Birbhum district

District in West Bengal, India

District in West Bengal, India

Birbhum district

District

Clockwise from top-left: Tarapeeth Temple in Rampurhat, Tagore's home at Shantiniketan, Monuments at Rajnagar, Seorakuri forest, Mama Bhagne Hills

Interactive Map Outlining Birbhum District

Location of Birbhum district in West Bengal

Coordinates: 23°54′36″N 87°31′37″E﻿ / ﻿23.910°N 87.527°E﻿ / 23.910; 87.527
Country| India
State| West Bengal
Division| Burdwan
Headquarters| Suri
Government

• Subdivisions| Suri Sadar, Bolpur, Rampurhat
• CD Blocks| Mohammad Bazar, Rajnagar, Suri I, Suri II, Sainthia, Dubrajpur, Khoyrasol, Labpur, Nanoor, Bolpur Sriniketan, Ilambazar, Murarai I, Murarai II, Nalhati I, Nalhati II, Rampurhat I, Rampurhat II, Mayureswar I, Mayureswar II
• Lok Sabha constituencies| Bolpur, Birbhum
• Vidhan Sabha constituencies| Dubrajpur, Suri, Bolpur, Nanoor, Labpur, Sainthia, Mayureswar, Rampurhat, Hansan, Nalhati, Murarai
• District Magistrate| Shri Bidhan Ray, WBCS (Exe)[1]
Area

• Total

| 4,545 km2 (1,755 sq mi)
Population

(2011)

• Total

| 4,060,000
• Density| 890/km2 (2,300/sq mi)
• Urban

| 449,448
Demographics

• Literacy| 70.9 per cent
• Sex ratio| 956 ♂/♀
Languages

• Official| Bengali[2][3]
• Additional official| English[2]
Time zone| UTC+05:30 (IST)
Website| birbhum.gov.in

Birbhum district (Bengali pronunciation: [biːrbʰuːm]) is an administrative unit in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the northernmost district of Burdwan division—one of the five administrative divisions of West Bengal. The district headquarters is in Suri. Other important cities are Bolpur, Rampurhat and Sainthia.[4][5] Jamtara, Dumka and Pakur districts of the state of Jharkhand lie at the western border of this district; the border in other directions is covered by the districts of Bardhaman of Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman and Murshidabad of West Bengal.

Often called "the land of red soil",[6] Birbhum is noted for its topography and its cultural heritage which is somewhat different from the other districts in West Bengal. The western part of Birbhum is a bushy region, a part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. This region gradually merges with the fertile alluvial farmlands in the east.[7]

This district saw many cultural and religious movements in history. The Visva Bharati University at Santiniketan, established by Rabindranath Tagore, is one of the places Birbhum is known for.[8] Many festivals are celebrated in the district, including Poush Mela.[9]

Birbhum is primarily an agricultural district with around 75.09% of the population being dependent on agriculture.[10] Principal industries of the district include cotton and silk harvesting and weaving, rice and oilseed milling, lac harvesting, stone mining and metalware and pottery manufacture.[11] Bakreshwar Thermal Power Station is the only heavy industry in the district.[12]

## Etymology

[edit]

The name Birbhum comes probably from the term 'land' ('bhumi') of the 'brave' ('bir') or Bir king').[13][14] Another theory says that the district bears the name of Bagdi king Bir Malla, who ruled in the area from 1501 to 1554 CE.[13][14] Bir in the Santali language means forests; therefore, Birbhum could also mean a land of forests.[13][14]

## Geography

[edit]

Map of Birbhum district showing CD blocks and municipal areas

Situated between 23° 32' 30" (right above the tropic of cancer) and 24° 35' 0" north latitude and 87° 5' 25" and 88° 1' 40" east longitudes, and about 4,545 square kilometres (1,755 sq mi) in area, this district is triangular. River Ajay forms the southern base and the apex of the triangle points north. The river forms the boundary between the districts of Birbhum and Bardhaman. The state of Jharkhand is at the northern and the western border of Birbhum and Murshidabad is at the east.[5][11][13]

Geographically, this area lies at the northeastern end of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, as it slopes down and merges with the alluvial plains of the Ganges. In the district there is only hilly area of natural rock formation situated near Dubrajpur town called Mama Bhagne Pahar (Hills). The western portion of the district is historically known as Vajjabhumi or Bajrabhumi.[7][15] It is an undulating upland that is generally barren. The comparatively more fertile eastern portion, constituting the northeastern Rarh region, merges with the Gangetic plain. Vajjabhumi is included in the Rarh region, and the rest of Rarh is called Sumha to differentiate it from Vajjabhumi.[7][15]

### Climate

[edit]

Rivers and towns of Birbhum

The climate on the western side is dry and extreme but is relatively milder on the eastern side. During summer, the temperature can shoot well above 40 °C (104 °F) and in winters it can drop to around 6 °C (43 °F).[11] Rainfall is higher in the western areas as compared to the eastern areas. The annual average rainfall in Rajnagar is 1,405 millimetres (55.3 in) and in Nanoor it is 1,212 millimetres (47.7 in), mostly in the monsoon months (June to October).[7][13]

Climate and rainfall chart of Birbhum District:[16]

Month | Normal rainfall (in mm)

|

January | 9.7
February | 23.2
March | 23.3
April | 40.7
May | 88.7
June | 234.2
July | 324.5
August | 295.7
September | 258.2
October | 105.4
November | 17.5
December | 9.4
Yearly | 1430.5

### Rivers

[edit]

A number of rivers flow across Birbhum. Some of the most notable include Ajay, Mayurakshi, Kopai, Bakreshwar, Brahmani, Dwarka, Hinglo, and Bansloi.[5][11] Almost all the rivers originate higher up on the Chota Nagpur plateau and flow across Birbhum in a west–east direction. During the monsoon season, the rivers flow high and swift compared to the dry summer season, resulting in a cycle of floods and droughts.[7][10] The Mayurakshi provides irrigation for about 2,428 square kilometres (937 sq mi).[17]

## History

[edit]

### Prehistory

[edit]

Terracota design depicting Ramayana war at Jayadev Kenduli Statue of Rabindranath Tagore by K P Krishnakumar at Amar Kutir

The area now known as Birbhum was inhabited from pre-historic times. Some of the archaeological sites related to Pandu Rajar Dhibi of Chalcolithic remains are located in Birbhum.[18] Stone age implements have been found at several places in the district.[19]

According to the old Jain book Acaranga Sutra, the last (24th) great Tirthankara Mahavira had wandered through this land, referred to as the "pathless country of Ladha in Vajjabhumi and Subbhabhumi (probably Suhma)" in the fifth century BCE.[5][15][20] According to some historians, the spread of Jainism and Buddhism in the Rarh region was part of the process of Aryanisation of the area.[21] Based on Divyabdan, a Buddhist text, Dr. Atul Sur has inferred that Gautam Buddha probably traversed this area to go to Pundravardhana and Samatata.[22]

The Rarh region, once a part of the Maurya empire was later included in the empires of the imperial Guptas, Shashanka and Harshavardhana. After dismemberment of Harshavardhana's empire, the region was ruled by the Palas, under whose rule Buddhism, particularly the Vajrayana cult, flourished.[23] In the seventh century CE, the Chinese traveller Xuanzang described some of the monasteries he visited in the region.[15][22] In the 12th century CE, the Sena dynasty took control of the area.[5]

### Medieval age

[edit]

Krishna travelling to Mathura in a 17th-century painting from Birbhum

The region was ruled by Muslims in the 13th century CE, although their control over the western parts of the district appears to have been minimal, with true power resting in the hands of the local Hindu chiefs, known as the Bir Rajas (Bagdi Malla dynasty).[5] The towns of Hetampur, Birsinghpur and Rajnagar contain their relics.[24] Hetampur and Rajnagar kingdoms ruled most of Birbhum and parts of Burdwan, Maldah and Jharkhand from Dubrajpur (meaning two kingdoms – Hetampur & Rajnagar). Minhaj-i-Siraj, the author of the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, mentions Lakhnur as the thanah (headquarters) of the Rarh wing of the Muslim rule and an important frontier post. The location of Lakhnur, though not yet identified, falls in Birbhum.[5][15]

### Colonial era

[edit]

1779 map of the Jungle Terry District.

The area which is now Birbhum district was badly impacted by the Great Bengal famine of 1770. Many villages were wiped out entirely, and even in large towns, over three quarters of households perished.[25]

The administrative unit called Birbhum was first formed in 1787 under the British East India Company, as "District Beerbhoom". The area had previously been administered as a part of Murshidabad district. The original district was much larger than its modern incarnation.[5][15]

In the late 18th century, Birbhum and surrounding areas were affected by more famines followed by a peasants' insurrection. Although the insurrection primarily targeted zamindars and the government, trading and manufacturing centres were also looted. In June 1789, the manufacturing town of Ilambazar was sacked, although it recovered and became a magnet for manufacturing and trade.[26]

Until 1793, Birbhum included "Bishenpore" or Bishnupur, which is now part of the Bankura district. Until the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, the Santhal Parganas was part of Birbhum; the district thus sprawled up to Deoghar in the west. The immediate reason then for separating the western tribal majority areas was the Santhal rebellion of 1855–56.[5][15] In 1872, Birbhum district comprises 1,344 square miles (3,480 km2) area with 695,921 inhabitants.[27]

## Economy

[edit]

A common Birbhum village scene Product display of Amar Kutir

Birbhum is primarily an agricultural district with around 75% of the people dependent on agriculture.[10] While 159.3 km2 (61.5 sq mi) of land is occupied by forests, 3,329.05 km2 (1,285.35 sq mi) of land is used for agricultural purposes.[11] 91.02% of the population live in villages.[10] Out of total 4,50,313 farmers(holding 3,20,610 hectares of land), 3,59,404 are marginal farmers(holding 1,41,813 hectares altogether), 63,374 are small farmers(holding 95,144 hectares altogether), 26,236 are semi-medium farmers(holding 76,998 hectares altogether), 1,290 are medium farmers(holding 6,215 hectare altogether), and 9 are large farmers (holding 440 hectares of land). The average size of land holding per farmer is 0.71 hectares. 6,07,172 people work as agricultural labourers in Birbhum.[16] Major crops produced in the district include rice, legumes, wheat, corn (maize), potatoes and sugar cane.[10] The district has thirteen cold storages.[11] Land with irrigation facilities in 2001-02 totalled 2,763.9 km2 (1,067.1 sq mi).[10] There are five barrages, providing irrigation support. Canada Dam on the Mayurakshi river at Massanjore lies close to the border of Birbhum and the Dumka district in Jharkhand. Further down the Mayurakshi is the Tilpara Barrage at Suri.[10]

Birbhum is a major centre of cottage industries. Perhaps the most notable cottage industry is a non-profit rural organisation named Amar Kutir. Other main industries in Birbhum are agriculture-based industries, textiles, forestry, arts and crafts. Sriniketan is noted for its dairy industry and as a forestry centre. Some of the notable forms of cottage industries of Birbhum include textile—especially cotton and locally harvested tussar silk, jute works, batik, kantha stitch, macramé (weaving by knotting threads), leather, pottery and terracotta, solapith, woodcarving, bamboo and cane craft, metal works and tribal crafts.[11] There are 8,883 small and medium scale industries. Principal industries of the district include cotton and silk harvesting and weaving, rice and oilseed milling, lac harvesting, and metalware and pottery manufacture.[11] Bakreshwar Thermal Power Station (210 MW x 3 + 210 MW x 2 under construction) is the only heavy industry in the district.[12]

Sainthia is known as business capital of Birbhum and an economically important city. Sainthia is the major centre for export and import of cottage industries. Sainthia is known as the business capital of Birbhum and an economically important city. Sainthia is a major center for the export and import of cottage industries. As the business epicenter of Birbhum, Sainthia was home to a prominent coconut oil manufacturer established by the Chandra family. 'Lion (সিংহ) Marka' (Lion Brand) coconut oil, which was manufactured and processed in a factory located in main Sainthia. This iconic brand not only gained statewide and national recognition but also became a symbol of the Sainthia’s industrial prowess, significantly contributing to its economic growth. The factory's operations, which spanned from 1950s to nearly 45 years, were a cornerstone of Sainthia's prominence until they ceased in 1992. Today plenty of large, semi-large scale businesses run in this city, credit to its well connected logistics and rail network. Moreover the economy stands tall credit to sales of agricultural based products. [28] [29] [30]

In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Birbhum one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640).[31] It is one of the eleven districts in West Bengal currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).[31]

## Political and administrative divisions

[edit]

The district comprises three subdivisions: Suri Sadar, Bolpur and Rampurhat.[4] Suri is the district headquarters. There are 26 police stations, 19 development blocks, 6 municipalities and 167 gram panchayats in this district.[4][32] Other than municipality area, each subdivision contains community development blocs which in turn are divided into rural areas and census towns. There are seven urban units: six municipalities and one census town.[32][33] The latest amongst the urban units to have a municipality was Nalhati in 2000.[34]

Before delimitation the district was divided into 12 assembly constituencies (AC):[35] Nanoor (AC #283), Bolpur (AC #284), Labhpur (AC #285), Dubrajpur (AC #286), Rajnagar (AC #287), Suri (AC #288), Mahammad Bazar (AC #289), Mayureswar (AC #290), Rampurhat (AC #291), Hansan (AC #292), Nalhati (AC #293) and Murarai (AC #294). The constituencies of Nanoor, Rajnagar, Mayureswar and Hansan were reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.[35] Vidhan Sabha was elected in 2006 assembly elections, which took place before the rearrangement of parliamentary and assembly constituencies as per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in the West Bengal. Delimitation was made effective for all elections in the state of West Bengal that was held on or after 19 February 2008.[36] 2009 Indian general election was based on the newly formed parliamentary constituencies and the newly formed assembly constituencies have representatives in the 2011 elections of West Bengal.

As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in the West Bengal, the district is divided into 11 assembly constituencies:[37]

No.  | Name  | Lok Sabha constituency  | MLA  | Party

|
|
|
|

284  | Dubrajpur (SC) | Birbhum | Anup Kumar Saha |  | Bharatiya Janata Party
285  | Suri | Bikash Roychoudhury |  | All India Trinamool Congress
286  | Bolpur | Bolpur | Chandranath Singha |  | All India Trinamool Congress
287  | Nanoor (SC) | Bidhan Chandra Majhi |  | All India Trinamool Congress
288  | Labpur | Abhijit Sinha  |  | All India Trinamool Congress
289  | Sainthia (SC) | Birbhum | Nilabati Saha |  | All India Trinamool Congress
290  | Mayureswar | Bolpur | Abhijit Roy |  | All India Trinamool Congress
291  | Rampurhat | Birbhum | Asish Banerjee |  | All India Trinamool Congress
292  | Hansan | Ashok Kumar Chattopadhyay  |  | All India Trinamool Congress
293  | Nalhati | Rajendra Prasad Singh  |  | All India Trinamool Congress
294  | Murarai | Mosarraf Hossain |  | All India Trinamool Congress

Dubrajpur, Suri,Mayureswar, Rampurhat, Hansan, Nalhati and Murarai assembly segments form the Birbhum (Lok Sabha constituency).[37] Bolpur, Nanoor, Labhpur, and Sainthia constituencies are part of Bolpur (Lok Sabha constituency), which will contain three other assembly segments from Bardhaman district.[37]

## Transport

[edit]

Katwa to Ahmedpur Narrow gauge railway

The Panagarh–Morgram Highway runs through the district. All the towns and villages are connected by roads. The total length of roads in the district are: surfaced–2,413 km (1,499 mi) and unsurfaced–4,674 km (2,904 mi). Against this the total length of rail track in the district is 201.32 km (125.09 mi), including 26.55 km (16.50 mi) of the Ahmadpur-Katwa line, laid in 1917.[11] The Sahibganj Loop of the Eastern Railway, laid in 1862, passes through this district. Rampurhat Junction is the most busiest railway station of this district. There is a junction at Nalhati for the connection to Azimganj in Murshidabad district. The Andal-Sainthia Branch Line connects it to the main Howrah-Delhi main line at Andal.[11]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±% p.a.

|
|

1901| 902,280| —
1911| 940,162| +0.41%
1921| 851,725| −0.98%
1931| 947,554| +1.07%
1941| 1,048,317| +1.02%
1951| 1,066,889| +0.18%
1961| 1,446,158| +3.09%
1971| 1,775,909| +2.08%
1981| 2,095,829| +1.67%
1991| 2,555,664| +2.00%
2001| 3,015,422| +1.67%
2011| 3,502,404| +1.51%
Source: Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India[38]

In 1901, Birbhum had a population of 902,280, which by 1981 rose to 2,095,829. According to the 2001 census data, the total population has further risen to 3,015,422. The following table summarises the population distribution:[39]

Rural/Urban  | Persons  | Males  | Females

|
|
|

Total  | 3,015,422  | 1,546,633  | 1,468,789
Rural  | 2,757,002  | 1,414,097  | 1,342,905
Urban  | 258,420  | 132,536  | 125,884

According to the 2011 census Birbhum district has a population of 3,502,404,[40] roughly equal to the nation of Lithuania[41] or the US state of Connecticut.[42] This gives it a ranking of 84th in India (out of a total of 640).[40] The district has a population density of 771 inhabitants per square kilometre (2,000/sq mi).[40] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 16.15%.[40] Birbhum has a sex ratio of 956 females for every 1000 males,[40] and a literacy rate of 70.9%. 12.83% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 29.50% and 6.92% of the population respectively.[40][43] Other than those speaking the local dialect of Bengali, there are tribal Santhals and ten other tribal communities in Birbhum with some presence, amongst whom Koda, Mahali and Oraons are more common.[44]

### Religion

[edit]

Religions of Birbhum District (2011)[45]

Religion |  | Percent
Hinduism |

| 62.28%
Islam |

| 37.06%
Other or not stated |

| 0.66%

Religion  | Population (1941)[46]: 75 | Percentage (1941)  | Population [47](1951)  | Percentage (1951)  | Population (2011)[45] | Percentage (2011)

|
|
|
|
|
|

Hinduism | 686,436  | 65.48%  | 774,527  | 72.60%  | 2,181,515  | 62.28%
Islam | 287,310  | 27.41%  | 286,518  | 26.86%  | 1,298,054  | 37.06%
Tribal religion[a] | 71,073  | 6.78%  | 4,661  | 0.44%  | 6,051  | 0.17%
Others[b] | 3,498  | 0.33%  |  |  | 17,727  | 0.51%
Total Population | 1,048,317 | 100 | 1,066,889 | 100% | 3,502,404 | 100%
Notes:

1. ^ In the 1941 census all tribals were counted under 'Tribal' religion, irrespective of their actual religion.
2. ^ Including Jainism, Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Ad-Dharmis, or not stated

According to 2011 Indian census, Hindus formed around 62% of the total population and Muslims over 37%. Muslims are in majority in Murarai I (58.92%), Murarai II (75.00%) and Nalhati II (70.10%) CD blocks in the northeast of the district, and have a significant presence in Nalhati I (46.64%), Rampurhat II (48.20%), and Ilambazar (47.40%) CD blocks. Others, including religious groups and non-religion population fall below 1% of the population.[45] In the 2001 Indian census of the district, Hindus formed 64.49% of the population while 35.08% were Muslims.[48] There is a sprinkling of other religious groups in the population.

CD block  | Hindu %  | Muslim %  | Other %

|
|
|

Murarai I | 40.58  | 58.92  | 0.5
Murarai II | 24.91  | 75.00  | 0.09
Nalhati I | 52.11  | 46.64  | 1.25
Nalhati II | 29.79  | 70.10  | 0.11
Rampurhat I | 67.38  | 30.61  | 2.01
Rampurhat II | 51.64  | 48.20  | 0.16
Mayureswar I | 69.84  | 29.33  | 0.83
Mayureswar II | 74.06  | 25.65  | 0.29
Mohammad Bazar | 67.15  | 31.29  | 1.56
Rajnagar | 84.74  | 14.27  | 0.99
Suri I | 73.02  | 26.59  | 0.39
Suri II | 67.70  | 31.59  | 0.71
Sainthia | 77.68  | 21.46  | 0.86
Labpur | 69.24  | 30.54  | 0.22
Nanoor | 64.71  | 34.97  | 0.32
Bolpur Sriniketan | 73.92  | 25.45  | 0.63
Illambazar | 51.67  | 47.40  | 0.93
Dubrajpur | 66.52  | 33.22  | 0.26
Khoyrasol | 75.51  | 24.3  | 0.19
Area not under any Sub-district  | 75.88  | 23.41  | 0.71

### Language

[edit]

Languages of Birbhum District (2011).[49]

1. Bengali (92.4%)
2. Santali (6.01%)
3. Others (1.61%)

At the time of the 2011 census, 92.38% of the population spoke Bengali and 6.01% Santali as their first language.[49]

## Culture

[edit]

Main article: Culture of Birbhum

Baul singers at Santiniketan

The bauls of Birbhum, their philosophy and their songs form a notable representation of the folk culture of the district. Birbhum has been home to kabiyals, kirtaniyas and other folk culture groups.[9][50]

The numerous fairs in Birbhum start with Poush Mela at Santiniketan and follows through the Bengali month of Poush until Makar Sankranti. Particularly lively is the fair at Jaydev Kenduli.[9] Festivities are organised across the seasons.[51] People of Birbhum patronise folk entertainment programmes such as jatra, kavigan, raibenshe and alkap.[52]

Many poets were born in this district, as for example, Chandidas (Rami).[52] In addition to being a confluence of Vaishnava, Shakta and Saiva cultures, Birbhum villages observe ancient customs like worship of gramdevta (gram means village and devta means deity) in many forms.[53][54]

Amongst the major attractions of Birbhum are Bakreshwar, Tarapith Temple, Dwarbasini temple at Chondrapur, Fullara at Labpur and Patharchapuri. Birbhum has many old temples, such as the ones at Jaydev Kenduli, Surul and Nanoor, with delicate decorative tiles made of terra cotta (burnt clay).[55]

## Flora and fauna

[edit]

The eastern area of Birbhum is a part of the rice plains of West Bengal, and the vegetation includes usual characteristics of rice fields in Bengal, such as species of Aponogeton, Utricularia, Drosera, Philcoxia, Scrophulariaceae and similar aquatic or palustrine genera.[13][56] In the drier western region of the district, the characteristic shrubs and herbs include species of Wendlandia, Convolvulaceae, Stipa, Tragus, Spermacoce, Ziziphus, Capparis and similar plants that grows on laterite soil.[56] Mango, palm, and bamboo are among common trees in Birbhum.[56] Other common species of plants include jackfruit, arjun, sal, guava, kend and mahua.[56]

Other than feral dogs and domestic cattle, the most frequently encountered non-human mammal is the hanuman, a long tailed grey langur prevalent in the Gangetic plain. Some wild boars and wolves may still be spotted in the small forests of Chinpai, Bandarsol and Charicha.[56] Leopards and bears are not to be seen any more in the wild.[56] Sometimes during the season when mahua trees bloom, wild Asiatic elephants from Jharkhand come in trampling crops and threatening life and property.[56] Birds of Birbhum include a mix of hilly and plain-land dwelling species like partridge, pigeon, green pigeon, water fowls, doyel, Indian robin, drongo, hawk, cuckoo, koel, sunbird, Indian roller, parrot, babbler, and some migratory birds.[56]

Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary near Santiniketan was declared a sanctuary in 1977.[57] Economically important trees are planted here and blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, foxes and a variety of water birds live in its 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi).[57][58][59]

## Literacy and education

[edit]

> Educational facilities in Birbhum district:[11]
>  High School–256
> Higher Secondary School–110
> Junior High School–95
> Junior High Madarsa–10
>  Senior Madarsa–4
> Primary School–237
> Sishu Sikhsha Kendra–495
>  Anganwadi Centre–2407
> College–12
> University–1
> Engineering colleges–2
> Polytechnic–1
> Industrial Training Institute (ITI)–1

See also: List of West Bengal districts ranked by literacy rate

According to the 2011 census Birbhum district had a literacy rate of 70.9%.[40] up from 62.16% in 2001. In 1951 census, the literacy rate was 17.74%. It increased to 48.56% in 1991.[60]

The growth of literacy in the last decade of the twentieth century was particularly remarkable with special emphasis on the eradication of illiteracy. While it is feared that Birbhum may not be able to fulfill the national objective of sending all children in the age group 6–14 years to school by 2010, efforts are on in that direction.[60]

The district has 127 libraries supported by the government, one private library and one district library.[11]

## Sports

[edit]

One of the most popular outdoor sports in the villages of Birbhum used to be danguli (literal meaning "ball and stick").[51] However, in recent times cricket has replaced some of its popularity. A major cricket event named as: Dream Gold Cup is organised in Labpur every year in the month of January. Cricket teams from all over the state comes for participation. It is played in the Stadium field in Sasthinagar. A sport that can be played outdoors and indoors and is popular among children is marbles, which involves projecting a striker bead with fingers to hit an ensemble of black or green glass beads.

In addition to cricket, the other most popular outdoor sports of this district are football and kabadi and volleyball.[51]

## Notable people

[edit]

Rabindranath Tagore with Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi at Santiniketan in 1940

See also: People from Birbhum district and People associated with Santiniketan

* Shams-ul-Ulama Maulana Belayet Hossain Birbhumi (1887–1984), Islamic scholar and author
* Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda (1900–1977), organic chemist, educationist and writer
* Rezaul Karim Muhammad Jawad (1902–1993), lawyer
* Justice Abdus Sattar (1906–1985), former President of Bangladesh[61]
* Khan Bahadur Mudassir Hossain, MLA for Birbhum
* Shamsul Huda Chaudhury (1920–2000), two-time Speaker at the Jatiya Sangsad
* Mohammad Zakaria (1923–1993), actor and producer
* Mohammad Kibria (1929–2011), artist
* Hossain family of Bhimpur
* Dr. Motahar Hossain (1932–2011), Home Minister of State
* Dr. Mosarraf Hossain (born 1963), physician and politician
* Rashidul Hasan (1932–1971), educationist
* Noor Alam Chowdhury (1943–2021), Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court
* Ekram Ali (born 1950), Bengali poet and critic
* Takdira Begum (born 1953), embroiderer
* Mahammad Hannan (born 1958), politician
* Monirul Islam (born 1960), politician
* Abdur Rahaman Liton (born 1961), social worker and politician
* Dr. Mohammed Qamre Elahi, physician and politician
* Milton Rashid (born 1975), politician
* Golam Mohiuddin, four-time MLA
* Sheikh Manjurul Islam, politician
* Bazle Ahmed, politician
* Shamsuddin Ahammad, politician
* Yeakub Hossain, politician
* Shams family of Nalhati
* Kalimuddin Shams (1939–2013), Agriculture Minister
* Moinuddin Shams (born 1967), advocate and politician
* Amartya Sen, economist and Nobel laureate[62]
* Pranab Mukherjee, 13th President of India
* Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay, Bengali novelist[62] who was nominated three times for Nobel Prize in Literature from 1971–1973, but never won any.[63]
* Sahana Bajpaie, Bengali singer-songwriter and one of the most prominent contemporary Rabindra Sangeet vocalists
* Sutapa Biswas, British Indian conceptual artist
* Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty, Indian American microbiologist, scientist, and researcher, most notable for his work in directed evolution
* Basudeb Das Baul, Bengali baul singer
* Sumitra Devi, actress who worked in Hindi and Bengali cinema during the 1940s and 1950s
* Kharaj Mukherjee, Indian actor who works in Bengali as well as Hindi cinema
* Chandidas Rami, 14th-century poet born in Nanoor[64]
* Satyendra Prasanna Sinha, prominent lawyer and statesman in British India
* Nityananda Swami, co–founder of Vaishnavism, born at Ekachakra[65]
* Rabindranath Tagore, polymath and founder of Visva-Bharati University[66][67]
* Ganga Narayan Singh, Indian tribal revolutionary

## Villages

[edit]

* Harisara
* Hetampur
* Kondaipur
* Labpur
* Paikar

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "DM Desk". Birbhum District, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
2. ^ a b "Fact and Figures". Wb.gov.in. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
3. ^ "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). Nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. p. 85\. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
4. ^ a b c "Directory of District, Sub division, Panchayat Samiti/ Block and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal, March 2008". West Bengal. National Informatics Centre, India. 19 March 2008. p. 1\. Archived from the original on 25 February 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Birbhum District History". District Administration. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2009.
6. ^ Rahim, Kazi MB, and Sarkar, Debasish, Agriculture, Technology, Products and Markets of Birbhum District, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 157–166, Information and Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.
7. ^ a b c d e Mukhopadhyay, Malay, Birbhum Jelar Bhougolik Parichiti, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special issue (in Bengali), February 2006, pp. 29–32.
8. ^ Halim, Abdul, Birbhumer Sech Byabastha O Samaj Unnayan Parikalpana Samparke, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special issue (in Bengali), February 2006, pp. 149–155.
9. ^ a b c Mukhopadhyay, Aditya, Birbhumer Mela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special issue (in Bengali), February 2006, pp. 203–214.
10. ^ a b c d e f g Choudhuri, Tapan, Unnayaner Aloke Birbhum, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 59–74
11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mondal, Dipanwita, Ek Najare Birbhum Jela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue (in Bengali), February 2006, pp. 7–10
12. ^ a b Pramanik, Swarajit, Birbumer Ahankar: Bakreshwar Tapbidyut Kendra, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special issue (in Bengali), February 2006, pp. 189–192.
13. ^ a b c d e f O'Malley, L.S.S., "Bengal District Gazetteers - Birbhum", 1996 reprint, pp. 1-9, Govt. of West Bengal
14. ^ a b c Maiti, Prakash Chandra, Birbhum in the Backdrop of Pre-history, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 15–28
15. ^ a b c d e f g O'Malley, pp. 10-31,
16. ^ a b "DDA, Birbhum". Archived from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
17. ^ Selim, Mohammad, Irrigation Projects in Birbhum District,Paschim Banga, February 2006 (in Bengali), Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 168–169
18. ^ Amalananda Ghosh (1990). An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology: Volume 1: Subjects. Volume 2: A Gazetteer of Explored and Excavated Sites in India. BRILL. p. 237\. ISBN 90-04-09264-1.
19. ^ "Prehistoric tools unearthed in Bengal". Stone Pages Archaeo News. 24 December 2005. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
20. ^ Ray, Nihar Ranajan, Bangalir Itihas - Adi parva (Bengali), p. 152, Paschim Banga Nirakharata Durikaran Samiti
21. ^ Ray, Nihar Ranajan, p.283
22. ^ a b Bangla O Bangalir Bibartan, (An Ethno-Cultural History of Bengal) by Dr. Atul Sur, (Published by Sahityalok, Kolkata, 1986, 1994)
23. ^ Ghosh, Binoy, Paschim Banger Sanskriti, 1976 edition, Vol I, p. 287, Prakash Bhawan
24. ^ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, The Economic Life of a Bengal District: Birbhum 1770–1857, pp. 2 – 9, The University of Burdwan, 1984.
25. ^ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, The Economic Life of a Bengal District: Birbhum 1770 – 1857, p. 257, The University of Burdwan, 1984.
26. ^ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, pp. 44, 47
27. ^ Beverley, H. (1872). Report of the Census of Bengal 1872. Bengal Secretariat Press. pp. 6–7.
28. ^ "Brand Accounting - A Hard Rock To Drill" (PDF). International Journal of Future Modern Research. 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
29. ^ "Lion Brand Coconut Oil Advertisement by Hindustan Coconut Oil Mills". Harano Somoyer Bigyapon. 6 December 1969. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
30. ^ "Profile of Sainthia Municipality". birbhum.gov.in. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
31. ^ a b Ministry of Panchayati Raj (8 September 2009). "A Note on the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme" (PDF). National Institute of Rural Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
32. ^ a b "Important Telephone Numbers". Official website of Birbhum district. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
33. ^ "Population, Decadal Growth Rate, Density and General Sex Ratio by Residence and Sex, West Bengal/ District/ Sub District, 1991 and 2001". West Bengal. Directorate of census operations. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
34. ^ "Category, Year of Establishment, Area, SC, ST and total population in ULBs in West Bengal" (PDF). Department of Municipal affairs, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 December 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
35. ^ a b "General election to the Legislative Assembly, 2001 – List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies" (PDF). West Bengal. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2008.
36. ^ "Press Note - Schedule for General Elections, 2009". Press Information Burueau, Government of India. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
37. ^ a b c "Press Note, Delimitation Commission" (PDF). Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal. Delimitation Commission. Retrieved 16 November 2008.
38. ^ "A-2 Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901". Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. West Bengal. Archived from the original on 12 June 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
39. ^ "Census of India 2001". Provisional population totals, West Bengal, Table 4. Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2009.
40. ^ a b c d e f g "District Census Handbook: Birbhum" (PDF). censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
41. ^ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Archived from the original on 13 June 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2011. "Lithuania 3,535,547 July 2011 est."
42. ^ "2010 Resident Population Data". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2011. "Connecticut 3,574,097"
43. ^ "Himan Development Report - Birrbhum" (PDF). Religious and Caste Composition. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 August 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2009.
44. ^ Choudhuri, Arun, Birbhumer Adivasi Samaj O Janagosthi, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 117–122
45. ^ a b c "Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
46. ^ "CENSUS OF INDIA, 1941 VOLUME VI BENGAL PROVINCE" (PDF). Retrieved 13 August 2022.
47. ^ Mitra, A (1954). "District Handbooks Birbhum, West Bengal - Census 1951". new.census.gov.in. p. 28.
48. ^ Islam, Sheikh, Birbhumer Karmasansthane Matsya, Pranisampad Ebong Paschim Banga Sankhyalaghu Unnayan O Bityanigam, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, p. 178
49. ^ a b "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: West Bengal". www.censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
50. ^ Kundu, Chnadan, Birbhumer Baul: Swatantrer Sandhane, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 215–224
51. ^ a b c Sen, Suchbrata, Birbhumer Otit O Bartaman Samajchitra, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 107–116
52. ^ a b Das, Prabhat Kumar, Birbhumer Kirtan O Jatragan, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special issue (in Bengali), February 2006, pp. 311–319
53. ^ Mitra, Amalendu, Dr., Rarher Sanskriti O Dharma Thakur (Bengali), pp. 90-96, Subarnarekha
54. ^ Mitra, Ajit Kumar, Birbhumer loukik Debdebi, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 321–334
55. ^ Sarkar, Joydeep, Paryatan Boichitre Birbhum Jela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 197–202
56. ^ a b c d e f g h "About Birbhum: Geography". Official website of Birbhum. Retrieved 2 June 2009.
57. ^ a b Chhanda Das (2007). A Treatise on Wildlife Conservation in India. Daya Books. p. 115\. ISBN 978-81-87616-22-1. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
58. ^ "Santiniketan". National Informatics Centre, Government of India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
59. ^ Indian Ministry of Forests and Environment. "Protected areas: West Bengal". Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
60. ^ a b Roy, Bikash, Siksha Prasare Birbhum Jela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 81–91
61. ^ "President Abdus Sattar". Bangabhaban. Government of Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 3 January 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
62. ^ a b Ghosal, Amartya, Birbhumer Bisisto Byakti O Monishi, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, pp. 321–334
63. ^ "Nomination Archive - Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay". NobelPrize.org. April 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
64. ^ O'Malley, p. 137
65. ^ O'Malley, p.128
66. ^ Lubet, Alex (17 October 2016). "Tagore, not Dylan: The first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize for literature was actually Indian". Quartz India.
* "Anita Desai and Andrew Robinson – The Modern Resonance of Rabindranath Tagore". On Being. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
67. ^ Dutta, K.; Robinson, A. (1995), Rabindranath Tagore: The Myriad-Minded Man, Saint Martin's Press, p. 220, ISBN 978-0-312-14030-4

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Birbhum district.

* Official website
* Birbhum travel guide from Wikivoyage
* Bengal District Gazetteers Birbhum, O'Malley L.S.S., 1910, Barcode(6010010076002), Language English from Digital Library of India

Places adjacent to Birbhum district

| Dumka district, Jharkhand | Pakur district, Jharkhand |

|
|

|  |
Jamtara district, Jharkhand |

Birbhum district

| Murshidabad district
|  |
| Bardhaman district |

* v
* t
* e

Cities, towns and locations in Birbhum district, West Bengal

Cities, municipal
and census towns|

| Suri Sadar subdivision|

* Ahmedpur
* Dubrajpur
* Kalipur
* Karidhya
* Rajnagar
* Sainthia
* Suri

|

Bolpur subdivision|

* Bolpur
* Ilambazar
* Labhpur
* Parota
* Shantiniketan
* Surul

Rampurhat subdivision|

* Ambhua
* Barua Gopalpur
* Bishnupur
* Fatehpur
* Kashimnagar
* Murarai
* Nalhati
* Rampurhat

Locations
other than cities and towns|

| Suri Sadar subdivision|

* Abinashpur
* Angar Garia
* Babuijore
* Bakreshwar
* Bakreswar Thermal Power Plant Township
* Bara Chaturi
* Beharia
* Bhimgara
* Bholagoria
* Chandrapur
* Chondrapur
* Deucha
* Dighalgram
* Gonpur
* Hetampur
* Kankartala
* Khoyrasol
* Lokpur
* Mohammad Bazar
* Nakrakonda
* Panrui
* Patharchapuri
* Purandarpur

|

Bolpur subdivision|

* Fullara
* Jaydev Kenduli
* Kankalitala
* Khujutipara
* Khustigiri
* Kirnahar
* Mirati
* Nanoor
* Raipur
* Sriniketan
* Supur

Rampurhat subdivision|

* Amba
* Atla
* Banior
* Basoa
* Binuria
* Chakmandala
* Dunigram
* Ekachakra
* Hansan
* Haridaspur
* Jogdhari
* Kotasur
* Kurumgram
* Lohapur
* Lokpara
* Madian
* Margram
* Mallarpur
* Mayureswar
* Nimitala
* Paikar
* Rajgram
* Satpalsa
* Tarapith

See also|

* Notable people associated with Santiniketan
* Birbhum topics
* People from Birbhum district
* People associated with Santiniketan
* Visva-Bharati alumni
* Visva-Bharati faculty
* Villages in Birbhum district
* Cities, towns and locations in Purba Bardhaman district
* Cities, towns and locations in Murshidabad district
* Cities, towns and locations in Nadia district

India portal

* v
* t
* e

Birbhum district topics

General|

* Alkap
* Amar Kutir
* Abhedananda Mahavidyalaya
* Bakreshwar Thermal Power Station
* Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary
* Banalakshmi
* Baul
* Culture of Birbhum
* Dharmathakur
* Gajan
* Fairs in Birbhum
* Kajangala
* Mama Bhagne
* Muluk murder case
* Nandikeshwari Temple
* Nanoor massacre
* Poush Mela
* Sainthia train collision
* Santhal rebellion
* Santiniketan: The Making of a Contextual Modernism

People|

* Bauri
* Bagdi
* Bengalis
* Dom
* Hari
* Santal people

Subdivisions|

* Bolpur
* Rampurhat
* Suri Sadar

Territories|

* Gauda
* Kajangala
* Kankagrambhukti
* Rarh region
* Subbhabhumi
* Vajjabhumi

Municipalities|

* Bolpur
* Dubrajpur
* Nalhati
* Rampurhat
* Sainthia
* Suri

Community development
blocks|

| Suri Sadar subdivision|

* Suri I
* Suri II
* Sainthia
* Dubrajpur
* Khoyrasol
* Rajnagar
* Mohammad Bazar

|

Bolpur subdivision|

* Bolpur Sriniketan
* Ilambazar
* Labpur
* Nanoor

Rampurhat subdivision|

* Mayureswar I
* Mayureswar II
* Rampurhat I
* Rampurhat II
* Murarai I
* Murarai II
* Nalhati I
* Nalhati II

Higher education|

| Universities|

* Visva-Bharati University
* Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay

|

Medical colleges|

* Birbhum Vivekananda Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital
* Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital

Engineering colleges|

* Birbhum Institute of Engineering & Technology

Rivers|

* Ajay
* Bakreshwar
* Bansloi
* Brahmani
* Dwarka
* Hinglo
* Kopai
* Mayurakshi

Transport|

* Panagarh–Morgram Highway
* Eastern Railway zone
* Sahibganj loop
* Andal–Sainthia branch line
* Ahmedpur–Katwa Railway
* Jasidih–Dumka–Rampurhat line

Railway stations|

* Banshlai Bridge
* Chatra
* Muararai
* Rajgram
* Rampurhat
* Sainthia

Lok Sabha constituencies|

* Birbhum
* Bolpur

Vidhan Sabha constituencies|

* Dubrajpur
* Suri
* Bolpur
* Nanoor
* Labpur
* Sainthia
* Mayureswar
* Rampurhat
* Hansan
* Nalhati
* Murarai

Former Vidhan Sabha
constituencies|

* Mahammad Bazar
* Rajnagar

See also|

* Cities, towns and locations in Birbhum district
* People from Birbhum district
* People associated with Santiniketan
* Villages in Birbhum district

* v
* t
* e

State of West Bengal

Capital: Kolkata

State symbols|

* Emblem: Emblem of West Bengal
* Anthem: Banglar Mati Banglar Jol
* Animal: Fishing cat
* Bird: White-throated kingfisher
* Flower: Night-flowering jasmine (Shiuli)
* Tree: Devil's tree (Saptaparni)
* Fish: Ilish

History|

* Gauda Kingdom
* Shashanka
* Pala Empire
* Sena dynasty
* Mallabhum kingdom
* Cooch Behar State
* Sher Shah Suri
* Mughal Empire
* Nawabs of Bengal
* East India Company
* Battle of Plassey
* Bengal Presidency
* Great Bengal famine of 1770
* Indian Rebellion of 1857
* Bengal Renaissance
* Bardhaman Raj
* Nadia Raj
* Jhargram Raj
* Sovabazar Raj
* Partition of Bengal (1905)
* Revolutionary movement for Indian independence
* Anushilan Samiti
* Jugantar
* Bengal famine of 1943
* Direct Action Day
* Noakhali riots
* Partition of Bengal (1947)
* Bengali Language Movement (Manbhum)
* Bangladesh Liberation War
* Naxalite–Maoist insurgency
* Maritime history of Bengal

Geography|

* Bengal Basin
* Darjeeling Himalayan hill region
* Terai
* North Bengal plains
* Dooars
* Rarh region
* Sundarbans
* Western plateau and high lands
* Ganges Delta
* Climate
* Sandakphu (Highest point)
* Protected areas of West Bengal
* Rivers of West Bengal
* Ganga
* Damodar River
* Brahmaputra River
* Teesta River
* Hooghly River
* Khoai
* Tiger Hill, Darjeeling
* Siliguri Corridor

Governance|

* Chief Ministers
* Governor
* Legislative Assembly
* Human Rights Commission
* Political parties (All India Trinamool Congress
* Communist Party of India (Marxist)
* Indian National Congress
* Bharatiya Janata Party)
* Parliamentary constituencies
* Assembly constituencies
* CID West Bengal
* Kolkata Police

Rights groups|

* Matua Mahasangha
* Bangla Pokkho

Divisions and
districts|

| Burdwan division|

* Birbhum
* Hooghly
* Paschim Bardhaman
* Purba Bardhaman

|

Jalpaiguri division|

* Alipurduar
* Cooch Behar
* Darjeeling
* Jalpaiguri
* Kalimpong

Malda division|

* Berhampore (declared)
* Dakshin Dinajpur
* Jangipur (declared)
* Malda
* Murshidabad
* Uttar Dinajpur

Medinipur division|

* Bankura
* Bishnupur (declared)
* Jhargram
* Paschim Medinipur
* Purba Medinipur
* Purulia

Presidency division|

* Basirhat (declared)
* Howrah
* Ichamati (declared)
* Kolkata
* Nadia
* North 24 Parganas
* Ranaghat (declared)
* South 24 Parganas
* Sundarbans (declared)

Cities and
towns|

* Alipore
* Asansol
* Berhampore
* Balurghat
* Bankura
* Barasat
* Bardhaman
* Bishnupur
* Hugli-Chuchura
* Cooch Behar
* Darjeeling
* Durgapur
* Haldia
* Howrah
* Jalpaiguri
* Jaynagar Majilpur
* Jiaganj Azimganj
* Kalimpong
* Kharagpur
* Kolkata
* Krishnanagar
* Kurseong
* Malda
* Midnapore
* Murshidabad
* Purulia
* Raiganj
* Siliguri
* Siuri
* Tamluk
* List of cities in West Bengal by population
* Cities and towns by district

Culture|

* Bengal Renaissance
* Bengali calendars
* Patachitra
* Chalchitra
* Arts of West Bengal
* Baul
* Bhadu
* Gombhira
* Chhau dance
* Cuisine
* Bengali
* Rabindra Sangeet
* Rabindra Nritya Natya
* Holi
* Dol Purnima
* Prostitution in Kolkata
* Pohela Boishakh
* Durga Puja
* Bhai Dooj
* Raksha Bandhan
* Ratha Yatra
* Architecture of Bengal
* Bengal temples
* Bengali language
* Bengali literature
* Feluda
* Lalmohan Ganguly
* Professor Shonku
* Tarini Khuro
* Kakababu
* Kiriti Roy
* Pather Panchali (novel)
* Bengali cinema
* Jatra
* Ghosts in Bengali culture

GI products|

* Baluchari sari
* Banglar Rosogolla
* Banglar Muslin
* Banglar Nolen Gur Sandesh
* Bankura horse
* Baruipur Guava
* Bengal Patachitra
* Bishnupur Motichur Laddu
* Chhau mask
* Darjeeling tea
* Dhaniakhali Sari
* Dhokra
* Fazli (mango)
* Garad Saree
* Gobindobhog
* Himsagar
* Jaynagarer Moa
* Kamarpukur Sada Bode
* Madurkathi
* Malda Nistari Silk Yarn
* Manasa chali
* Mihidana
* Murshidabad Chhanabora
* Nakshi kantha
* Radhunipagal rice
* Santiniketan Leather Goods
* Shantipuri sari
* Sitabhog
* Sundarban Honey
* Tangail Saree
* Tulaipanji

Demographics|

* Bengali people
* Bihari people
* Economy of West Bengal
* Gurkha
* Adivasi
* Rajbanshi
* Anglo-Indian people
* Ethnic communities in Kolkata
* List of West Bengal districts ranked by literacy rate
* Discrimination against Bengalis in India

People|

* Rabindranath Tagore
* Satyajit Ray
* Kazi Nazrul Islam
* Anil Kumar Gain
* Ritwik Ghatak
* Subhas Chandra Bose
* Jamini Roy
* Bidhan Chandra Roy
* Jyoti Basu
* Nandalal Bose
* Jagadish Chandra Bose
* Meghnad Saha
* Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
* Sarat Chandra Bose
* Jnanadanandini Devi
* Abanindranath Tagore
* Satyendranath Tagore
* Satyendranath Dutta
* Raja Ram Mohan Roy
* Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
* Rani Rashmoni
* Ramakrishna
* Swami Vivekananda
* Sarada Devi
* Dwarkanath Tagore
* Sukumar Ray
* Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
* Michael Madhusudan Dutt
* Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
* Sister Nivedita
* Mother Teresa
* Amartya Sen
* Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
* Nihar Ranjan Gupta

Image gallery at Wikimedia Commons

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
* Israel

Other|

* Yale LUX

*[Pop.]: Population
*[±% p.a.]: Per annum growth rate
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