Jalpaiguri- Unique Place of Unity

Bungalow- Jalpaiguri

Jalpaiguri is famous for its dense forest, daydream grassland and also unique natural beauty.
Raj Bangshis are very ancient inhabitants of Jalpaiguri. How they came here, there has a very old history; earlier Mongolians were often come over this place for their trade and other purpose. They had their own culture and identity. Thereafter, time was passed, they were gradually settled at this place and mixed with the ancient tribes; and thus a new class was born, called Raj Bangshis. Other than Raj Bangshi,Lepchas, Limbus, Ravas, Mech and many other tribes are also inhabitants of this place. They are also same important of this place.

Thereafter, British East India Company won this country.  They had also extended their hand at this place. Bengalis were also reached here from East Bengal (Now Bangladesh) to be settled permanently.

British company had come here to extend their business and their main aim was huge profit. Most of the Indian places they had captured and converted into profit. As we all know that British people were very much fond of tea. It is undoubtedly can say that all Indian started to drink tea following British, before that we don’t have idea about tea.

Tea was not cultivated in our country before the British. Their tea habit had opened one new era in India and that was tea business. Earlier, before cultivation of tea in India, tea would come from far England; but that was very expensive. So, alternative way had to think by the British who were lived in India.  But very pointing thing was that tea plantation is not possible in any place, a very special climate is required for tea plantation. Land type is also required something different; sloping land where water will not stored at the root of tea trees. Climate will be cold most of the time, etc. after Darjeeling; this place was right place for tea cultivation.

British businessmen were collect tribal groups for this tea cultivation works from Chhota Nagpur. Thus tribal groups were permanently inhabitants surrounding tea gardens with their traditional god and goddess and also their belief.

Thus the place Jalpaiguri became colorful with all such people. Various arts, cultures, customs, festivals were mixed up with the nature of this place. Not only Jalpaiguri, in all place of India we can see this type of mixing of diversity with their co-existence.

Generally, traditional dance, songs, and also other cultures are generally based on folks. There are so many different groups of people with their so many different folk cultures. One’s festivals attend by other groups and even also take part actively. This is the soul of India.

Jalpaiduri- A Passage to Natural Beauty.

Tea Garden- Jalpaiguri

Bengal has two parts, one is West Bengal and next one is North Bengal. Jalpaiguri is a commercially busiest city of North Bengal. This is situated at the Southern part of Himalaya as Tarai or plain land.  It is situated on the bank of the Teesta River and this Teesta River is second largest river in Bengal after the river Ganges. Another river Karla is also flowing within the the city. Locally this river Karla is called “Tames river of Jalpaiguri”.

Another attraction of this district is Kanchanjanga Mountain. This is a famous and third highest mountain peak in the world. It can be found very clearly in broad day light when the sky is free from clouds.

Climatically, Jalpaiguri is not pleasant the whole of  the year. The temperature in summer reach approximate 40+ degrees with tough humidity. In rainy day, huge rainfall is taken place at this district. In winter also, temperature comes down to a minimum degree.

Jalpaiguri is unique source of natural beauty. Here have Tea gardens which is called Duars’ Tea gardens. Since from the British Raj, India is one of the largest Tea producers in the world market. Here has beautiful forest with adventurous wildlife. Sceneries of this place is very amazing and most of the tourists love this place.

Jalpaiguri-this name probably come from “Jalpai” or Olive; it is myth that this place was largest producer of Olive and “Guri” is equal to land and all together it is land of Olive or Jalpaiguri. This place is an international border which connects the neighbor country Bangladesh and also Bhutan; moreover, this place connects also Assam and Darjeeling.

Most of the people of this place is migrated from various parts of the country and as well as from Bangladesh. Rajbanshi people are original inhabitants of this place. All the groups of people have their own culture and customs and a common trend is to accept to each other.
  
According to the history, Huien Tsang, the famous Chinese tourist had come there on feet via Tibet. His aim was to take lesson of Buddhism. Then this place was the part of  the Kamrupa kingdom. 

Jalpaiguri is entirely called “Duars”; Duars mean doors or passages which would use Bhutanese for their business with plain lands. Earlier this place was in the map of Bhutan and Cooch Behar. In the year 1864, British Raj was captured this place on the command of the captain Hedyet Ali. Thereafter this place was divided into two parts, the Eastern part was merged with Assam through Gowalpara and second part which called Western part of Tarai was independent. Lastly, in the year1869, one separate district was born, Jalpaiguri.

Bankura- Ranga Matir Desh

Terracotta Temple -Bankura

Bankura is one of the most important and attractive place with various tourist spots. The nick name of this district is “ Ranga Matir Desh”, Land of Red Soil. Amazing natural beauty of this place compelled us to think that the nature has dress up this district with its own hand.

This land refers as “Suhmobhumi” in the famous Indian epic “Mahabharata”. This district is unique link path between Chota Nagpur and other parts of Bengal.

As per the per-historic narration, this district is the inhabitant of various tribal groups who are the origin of India. The geographical set up of this district is consisting hilly lands and flat lands. Earlier days tribal were mostly depending upon their hunting. Thereafter, Aryans came to India and they taught these tribal groups about agriculture and cultivation. There after these tribal groups were also engaged in cultivation of land. It is also called “Rarbhum” as this was the part of a large Rarbhumi. The language of Rarbhumi is very sweet even in this present days. Thus time after time passed, the history of this district was become large to larger.

Terracotta art is found maximum in this district. According to this land is also called “Terracotta-r Desh”; the land of terracotta art. Still now so many samples are coming out under the earth by the help of Geological Survey of India.
 
 Malla rajas were first ruled this district since long time. So many arts, sculptures of Terracotta had constructed at that time. Thereafter, this district had come under the kingship of Bir Hambir. They were also ruled this district many years and after them, the kingship of the district was won under the Kashtriya rajas like Raghunat Sing. Lastly and finally it became free and formed as a district of West Bengal on and from 1881 under the British Raj. There are so many visible places in Bankura.
Bishnupur: This place is 152 km far from Kolkata and 34 km far from Bankura. This is now sub divisional headquarters of Bankura. This place is famous for its terracotta architecture, crafts and also culture. More than thousand years ago, this district was the capital of Malla dynasty. Malla dynasty was very powerful dynasty of Mallbhum but from the time of Mughal invasion their such power became to decrease.

 Bishunupur became grow as a famous cultural center of Bengal from the time of Mall Raj Bir Hambir and thereafter the trend was carry on by another Rajas like Raghunath Singh and Veer Singha. Most of the terracotta set up like temples were flourished at that time. Beside of that, Bishnupur was very famous for terracotta craft works and Baluchari Sarees which was made of pure silk and took the place in Indian mythology. Apart from these, Bishnupur rajas had given indulgence to Hindustani music ( Dalmadal), painting, etc. Bishunpur is also famous for its large number of water spots. There are more or less 16 terracotta architecture based temples of various god and goddess like Jore Baglow, Rasmancha, Madanmohan Temple, etc.

Forest- Bankura

Amazing Calcutta: Eminent Personalities of Bengal-Part-1

Statue of Rabindra Nath Tagore

Calcutta is a place where so many eminent personalities were born and became famous in their respective fields.

Rabindranath Tagore:  who doesn’t know about Rabindranath Tagore in this world? Though he was Bengali and from India; but, he was famous for his poems, Novels, lyrics and good composing of his songs and even also good painter in this world.

 I went to Rabindranath Tagore’s house at Jorasanko of North Calcutta and that is called “Thakurbadi”. This house is now state property; Indian Government has converted this house as a museum of Rabindranath. Here each and every room is telling his story. All usable items of Rabindranath are kept very carefully and neatly.

There is a guide who will help tourists by telling Rabindranath’s life history by showing all items that he would use at his time.

In childhood, Rabindranath was called”Rabi”. The journey to become Rabi to Kabiguru was not easy tusk. In 19th century he was born as 13th child of Maharshi Debendranath Tegor and his mother Sarada Devi. He didn’t go to school at his childhood as he was very much afraid of teachers’ stick. His father arranged his education at home.

Rabindranath was actually Pirali Bramin and they came from Burdwan district. Their actual surname was “Banerjee” and their estate was at Selaidaha of East Bengal, now Bangladesh. At Selaidaha and also in Calcutta, common people would call them “Thakur” and this word was converted gradually as “Tagore”.  Later on, his father changed his religion when he came to touch of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and became “Brahma”. Thus “Maharshi” was added before his name.
Rabindranath Tagore’s father was come to Calcutta to change his luck and then he started his salt business and thus he rapidly became rich.

In the year 1913, he won Noble Prize in Literature for his famous book of poems” Gitanjali”. All poems of this book were translated by Rabindranath himself. At that time he was the first Indian and also Non-English personality who won such prestigious and world famous prize. He was the founder of Viswa Bharati at Santiniketan of Bolepur. Viswa Bharati was his dream and he would think that students from every corner of this world  will come here at take  lesson of Indian Arts and Cultures and spread of these within all.

Painting of Rabindra Nath Tagore-1

Painting of Rabindra Nath Tagore-2

Rabindranath himself is a university and lots of thinks of him were to research like his life style, his poems, his novels, his paintings, his songs, etc. Once Rabindranath told that he will be survived thousands of years within his songs. This is true, generation after generation Rabindra songs have been still practicing by various singers not only of India but also from other countries. It is also noticed that, the singers of Rabindra Sangeet don’t like to sing any other form of songs.

More about Kolkata-3-Shahid Minnar (Monument)

Monument- Kolkata- With Large Ground

Recently the Chief Minister of West Bengal one of the provinces of India has declared that Sahid Minar (Monument) will be decorated by digital light. This is grate! On coming December of this year this lighting work will be completed. But due to insufficient source of energy supply, this lighting show will be conducted on special days like India’s Independent day, Republican day, etc.

The height of the Kolkata- Monument is about 157 ft.  In the year 1828, this beautiful memento was constructed.  It was made and dedicated in the name of Sir David Octerlani who was the Major General of British India Company. Major General Sir David Octerlani won a tough fight against Maratha in the year 1804 and also he won the fight against the Anglo Nepalis.

Mr. J.P.Parker was designed such a wonderful thing Monument. It is situated at the center of the city Kolkata.  The structural style of plinth of this Monument was like Egoists architectural. The pillar or column of this Monument was made by following the Syrian architectural style. The top of this Monument was made by following Turkey architectural style. To reach at the top of this Monument there are 223 stair-steps.

But this is very unfortunate that the total cost of construction of this Monument was nearly fifty lakhs of Indian money and that was forcibly collected from common people by the British Rules of India.

There is a large open ground surrounding of this Monument. There were held various meeting, gathering in earlier days and still the same have been going on. In the year 1931, the famous Bengali Poet Rabindra Nath Tagore had also arranged one meeting and had given his valuable speech addressing to that meeting and had protested strongly against the Hijli Massacre by the British Ruler of India.

Earlier this Monument was open for all and was no need of permission and the view of the entire city are just beautiful and so attracting; but in 1997, one person were jumped from the top of the Monument and died, thereafter, the entry was restricted by the State Government of Bengal. Now only those can enter inside of the Monument with the written permission. 

 In the year 1969, the last left Government was renamed of this historical Monument as “Shahd Minnar” and was dedicated to the freedom fighters of India who were died for the freedom of India.

A short Tour to Kolkata- Part-2

Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial: Victoria Memorial is situated just opposite to Rabindra Sadan. It was built within 1906-1921. This memorial was constructed and dedicated by the Indian British Ruler to the Queen of England. This is a magnificent building made of white marbles surrounding such a big garden with various trees and colorful flowers and a big pond. There is a museum hall with different sections like weapons of that time; Queen’s usable items, etc are kept for common people to see.

Mohor Kunja-Kolkata

View of  Mukta Mancha-Kolkata

 Mohor Kunja: This garden is situated beside of Victoria Memorial and just opposite to Rabindra Sadan. Earlier it was called ‘Citizen Park’. There is an open stage for performing cultural programs and dramas by any amateur/professional group. There is a artificial fountain which is the main attraction of this park; in the night, this fountain looks alive with various colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo-Ajitesh Bandyopadhyay

  

Academy of Fine Arts

Academy of Fine Arts: This is an art exhibition platform for all painters. In the year 1933, Lady Ranu Mokherjee was started such painting exhibition and then it was centered in a hall of Indian Musium. Thereafter in 1950, she selected this place and shifted such effort from Indian Musium to this present place with the patronage of West Bengal first Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy and India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jwaharlal Nehru. Then there only was shown the paintings of all painters. In 1984, the first amateur theatre festival was taken place. Thereafter, this is also the second attraction of the Academy of Fine Arts.

St. Paul’s Cathedral Church

St. Paul’s Cathedral Church: This is situated behind the Academy of Fine Arts. It was erected by the East India Company and this magnificent state-of-art was built within the year 1887. This is the third oldest church in Kolkata after Armenian and old Mission Church.

Birla Planetarium-Kolkata

Birla Planetarium (Tara Mandal):  This is also a state-of-art. This planetarium is one storied building. Its structural art is very magnificent. It was inaugurated on 2nd July 1963 by the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This type of Birla Planetarium also exists in Chennai and Hyderabad.

Statue of Indira Gandhi

Indira Uddyan: Indira Uddyan was situated just opposite footpath of Birla Planetarium. This park is situated on the side of Jawaharlal Nehru Road. This is a small park but richly decorated by flowers, small trees, etc. It is regularly maintained by the Kolkata Corporation. There is a statue of the former Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It was inaugurated on 26th January 2003 by the former Chief Minister Mr. Budhyadeb Bhattacharya.






21se July Shahid Uddyan: This Uddyan is also situated on the side of the Jwaharlal Nehru Road. This park was inaugurated by the present Chief Minister of west Bengal.

Elliot Park- Kolkata

Elliot Park: This Park is situated just opposite footpath of Tata Center Building. This park is suggested as a green piece of oxygen within the city. This park was inaugurated on 22nd November 2004 by Mr. Sujay Chakaraborty, ex-police commissioner of Calcutta Police.

A short Tour to Kolkata- Part-1

Statue of Rabindranath Tagore

Last month of this year my friends were came to me from Deheradun. They were came Kolkata with their families and two wishes, one is to see Durga Puja which is world famous and second one is Kolkata Tour. Their first wish was fulfilled.

Their second wish was to ‘Kolkata Darshan’( visit to Kolkata). Kolkata, this name is not very old, during the time of leftist Government ruling in West Bengal, especially at the time of Mr. Budhyadeb Bhattacharya as the Chief Minister of Bengal, he renamed this “City of Joy’ ‘Kolkata’. Earlier about 300 years it was known as ‘Calcutta’ for the world.  This is an old city which was established by the British Ruler as this city was their capital of their colonial country. In the year 1857, a history famous battle was fought between Shiraj-Ud-Doulla, Nawab of Bengal and British Army Chief, Lord Carzon at Palasi battle field of Murshidabad. That battle had changed the fate of India and the administrative baton was transferred from Desi Nawab to British Rulers. Thereafter, the British Rulers were won entire India gradually.

One of my friends of Kolkata has a car rental agency. I told him to arrange one big vehicle where 12/13 persons can be accommodated easily and also a driver who knows Kolkata properly. That friend of mine kept his word and arranged as per my requirement. 

We were started our Kolkata tour from Excide More. This is the junction, from where anybody can get transport for any part of the city.

Calcutta Club- Kolkata

Calcutta Club: This is the first Bengali club which was established in the year 1907 and the first president was Mr. Nriependra Narayan, the Maharaja of Cooch Bihar of North Bengal. Lord Minto, the Viceroy of British Government was the first white member of this club. The most noticeable matter is that, before 2007, only men were permitted for membership as per the constitution of the club; after 2007, which point was changed and women are allowed for membership. This is situated on A.J.C.B. Road, Kolkata-20.

Gagendra Nath Shilpa Pradarshanshala

Gagendra Nath Shilpa Pradarshanshala: This is an Art Gallery for Art Exhibitions. It is situated on A.J.C.B. Road, Kolkata-20 and opposite to Calcutta Club.

Sisir Mancha- Kolkata

Sisir Mancha: It is situated on A.J. Bose Road, Kolkata-20 and adjacent to Gagendra Nath Shilp Pradarshanshala. This is an auditorium which was dedicated to the famous Bengali Stage Actor Sirsir Kumar Bhaduri. This auditorium was inaugurated in the year 1978.

Nandan-Kolkata

Nandan: This is also an auditorium for Film and Cultural Programmes. It is situated beside of Sisir Mancha. This auditorium is sponsored by the West Bengal State Government. It was inaugurated on October 1985.

Rabindra Sadan- Kolkata

Rabindra Sadan: This is a famous auditorium for cultural and theatre center. This is situated beside of Nandan. It was inaugurate by the former Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the month of October 1967. This auditorium was dedicated in the name of the world famous Bengali poet, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.

Sundarban: A great place to visit-3

Largest Mangrove Trees- Sundarban

Our two days were passed with the villagers and their stories. Next two days we will pass in the forest and inlets area of the Sundarban. This part of our trip was very adventurous and dangerous too. Because tigers on the land and crocodiles in the water, as a whole we were covered by death, any tine anything could be happened.

Before enter into the forest, Bipul was arranged two villagers who had vast knowledge about Sundarban. They were our path-finders. According to them, we moved very carefully and very consciously, because any time tiger can attack us and then nobody will alive, tiger will not spare anybody. We followed those two villagers and watched the beauty of the forest. Birds were chirping on the banks of trees and watching us very curiously. Then we found a villager who was arranging to collect honey standing under a tree. We observed his activity how to collect honey from honeycomb. That man fired under the honeycomb and huge smoke were created which can’t tolerate by honey bees, they were fled away; in the mean time that man broken the honeycomb and put into his bucket. But during our one day forest trip, we couldn’t find the sign of tigers and we became very frustrated. We went back to nearest Bungalow; two rooms of this bungalow were already booked in our name, before went there we booked these two rooms of the bungalow. 

Next day was full moon day. We have planed our trip calculating this matter of full moon. Because of full moon Sundarban looks very pleasant and charming, moonlight was fallen in every places of Sundarban. Generally, in winter the day becomes smaller than summer day, at 6 pm, the entire area were covered by night darkness. Bipul came to us with the news that Vutvuti-boat is ready for journey. Bipul was managed one person who had vast knowledge about the inlets paths of Sundarban.

We started our journey. The entire area was bright lighted by full moon. A dreaming sequence was created at the both sides of the inlets. The Vutvuti was proceeding very slowly and we were watching both sides of Sundarban. Entire night we moved on most of the inlets and enjoyed much. That night I will never forget in my life.

Sundarban is very near to Calcutta. This is ideal for weekend trip. If anybody wants to go without package, then first take train from Sealdha South Station for Canning. From Canning will get conveyance upto Ferrighat. There is arrangement of Launch, Vutvuti, Boat, etc to go Sundarban. There is the system of taking permission from forest department and entry fees. After completing, there are two options, either stay at lodge, Village or at Bungalow. In non-package program, the entire arrangement will have to done by the concern person. That might not be the problem for local visitors; but this might be the problem for any foreigner. In that case, this is better to contact with any travel company or West Bengal Tourism Department. The will take total charges as per their package and entire tour will be conducted by them only. So there is no headache for travelers and the trip will be very comfortable.

In my next blog I will try to give more information about better tourism companies of Bengal in details.

Eagle catching fish- Sundarban

Sundarban: A great place to visit-2

Launch-Sundarban

Winter season is the right time to visit Sundarban. In winter, the temperature of Sundarban is around 10*C and in day time it raises up to 25*C-30*C. from October to February is the right time to visit Sundarban. My three other friends and I were made a plan to visit such adventurous forest trip for four days. Though two days is enough for Sundarban tour, but another two days we spent within the villagers to know about them.

We visited Sundarban many years ago, then my age was around of twenty-five and my friends were like me. Earlier tour to Sundarban was not easy, especially transportation system. Now we can book steamer from Calcutta (Kolkata) direct to Sundarban. But we took the train from Sealdah South Division Railway station for Canning Station.  From Canning I took three wheeler-Cycles Rickshaw for Ferrighat. Before starting this trip to Sundarban, we have taken necessary permission from the West Bengal State Government.
 
First two days we spent within the village. One local man helped us to get accommodation in village. In these two days we had talked with villagers who were linked with the forest. Earlier, in British period, there were no strict rules that prevent local people to enter inside the forest. That local man who helped us to get the accommodation was taken our guide for this trip. He charged a very nominal cost from us. The name of that man so far my memory is concerned was Bipul. Bipul took us a area where had no male persons, only widows and children. We had heard their stories; all stories are almost same; their husbands were honey collectors from Sundarban. It was their only earning source as they had no much land for cultivations. Generally the honey collectors are used one man mask behind their head; thus they assuming that tiger will think that the man is looking at the tiger.

Before leaving for the forest they would worship their Goddess ‘Ban Bibi’. Because they would think that Ban-Bibi will protect their lives. Most of the time it would not happen and the innocent villagers were killed by the tiger.

Women and children of the villages are engaged in fishing the kids of shrimp.  This is also another source of their earning. But get down into the water of inlets of Sundarban is also very dangerous, because of crocodiles. Any time they can attack and eat human body. Thus huge villagers are being food of crocodiles.

Within two day of our tip, we met various villagers and heard their practical stories of their life which is closely related with Sundarban. They always live with a fear that any time they can be the food of tigers and crocodiles. Still their lives are move on and on. Bipul was taken us an open concert area where the villagers were singing and dancing with full of joy. We watch their programs whole night. And in the morning we went to bed, because another two days of our trip will pass at density of forest and inlets.

Royal Bengal Tiger -Sundarban

Sundarban: A great place to visit-1

Royal Bengal Tiger-Sundarban

Sundarban means the Beautiful Forest.


Sundarban is a great attraction place of West Bengal which is one of the provinces of India. This is very adventurous place in India. This is the place of the great Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarban is famous for three things; one is Mangrove Trees, second is Sundari Trees and third is Royal Bengal Tiger.

Sundarban is an inland on Bay of Bengal which is distributed in two parts, the major part of this forest is under the Indian Territory and remaining part is in adjacent country Bangladesh. From this point of view, Royal Bengal Tigers have common corridor for two countries. They don’t need passport to move within these two countries. I am joking. Sundarban is covered by canals and these canals are connected with the estuary of Bay of Bengal that is very nearby of this forest.
Other than Royal Bengal Tiger, there is very dangerous type of crocodiles. These two types of animals are very clever in nature and both of them are man eater. Some time, tigers are use to across the canals and reach to the nearest villages for their food. Generally tigers reach at the villages with the target of domestic animals of the villagers and they do it very cleverly; but when villagers try to protect their domestic animals, then tigers attack the villagers. Crocodiles are mostly eat fishes of the canals and dead animals which thrown to the canals by the villagers. Some time, they also eat those villagers who get into the water of canals for fishing.

There are different types of dangerous animals also exist in Sundarban area. Though they are generally eat withered flash which was left by the tigers. But they are very harmful for human, as they get chance they can attack people also.

Various types of birds also exist in Sundarban. This is also another attraction of Sundarban. Apart from that, in winter season, various types of guest birds use to come here from various part of the world. They generally stay at Sundarban for two-three months and during this time they hatch and take birth of new kids of them.

The natural beauty of Sundarban is very unique especially canals part. There is a common water transport called ‘Vutvuti’. Such name comes due to the sound of such vessel and this sound comes from the engine of the vessel. It has different size, small, medium, big and the fare of this boat is also different according to the size. If anyone wants to enjoy the beauty of the both side of the inlets properly, he has to book one separate vutvuti and pass through the inlets of Sundarban. The beauties of inlets are increased to a maximum number in full moon day. We are lucky that we had got chance to visit Sundarban in a full moon day. Throughout the night we stayed in such medium vutvuti and floated in most of the inlets of canals and watched the soundless atmosphere of both sides of the Sundarban. Our experience was very amazing.

In next blog I will try to write our tour plan and other information who to conduct an adventurous tour to Sundarban. 

More About-Kolkata-New Edition: 02

Birla Planetarium

 Birla Planetarium: The shape of this planetarium is round. This one storied building. The style of structure of this planetarium is like Buddhist art of stupa. It is situated just opposite footpath of Victoria Memorial. This planetarium is largest in India and 2nd largest in world. Birla Group is one of the eminent and famous business groups of India. They have built lot of famous establishments in India such this planetarium. There are also another two planetariums in Chennai and Hyderabad.  It is called by the common people “Taramandal”. On 2nd July 1963, this planetarium was inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This is an astronomy gallery which contains huge fine paintings. The entire ceiling of the auditorium is specially designed like an umbrella which is full of stars and solar world. This is actually a big space world. The show is generally conducted within 12.00 PM to 7.00 PM and different regional language with Bengali. Huge spectators are come here from various parts of the country and as well as from various parts of the world. This is also another attraction of Kolkata.

Nandan Auditorium: This is a state Government made auditorium. This is build for the  development of film and culture of Kolkata. Many film festivals were held here since opening. In 1980, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal was laid the stone of such auditorium.
 
Rabindra Sadan: This auditorium is situated adjacent to Nadan. On 5th August 1961, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first and former Prime Mister of India was inaugurated this Rabindra Sadan. This auditorium is dedicated in the name of world famous Bengali poet and lyrist Kabiguru Rabindra Nath Tagore. This is also a state of art of Bengal.


Academy of Fine Arts: Academy of Fine Arts was earlier established in the year 1933. Earlier it was a single room within the India museum. Later on in 1950, it was shifted to present place and this was possible for Lady Ranu Mukherjee, former Chief Minister Mr. Bidhan Chandra Roy and the former Prime Minister of India Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru. It is situated on the Cathedral Road of South Kolkata. There are preserved different paintings of famous painters.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral Church: This is an island of attraction of Kolkata. this building was started by the Bishop Daniel Wilson in the year 1839 and the same was completed in the year 1847. This church is made of Gothic Revival style. One British Military engineer Major William Nairm Forbes was designed this church with the assistance of Mr. C.K. Robinson. It’s all windows is made of stained glass.

More About-Kolkata-New Edition: 01

Victoria Memorial

The name of the city- Kolkata is newly changed. Earlier the name of this city was Calcutta. It was the capital of British India. Near about 200 years, India was under the ruling of British Queen. On 15th August 1947, this country became independent.

Victoria Memorial: British Government was ruled in India in the name of Queen Victoria. Victoria Memorial was built by the Indian British ruler as the magnificent monument with the glassy white marble acquiring huge area of land. The most remarkable thing of this Memorial is that at the a revolving statue of angle with Bugle blowing. It moves automatically any of the four sides according to the wind blow. Its indicate the trend of side of wind blow.  This is the one of the attraction of this place. This Victoria Memorial is situated at the center and surrounding this monument, huge green grass covered field, gardens, big pond, etc. it can be suggested a piece of fresh breathing within the busy city. It has two parts, one is the glassy marble made Victoria Memorial Palace and next one is its beautiful gardens with pond and different types of colorful flowers. Inside of the memorial, there is a museum where various and different types mementos of British period are kept for showing to the visitors. There are so many different types of long and high trees surrounding this monument. Earlier, most of the people would come here for morning walk. Then there was no entry fee for the garden are. But now it is implemented due to control unwanted rush and keep the area of this place clean. Now the entry of common people within this area is restricted by time of entry; form garden, the time is 5.30 AM to 7.00PM and Museum entry time is 10.00AM to 6.00PM. The contact number is: +91033-2223 8109. The nearest Airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and airport is just 16 km far from the Victoria Memorial. Hotels which are nearby of this monument of Art, Grand Oberoi, Taj Bengal, these are 5 stars hotels. Other than these hotels, there are many 3 starts and ordinary hotel near this Victoria Memorial.

Elliot Park -Kolkata

Elliot Park: Elliot Park is just behind of Victoria Memorial. This is a public park. This is very beautiful place of freshness and pleasing park in the city. This park is covered by trees, decorated bushes and there is also a beautiful fountain. At the night this fountain looks very beautiful for its different color changing lighting. Here has food stalls. This place is perfect for picnic.

Musical Fountain- Mohor Kunja

Mohor Kunja Park: Earlier it was Citizen’s Park. Thereafter it’s name was change to Mohor Kunja Park. This name was kept in the honor of famous Rabindra Sangeet Singer Kanika Bandyopadhyay. It is also famous for its musical fountains and for musical open stage for singers, dramatists, etc.

Purulia- Part-07: Most Attraction-Chhau Nritya

Chhau Dance Mask

Chhau Dance is origin from Purulia district. This is one of the  old and ancient folk dance forms of India. Chhau means chhaya and chhaya means shadow or mask. This dance form is also called “Mask Dance”. This is generally male dance form. The director of this dance  is pick a dramatic part the epic Ramanaya and Mahabhrat and also from the life of local people especially to those villagers who are hero of them.
Chhau dance has three forms from three province of India. One is Purulia Chhau Dance, second one is Bihar Chhau Dance and third one is Mayurbhanj of Orissa Chhau Dance. According to the geographical situation, these three forms of Chhau Dances have some little difference. Otherwise, all are same.
There are so many groups who are engaged to thei dance form; they are Domordi-Group, Birgram-Group, Madla-Group, etc. chhau dance is mainly a Bhumij Art. Especially this dance is for festival dance. As per the Bengali calendar, the month of  Chaitra is the proper time of Sun festival and on this occasion this chhau dance is generally performed. This Sun festival is generally continue for one and half month. But the popularity of chhau dance, it is not within the limit period of Sun Festival, now this dance form is also shown in different festivals of the year.
This is can be said easily that, like other old and ancient items, this chhau dance has also passed through various odd situations which are push it before the question, is this dance form survive? But the artists who are rural villagers of the districts Medinipur, Purulia, kept  this dance form alive inspite of facing lot of struggle and obstructions. Most of the villagers of Charida of Baghmundi of Purulia district are generally engaged in makinf of mask for chhau dance. These masks are verity in numbers and all of these masks are made of clay and old news papers. The makers of such mask are very much conversant with the epic like Ramanaya and Mahabharat and als the Brigatha of the local leaders. According to the chhau dance groups, they are able to make masks for different characters of the play. But most of the plays are mythological. It is shown the defeat of evil power and win of truth.
Generally, there is no specific stage or platform to show this dance performance. In most time this dance is perform at the open place where the villagers are use to sit roundly. This chhau dance is normally is start at night and carry sometime upto the next day morning.  Mridang or durm is the vital instrument of this dance performance. Before starting such dance, the drum player is normally play drum to worship God Ganesha. Alongwith drum, dhol dhamsa are also used. Moreover, song with this dance performance is very essential and one kathak thakur who explain or narrate the episode of the mythological eipc to the audiences. One thing is also very noticeable that, the artists of chhau dance are not capable to show their mood of the character as there are mask, they fulfill this defiance through their body movement.

Purulia-06- Dances and Songs and Crafts

Natua Dance: This is an ancient dance form of this district. Natua means Nataraj which was performed by Lord Shiva. There is a mythological believe that the Nandi & Vringi the two wel known devotees of Lord Shiva were performed this kind of dance at the time of marriage of their lord with Goddess Durga. This dance is not so easy to perform; it is very acrobatic dance form with many tricks with fire are involved in this dance form.
Bhuang: this is another dance form which performed by the tribes at the time autumn. This is a emotional piece of dance which dancers are use one kind of instrument called bhuyung which has very distinct sound.
Jhumur:  Another most famous folk music of this district. The most remarkable and originality of this song is that this form does not follow any definite form. This is also very popular and significant for its lyric and literary of ancient language among the Santali, Munda, Oraon, Kharia, Jhumur songs are different for different festivals. Mdal, Flutie, drum, etc all typical instruments are played during Jhumur songs. The specialty of Jhumur is that its expresses sorrow and joy of the common people with their lifestyle, their dreams, their dissatisfactions, etc. the characteristic of such Jhumur is love and kindness for life.
Birta Dance: This is also a traditional dance of Purulia district. Generally women who are unable to give birth of child perform this kind of dance to admire their God after fulfilling their wishes. This kind of dance is only can be performed by the women. It is belief that their children are born due to the blessing of God. So they are very thankful to their God and such dance is performed to worship to God.

Picture of Fishes- Patua Art

Picture of Goddess Manasa- Patua Art

Patua Art: Patua Art means, an art which is performed on the pot.Generally the patua artists are belonging to the villages. They learn this art generation after generation, from father to son or daughter. The Patua artists are generally picked the vital portion of epic like Ramayana and Mahabharata; not only that they also consider the local theme for their Patua art. They also consider the tribal lifestyle and Birgatha (heroic life of their surroundings. They are generally try to describe the story of their theme of art. The patua artists are generally show their art at any Mela or fair to the local and gathered public and earn some money.    Sometime this art is also performed on long cloths. At the time of showing the arts they narrate the basic story of the picture on sing format. This kind of traditional art is almost disappeared as the same has not publicity and development policy adopt by the Government. Patua artists are not getting enough income showing such art publicly; so that, the next generation is not being interested very much to carry this traditional art form. Recently,  the state and as well as Central Government of India have taken some effective step to survive such traditional and ancient art form.

Purulia- Part-05=Festival & Culture

Manasa Pua: Manasa is the Goddess of Snake. It comes at the last day of Sraban month of Bengali Calendar. This time is rainy season in Bengal Calendar. Generally on 15th or 16th of the August month people worship such Goddess of Snake. It is the faith of common people mainly of villagers that admire to the Goddess Manasa will protect them from snake bite; because most of the farmers are passed their time at the cultivation field, so naturally snake bite fears are very common of them.
Chata Parab: This is a famous Santali Parab or festival. According to the custom and tradition, the representative of the Phnchakot  Royal Family strat this festival by rising one white umbrella. This festival comes every year at mid of the September and as per Bengali calendar Bhadra month. A big fair is arranged during this time and huge Santhali people are gathered here from various parts of the adjacent districts. Special type of songs and dance are being performed during this festival like Naachin, Pata, etc and such dance and songs are normally continue throughout the night.

Bhadu Festival: This is very popular festival of this district and it generally held at the mid of August and continue upto the mid of September.  This is the faith of the common people of Purulia that worshiping Bhadu Devi means childless woman will bear children. Generally folk women arrange this worship and they sing various related songs to admire Devi Bhadu.
Karam Festival: This is also very famous folk festival in Bengal especially at Purulia. This festival is generally arranged within the middle of August to September of every year. During this festival different crops with full of big dhamas are offered to the God. These dhamas’ full crops are kept for seeds for further cultivation.





Bandhana Parab: this is another remarkable festival of Purulia. Bandana Parab means worshiping festival. It celebrates during the time of autumn or specifically say in the month of October of every year. Bandana Parab is actually welcomes or worshiping of Goddess of Grains.
Tushu Festival: This is also very famous festival of Bengal. This festival is generally show the colorful lifestyle and musical ceremony of tribes. Normally this festival is held in the month of December of every year and such fair is arranges on the bank of the river. During this festival, women are generally exchange their wealth and cook eight verities of foods and lastly offer to the Tusu Goddess.
Palash Parban: This festival is comes on March of every year during the color festival Holi. The whole world knows that Holi is a famous festival of India.  Each and every corner of the country this festival of color is being celebrate every year with very pride and joy. In Purulia, it celebrates for three days and entire arrangement is made by the villagers. On the occasion of this festival various traditional dance and songs are performed by the artists of villages. Last year i.e. on 2013, this program was organized by the Edge of India Purulia Co-Operative.
Other than these eminent festivals, there are so many festivals are organized by the villagers like DurgaPuja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, Rass Mela, etc.

Purulia- Part-04=Festival & Culture

Picture of Lord Shiva

Most of the people of Purulia district are tribes. Most of them are live under the poverty line. Their monthly income is very poor that they can’t provide their minimum basic needs of the life. Even then, according to their income, they manage all of their festivals and cultures and thus they have been carrying the torch of traditional festivals and culture of Purulia.

Picture of the Fair of Shiver Gajan

Shiber Gajan: The meaning of “Gajan” is songs; so, Siber Gajan means, songs of Lord of Shiva. Between March and May is the proper time of such festival. During this period all villagers of Purulia organized this festival. This time of festival, big melas or fairs are organized in different parts of the district by various community people; they sing various songs to admire to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gaudi. On this occasion various dance forms are performed like Natua, Bhagta,Theatre, Nanchi and Chhau with the various color of songs like Jhumur, etc. most remarkable of this Siber Gajan, the Bahurupi Sang group of the village, dress up themselves like Lord Shiva and Gaudi and move village to village and collect some rupees by showing Shiva Nritya and Gajan  with the accessories like Dholak(Drum), Kanshar ( one kind of round metal item and also flute. Such Shiber Gajan and fair are generally continue for three- four days.

Disum Sendra

Disum Sendra: This is called Shikar Parab means Hunting Festival. During the month of April and May of each year, during full moon, such hunting festival is taken place at the Ayodhya Hills. Generally this festival is the symbol of adulthood. Those people who are recently reach their adulthood drink brew (brew means Mahul Juice) and move forward on their hunting adventure.
Dharma Thakurer Puja: This is a famous god of the cast like Bauri, Bagdi, Hari and Dom of the village. Every year from the middle of April to middle of May, such villagers are worship to Dharma Thakurer Puja. This kind of god is normally is a big piece of stone to whom villagers are worship as god and such god is kept under a tree and open place.
Rohini Utsav: Farmers of Purulia district are generally distinguish this Rohini Utsav. Every year in the last week of May, farmers are plant seeds and celebrate.This hope is for future corps which will comes from seeds that they have planted.
Sun Festival: Normally this festival is called Poush Parbon. This is very popular festival in Bengal. Most of the districts of Bengal are arrange this festival. Most of the farmers’ families are being delighted during this festival. On 14th January of every year this festival is celebrated by the Bengali farmers. During this festival, Bengali females of farmers families are generally arrange various Bengali sweets, coconut and milk and offer to the god. This is the worship of Sun as god. This worship season is Poush Sankranti; this is a very delighted festival.

Purulia- A decent tourist place of West Bengal, Indi Part-03.

Rice Cultivation- Purulia

Boronti: Suppose you have a dream that you will visit such a place where has a decent lake which is covered by hills and small plants, then Boronti is the ideal place for you. This place is also ideal for weekend as the same is very closest to the town. How to reach there? Very easy, take night train and reach to Adra and from there take local train to Asansol and then take Jeep or rickshaw to the spot.
Doldanga: this place is situated on the reservoir of Kansabati basin at Manbazar Panchayat Simity. This place is ideal for picnic parties. Why this place is is so attractive for tourists? Because here has huge water body, deer park, dense forest and also an island at the middle of the reservoir that has increased the beauty of the place. Moreover, the forest department of West Bengal has also built up a small house for taking rest. They generally arrange various cultural programs for entertaining tourists. Another famous tourist place is Mukutmanipur which is nearly five km distance from this place; there are available bus, private car by road or we can go there by boat also.   
Keshargarh: this place was named following the name of Maharaja Keshargarh. According to history, Maraja was fought against the aggression of British Rulers, but he failed to resist such aggression and British Ruler was looted the treasury of Purulia Treasury. The Maharaja was hanged by the British Rulers.The fort of Keshargarh is still standing in a rundown condition with other leftover periodic items which are also attraction of the tourists. One famous mela ( Fair) called “Melan Mela” is held every year on the remembrance of the death of Maharaja Keshargarh. This place is almost thrity-five km distance from Purulia Town. 
Murguma Dam: This dan is situated at the north of Begunfodar of Jhalda Block. It is fifty-five km distance from Purulia Town. The dam is on the offshoot of Kangsabati river. This is alos very nice picnic spot and weekend too. The magnificent beauty of Ayodhya Hill is clearly visible from this dam.
Murradih Irrigation Dam: It is nearly fifteen km distance from Panchyet Hill. This is a big water body which is surrounded by small hills and natural beauty. In winter season, it becomes colorful by various nice looking lowers and that time this place becomes a famous picnic spot. Huge traveling birds come here during the winter time.
Panechet Pahar( Hill): Panchet Pahar(hill) is situated at the corner of north-east of Purulia. It is the border line between two state i.e.West Bengal and Jharkhand and also close to north-west of Burdwan district of Bengal. This hill  is situated ner to Panchet dam on the river of Damodar Nad. The high of the is 2017 ft above sea level and this is the second highest hill of Pururlia. This Panchet Pahar is also famous for its density of forest. Earlier this hill was under the control of Panchakot Raj estate. The historical importance of this hill was due to as safe place to counter to enemies.The top of the hill is easy to get to by the forest road which is maintained by the forest department of Bengal. This place offers very pleasant and decent scenery of the surrounding view of dam and the forest. The tourism department of Bnegal have currently constructed dormitory and suites at the eco- tourism center at Baghmara of panchet hill. The booking of such accommodations are available from the tourism’s Kolkata office at Raja Subodh Mallick Square. This hill is very nearest of Purulia town and also very close to Adra junction and Barakar Rail station.

Purulia- A decent tourist place of West Bengal, Indi Part-02.

Lotus of Purulia

Purulia Town- Purulia Town is one of the famous towns of West Bengal. This town is the head quarter of this district. This twon is well connected with various rails and roads.
Saheb Bandh- this is very nice and beautiful lake covering nearly 50 acres of land.at the mid of 19th Century, this lake was built. Colonel Tikley was started his work of digging this lake in the year 1843 and it took nearly five-six year to be completed. This lake is heaven for all kind of birds especially migrated birds who generally comes from Baluchistan, Siberia and other various parts of the world. During the winter season, these migrated birds comes to India and stay through the entire season.
Cheliama- is one of the famous tourist posts of Purulia district. This place is very attractive or we may call heaven for historians and also archeologists, because here has lots of potentiality of 17 AD’s civilization. Lots of terracotta works of the ancient time are found here. Apart of these items, here has a temple of Radha-Govinda which is also most attraction of tourists of the entire world.
Deulghat- this is a Bengali word; the meaning of this word is Land of Temples. Here has nearly 15 temples and this place is situated near Krishna River. There are many reasons which have made this place very attractive as tourist spot and one of these reasons is coupled with graceful carvings. Though the ancient arts and sculptures of these temples are almost destroyed by the storm of time; yet this place is same attractive like before.
Ayodhya Pahar (Hill)- this is another attraction of Purulia. This hill is located at the South-West of Purulia. It is nearly 42 km distance from the Purulia town.This hill is very much attractive for the tourists for its fresh water spring and water course. This hill is nearly 700mtr high. This is the perfect place to practice of mountaineering and rock climbing. This place has  beautiful nature and mythological  value.
Para- this is village and tourist spot which reminds us about the arrival of Muslims to the Eastern India. There are two types of duels, one is contemporary of Deulghat and other one is latter period. These two types proved their excellent of the impressive architecture and file craving works era after era. Such heritage buildings bounds to come tourists here.
Khairabera: This is a dam which is generally used for irrigation purpose. This dam is situated at Baghmundi. It is covered by hills and forest. This is also an attraction of Purulia. It’s beauty and pleasant atmosphere always attracts tourists.
Duarsini: This place is surrounded by small hills, forests and also  watercourses of various rivers. The beauty and charming of this place brings huge tourists. This is actually situated within the block of Burdwan. The forest department of this place has constructed three different types of racial cottages with double bed accommodation for tourists’ purpose.

Purulia- A decent tourist place of West Bengal, India: Part-01

SUNRISE- PURULIA DISTRICT

Purulia is one of the districts of West Bengal which is one of the provinces of India. There are so having many places which are really most attractive tourist spots.
This is my always try to discover India and its provinces in form through my eyes. India is a most famous and finest country of the world. Thus entire world has curiosity about India specially tourists of the world.
I have an aim to open this blog site and that is encouraged to all tourists of the world. I want to spread a message to all tourists of the world about India as well as of its provinces.
I think and believe that before to start to visit any place, we have to do good home work; we have gathered a lot of information about the place where we have planned to visit. This home work is to know little about the pre-history, post-history and how it becomes a travel place, etc.
From the point of pre-ancient history, Purulia was very important place in India. Then the time was 5th century AD, according to the Jain Bhgawati Sutra, this place was one of 16th Mahajanapad. This place was also known as one of the part of Braja-Bhumi. Thereafter Purulia was the part of Jharkhand district and lastly it was added in West Bengal Map. Before taking the Dewani by British India Company, this Purrulia was very little known by the people.
India was under the ruled by the British Government for nearly 200 years. In the year of 1805, a Jungle Mahal district was formed by the earlier British Government of India with 23 Parganas including Purulia. Thereafter this district was came under the Manbhum District including Birbhum, Bardwan. 
After 1956, lastly the Manbhum district was broken and partitioned between West Bengal and Bihar; thus the Purulia district was born as independent district of West Bengal in 1st November 1956.
The Approximate are of this district is 6259 sq.km. the nearest districts are Burdwan, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur and also the state Jharkhand, Madhyapradesh, Odissa.  This is one of the tropical locations of India. In summer, the temperature of this district is closest to 52 degree and in winter such degree comes down to 3.8 degree. The rainfall of this district is not much. In monsoon, the humidity of this place is remain 75 to 85%, but in winter it comes down 25 to 35% approx.
The most visited places of this district are, Forests, Flora & Fauna, Ajodhya Hills, Matha, Murguma Dam & Kuilapal Forest, Jaychandi Pahar, Panchakote Raj, Duarsini Hills, etc. here I would like to inform that Tourism is one of most source of income of this district. Due to taught weather and soil, the agriculture of Purulia district is backward in comparison of other districts of West Bengal. The main agriculture products of this district are Silk & Lac (gum).
Kangsabati, Kumari, Silabati, Dwarakeswar, Subarnarekha and Dmodar are important rivers which flow across this district. There are so many dams like Murguma, Pardi, Burda, Gopalpur. The storage water of these dams are generally use for irrigation purpose of this district. Another dam is Saheb Bandh, this is famous and trendy dam for water bodies of this district. This dam is located at the heart of the town of this district. This dam is a big shelter of travelling birds which comes from various parts of the country like Bangladesh, Burma, Pakistan, and Baluchistan at the time of winter season like December to March.

West Medinipur- Tribal Communities-2

Munda Tribal Festival Dance

Munda Tribal Group-These kind of tribal communities is Non-Aryan and are the original inhabitants of ancient India. According to history, their origin was from Jharkhand and thereafter they were spared in various parts of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and also other parts of the country.

The Munda tribal community had great contributions to India's independence.At the time of India's freedom movement, entire Munda tribal group were involved indirectly in such freedom movement and some of them were took direct part in freedom movement;Birsa Munda was one of them. In Munda tribal groups, Birsa Munda is a respected name as they worship him as their god. In 1900 Birsa Mundas had died in Ranchi Jain suspiciously; then his was nearly 25 years. He had dedicated his life for India's independence. His dedication is still acknowledged with honor not only by the Munda people but also by the Government of India.

Munda Women Wearing Colorful Dresses

Munda group has their own religion called Singbonga; Singobonga means Sun God. They fully rely and believe that Singbonga is the supreme power and such Singbonga is always protecting them from all evils' power and also give punishment of their sins. After established of British rule for India, most of the Christian Missionaries were come to India and they mostly started their work to do well for common people and converted mostly poor people and tribal class to Christianity; thus the major portion of the Munda group is to christens.

The cultural side of this tribal group is very strong. They have their own dance form and songs by which they can be identify separately. The Nupur dance is one most popular form of dance of them; they wear Nupur in their ankles and dance in various festivals of joy.

The work culture of this tribal group is also similar like Santali tribal group . It is the fact that the occupational life of the tribal communities is majorly depending upon the forest. Since from the ancient time, tribal communities' lives was nature dependent. Since from the ancient time they are collecting woods from the forest and selling those woods in the local market and earn money which leads their families. As the time passed, their work culture is changed like earth cutting, labor works at various construction sites, and also land cultivations.

Earlier they had no enough knowledge of cultivation as their food habit was very peculiar; they are generally animal flesh eaters; as per their need they would go forest and haunt animal and arrange their food. Thereafter, in the long run, government preserved forests and separated them from their nature-life and rehabilitated them in other places with some cultivation lands with knowhow of cultivation.

The society of Munda community has their own identical arrangement; there has sub-group of Munda tribe community and the name of those sub-groups is Patar, Mahali, Kampat etc. among those sub-groups, some subjects are common; Gotiora- is common in every Munda village, where the traditional cultural songs, dance and also music are practiced by the young Mundas under the guidance of experienced seniors. Another common thing is Panchayat heading of a surpanch or group of surpanch who controlled the entire society and every villager is bound to obey the decision of the Panchyat. Another common thing is Akhra ; this kind of Akhra is the place of entertainment of Munda tribes. All festivals of the Munda tribes are celebrated together. 

West Medinipur-Tribal Communities-1

View of Santali Traditional Dance

One of the main characteristics of the West Medinipur district is that this district has a major portion of tribal inhabitants. This tribal communities are divided between various names;

Santali-This tribal class is most popular in Bengal and also in India.This tribal group is generally lives at the north and western part of this district which is mostly hilly area.This tribal group was first find-out by Walter Hamilton in 1820.There is different opinion about the name of this tribal;some opinion which is very near to believe is that this name had come from smanta or may be saont; because this place was known as samanatbhum. It was also the opinion that this tribal class belongs to this region.

View of Santali Festival Dance

Historically, it can be said that Santali group was mostly found in Jhargram and nearest parts of the Medinipur district. Forest is closely attached to their daily life; they collect Sal-tree- leaf from for nearest forest for making plates which are mostly used for different ceremonies of our Bengali people, they do agricultural works surrounding the plain area of the forest and now most of them come to town area and do digging of earth work for the foundation of buildings, well, etc., for their such digging works, they use to call in local name Mita.

Santali Women-Welcome Mood

After discovered them, the American Baptist Foreign Mission had especially taken care to improve their lifestyle and tried to bring them in mainstream of development of the society. But the main mission of that mission was to convert them to their religion; in spite of this, the mission had tried to give them proper education. On the inspiration to this Christian mission, namely, Rev. J Philips, Rev. G Kennan and also Rev. L.C. Kitchen had struggled much to know the origin of this tribal group and as per his strong effort, the entire world came to know about Santali language,Olchiki.This is the mother language of Santal.

Rev Philip had first time published Santali songs and poems in Bengali language in the year nearly 1845. He first took initiative to start school for them at Jaleswar. Rev Philips had done huge research on Santali Language and wrote most famous two books; Santali Bhasa Siksha in 1850 and another book Santali Language in the year 1852 where he included grammar and more than 5000 words of the Santali language. This is great work undoubtedly and he deserved thanks from this group of the tribe.

This tribal group had strong participation in India's freedom movement. Some eminent personalities of this tribe had directly involved in India's freedom movement and they were fully inspired the non-cooperation movement towards Mahatma Gandhi and controlled common Santali people for not paying taxes and revenues to the colonial British rulers. In the long run they got direct involvement in confrontation with colonial British rulers.
Santali has their own songs and dance form for their different occasions and festivals which give them separate identity in the world.