Located at an average elevation of 40 meters above sea level, Bardhaman is one of the important districts in West Bengal. The headquarters of the district has also been christened by the same name. Talking about Bardhaman city, it is situated about 100 km to the north-west of Kolkata, on the Grand Trunk Road (NH-2) and Eastern Railway. River Damodar and Banka Nala are the two main water bodies of the place. The city has been serving as the headquarters of the district since the time of the Mughal rulers. During the British rule in India, Bardhaman was the district headquarters of British India.
Bardhaman district has an enriched historical, cultural & religious importance. There are many theories behind the naming of Bardhaman. As per its literal meaning, Bardhaman means a prosperous and growing centre. It is believed that the region signified the frontier colony of the progress of aryanisation through the upper Ganges River Valley. However, the Aryans failed to proceed further east and the name was retained. According to another theory, the origin of this name dates back to sixth century BCE and is ascribed to Vardhamanswami or Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankar, who is believed to have spent some time in Astikagrama. The place was thus named in his honor.
Thanks to the numerous conflicts and acquisitions in its past, Bardhaman has a multi-cultural heritage. The architecture of the place displays a glimpse of the prolific powers of the yesteryears. Being both a victim and a survivor of numerous violent conflicts, due to Mughal, Pashtun and Maratha invaders, Bardhaman today showcases beautiful and exotic temples, duels, monuments and structures. Right from Raja Todarmal to Daud Karnani, from Sher Afgan and Kutub-ud-din to Ajimuswan and even young Shah Jahan, the town of Bardhaman was visited by the most respected notables of the Delhi Sultanate. It surely is a haven for archeologists and people with an inquisitive mindset.
Once in Bardhaman, there are numerous sites that would surely make the place worth visiting. One of the most important sites is the shrine of Sarvamangala, which is said to contain the remnant of Sati's body, the umbilicus. Thereafter, you can watch the enigmatic Curzon Gate, standing tall in the honor of Lord Curzon. The exotic palaces and lovely gardens would surely be the favorite hotspot of tourists visiting the beautiful city of Bardhaman. Once done with the sightseeing, do not forget to taste the sumptuous sweet delights - Sitabhog and Mihidana, the two famous sweets that were introduced in the honor of the Raj family. Shaktigarh's Langcha is another local specialty. With much to revel in, Bardhaman is a must-go destination!!
Places To See:
Curzon Gate
One of the popular tourist sites in Bardhaman, the beauty of the majestic Curzon Gate is spellbinding. Named in honor of Lord Curzon, the gate was constructed by Maharaja Bijoy Chand Mahatab, in the year 1903. Today, the gate has been renamed as Vijay Toran and is a great place to view the architectural magnificence and the glory of the past. The Royal Palace, wherein the kings and the queen resided, is just one km away from this gate.
Tomb Of Sher Afghan
Located at Pir Beharam, in Kanchannagar, the tomb of Sher Afgan is the last of the Afghan jagirdars in Bardhaman. Sher Afgan revolted against Mughal Samrat Jahangir. To get control over the situation, Jahangir had sent Kutubuddin. Both, however, died at the war in 1610 and were buried at the burial ground of Pir Baharam. Thousands of visitors visit the site during festive occasion. the Tomb takes tourist back to the regal and imperial age of India, what with its mesmerizing and fascinating charm and elegance.
Golapbag
Established by King Bijoy Chand Mahatab, in 1884, Golapbag is a perfect place to relax in a soothing ambience. Literally meaning the ‘Garden of Rose’, the place is a charming site filled with beautiful and lovely roses. The place also has beautiful water tanks. A botanical and zoological garden, it is home to 128 types of trees, including mango, casuarina, eucalyptus, jaam and shimul. Golapbag is a lovely site to behold in the spring season.
Meghnad Saha Planetarium
The second planetarium of the state (first being Birla Planetarium in Kolkata), Meghnad Saha Planetarium has been built within the university grounds. Built in assistance with the Japanese government, the planetarium, though small is size, has been outfitted with latest technology instruments. It has been opened for public use since the year 1994. Regular shows are conducted herein.
Science Center
Situated at Golapbag Road, near Bardhaman University, the science center is one of the popular tourist attractions in Bardhaman. The complex has a museum and a park, which offers insight into the animal kingdom and the environment at large. The center is a good hangout zone and beautifully combines entertainment with knowledge.
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