Introduction
It goes without saying that West Bengal’s name stands at the top among all the Indian states in terms of historical importance. The province of Bengal is one of the cradles in the history of India. If we look back at history, it can be seen that Bengal is the witness to the revolutionary events that happened in India at different periods of time. As people of many religions, colours and languages live in West Bengal, it has a history of having rich culture and tradition.
Bengal was reigned by different rulers of different ages and several cities were formed by them in this province. I am going to write about five such historical places which even today remind us of the glorious history of Bengal.
Kolkata
The rich history of Kolkata is not unknown to anyone. Kolkata was the capital of the British in colonised India. Every corner of this city has a touch of history. Starting from Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Shahid Minar, Marble Palace, Jorasanko Tagore House, Writers Building and many other architectures are in the heart of the city. A touch of antiquity remains in many residential houses in North Kolkata, which continue to carry the age-old tradition of Kallolini Tilottama even today.
Murshidabad
Source: Dreamstime
Much history is associated with Murshidabad, the last capital of Independent Bengal. The place is named after Nawa Murshid Quli Khan, Dewan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. This place witnessed the historic Battle of Palashi fought in 1757 between Sirajuddaula, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and Lord Clive. The best attraction in Murshidabad is Hazarduari Palace. This palace was built in 1837 during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Khan.
The palace is named Hazarduari as it has a total of 1000 doors, out of which 900 are real doors and the remaining 100 are fake doors. Today this palace has been converted into a museum to preserve the memories of ancient Murshidabad. Besides, there are many historical architectures including Khosabagh, Bara Imambara, Katra Mosque, Motijheel, Nashipur palace, Kathgola Baganbari, and Kasimbazar Rajbari, which still present to us the picture of the lifestyles of the Mughals.
Chandannagar
Source: TripAdvisor
Chandannagar, a slum in the Hooghly district, has carved a niche for itself as a prominent historical site in West Bengal thanks to its colonial past. Chandannagar was the first city under the rule of Nawabs of Bengal which later became a French colony. After the arrival of the British, the throne of Chandannagar was transferred several times between the French and the British and eventually became a part of West Bengal after the independence of India. We often find mention of the famous underworld here in many Bengali works of literature. The house is so named because a part of it is submerged in the river Hooghly. Other points of interest here include Chandannagar Museum, Sacred Heart Church, Nanddulal Temple and Chandannagar Strand.
Krishnanagar
Source: TripAdvisor
Krishnanagar means the amalgamation of tradition and culture. The smell of sarvaja and sarpuria will make you crazy if you walk around the allies of this city. Also, the history of the Rajbari here is no less traditional. King Krishnachandra Roy of this place used to perform family Durga Puja in a grand ceremony. He was the first to popularize the festival of Durgotsava, which later came to be known as universal puja. The common name of Durga of Rajbari is Rajarajeshwari. Here Maa Durga I dressed in battle garb. Later Maharaja Krishnachandra is said to have had a dream and started the Jagaddhatri Puja, which is world-famous. Krishnanagar clay dolls are also famous all over India. Many people from the country come in search of clay dolls in the Pupulpatti of Whirri.
Santiniketan
Source: West Bengal Tourism
Culturally interested travellers will love Santiniketan of Bolpur. About 152km north of Kolkata, in Birbhum district, is the town of Santiniketan. Here is the home of Baul singers. Baul singers are not tied to any conventional religion or music style. They are travelling mystics who go from place to place chanting their mystical hymns.
Santiniketan is also famous for the great university of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Visva-Bharati where many students come each year to study in a culturally and naturally enriched place. Santiniketan is now among the best heritage sites with Sinha Sadan, Kopai River, Upasana Griha, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sonajhuri Forest and Sriniketan. Every year here held Poush Mela in the month of December and then there you can find tons of tourists in this beautiful town of India.
Written by-Joy Gure
Edited by - Kritika Sharma
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