West Bengal (PART-XIV)
Purulia (1)
Jaina Bhagavati-Sutra of circa 5th
century A.D. mentions that Purulia was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas and was a
part of the country known as Vajra-bhumi in ancient times. However, little is
known about Purulia before the East-India Company obtained the 'Diwani' of
Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa in 1765.
Purulia is the westernmost district of West Bengal with
all-India significance because of its tropical location, its shape as well as
function like a funnel. It funnels not only the tropical monsoon current from
the Bay to the subtropical parts of north-west India, but also acts as a
gateway between the developed industrial belts of West Bengal and the
hinterlands in Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarpradesh. For its
convenient location, this place has acquired an important place in the tourist
map in India.
Purulia is a land of natural beauty. The lush green
landscape, verdant hills and dense forests make it a perfect tourist
destination that gives a rustic ambience and peaceful surroundings to weary
city dwellers. This western most district of the state of West Bengal is part
of the Chotonagpur plateau which unravels her untapped mystery and wondrous
beauty. The landscape is rocky and undulating. The tourism of Purulia centers
round its hills, forests as well as its archeological excavations and the
relics of ancient buildings and temples. Tribal ethos enriches the mystic charm
and natural beauty of this land of red soil and red blooms of Palash.
Nearly one million people living in Purulia district belong
to scheduled tribes and castes. While Santhals are the largest tribal group,
other tribes are Kurmi, Munda, Kheria-Shabar, Ho, Birharh etc. Some of the
tribes like Birharh, Mal or Bedia are quite primitive and lead a nomadic
lifestyle. Many tribes still retain their distinct identities in their
traditional culture and religious practices. These comprise their various
customs, festival, languages, performing arts etc.
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| Chau Dance |
The tribal communities from
different religions, culture and races have given a shape to the human diversity
of Purulia. This diversity has been reflected in the art and culture of this
region too; and it concentrates on the traditional folk dance ‘Chau’, popular
among Santhals, Kumars, Mahatos, Kalindis and Sahish communities. The rare mask
dance of ‘Chau’ represents the essentially local culture. The use of beautiful
masks and the exclusive style of dance, make-up and colorful costumes have made
this dance popular all over the world. Many consider this form to be a kind of
martial art because of the physical strength and agility involved in dancing.
The Chau dance is an inseparable part of the rituals and the festivities of
Purulia. Earlier the productions were primarily based on mythological stories
from Ramayana, Puranas etc but presently contemporary issues like Santhal
revolt, Kargil war etc are used as themes for the shows.
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| Chau Mask |
Masks of Charida village (Bagmundi Block) of Purulia used in Chau dance are
internationally famous. About 250 artisans of Charida are involved in this
craft. A full sized decorated mask costs around Rs 3000-Rs 3500. These are not
only used for Chau dance but also for decoration and are popular worldwide as
collectibles.
Jhumur songs and dance are popular among artisan communities
like Kurmi, Kumhaar, Rajwar, Ghatoal, Hari, Muchi, Dom etc and tribals like
Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Kharia, Birharh tribes. Jhumur is known for its lyrical
and literary significance because of the use of ancient language. Different
Jhumur songs are sung at different times of the year. As for example Chaitali
is sung in the month of Chiatra (spring), Bhaduria is sung in the month of
Bhadra.
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| Pata Dance with Jhumur Song |
Pata ("Pankti" or line) Naach is a popular dance
form of Purulia. This dance is traditionally held during the month of Bhadra
(end of monsoon) accompanied by Bhaduria Jhumur songs. The dancers perform this
dance in a line. The village women dance with their arms entwined. The men
accompany them with dhamsa, madal, flute etc.
Apart from Chau, Jhumur, and Pata, Bhuang Naach, Kathi Naach, Ghora Naach,
Dansai and Machhani are also other popular dance forms of Purulia.
Places to visit:
Ayodhya Hill
The Ayodhya
Hill is 700 m high and is a perfect destination to practice
mountaineering and rock climbing. With legends of Ram and Sita intertwined in
the region, Ayodhya Hill is known for pristine fresh water springs and streams.
There are numerous small hills in the area, especially Gorgaburu (900 m),
Mayuri etc. The largest hydel power project of India has been set up at Ayodhya
Hills.
Ayodhya Hill is a popular destination of the region and
people come here to practice mountaineering and rock climbing. With a height of
700 m above sea level, the hill is a blend of unspoiled nature and rich
mythological connections. The place is also well-known for its fresh water
springs and stream.
Deulghata
Deulghata is situated near Boram in Arsha. It has ruins
of some 15 temples and small shrines near the Kansai River about 6 kms from
Joypur. Among them are 3 tall brick deuls (walls) with stucco decoration. The largest
of which is to the south. All the trees have triangular corbelled entrances
with towers built up by interior corbelling. The corbelled entrance of the
southern temple is high and graceful with a delicate carve. All of them have
rich curved brickwork with stucco application. The
stucco is fine and would appear to date from the same period as that on the
Bahulara and Satdeulia temples. All these temples have lost the tops of
their towers, but the western and southern ones still stand to a height of 50
feet or more, the Western one specially, on a base about 16 feet square, seems
to have been slender and graceful, the southern one, 24feet square, is about
the same size as the Bahulara temple.
The other temples at Deulghat which are mostly of stone have
all fallen down. The largest stands at the head of a flight of steps leading up
from the river. An image of Uma- Maheshvar has been removed to the State
Archeological Galley. The oldest temples may be the bricked-temples. There had
founded large tile-like bricks typical of the Pala period.
