West Bengal (PART-XVI)
One of the oldest districts of West Bengal and the ancient
Sanskrit learning centre, Nadia is an important part of the religious and cultural
history of the state. The traditional city of Krishnanaagar is the headquarters
of Nadia District. Apart from tourism, agriculture is another main source of
revenue for the district. Ancient temples, mosques historic forts and
magnificent handcrafts make Nadia District a great tourist destination. Nadia
has gained as a tourist destination from the advent of Bhakti movement and Sri
Chaitanya.
The geographical boundary of Nadia district comprises
Bangladesh in the East,Bardhaman and Hugli district on the
West,Murshidabad district on the North and North West and North 24 Parganas
towards South and South East. Situated on the main rail route connecting
Howrah/Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri(NJP) including parts of North Eastern states,
the Nadia district can easily be accessed by rail. The major railway stations
are Nabadwip Dham,Ranaghat and others with regular trains to
Kolkata/Howrah/NJP/Guwahati. The proposed International Rail Link connecting
India and Bangladesh will pass through Nadia District with Gende as the last
railway station at Indian Border. Bifurcated by National Highway-34 on the
North and East, the district can also be accessed by road from other parts of
the country.
Places to visit:
Nabadwip
 |
| Sri Chaitanya Gouriya Math |
Nabadwip lies on the western side of
the river Bhagirathi at a distance of about 20 K.M. from Krishnagar and it is
associated with birth of Lord Sri. Chaitanya and the advent of the
Vaishnab religion in Bengal. Sri. Chaitanya was not only a religious leader
preaching Vaishnab ideas and Bhakti cult but also a social reformer in the 16th
Century. Nabadwip was the capital of Lakshman Sena, the famous ruler of Sena
dynasty, who ruled from 1179 to 1203. There are a number of temples and
pilgrimage centres. Dwadas Shib Mandir built in 1835 with the exquisite floral
designs attracts a large number of pilgrims. The images and idols of Lord Sri.
Chaitanaya in a few other places are also regarded with reverence.
Mayapur
 |
| The ISKCON Temple |
Mayapur
is situated on the opposite of Nabadwip across the river Bhagirathi. Some
Schools of thought claim this place to be the actual birth place of Lord Sri
Chaitanya
The ISKCON temple of A.C.Bhaktivedanta, the Saraswat Adwaita
Math and the Chaitanya Gaudiya Math are the important temples at Mayapur.
During Holi (DOL) festival Rashyatra Mayapur presents itself as a center of
harmony, amity, fraternity and festivity.
Shantipur
 |
| In the land of Looms |
Shantipur had been a seat of Sanskrit learning and
literature, Vedic texts and scriptures since ninth century. It is located in
the Ranaghat Sub-division of the district and is about 18 K.M. away from
Krishnagar. The Topkhana Mosque was built by Fauzder Gazi Mohammad Yaar Khan in
1703 – 1704 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This mosque consists
of a big dome and eight minars.
The Shayam
Chand Temple built in traditional "Aatchala" manner, the Jaleswar
Temple with its exquisite terracotta designs and the Adwaita Prabhu Temple are
the noteworthy temples of Shantipur. The weavers of Shantipur have made
themselves famous throughout India by their professional aptitude in making
"Tant Saree". Fulia a township very close to Shantipur, is the birth
place of Poet Krittibas, composer of Bangla Ramayan.
Palashi is a place of great
historical interest. It is situated at a distance of about 50 K.M. from
Krishnanagar. The famous Battle of Plassey was fought here on 23rd
June, 1757 between the last independent ruler of Bengal, Nawab Siraj Ud-Daula
(1756-1757) and the British forces under the command of Lord Clive.
This battle marked the advent of the
British rule in the erstwhile Bengal and in India as a whole. A memorial stone
to mark the victory of the British was erected here in 1883. The structure
which stands even today was built at a later period of Lord Curzon.
Krishnanagar
 |
The gate of the Palace
|
Krishnanagar is the district
headquarters situated on the bank of river Jalangi. Krishnanagar is named after
Raja Krishna Chandra Rai (1728 – 1782). The Rajbari built here during the reign
of Raja Krishna Chandra Rai is a prominent place of tourist attraction though the
remnants of the past glory have been eroded and only a dilapidated
structure of the exquisite places with carving on its inner walls exists today.
 |
| Clay models of Ghurni |
Krishnanagar was the birth place of
the noted Poet, Composer and Playwright Shri. Dwijendra Lal Roy (1863 – 1913)
whose contribution to Bengali Literature needs no mention. The Christian
Missionaries attached much importance to Krishnanagar. The Protestant Church
was built here during 1840s . The Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1898.
The origin of famous clay models of Krishnanagar is Ghurni. The clay model
artists of Ghurni have won international repute and fame for their excellence
in clay modelling.
A forest covering about 67 Hectares
is located at Bethuadahari which is situated at a distance of about 22 K.M.
from Krishnanagar. This forest is actually an extended Deer Park. The forest
was established in 1980 to preserve the bio-diversity of the central
Gangetic alluvial zone. A census of 1998 reveals a population of 295 deer in
this forest and other wild life includes Python, Jungle Cat, Porcupine, Monitor
Lizard, Snake and a variety of birds (around 50 species).
Ballal Dhipi is located near
Bamanpukur Bazar on way to Mayapur at a distance of about 25 K.M. from
Krishnanagar. The excavation work was started here by the Archaeological Survey
of India in the early 1980s, It revealed a unique structural complex covering
nearly 13,000 Sq. meters. Centering around a mound (Dhipi) having a height of 9
metres.
This complex identifies itself with
the Vikramsila Vihar. Experts say that this side of Stupa (Vihar) of eighth /
ninth century was perhaps a seat of learning and pilgrimage up to the eleventh
century.
Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?q
