan in 1723-24 and it remains one of the most important tourist attractions. The gorgeous building with its huge domes and high minarets has a simple cemetery of the Nawab below the front staircase.
• Moti Jhil - This beautiful horseshoe shaped lake was excavated by Nawazesh Mohammad, the husband of the famous Ghasseti Begum. In the palace adjoining it (now in ruins) Lord Clive celebrated the acquisition of the Dewani of Sube Bangla (Bengal, Bihar & Orissa) in 1765. Moti Jheel was the home of Warren Hastings when he became the Political President at the Durbar of the Nawab Nazim (1771 – 73 AD).
• Barrack square - It was used for British army. The very first rumble of The Sepoy Mutiny actually started here.
• Old British barracks - Built in late 1750s these barracks are on the north and south of Barrack Square.Now they are being used to house various government offices a nd residential quarters.
• British administrative houses of Berhampore
• Central Jail
• Krishnath College - which is the exact replica of Oxford university, established in 1853, even earlier than the University of Kolkata (Calcuta), worth seeing for its European architectural style.
• British town hall - Earlier used for recreation purpose for the British.
• Saidabad Palace - This Palace is right now on the verge of extinction.
• Old Cossimbazar Palace - This Palace of Nandy dynasty is now on the verge of extinction.
• New Cossimbazar Palace - This Palace of Chatterjee kings is well maintained.
• Nasipur Palace - The Nasipur Palace was built by Kirti Chand, a descendent of Debi Singh. Debi Singh, who settled here from Punjab, was a tax collector in the early days of the East India Company
• Home of Jagatseth-actual house in ruins, under the river Ganges, only a wall of the building remains.
• Jafarganj cemetery - The Cemetery contains the tombs of the Nawab’s Nazim, from Mir Jafar to Humayun Jah.
• Kathgola palace
• Footi mosque -
• Nimak Haram Deori - known as the Traitor's gate, Siraj ud Daulah was killed in this spot.
• Khoshbagh - The grave of Nawab Alivardi Khan, Alivardi’s Mother, Siraj-ud-Doula and his wife Lutfannesha and other members of the Nawab family lie here.
• Pataleshwar temple of Cossimbazar - Residing in Kasimbazar is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the history of Pataleshwar Temple could be dated back to some thousand years.
• Residency cemetery of Babulbona - Numerous graves with memorials and pillar epitaphs. This huge European cemetery is one of the historical relics of Berhampore.
• Dutch graveyard of Cossimbazar
• Old English graveyard of Cossimbazar - The British Cemetery in Cossimbazar is where Mary, the first wife of Warren Hastings and their baby daughter Elizabeth lie here.
• Char bangla temples of Queen of Natore - Built by the Queen Bhavani of Natore in 1755 AD.
• Bhavaniswar temple - Built by Queen of Natore in 1750 AD, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Jagatbandhudham - The birth-place of Prabhu Jagat-bandhu Sundar, a religious figure at a hamlet Dahapara near Lalbagh.
• Ancient remains of kingdom of Sasanka at Karnasubarna - remains of famous Rakta Mrittika vihara described by Hiuen Tsang. The remains could be dated back to 600 AD.
• Kiriteshwari - which is also known as guptapith is one of the 51 Saktipiths of India.
• cemetery of Burmese King Thibo

Parks

Laldighi Park is in Berhampore & Motijhil Park, a nice one, near the historical tourist and present day picnic spot called "Motijhil".

Accommodation

Baharampur hosts a wide range of hotels from luxury ones to budget ones. Few of these are , Hotel Sunshine, Berhampore Tourist Lodge (under WBTDC), Hotel Samrat (3 Star ), Berhampore Lodge, Bhaghirathi Hotel, Mayur Hotel, Berhampore Lodge(Pvt. Ltd.) and White House. These hotels are situated near the Berhampore Bus Stand and 'Berhampore Court' railway station.

Legacy

The city of Berhampore also shares its name with Berhampore at Wellington, New Zealand. The daughter of Major Paul married local land owner George Hunter. Major Paul was an Indian army officer. George Hunter to show respect to his father in law gave Berhampore the name of the suburb and many streets of this suburb were also given Indian names such as Khandallah village, Ganges road, Simla, Agra etc. The old house of the "De" family ( Relatives of the Cossimbazar Raj)at Churamani Chowdhury Lane is also one of the oldest buildings in Berhampore and was at one point of time the property of the Cossimbazar Raj.

Notable people from Berhampore

Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay was the discoverer of Indus Valley Civilization

• Mahasweta Devi (1926), daughter of poet Manish Ghatak, writes short stories and novels.
• Ramendra Sundar Tribedi, writer
• Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay, historian
• Chitta Ranjan Majumdar, Artist
• Tridib Chowdhury, Politician
• Satya Ranjan Ghosh, (1922–1995),Freedom Fighter, Social Activist, Politician
• Prof. Rejaul Karim, Writer, Educationalist, Pollitician
• Micaiah John Muller Hill, British Mathematician.
• Sir George Francis Hill, Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum (1931–1936).
• Nabarun Bhattacharya, writer^[8]

Gallery

• 

  New Cossimbazar palace

• 

  Residency Cemetery (late 1600)

• 

  Remains of Raktamrittika Mahavihar(600 ad)

• 

  Terracota works on ancient Char Bangla temples.

• 

  Katra

• 

  The mighty thousand doors.

References

Sources

• Encyclopedia.Com
• Encyclopædia Britannica
• The Columbia Encyclopedia
• Bharat Heritage

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Baharampur

• Hotel in Berhampore, Murshidabad
• Best Hotel in Berhampore, Murshidabad
• 3star Hotel in Berhampore, Murshidabad
• Luxury Hotel in Berhampore, Murshidabad
• Map of Murshidabad district on CalcuttaWeb.Com
• Latitude and Longitude locations maps in India
• City populations in West Bengal
• A writeup on Babulbona Cemetery in Berhampore
• Baharampur travel guide from Wikitravel

v t e Cities and towns in Murshidabad District Barhampur subdivision Baharampur Beldanga Goaljan Gora Bazar Kasim Bazar Domkol subdivision Domkal Harharia Chak Lalbag subdivision Jiaganj Azimganj Lalgola Murshidabad Kandi subdivision Kandi Jangipur subdivision Anup Nagar Aurangabad Chachanda Charka Dafahat Dhulian Dhusaripara Farrakka Barrage Township Fatellapur Ghorsala Jagtaj Jahangirpur Jot Kamal Kankuria Khodarampur Paschim Punropara Sahajadpur Serpur Srikantabati Uttar Mahammadpur Related topics Murshidabad topics People from Murshidabad district Villages in Murshidabad district Cities and towns in other districts Bankura Bardhaman Birbhum Cooch Behar Dakshin Dinajpur Darjeeling Hooghly Howrah Jalpaiguri Malda Nadia North 24 Parganas Paschim Medinipur Purba Medinipur Purulia South 24 Parganas Uttar Dinajpur West Bengal portal