Overview
Purba Bardhaman (also spelt Purba Barddhaman, meaning "East Burdwan") is a district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It was formed on 7 April 2017, when the erstwhile Bardhaman district was bifurcated into two separate districts: Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman. The district headquarters is located at Bardhaman (Burdwan) town, which also serves as the divisional headquarters of the Burdwan Division.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | West Bengal |
| Division | Burdwan Division |
| Headquarters | Bardhaman (Burdwan) |
| Formed | 7 April 2017 |
| Formed from | Bardhaman district (bifurcation) |
| Sister district | Paschim Bardhaman |
| Official language | Bengali |
Geography
Purba Bardhaman lies in the central-southern part of West Bengal, in the lower Gangetic plain. The district is largely flat alluvial land drained by the Damodar, Bhagirathi, Ajay and Khari rivers, making it one of the most fertile agricultural belts in the state. It is bounded by Birbhum and Murshidabad districts to the north, Nadia to the east, Hooghly to the south, and Paschim Bardhaman and Bankura to the west.
Administration
The district is part of the Burdwan Division and is administered by a District Magistrate. It is divided into subdivisions including Bardhaman Sadar (North), Bardhaman Sadar (South), Kalna and Katwa, which are further organised into community development blocks, municipalities and gram panchayats.
Major towns
- Bardhaman (Burdwan) – district headquarters
- Kalna (Ambika Kalna)
- Katwa
- Memari
- Dainhat
- Guskara
Background and history
The region historically formed the core of the old Bardhaman (Burdwan) district, which was associated with the Burdwan Raj, a prominent zamindari estate during the Mughal and British periods. The Maharajas of Burdwan were major landholders and patrons of education and architecture in the area. After Indian independence, Bardhaman continued as a single large district until administrative considerations led to its bifurcation.
Formation in 2017
On 7 April 2017, the Government of West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee split the undivided Bardhaman district into two: the predominantly agrarian eastern portion became Purba Bardhaman, while the industrial and mining belt around Asansol and Durgapur became Paschim Bardhaman. The bifurcation was intended to improve administrative efficiency given the contrasting economies of the two zones.
Economy
Purba Bardhaman is widely known as the "rice bowl of West Bengal", being one of the largest paddy-producing districts in the state. Agriculture dominates the economy, with rice, potato, mustard, sugarcane and vegetables as the main crops. Agro-processing, rice milling and small-scale manufacturing are important secondary activities. Bardhaman town is also a major commercial, educational and transport hub for central West Bengal.
Transport
The district is well connected by the Howrah–Delhi main railway line and the Howrah–Bardhaman chord and main lines of the Eastern Railway, with Bardhaman Junction being one of the busiest stations in eastern India. National Highway 19 (the old Grand Trunk Road / NH 2) passes through the district, linking it with Kolkata and Asansol.
Culture and notable places
- Bardhaman town – sites associated with the Burdwan Raj, including the 108 Shiva Temples at Nawabhat and the Curzon Gate (Bijoy Toran).
- Kalna – known for the Rajbari temple complex featuring the 108 Shiva Temples built by the Maharajas of Burdwan, and several terracotta temples.
- Katwa – associated with the life of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is said to have taken sannyasa here.
Education
Bardhaman town hosts the University of Burdwan, established in 1960, which is one of the major state universities of West Bengal. The district also has numerous government and private colleges, medical college and hospital facilities, and a network of schools affiliated to state and central boards.
Demographics
Bengali is the principal language and the most widely spoken mother tongue. The population is predominantly Hindu, with a significant Muslim minority, alongside smaller communities. Santhali and other tribal languages are also spoken in pockets, particularly in areas adjoining Birbhum and Bankura.
Related topics
- West Bengal
- Bardhaman
- Paschim Bardhaman district
- Burdwan Division
- University of Burdwan
- Kalna
- Katwa
- Districts of West Bengal
References
- Wikidata: Q29257278
- Government of West Bengal – notification on the formation of Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman districts (2017).