Khirpai - Revision history

TameraWhitham: minor edit

2025-06-08T01:05:02Z

minor edit

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:35, 8 June 2025
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	'''Khirpai''', also known as '''Kshirpai''', is a city and a municipality in the [[Ghatal subdivision]] of the [[Paschim Medinipur district]] in the [[States and territories of India\|state]] of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. The city is situated between [[Ghatal]] and [[Chandrakona]], near the banks of the rivers Shilabati and Kethai, and is one of the oldest municipalities in India. Khirpai is also famous for its ~~‘Babarsha’~~, a special type of sweetmeat, which is not available elsewhere.		'''Khirpai''', also known as '''Kshirpai''', is a city and a municipality in the [[Ghatal subdivision]] of the [[Paschim Medinipur district]] in the [[States and territories of India\|state]] of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. Earlier it was part of [[Hooghly district\|Hooghly]]. The city is situated between [[Ghatal]] and [[Chandrakona]], near the banks of the rivers Shilabati and Kethai, and is one of the oldest municipalities in India. Khirpai is also famous for its [[Babarsa]], a special type of sweetmeat, which is not available elsewhere.

	==History==		==History==
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	===Area overview===		===Area overview===
	[[Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar]], scholar, social reformer and a key figure of the [[Bengal Renaissance]], was born at [[Birsingha]] on 26 September 1820.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Vidyasagar,_Ishwar_Chandra \|title= Vidyasagar, Pundit Iswar Chandra \|publisher=Banglapedia \|access-date=24 July 2016 \|last=Murshid \|first=Ghulam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.whereincity.com/india/great-indians/literary-persons/ishwar-chandra.php \|title=Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar \|publisher=www.whereincity.com \|access-date=24 July 2016 }}</ref>		[[Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar]], scholar, social reformer and a key figure of the [[Bengal Renaissance]], was born at [[Birsingha]] on 26 September 1820.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Vidyasagar,_Ishwar_Chandra \|title= Vidyasagar, Pundit Iswar Chandra \|publisher=Banglapedia \|access-date=24 July 2016 \|last=Murshid \|first=Ghulam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.whereincity.com/india/great-indians/literary-persons/ishwar-chandra.php \|title=Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar \|publisher=www.whereincity.com \|access-date=24 July 2016 }}</ref>

	Ghatal subdivision, shown in the map alongside, has [[Alluvium\|alluvial]] soils. Around 85% of the total cultivated area is cropped more than once.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Human%20Development%20Report\| title = District Human Development Report Paschim Medinipur, 2011\| work= page 27-28\| publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal \|access-date = 10 September 2020}}</ref> It has a density of population of 1,099 per km<sup>2</sup>, but being a small subdivision only a little over a fifth of the people in the district reside in this subdivision. 14.33% of the population lives in urban areas and 86.67% lives in the rural areas.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook \| title = District Statistical Handbook Paschim Medinipur, 2013\| work= Table 2.2, 2.4 (a)\| publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics \|access-date = 10 September 2020}}</ref>		Ghatal subdivision, shown in the map alongside, has [[Alluvium\|alluvial]] soils. Around 85% of the total cultivated area is cropped more than once.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Human%20Development%20Report\| title = District Human Development Report Paschim Medinipur, 2011\| work= page 27-28\| publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal \|access-date = 10 September 2020}}</ref> It has a density of population of 1,099 per km<sup>2</sup>, but being a small subdivision only a little over a fifth of the people in the district reside in this subdivision. 14.33% of the population lives in urban areas and 86.67% lives in the rural areas.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook \| title = District Statistical Handbook Paschim Medinipur, 2013\| work= Table 2.2, 2.4 (a)\| publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics \|access-date = 10 September 2020}}</ref>

	<small>Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.</small>		<small>Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.</small>
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	{{As of\|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web \|url= https://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-westbengal.php?cityid=1941504000\|title=City population}}</ref> Khirpai had a population of 16,384. Males constituted 50.4% of the population, and females were 49.6%. Khirpai has an average literacy rate of 82.39%, higher than the state average of 76.26%: male literacy is 88.58%, and female literacy is 76.09%. In Khirpai, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.		{{As of\|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web \|url= https://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-westbengal.php?cityid=1941504000\|title=City population}}</ref> Khirpai had a population of 16,384. Males constituted 50.4% of the population, and females were 49.6%. Khirpai has an average literacy rate of 82.39%, higher than the state average of 76.26%: male literacy is 88.58%, and female literacy is 76.09%. In Khirpai, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.

	{{As of\|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999 \|archive-date= 2004-06-16 \|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional) \|access-date= 2008-11-01 \|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Khirpai had a population of 14,548. Males constituted 57% of the population, and females were 43%. Khirpai has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 62%. In Khirpai, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.		{{As of\|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999 \|archive-date= 2004-06-16 \|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional) \|access-date= 2008-11-01 \|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Khirpai had a population of 14,548. Males constituted 57% of the population, and females were 43%. Khirpai has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 62%. In Khirpai, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.

	==CD Block HQ==		==CD Block HQ==
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	==Education==		==Education==
	There are many schools and primary schools in Khirpai. There is one coeducational high school and one girls school. The name of the schools are: 1. [[Khirpai H.S. Multipurpose School]] 2. Khirpai S.K. Barman Memorial Girls High School. [[Ghatal Rabindra Satabarsiki Mahavidyalaya]] and [[Chandrakona Vidyasagar Mahavidyalaya]] are two nearby colleges of Khirpai. The nearest polytechnic college is [[Ghatal Government Polytechnic]], and an ITI college is Ghatal Government ITI in Birsingha.		There are many schools and primary schools in Khirpai. There is one coeducational high school and one girls school. The name of the schools are: 1. [[Khirpai H.S. Multipurpose School]] 2. Khirpai S.K. Barman Memorial Girls High School. Ghatal Rabindra Satabarsiki Mahavidyalaya and Chandrakona Vidyasagar Mahavidyalaya are two nearby colleges of Khirpai. The nearest polytechnic college is [[Ghatal Government Polytechnic]], and an ITI college is Ghatal Government ITI in Birsingha.

	==Health==		==Health==
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	==Culture==		==Culture==
	Among many festivals in Khirpai, 'Santoshi Mela' is the most popular. Many people from Khirpai and its nearby villages take part in the Santoshi Mela. There are also some religious places in Khirpai named Pancharatna Mandir, Parbatinath Temple, and Radha Damodar Jew Temple.		Among many festivals in Khirpai, 'Santoshi Mela' is the most popular.{{CN\|date=November 2023}} Many people from Khirpai and its nearby villages take part in the Santoshi Mela. There are also some religious places in Khirpai named Pancharatna Mandir, Parbatinath Temple, and Radha Damodar Jew Temple.

	Radhamadhab Temple of Malpara is on Ghatal-Khirpai Road. This age-old temple is ''[[Bengal temple architecture#Ratna temple\|Pancharatna]]'' ("ratna" means pinnacle), but the terracotta works still exist. These works depict Krishnalila, Dasavatar and the battle of Ram Ravana, even hunting scenes and floral ornamentations. It was built in 1817. Radha Damodar Jew Temple is famous for its terracota works. ‘Dalan Mandir’ in Paharipara is also notable. This temple is dedicated to Singhabahini, incarnation of [[Devi Durga]]. This was built in 1746 and probably the oldest temple of the Khirpai region.		Radhamadhab Temple of Malpara is on Ghatal-Khirpai Road. This age-old temple is ''[[Bengal temple architecture#Ratna temple\|Pancharatna]]'' ("ratna" means pinnacle), but the terracotta works still exist. These works depict Krishnalila, Dasavatar and the battle of Ram Ravana, even hunting scenes and floral ornamentations. It was built in 1817. Radha Damodar Jew Temple is famous for its terracota works. ‘Dalan Mandir’ in Paharipara is also notable. This temple is dedicated to Singhabahini, incarnation of [[Devi Durga]]. This was built in 1746 and probably the oldest temple of the Khirpai region.{{CN\|date=November 2023}}

	The massive structure of Sitalanda Tin Temple is situated in Hattala (Khirpai). It faces southwards and is of the ''[[At-chala\|atchala]]'' style. Some terracotta specimens still can be found. It was built by Pani family in 1839. There is a Shiva temple in the village [[Gangadaspur]], Ward no.-6 of the Khirpai municipality which bears the age-old culture of this locality. This temple is almost 300 years old, and it is the largest and highest of this area. The temple has been newly renovated~~. It upholds the cultural heritage of this area~~.		The massive structure of Sitalanda Tin Temple is situated in Hattala (Khirpai). It faces southwards and is of the ''[[At-chala\|atchala]]'' style. Some terracotta specimens still can be found. It was built by Pani family in 1839. There is a Shiva temple in the village [[Gangadaspur]], Ward no.-6 of the Khirpai municipality which bears the age-old culture of this locality. This temple is almost 300 years old, and it is the largest and highest of this area.{{CN\|date=November 2023}} The temple has been newly renovated.

	The regular Bengali festivals, like [[Durga Puja]], [[Saraswati Puja]] and [[Kali Puja]], are well attended. Other common pujas in the worship of Sitala, Jagaddhatri, Holi, Janmastami, or Bheema Puja also take place. A special type of sweet named Babarsa, only in Bengal, is available here.		The regular Bengali festivals, like [[Durga Puja]], [[Saraswati Puja]] and [[Kali Puja]], are well attended. Other common pujas in the worship of Sitala, Jagaddhatri, Holi, Janmastami, or Bheema Puja also take place. A special type of sweet named Babarsa, only in Bengal, is available here.
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	*The renovated temple of the Asram belonged to the ''eka-ratna'' with ridged rekha tower category.		*The renovated temple of the Asram belonged to the ''eka-ratna'' with ridged rekha tower category.
	*The Madana-Mohana temple as a ''pancha-ratna'' with ridged rekha turrets and porch on triple archway of the standard West Bengal type. Built in 1817, it measures around 16’ 6” square.		*The Madana-Mohana temple as a ''pancha-ratna'' with ridged rekha turrets and porch on triple archway of the standard West Bengal type. Built in 1817, it measures around 16’ 6” square.

	~~==Khirpai picture gallery==~~
	~~<gallery widths="180px" heights="150px">~~
	~~File:Aatchala Khargesvara Temple at Kshirpai of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 04.jpg\|''At-chala'' Khargeswara Shiva temple~~
	~~File:Aatchala Khargesvara Temple at Kshirpai of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 19.jpg\|Terracotta panel at Khargeswara Shiva temple~~
	~~File:Sitalananda Shiva Temple at Kshirpai or Khirpai ast Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 09.jpg\|Terracotta panels at Sitalananda Shiva temple~~
	~~File:Radha Damodar Temple at Dayalbazar area of Kshirpai at Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal 02.jpg\|Radha Damodara temple in the Dayalbazar area, constructed in 1817 by Madan Mohan Dutta~~
	~~File:Radha Damodar Temple at Dayalbazar area of Kshirpai at Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal 09.jpg\|Terracotta panel in Radha Damodara temple~~
	~~</gallery>~~

	==Healthcare==		==Healthcare==
	Khirpai Rural Hospital, with 30 beds at Khirpai, is the major government medical facility in the Chandrakona I CD block.<ref>{{cite web \| url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf \| title = Health & Family Welfare Department \| work= Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals \| publisher = Government of West Bengal \|access-date = 1 September 2020}}</ref>		Khirpai Rural Hospital, with 30 beds at Khirpai, is the major government medical facility in the Chandrakona I CD block.<ref>{{cite web \| url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf \| title =Health & Family Welfare Department \| work =Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals \| publisher =Government of West Bengal \| access-date =1 September 2020 \| archive-date =8 October 2022 \| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20221008143352/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf \| url-status =dead }}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}
	'''Sources:'''		'''Sources:'''
	* ''How India clothed the world: the world of South Asian textiles, 1500-1850''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=g3jyp-LNHMAC~~&pg=PA240~~&dq=khirpai&hl=~~enei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ~~]		* ''How India clothed the world: the world of South Asian textiles, 1500-1850''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=g3jyp-LNHMAC&dq=khirpai&pg=PA240]
	* ''History of Bagree-Rajya (Garhbeta)''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=23aE18nmt-0C~~&pg=PA141~~&dq=khirpai&hl=~~en&ei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEEQ6AEwBg~~]		* ''History of Bagree-Rajya (Garhbeta)''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=23aE18nmt-0C&dq=khirpai&pg=PA141]
	* ''Midnapore the Forerunner of India's Freedom Struggle''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=75-a8FSPmvQC~~&pg=PA100~~&dq=khirpai&hl=~~en&ei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEsQ6AEwCA~~]		* ''Midnapore the Forerunner of India's Freedom Struggle''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=75-a8FSPmvQC&dq=khirpai&pg=PA100]
	* ''Changing Profile of the Frontier Bengal''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=UGTxUHzhYXwC~~&pg=PA149~~&dq=khirpai&hl=~~en&ei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAg~~]		* ''Changing Profile of the Frontier Bengal''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=UGTxUHzhYXwC&dq=khirpai&pg=PA149]
	* ''District handbooks''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6rXUAAAAMAAJ&q=khirpai,ghatal~~&dq=khirpai,ghatal&hl=en&ei=XEQoTbLdLYbrrQeAmJhP&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEkQ6AEwCA~~]		* ''District handbooks''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6rXUAAAAMAAJ&q=khirpai,ghatal]

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{commons category\|~~Kshirpai, Ghatal subdivision~~}}		{{commons category\|Khirpai}}
	* [http://www.paschimmedinipur.gov.in/ Paschim Medinipur District Official Website]		* [http://www.paschimmedinipur.gov.in/ Paschim Medinipur District Official Website]
	* [http://www.purbamedinipur.gov.in/ Purba Medinipur District Official Website]		* [http://www.purbamedinipur.gov.in/ Purba Medinipur District Official Website]
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	[[Category:Cities and towns in Paschim Medinipur district]]		[[Category:Cities and towns in Paschim Medinipur district]]
			[[Category:Cities in West Bengal]]

->Titodutta: /* Khirpai picture gallery */project attribution remove from article, not standard attribution of project

2021-09-27T02:13:38Z

Khirpai picture gallery: project attribution remove from article, not standard attribution of project

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Khirpai
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name = Kshirpai
| nickname =
| settlement_type = City
| image_skyline = Sitalananda Shiva Temple at Kshirpai or Khirpai ast Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 23.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = ''At-chala'' Sitalananda Shiva temple in Khirpai
| pushpin_map = India West Bengal#India3
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal, India
| coordinates = {{coord|22.7|N|87.62|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[West Midnapore]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipality]]
| governing_body = Khirpai Municipality
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Khirpai City|url=http://www.khirpaimunicipality.in/pages/cd.aspx}}</ref>
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 11.65
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 16,384
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[English language|English]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 721232
| registration_plate =
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 931 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Arambagh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arambagh]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Chandrakona (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Chandrakona]]
| website = {{URL|paschimmedinipur.gov.in/}}
| footnotes =
}}

'''Khirpai''', also known as '''Kshirpai''', is a city and a municipality in the [[Ghatal subdivision]] of the [[Paschim Medinipur district]] in the [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. The city is situated between [[Ghatal]] and [[Chandrakona]], near the banks of the rivers Shilabati and Kethai, and is one of the oldest municipalities in India. Khirpai is also famous for its ‘Babarsha’, a special type of sweetmeat, which is not available elsewhere.

==History==
In the 18th and 19th century, Khirpai was a large and popular trading place. Cotton and handicrafts of this area were exported to foreign lands. In the [[British Raj|British period]], Khirpai became famous for indigo [[plantation]]s. Also in the British Era, it was a famous business centre. At that time ''neel'' (indigo powder) was the main product. On the south-east side of Khirpai town, there is a lake; ruins can be found in the south-east corner of this lake. Once, it was the trade-house of the European merchants. French, Dutch, Portuguese and British traders came here for trade before 1660, and by that time, they thronged here for purchasing cotton and silk, which were of exclusive status. In 1763, the French built a workshop in this place.

In the 18th century, Khirpai become famous for cotton-cloth weaving and manufacture of brush and bell metal. The weaving industry was further developed in the second half of the century by the location of an important factory of the [[East India Company]] in Khirpai. But in the 19th century, the industry declined owing to the withdrawal of the company from commercial undertakings, and particularly due to the importation of British-made piece goods. Khirpai lost status as a business centre, and the population density of Khirpai decreased gradually from that time.

==Geography==
{{OSM Location map
| width=350| height=350| zoom=10
| coord={{coord|22|40|0|N|87|40|30|E}}| float=left|caption='''Cities and towns in Ghatal subdivision of Paschim Medinipur district''' M: municipal city/ town, R: rural/ urban centre, H: historical/ religious centre Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly
|mark-coord1= {{coord|22|44|0|N|87|31|12|E}}| label-pos1=bottom|label1= Chandrakona | numbered1=M| mark-title1= [[Chandrakona]] (M)|label-color1=#800000 |label-size1=13| mark-size1=13|shape1=l-circle|shape-color1=#800000|shape-outline1=white|label-offset-x1=2
|mark-coord2={{coord|22|40|12|N|87|43|12|E}} | label-pos2=right|label2=Ghatal | numbered2=M| mark-title2= [[Ghatal]] (M)
|mark-coord3={{coord|22|42|0|N|87|40|48|E}} | label-pos3=right|label3=Kharar | numbered3=M| mark-title3= [[Kharar, Ghatal]] (M)
|mark-coord4={{coord|22|42|0|N|87|37|12|E}} | label-pos4=left|label4=Khirpai | numbered4=M| mark-title4= Khirpai (M)|shape-color4=black| label-size4=13|label-color4=black 
|mark-coord5={{coord|22|49|48|N|87|37|12|E}} | label-pos5=right|label5=Ramjibanpur | numbered5=M| mark-title5= [[Ramjibanpur]] (M)
|mark-coord6={{coord|22|36|0|N|87|43|30|E}} | label-pos6=left|label6=Daspur | numbered6=R| mark-title6= [[Daspur]] (R) |shape-color6=#C40000
|mark-coord7={{coord|22|33|0|N|87|46|14|E}} | label-pos7=right|label7=Sonakhali | numbered7=R| mark-title7= [[Sonakhali, Paschim Medinipur]] (R) |shape-color7=#C40000
|mark-coord8={{coord|22|43|50|N|87|39|22|E}} | label-pos8=right|label8=Birsingha | numbered8=R| mark-title8= [[Birsingha]] (R) |shape-color8=#C40000
|mark-coord9={{coord|22|32|0|N|87|46|45|E}}| label-pos9=right|label9= Ajuria| numbered9=H| mark-title9= [[Ajuria]] (H) |shape-color9=#AA6666
|mark-coord10={{coord|22|39|56|N|87|39|7|E}}| label-pos10=right|label10= Alui| numbered10=H| mark-title10= [[Alui]] (H) |shape-color10=#AA6666
|mark-coord11={{coord|22|45|20|N|87|33|0|E}}| label-pos11=right|label11= Baikunthapur| numbered11=H| mark-title11= [[Baikunthapur, Paschim Medinipur]] (H) |shape-color11=#AA6666
|mark-coord12={{coord|22|34|40|N|87|48|17|E}}| label-pos12=right|label12= Chaipat| numbered12=H| mark-title12= [[Chaipat]] (H) |shape-color12=#AA6666
|mark-coord13={{coord|22|35|55|N|87|44|20|E}}| label-pos13=right|label13= Dihi Baliharpur| numbered13=H| mark-title13= [[Dihi Baliharpur]] (H) |shape-color13=#AA6666
|mark-coord14={{coord|22|42|58|N|87|37|34|E}}| label-pos14=right|label14= Gangadaspur| numbered14=H| mark-title14= [[Gangadaspur]] (H) |shape-color14=#AA6666
|mark-coord15={{coord|22|31|23|N|87|44|24|E}}| label-pos15=left|label15= Gobindanagar| numbered15=H| mark-title15= [[Gobindanagar]] (H) |shape-color15=#AA6666
|mark-coord16={{coord|22|39|6|N|87|38|44|E}}| label-pos16=right|label16= Iswarpur| numbered16=H| mark-title16= [[Iswarpur]] (H) |shape-color16=#AA6666
|mark-coord17={{coord|22|50|53|N|87|39|50|E}}| label-pos17=right|label17=Jalshara| numbered17=H| mark-title17= [[Jalshara]] (H) |shape-color17=#AA6666
|mark-coord18={{coord|22|44|30|N|87|32|24|E}}| label-pos18=right|label18=Jayantipur| numbered18=H| mark-title18= [[Jayantipur]] (H) |shape-color18=#AA6666
|mark-coord19={{coord|22|37|42|N|87|44|47|E}}| label-pos19=right|label19=Kotalpur| numbered19=H| mark-title19= [[Kotalpur]] (H) |shape-color19=#AA6666
|mark-coord20={{coord|22|38|4|N|87|38|30|E}}| label-pos20=right|label20=Lachhipur| numbered20=H| mark-title20= [[Lachhipur]] (H) |shape-color20=#AA6666
|mark-coord21={{coord|22|36|55|N|87|43|41|E}}| label-pos21=right|label21=Laoda| numbered21=H| mark-title21= [[Laoda]] (H) |shape-color21=#AA6666
|mark-coord22={{coord|22|34|30|N|87|36|54|E}}| label-pos22=right|label22=Narajole| numbered22=H| mark-title22= [[Narajole]] (H) |shape-color22=#AA6666
|mark-coord23={{coord|22|31|9|N|87|47|18|E}}| label-pos23=right|label23=Palashpai| numbered23=H| mark-title23= [[Palashpai]] (H) |shape-color23=#AA6666
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|mark-coord25={{coord|22|41|8|N|87|38|45|E}}| label-pos25=left|label25=Radhanagar| numbered25=H| mark-title25= [[Radhanagar, Paschim Medinipur]] (H) |shape-color25=#AA6666
|mark-coord26={{coord|22|33|50|N|87|49|12|E}}| label-pos26=right|label26=Uttar Bar| numbered26=H| mark-title26= [[Uttar Bar]] (H) |shape-color26=#AA6666
|mark-coord27={{coord|22|42|21|N|87|47|0|E}}| label27=Rupnarayan River| label-color27 = #77A1CB| label-angle27=65| label-pos27=right| label-size27=10| mark-size27=0| mark-title27=none}}

===Location===
Khirpai is located at {{Coord|22.7|N|87.62|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/28/Khirpai.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Khirpai]</ref> It has an average elevation of 7 metres (26 feet).

===Area overview===
[[Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar]], scholar, social reformer and a key figure of the [[Bengal Renaissance]], was born at [[Birsingha]] on 26 September 1820.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Vidyasagar,_Ishwar_Chandra |title= Vidyasagar, Pundit Iswar Chandra |publisher=Banglapedia |access-date=24 July 2016 |last=Murshid |first=Ghulam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whereincity.com/india/great-indians/literary-persons/ishwar-chandra.php |title=Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar |publisher=www.whereincity.com |access-date=24 July 2016 }}</ref>

Ghatal subdivision, shown in the map alongside, has [[Alluvium|alluvial]] soils. Around 85% of the total cultivated area is cropped more than once.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Human%20Development%20Report| title = District Human Development Report Paschim Medinipur, 2011| work= page 27-28| publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 10 September 2020}}</ref> It has a density of population of 1,099 per km2, but being a small subdivision only a little over a fifth of the people in the district reside in this subdivision. 14.33% of the population lives in urban areas and 86.67% lives in the rural areas.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | title = District Statistical Handbook Paschim Medinipur, 2013| work= Table 2.2, 2.4 (a)| publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics |access-date = 10 September 2020}}</ref>

Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

==Demographics==
{{As of|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-westbengal.php?cityid=1941504000|title=City population}}</ref> Khirpai had a population of 16,384. Males constituted 50.4% of the population, and females were 49.6%. Khirpai has an average literacy rate of 82.39%, higher than the state average of 76.26%: male literacy is 88.58%, and female literacy is 76.09%. In Khirpai, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.

{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999 |archive-date= 2004-06-16 |title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional) |access-date= 2008-11-01 |publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Khirpai had a population of 14,548. Males constituted 57% of the population, and females were 43%. Khirpai has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 62%. In Khirpai, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.

==CD Block HQ==
The headquarters of [[Chandrakona I]] Block are located at Bamaria in Kshirpai.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DCHB/DCHB_A/19/1918_PART_A_DCHB_PASCHIM%20MEDINIPUR.pdf |title= District Census Handbook: Paschim Medinipur |work= Map of Paschim Medinipur with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fifth page) |publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011 |access-date= 20 November 2016 }}</ref>

==Economy==
The main economy of this area is agriculture. Besides the town area, the people of the villagers basically earn their livelihood by producing crops, like paddy, potato, wheat, jute and vegetables of different kinds. A few of the people are government employees, school teachers, or employed in other small private sectors. The financial status of most of the people is in middle-class and lower middle-class category.

==Transportation==
Khirpai is well connected by roads/highways with other nearby cities like Midnapore, Kharagpur, Kolkata, Howrah, Ghatal, Burdwan, Panskura, Kanthi, Tamluk, Hooghly. For local transportation, buses, taxi, minibus, or cycle-rikshaws are available. Panskura and Chandrokona road railway stations are two of the nearest railway stations.

[[State Highway 4 (West Bengal)]] running from Jhalda (in Purulia district) to Digha (in Purba Medinipur district) and [[State Highway 7 (West Bengal)]] running from Rajgram (in Birbhum district) to Midnapore (in Paschim Medinipur district) cross at Khirpai.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.wbtrafficpolice.com/state-highways.php |title= List of State Highways in West Bengal |publisher= West Bengal Traffic Police |access-date= 15 September 2016}}</ref> SBSTC has a bus depot at Khirpai.

==Education==
There are many schools and primary schools in Khirpai. There is one coeducational high school and one girls school. The name of the schools are: 1. [[Khirpai H.S. Multipurpose School]] 2. Khirpai S.K. Barman Memorial Girls High School. [[Ghatal Rabindra Satabarsiki Mahavidyalaya]] and [[Chandrakona Vidyasagar Mahavidyalaya]] are two nearby colleges of Khirpai. The nearest polytechnic college is [[Ghatal Government Polytechnic]], and an ITI college is Ghatal Government ITI in Birsingha.

==Health==
There is a hospital in the Khirpai town and one community-based primary health center run by Khirpai municipality. People of Khirpai and its nearby areas mainly depend on the hospital. Also there are many private chambers of doctors in Khirpai. The health of common people is generally well.

==Culture==
Among many festivals in Khirpai, 'Santoshi Mela' is the most popular. Many people from Khirpai and its nearby villages take part in the Santoshi Mela. There are also some religious places in Khirpai named Pancharatna Mandir, Parbatinath Temple, and Radha Damodar Jew Temple.

Radhamadhab Temple of Malpara is on Ghatal-Khirpai Road. This age-old temple is ''[[Bengal temple architecture#Ratna temple|Pancharatna]]'' ("ratna" means pinnacle), but the terracotta works still exist. These works depict Krishnalila, Dasavatar and the battle of Ram Ravana, even hunting scenes and floral ornamentations. It was built in 1817. Radha Damodar Jew Temple is famous for its terracota works. ‘Dalan Mandir’ in Paharipara is also notable. This temple is dedicated to Singhabahini, incarnation of [[Devi Durga]]. This was built in 1746 and probably the oldest temple of the Khirpai region.

The massive structure of Sitalanda Tin Temple is situated in Hattala (Khirpai). It faces southwards and is of the ''[[At-chala|atchala]]'' style. Some terracotta specimens still can be found. It was built by Pani family in 1839. There is a Shiva temple in the village [[Gangadaspur]], Ward no.-6 of the Khirpai municipality which bears the age-old culture of this locality. This temple is almost 300 years old, and it is the largest and highest of this area. The temple has been newly renovated. It upholds the cultural heritage of this area.

The regular Bengali festivals, like [[Durga Puja]], [[Saraswati Puja]] and [[Kali Puja]], are well attended. Other common pujas in the worship of Sitala, Jagaddhatri, Holi, Janmastami, or Bheema Puja also take place. A special type of sweet named Babarsa, only in Bengal, is available here.

[[David McCutchion|David J. McCutchion]] mentions:<ref>McCutchion, David J., ''Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal'', first published 1972, reprinted 2017, pages 36, 42, 47. The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, {{ISBN| 978-93-81574-65-2}}</ref>
*The Khargeswara Siva temple as an ''[[Bengal temple architecture#Chala temple|at-chala]]'' with figures around the façade. It measures 23’ x 20’
*The Sitalananda Siva temple in the same category as the Khargeswara Siva temple. Built in 1839, it measures 21’ x 18’ 8”.
*The renovated temple of the Asram belonged to the ''eka-ratna'' with ridged rekha tower category.
*The Madana-Mohana temple as a ''pancha-ratna'' with ridged rekha turrets and porch on triple archway of the standard West Bengal type. Built in 1817, it measures around 16’ 6” square.

==Khirpai picture gallery==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="150px">
File:Aatchala Khargesvara Temple at Kshirpai of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 04.jpg|''At-chala'' Khargeswara Shiva temple
File:Aatchala Khargesvara Temple at Kshirpai of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 19.jpg|Terracotta panel at Khargeswara Shiva temple
File:Sitalananda Shiva Temple at Kshirpai or Khirpai ast Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 09.jpg|Terracotta panels at Sitalananda Shiva temple
File:Radha Damodar Temple at Dayalbazar area of Kshirpai at Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal 02.jpg|Radha Damodara temple in the Dayalbazar area, constructed in 1817 by Madan Mohan Dutta
File:Radha Damodar Temple at Dayalbazar area of Kshirpai at Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal 09.jpg|Terracotta panel in Radha Damodara temple
</gallery>

==Healthcare==
Khirpai Rural Hospital, with 30 beds at Khirpai, is the major government medical facility in the Chandrakona I CD block.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals | publisher = Government of West Bengal |access-date = 1 September 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
'''Sources:'''
* ''How India clothed the world: the world of South Asian textiles, 1500-1850''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=g3jyp-LNHMAC&pg=PA240&dq=khirpai&hl=enei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ]
* ''History of Bagree-Rajya (Garhbeta)''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=23aE18nmt-0C&pg=PA141&dq=khirpai&hl=en&ei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEEQ6AEwBg]
* ''Midnapore the Forerunner of India's Freedom Struggle''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=75-a8FSPmvQC&pg=PA100&dq=khirpai&hl=en&ei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEsQ6AEwCA]
* ''Changing Profile of the Frontier Bengal''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=UGTxUHzhYXwC&pg=PA149&dq=khirpai&hl=en&ei=4DcoTaSSJ8LJrAfugt3zDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAg]
* ''District handbooks''. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6rXUAAAAMAAJ&q=khirpai,ghatal&dq=khirpai,ghatal&hl=en&ei=XEQoTbLdLYbrrQeAmJhP&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEkQ6AEwCA]

==External links==
{{commons category|Kshirpai, Ghatal subdivision}}
* [http://www.paschimmedinipur.gov.in/ Paschim Medinipur District Official Website]
* [http://www.purbamedinipur.gov.in/ Purba Medinipur District Official Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120318061225/http://www.khirpaimunicipality.com/ Khirpai Municipality]
* [http://www.midnapore.in/ Midnapore - Website for East and West Midnapore]

{{Paschim Medinipur District}}
{{Temple towns in West Bengal}}
{{Paschim Medinipur topics}}
{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Paschim Medinipur district]]