The crown jewel of Malda is undoubtedly the deliciously sweet Laxman Bhog mango. Often considered to be a rival of the famed Alphonso, the smooth and juicy Laxman Bhog simply melts in your mouth! Malda is already known for its native mangoes like Gopal Bhog, Brindaban, Langra, Khirsapati (Himsagar), Kishan Bhog, Kalapahar, Bombai, Fazli and Aswini. Mango orchards are found along the bank... Continue Reading →
One of the most sinfully sweet and flavoursome mangoes of Malda is the famous Himsagar. Locally known as Khirsapati, this native mango thrives in the district of Malda especially along the banks of the Mahanadi and Kalindi rivers where, the entire stretch is dotted with old and new orchards appearing as an unbroken expanse of... Continue Reading →
An exquisite 19th century terracotta temple commonly known as the ‘temple in the bazaar’ holds its own in the busy marketplace of Hath-tala (Hathtala) in Illambazaar. This temple draws the interest of visitors from across states for its unusual octagonal shape and stunning terracotta carvings. Hath-tala Gauranga Mahaprabhu Temple is one of the many temples... Continue Reading →
The charming village of Ghurisha, once an important seat of Sanskrit and literature is dotted with many fine examples of terracotta temples built in the traditional Bengali style of chala and ratna. The temples of Ghurisha and surrounding villages have been documented at length by Mukul Dey of Shantiniketan and David McCutchion. One of the most interesting... Continue Reading →
The Durga Temple in the quaint village of Bali Deewanganj (widely believed to be two villages – Bali and Deewanganj) is one of a kind temple harmoniously incorporating two distinctive styles of Bengali temple architecture namely the chala (hut type roof) and the ratna (pinnacle). This temple has captured the interest of architects, historians and heritage enthusiasts for two reasons... Continue Reading →
Undivided Bengal, often considered to be the richest province in Akhanda Bharat thrived under the patronage of the invaders namely the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and the British. This province gradually imbibed the culture, language and religious norms of the invaders. Though the Mughals were less than pleased with Hindus and Hindu kings and went out of... Continue Reading →
Archaeological excavations conducted in 1962 at Pandu Rajar Dhibi in Ausgram II block in the Sadar North subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal unearthed earthen pots using a mix of rice husk in the main mound. Based on scientific tests, archaeologists concluded that the ancient civilization that dates back to 2000 BCE... Continue Reading →
One of the most curious brick temples built in Bengal is the famous Ichhai Ghosher Deul located on the bank of the Ajay River at a little distance from Durgapur. This centuries-old brick temple is built in the rekha deul style of architecture that is more typical of Odisha than Bengal. There is little or no... Continue Reading →
The historically important Malda district is famous for its jute, mulberry plantations and wide range of mangoes. Some of the most exotic and delicious mangoes of India like Laxman Bhog, Khirsapati (Himsagar), Aswini and of course Fazli thrive in this stretch of land that runs along the banks of the Mahananda and Kalindi rivers. ... Continue Reading →
One of the lesser-known and earliest examples of the char chala style of architecture is the centuries-old brick temple at Palpara. Though there is not much information about the date of construction, this temple is deemed to have been built in the 17th century. Locals and historians differ over the builder of this temple with the former... Continue Reading →
The centuries-old Char Bangla Mandiralaya at Baranagar is one of the most picturesque and interesting temple complexes built in Bengal. Located on the bank of the Bhagirathi River, this temple is a short boat ride upstream from Azimganj Sadarghat on the opposite bank. This temple is one of many built by the affluent philanthropist, Rani Bhabani... Continue Reading →
Sonamukhi, located in Bankura district is home to some of the most exquisite terracotta temples built in Bengal that are widely considered to be far superior to those seen in nearby Bishnupur. Sonamukhi derives it names from the powerful local deity Swarnamukhi Devi with Swarna meaning gold and mukhi meaning face and literally means gold face or golden face.... Continue Reading →
The quaint village of Sukharia located on the busy Somrabazar railway line in Hooghly district has some of the finest terracotta temples and old mansions that you will find in Bengal. Somrabazar has historically been the home of some of the oldest Zamindar families whose wealth, grandeur and affluence has had a significant influence on the culture... Continue Reading →
Chandrakona like nearby Bishnupur and Ambika Kalna is often referred to as the ‘city of temples’. This city grew in eminence during the reign of the Hindu Malla kings of Bishnupur whose architectural ingenuity in using the locally available terracotta to build their stupendous temples was adopted by successive rulers. It would appear that at... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Ambowa now known as Ambika Kalna located on the west bank of the Bhagirathi River in Purba Bardhaman district has some of the most unique and beautiful temples built in the various styles of architecture typical to Bengal. Chala, rekha, ratna, mancha and plain roofed temples are scattered across Kalna built by the various dynasties who... Continue Reading →
An interesting fort complex built during the glory days of Bengal relegated to obscurity is the Kurumbera Fort which is at a little distance from Kharagpur. Kurumbera Fort which derives its name from kurum which means stone and bera which means fence and collectively means an area fenced by stone in the local language is located in the historically... Continue Reading →
One of the most exquisite weaves in cotton and silk is found in the Bengal heartland of Shantipur - Phulia. Called as Shantipuri, this centuries-old tant (traditional Bengali saree) derives its name from Shantipur in Nadia district. The ancient handloom industry in Shantipur has been mentioned in manuscripts glorifying the life of Advaita Acharya as... Continue Reading →
The historically important village of Karnagarh in Medinipur district which was once the seat of the Midnapore royal family is most famous for its Chuar Bidroha, a rebellion led by Rani Shiromani, who is called as the Rani Laxmibai of Medinipur against the highly exploitative land revenue policy of the British in 1798. The British were... Continue Reading →
One of the most beloved traditional handloom sarees of West Bengal is Dhaniakhali saree deriving its name from the place Dhaniakhali in Chinsurah subdivision in Hooghly district. Hooghly district is home to some of the oldest cottage industries like silk and cotton handloom weaving, brass and bell metal manufacturing, oil pressing, village tanning and others.... Continue Reading →
Medinipur or Midnapore, considered to be one of the largest districts of West Bengal after independence is rich with ancient history, archaeological sites, culture and heritage that is deeply influenced by the royal families. It is home to some of the oldest crafts that date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. One among them is... Continue Reading →
The quaint village of Mahisbathan in Kushmandi district in the heritage belt of Dakshin Dinajpur is famous for its unique wooden masks. The origin of this craft of mask making is unknown but the stylization, designs and motifs of the masks suggests a deep connection to their religious beliefs. These masks are an intrinsic part... Continue Reading →
Dinajpur district in West Bengal is renowned for its indigenous rice diversity finding mention in many important scriptural texts dating back to 1100 CE One of the oldest native varieties found here is Tulaipanji or Tulai that has been cultivated for centuries with traditional methods. Folk songs glorifying this scented rice, its cultivation practices and... Continue Reading →
One of the finest terracotta temples that has stood the test of time is the Lakshmi Janardhana temple in Debipur village in Burdwan district in West Bengal built around 1844 CE by Narottam Singha, a Zamindar of Debipur. A gigantic arched ornate doorway frames the impressive shikhara and the spectacular terracotta relief work that is... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Joynagar-Majilpur derives its name from the local goddess and presiding deity, Ma Joychandi and over time, came to be called Joychandinagar and then Joynagar. Joyangar is popularly known as 'the cradle of moa', a unique winter sweet that is placed in high esteem by Bengalis. It is said that the... Continue Reading →
sahasa.in 