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.