Created by Tom.Reding
Last edited February 19, 2026
>Tom.Reding
 
corrected section after review and cleaned formatting for accuracy
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{About|the city in West Bengal, India|1 its namesake community development block|Contai I|2 its another namesake community development block|Contai III}}
{{About|the city in West Bengal, India|1 its namesake community development block|Contai I|2 another namesake community development block|Contai III}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Contai
| name               = Contai
| other_name                     = Kanthi
| other_name         = Kanthi
| settlement_type                 = City
| settlement_type   = City
| image_skyline                   = Contai Railway Station, Kanthi.jpg
| image_skyline     =  
| image_alt                       =  
| image_alt         =  
| image_caption                   = [[Kanthi railway station|Contai Railway Station]]
| image_caption     = [[Contai railway station|Contai Railway Station]]
| nickname                       =  
| nickname           = Coastal City
| pushpin_map                     = India West Bengal#India3
| pushpin_map       = India West Bengal#India3
| pushpin_label_position         =  
| pushpin_label_position =  
| pushpin_map_alt                 =  
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in West Bengal, India
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal, India
| coordinates                     = {{coord|21.78|N|87.75|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates       = {{coord|21.78|N|87.75|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type               = Country
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Midnapore East]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Midnapore East]]
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date               = 1958
| established_date   = 1958
| founder                         =  
| founder           =  
| named_for                       =  
| named_for         =  
| government_type                 = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipality]]
| government_type   = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipality]]
| governing_body                 = Contai Municipality
| governing_body     = Contai Municipality
| leader_title                   = Chairman
| leader_title       = Chairman
| leader_name                     = Soumendu Adhikari
| leader_name       = Manasi Panda
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| unit_pref         = Metric
| area_footnotes                 = <ref>{{cite web|title=Contai Municipality}}</ref>
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|title=Contai Municipality}}</ref>
| area_total_km2                 = 14
| area_total_km2     = 14
| area_rank                       =  
| area_rank         =  
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_m                     = 6
| elevation_m       = 6
| population_total               = 92,226
| population_total   = 92,226
| population_as_of               = 2011
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_footnotes           =  
| population_footnotes =  
| population_density_km2         = 4492
| population_density_km2 = 4492
| population_rank                 =  
| population_rank   =  
| population_demonym             =  
| population_demonym = Medinipur
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                     = 721 401
| postal_code       = 721401
| area_code                       = 91-3220
| area_code         = 91-3220
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate             = WB-31-xxxx, WB-32-xxxx
| registration_plate = WB-31-xxxx, WB-32-xxxx
| blank1_name_sec1               = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1               = [[Kanthi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kanthi]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[Contai (Lok Sabha constituency)|Contai]]
| website                         = {{URL|contaimunicipality.org.in/}}
| website           = {{URL|contaimunicipality.org.in/}}
| footnotes                       =  
| footnotes         =  
| demographics1_info1             = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], English
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], English
| blank2_name_sec1               = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1               = [[Kanthi Dakshin (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Kanthi Dakshin]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[Contai South (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Contai South]]
| official_name                   =  
| official_name     = Contai Municipality
| subdivision_type3  = [[Subdivision (India)|Sub Division]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Contai subdivision]]
}}
}}


'''Contai''' is a city and a municipality in [[Purba Medinipur district]], [[West Bengal]], India. It is the headquarters of the [[Contai subdivision]]. According to the geologists, the present geographical dimension of Contai, has formally came into existence, with the great natural disaster of the third century AD (flood) which created Chilka lake out of the Chilka Bay. ''Kanthi'', that is ''Contai'', means "Sand-bound reefs" or sand walls. The name ''Contai'' may thus be an English expression of the local jargon meaning "sand heaps".
'''Contai''', also known as '''Kanthi''' ({{IPA|bn|kañtʰi}}),<ref>[https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/midnapore/no-maintenance-in-heritage-building-1.444530 Etymology of Kanthi]</ref> is a coastal and subdivisional city and a municipality in East Midnapore district, [[West Bengal]], India. It is the headquarters of the [[Contai subdivision]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Subdivision & Blocks {{!}} Purba Medinipur {{!}} India |url=https://purbamedinipur.gov.in/subdivision-blocks/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
In the 5th century, during the visit of [[Faxian|Fa-Hien]], Contai was uninhabited and had no name for the outside world. In Valentine's{{Who|date=October 2018}} travelogue, a harbour, Petua by name, was mentioned. This harbour was on the bank of the river Rasulpur, a short distance from the Rasulpur estuary. Later the harbour was shifted to the present site of the Contai Town. However, it is said, the name of the abandoned port was retained for its new location, In foreigners tongue, Petua is said to have changed first to Cauntee and finally to Contai, whereas in local tongue it has changed to Kanthi (কাঁথি).{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}
In the 5th century, during the visit of [[Faxian|Fa-Hien]], Contai was uninhabited and had no name for the outside world. In Valentine's{{Who|date=October 2018}} travelogue, a harbour, Petua by name, was mentioned. This harbour was on the bank of the river Rasulpur, a short distance from the Rasulpur estuary. Later the harbour was shifted to the present site of the Contai Town. However, it is said, the name of the abandoned port was retained for its new location, In foreigners tongue, Petua is said to have changed first to Cauntee and finally to Contai, whereas in local tongue it has changed to Kanthi (কাঁথি).{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}


But linguists raise serious doubts about such change of pronunciation. They offer other suggestions. Yogesh Chandra Sarkar thinks that the name Kanthi owes its origin to outstretched sand-dune, about 27 miles from Rasulpur estuary to Peeplipattan, that from the sea looked like a long wall or Kanth (কাঁথি) as it is called by local people.
According to the geologists, the present geographical dimension of Contai came into existence with the great natural disaster of the third century AD (flood), which created [[Chilka lake]] out of the Chilka Bay. ''Kanthi'', that is ''Contai'', means "sand-bound reefs" or sand walls. The name ''Contai'' may thus be an English expression of the local jargon meaning "sand heaps".<ref>{{Cite web |title=.:: Legacy of Midnapore - Contai ::. |url=https://www.midnapore.in/town_contai.html |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=www.midnapore.in}}</ref>
Some suggest that the name may originate from the custom of local people to build long walls or Kanths around their habitation in order to keep off wild beasts like buffaloes, tigers and rhinoceroses that were found in abundance then and these Kanths gave the place its name.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}


Yet, some people, conversant with the local history, give another explanation. They say on the sand dunes lived Saints and Fakirs or witch doctors to whom afflicted people often came for cure and who asked them affectionately in somewhat Hindi, "Kanha thee?" meaning to say, "where are you from?" Gradually the cure-seeking people coming from distant places came to identify this unnamed place by those two words "Kanha thee", and in course of time the words merged into one to give the virgin or Ahalya land a name.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}
But linguists raise serious doubts about such change of pronunciation. They offer other suggestions. Yogesh Chandra Sarkar thinks that the name Kanthi owes its origin to outstretched sand-dune, about 27 miles from Rasulpur estuary to Peeplipattan, that from the sea looked like a long wall or Kanth (কাঁথি) as it is called by local people. Some suggest that the name may originate from the custom of local people to build long walls or Kanths around their habitation in order to keep off wild beasts like buffaloes, tigers and rhinoceroses that were found in abundance then and these Kanths gave the place its name.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}


== History ==
== History ==
Contai was originally a part of [[Hijli Kingdom]], a tributary state of [[Orissa, India|Orissa]] ruled by the Hindu king Gopinath Pattanayak. In 1852 the East India Company of British India announced Contai as a Sub-Division consisting of six police stations - Contai, Khejuri, Ramnagar, Bhagwanpur, Egra and Patashpur. But the Government continued working from Negua. The Sub-Division that covered {{convert|912|sqmi|km2|sigfig=2}} was the second largest in Bengal .
[[File:NimaK_Mahal,_a_heritage_building_established_by_Salt_agent_of_East_India_Company_in_Contai_10.jpg|thumb|NimaK Mahal, the heritage former administrative building in Contai established by East India Company]]
In 1863 when Nimak Mahal (the salt factory and business center) at Contai, in the teeth of a serious crisis, ceased functioning, the Sub-Divisional office was shifted from Negua to the abandoned Nimak Mahal building.
In 1243, Contai was the site of the [[Battle of Katasin]], in which [[Narasingha Deva I]] of the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty]] defeated [[Tughral Tughan Khan]], the Bengal governor of the [[Mamluk dynasty (Delhi)|Mamluk dynasty of Delhi]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Delhi Sultanate |edition=2nd |editor=R. C. Majumdar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XKVFAQAAMAAJ |year=1960 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |page=70}}</ref> Contai was later a part of the [[Hijli Kingdom]], a tributary state of [[Orissa, India|Orissa]] ruled by the Hindu king Gopinath Pattanayak. In 1852 the [[East India Company]] of British India announced Contai as a Sub-Division consisting of six police stations - Contai, Khejuri, Ramnagar, Bhagwanpur, Egra and Patashpur.<ref>{{Cite web |last=গুহ |first=সুব্রত |title=ঐতিহ্যের নিমকমহলে এখন সাপ-বাদুড়ের বাস |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/midnapore/no-maintenance-in-heritage-building-1.444530 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=www.anandabazar.com |language=bn}}</ref> But the Government continued working from Negua. The Sub-Division that covered {{convert|912|sqmi|km2|sigfig=2}} was the second largest in Bengal .In 1863 when ''Nimak Mahal'' (the salt factory and business center) at Contai, in the teeth of a serious crisis, ceased functioning, the Sub-Divisional office was shifted from Negua to the abandoned Nimak Mahal building.<ref>{{Cite web |last=সংবাদদাতা |first=নিজস্ব |title=ঐতিহাসিক ‘নিমকমহল’কে হেরিটেজ ঘোষণার দাবি |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/midnapore/people-of-kanthi-demanded-to-tag-nimak-mahal-as-heritage-building-1.1189103 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=www.anandabazar.com |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bartaman Patrika |url=https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=74&nID=343733&P=1&nPID=20220120 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=bartamanpatrika.com}}</ref>


Bankim Chandra Chottopadhyay, the precursor of Bengali novel, worked as the Deputy Magistrate of Contai, though for a short period, from January 1860 to November of the year. In 2002, Medinipur District was divided into two parts – Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur for the sake of administrative efficiency and expediency. Purba Medinipur consists of four Sub-Divisions – Tamluk, Contai, Egra and Haldia. Contai Sub-Division now consists of eight blocks of Ramnagar, Digha, Kanthi (Contai), Khejuri and Bhupatinagar.
[[Bankim Chandra Chatterjee|Bankim Chandra Chottopadhyay]], the precursor of Bengali novel, worked as the Deputy Magistrate of Contai, though for a short period, from January 1860 to November of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=.:: Legacy of Midnapore - Contai ::. |url=https://www.midnapore.in/town_contai.html |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=www.midnapore.in}}</ref>
 
For details history of Contai, see [https://web.archive.org/web/20120110080812/http://www.contai.info/index.php History of Contai]


==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 117: Line 116:


===Climate===
===Climate===
Contai receives heavy rains during Monsoon. Winters are not that severe. Summers are average and cooler than that of northern India.
Contai receives heavy rains during monsoon. Winters are not that severe. Summers are average and cooler than that of northern India.


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| location = Contai (1981–2010, extremes 1948–2012)  
| location = Contai (1991–2020, extremes 1948–2020)  
| metric first = yes
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| single line = yes
Line 126: Line 125:
| Jan record high C = 32.5
| Jan record high C = 32.5
| Feb record high C = 37.2
| Feb record high C = 37.2
| Mar record high C = 40.1
| Mar record high C = 40.2
| Apr record high C = 43.8
| Apr record high C = 43.8
| May record high C = 43.6
| May record high C = 43.6
| Jun record high C = 43.6
| Jun record high C = 43.6
| Jul record high C = 38.8
| Jul record high C = 39.2
| Aug record high C = 37.3
| Aug record high C = 37.3
| Sep record high C = 37.2
| Sep record high C = 37.8
| Oct record high C = 35.5
| Oct record high C = 38.4
| Nov record high C = 33.8
| Nov record high C = 36.3
| Dec record high C = 32.2
| Dec record high C = 33.8
| year record high C = 43.6
| year record high C =  
| Jan high C = 25.4
| Jan high C = 25.0
| Feb high C = 28.1
| Feb high C = 28.5
| Mar high C = 32.2
| Mar high C = 33.0
| Apr high C = 34.1
| Apr high C = 35.3
| May high C = 34.7
| May high C = 36.4
| Jun high C = 33.8
| Jun high C = 35.0
| Jul high C = 32.1
| Jul high C = 32.9
| Aug high C = 31.5
| Aug high C = 32.2
| Sep high C = 31.4
| Sep high C = 32.4
| Oct high C = 31.3
| Oct high C = 31.8
| Nov high C = 29.5
| Nov high C = 30.0
| Dec high C = 26.5
| Dec high C = 26.1
| year high C = 30.9
| year high C = 31.6
| Jan low C = 13.8
| Jan low C = 12.6
| Feb low C = 17.4
| Feb low C = 16.4
| Mar low C = 21.9
| Mar low C = 21.8
| Apr low C = 25.0
| Apr low C = 24.9
| May low C = 26.2
| May low C = 26.6
| Jun low C = 26.2
| Jun low C = 26.4
| Jul low C = 25.9
| Jul low C = 25.7
| Aug low C = 25.6
| Aug low C = 25.4
| Sep low C = 25.3
| Sep low C = 25.2
| Oct low C = 23.8
| Oct low C = 23.4
| Nov low C = 18.4
| Nov low C = 17.7
| Dec low C = 14.1
| Dec low C = 13.3
| year low C = 22.0
| year low C = 21.7
| Jan record low C = 7.7
| Jan record low C = 6.4
| Feb record low C = 8.3
| Feb record low C = 6.9
| Mar record low C = 14.6
| Mar record low C = 10.3
| Apr record low C = 16.4
| Apr record low C = 16.4
| May record low C = 17.2
| May record low C = 17.2
Line 172: Line 171:
| Aug record low C = 20.7
| Aug record low C = 20.7
| Sep record low C = 21.5
| Sep record low C = 21.5
| Oct record low C = 18.1
| Oct record low C = 14.9
| Nov record low C = 11.5
| Nov record low C = 10.9
| Dec record low C = 8.3
| Dec record low C = 7.1
| year record low C = 7.7
| year record low C = 7.7
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 11.7
| Jan rain mm = 10.4
| Feb rain mm = 25.5
| Feb rain mm = 20.4
| Mar rain mm = 39.3
| Mar rain mm = 30.8
| Apr rain mm = 47.7
| Apr rain mm = 39.9
| May rain mm = 124.9
| May rain mm = 130.7
| Jun rain mm = 275.4
| Jun rain mm = 223.2
| Jul rain mm = 305.6
| Jul rain mm = 360.5
| Aug rain mm = 314.7
| Aug rain mm = 362.7
| Sep rain mm = 319.1
| Sep rain mm = 363.9
| Oct rain mm = 150.3
| Oct rain mm = 189.5
| Nov rain mm = 42.3
| Nov rain mm = 31.2
| Dec rain mm = 3.9
| Dec rain mm = 5.4
| year rain mm = 1660.4
| year rain mm = 1768.6
| Jan rain days = 1.0
| Jan rain days = 0.7
| Feb rain days = 1.6
| Feb rain days = 1.1
| Mar rain days = 2.1
| Mar rain days = 1.7
| Apr rain days = 3.2
| Apr rain days = 2.8
| May rain days = 5.9
| May rain days = 5.0
| Jun rain days = 10.9
| Jun rain days = 9.2
| Jul rain days = 14.7
| Jul rain days = 15.5
| Aug rain days = 15.2
| Aug rain days = 15.3
| Sep rain days = 12.3
| Sep rain days = 12.5
| Oct rain days = 5.1
| Oct rain days = 6.0
| Nov rain days = 1.4
| Nov rain days = 1.2
| Dec rain days = 0.5
| Dec rain days = 0.5
| year rain days = 73.8
| year rain days = 71.6
| time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 70
| Jan humidity = 73
| Feb humidity = 73
| Feb humidity = 75
| Mar humidity = 73
| Mar humidity = 71
| Apr humidity = 77
| Apr humidity = 71
| May humidity = 78
| May humidity = 73
| Jun humidity = 81
| Jun humidity = 75
| Jul humidity = 82
| Jul humidity = 75
| Aug humidity = 81
| Aug humidity = 72
| Sep humidity = 82
| Sep humidity = 76
| Oct humidity = 80
| Oct humidity = 77
| Nov humidity = 75
| Nov humidity = 72
| Dec humidity = 70
| Dec humidity = 71
| year humidity = 77
| year humidity = 73
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
Line 240: Line 244:


===Urbanisation===
===Urbanisation===
93.55% of the population of Contai subdivision live in the rural areas. Only 6.45% of the population live in the urban areas and it is considerably behind Haldia subdivision in urbanization, where 20.81% of the population live in urban areas.<ref>{{cite web  | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Purba Medinipur  | work = Table 2.2  | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal  | access-date = 22 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  | archive-date = 21 January 2019 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
93.55% of the population of Contai subdivision live in the rural areas. Only 6.45% of the population live in the urban areas and it is considerably behind Haldia subdivision in urbanization, where 20.81% of the population live in urban areas.<ref>{{cite web  | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Purba Medinipur  | work = Table 2.2  | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal  | access-date = 22 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  | archive-date = 21 January 2019 | url-status = dead}}</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>
==Demographics==
As per [[2011 Census of India]], Contai had a total population of 92,226 of which 49,031 (53%) were males and 43,195 (47%) were females. Population below 6 years was 8,440. The total number of literates in Contai was 78,500 (93.69% of the population over 6 years).<ref name=census3-2011>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/pcadata/Houselisting-housing-WB.html  |title = 2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables | work= West Bengal – District-wise  |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India  | access-date = 15 July 2016}}</ref>


==Demographics==
{{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=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Contai had a population of 77,497. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Contai has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85% and, female literacy is 78%. In Contai, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
As per [[2011 Census of India]], Contai had a total population of 92,226 of which 49,031 (53%) were males and 43,195 (47%) were females. Population below 6 years was 8,440. The total number of literates in Contai was 78,500 (93.69% of the population over 6 years).<ref name=census3-2011>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/pcadata/Houselisting-housing-WB.html  |title = 2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables | work= West Bengal – District-wise  |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India | access-date = 15 July 2016 }}</ref>


{{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> Contai had a population of 77,497. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Contai has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85% and, female literacy is 78%. In Contai, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
===Language and religion===
 
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Contai (2011)<ref name="religion"/>
|titlebar=#FCD116
|left1=
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in West Bengal|Hinduism]]|darkorange|79.95}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam in West Bengal|Islam]]|green|19.80}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.25}}
}}
In 2011 census Hindus numbered 73,732 and formed 79.95% of the population in Contai Municipal Area. Muslims numbered 18,263 and formed 19.80% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Municipality |first=Contai |title=Contai Municipality |url=http://www.conatimunicipality.org.in/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Contai Municipality |language=en}}</ref> Others numbered 231 and formed 0.25% of the population.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11396/download/14509/DDW19C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> In 2001, Hindus made up 79.95% and Muslims 19.80% of the population respectively.<ref name=censusreligion2001>{{cite web| url = https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/21481/download/24613/PC01_C01_19.xls|title = Table C01 Population by Religious Community: West Bengal |publisher = [[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |date=2001}}</ref>


==Police stations==
==Police stations==
Located at the heart of the town, Contai police station has jurisdiction over [[Contai I]] and [[Deshapran (community development block)|Deshapran]] CD Blocks. It covers an area of 370.80&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> with a population of  382,216.<ref>{{cite web | url =  http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAI | title =  Contai PS | publisher =  Purba Medinipur District Police | access-date =  10 November 2016 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20161112031725/http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAI | archive-date =  12 November 2016 | url-status =  dead }}</ref>
[[File:Contai Subsidiary Correctional Home in Contai, East Medinipur 02.jpg|thumb|Contai Subsidiary Correctional Home]]


Contai Women police station was opened on 18 March 2012. It has jurisdiction over Contai subdivision.<ref>{{cite web | url =  http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAIWOMEN | title =  Contai Women PS | publisher =  Purba Medinipur District Police | access-date =  10 November 2016 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20161112031036/http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAIWOMEN | archive-date =  12 November 2016 | url-status =  dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://policewb.gov.in/wbp/women_ps/main.php  |title = Existing Women Police Stations along with their jurisdiction and Date of Inauguration | publisher= West Bengal Police | access-date = 10 November 2016}}</ref>
[[File:Contai (Kanthi) sub divisional Court 04.jpg|thumb|left|Contai Sub divisional Court]]
Located at the heart of the town, Contai police station has jurisdiction over [[Contai I]] and [[Deshapran (community development block)|Deshapran]] CD Blocks. It covers an area of 370.80&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> with a population of  382,216.<ref>{{cite web | url =  http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAI | title =  Contai PS | publisher =  Purba Medinipur District Police | access-date =  10 November 2016 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20161112031725/http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAI | archive-date =  12 November 2016 | url-status =  dead}}</ref> Contai Women police station was opened on 18 March 2012. It has jurisdiction over Contai subdivision.<ref>{{cite web | url =  http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAIWOMEN | title =  Contai Women PS | publisher =  Purba Medinipur District Police | access-date =  10 November 2016 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20161112031036/http://emdp.co.in/detailstation/CONTAIWOMEN | archive-date =  12 November 2016 | url-status =  dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://policewb.gov.in/wbp/women_ps/main.php  | title = Existing Women Police Stations along with their jurisdiction and Date of Inauguration | publisher = West Bengal Police | access-date = 10 November 2016 | archive-date = 24 June 2019  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190624024356/http://policewb.gov.in/wbp/women_ps/main.php  | url-status = dead  }}</ref>


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Contai is famous for its [[tourism]], [[cashew]] crop, fishing and processing industries. [[Fishing]] is the predominant high earning business apart from Cashew processing in Contai. Many people are associated with [[Prawn]] cultivation. Processing of dry fish is also practised in certain regions. The cultivation fields are generally outside the main town. [[Paddy field|Paddy]] is the main food crop cultivated in Contai. Cashew processing industry is mainly practised in the areas in and around Majna, a village 5&nbsp;km off Contai town. It is the second highest paddy producing district in West Bengal. The land is highly fertile and therefore, agriculture is also the major driving force that sustains the middle-class economy of this region. However, sometimes agriculture is affected by frequent floods due to torrential [[Monsoon]] rain and [[Cyclone]] formed from depressions in the [[Bay of Bengal]]. A major portion of the towns dwellers are associated with business. Businessmen still form the major number of workforce in the main town. The main bazaar of Contai town is Contai Super Market. Apart from that there are New Market, Raja Bazaar, and unorganized market distributed throughout. Popular tourist attractions like [[Digha]], [[Mandarmani]], [[Junput]], [[Tajpur, West Bengal|Tajpur]], Sankarpur are near the area of Contai Subdivision. Petuaghat, the biggest fishing port of Asia is located near Contai.
Contai is famous for its [[tourism]], [[cashew]] crop, fishing and processing industries. [[Fishing]] is the predominant high earning business apart from Cashew processing in Contai. Many people are associated with [[Prawn]] cultivation. Processing of dry fish is also practised in certain regions. The cultivation fields are generally outside the main town. [[Paddy field|Paddy]] is the main food crop cultivated in Contai. Cashew processing industry is mainly practised in the areas in and around Majna, a village 5&nbsp;km off Contai town. It is the second highest paddy producing district in West Bengal. The land is highly fertile and therefore, agriculture is also the major driving force that sustains the middle-class economy of this region. However, sometimes agriculture is affected by frequent floods due to torrential [[monsoon]] rains and [[cyclone]]s formed from depressions in the [[Bay of Bengal]]. A major portion of the towns dwellers are associated with business. Businessmen still form the major number of workforce in the main town. The main bazaar of Contai town is Contai Super Market. Apart from that there are New Market, Raja Bazaar, and unorganized market distributed throughout. Popular tourist attractions like [[Digha]], [[Mandarmani]], [[Junput]], [[Tajpur, West Bengal|Tajpur]], Sankarpur are near the area of Contai Subdivision. Petuaghat, the biggest fishing port of Asia is located near Contai.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
[[File:DS2 0538.JPG|thumb|One of the busiest junctions in Contai Caltex More, in Holidays]]
[[File:Central Bus Terminus - Contai-Digha Bypass - NH 116B Bypass - Contai - East Midnapore 2015-05-01 8612.JPG|thumb|Central Bus Terminus, Conta]]
Contai is well-connected by roads/highways with other nearby cities and towns and several important junctions like, [[Digha]], [[Dantan]], [[Jhargram]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Midnapore]], [[Tamluk]], [[Haldia]], [[Howrah]] and [[Kolkata]]. [[Kanthi railway station]] is connected by a rail link to [[Howrah]]/[[Kolkata]] which is again extended to [[Digha]]. Kandari Express, Tamralipta Express and Howrah-Digha Superfast A/C Express connects Kolkata and Contai. Local trains are available too. Contai is directly connected by rail to Asansol, Malda Town and Siliguri of West Bengal, Puri of Odisha and Vishakapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. The rail line is believed to have given a rise to the local economy. For local transportation, bus, mini-bus, taxi and much eco-friendly options like [[Electric rickshaw|toto]], autos and [[cycle rickshaw]]s are available.
Contai is well connected by roads/highways with other nearby cities and towns and several important junctions like, [[Digha]], [[Dantan]], [[Jhargram]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Midnapore]], [[Tamluk]], [[Haldia]], [[Howrah]] and [[Kolkata]]. [[Kanthi railway station]] is connected by a rail link to [[Howrah]]/Kolkata which is again extended to [[Digha]]. [[Kandari Express]], [[Tamralipta Express]] and [[Howrah–Digha Super AC Express]] connects Kolkata and Contai. Local trains are available too. Contai is directly connected by rail to [[Asansol]], [[Malda, West Bengal|Malda Town]] and [[Siliguri]] of West Bengal, [[Puri]] of [[Odisha]] and [[Vishakapatnam]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. The rail line is believed to have given a rise to the local economy. For local transportation, bus, mini-bus, taxi and much eco-friendly options like [[Electric rickshaw|toto]], autos and [[cycle rickshaw]]s are available.
 
[[File:Roads in Contai (Kanthi) town, Purba Medinipur 11.jpg|thumb|left|Contai more, Digha Kolkata Highway]]
The opening of Central Cental Bus Terminus has eased the traffic congestion within the town to a great deal. The NH-116B from Nandakumar to Digha which passes through Contai is scheduled to get converted to Dual road within 2020 thus enabling swifter trade, commerce and tourism.
The opening of Central Central Bus Terminus has eased the traffic congestion within the town to a great deal. The [[National Highway 116B (India)|NH-116B]] from [[Nandakumar, Purba Medinipur|Nandakumar]] to [[Digha]] which passes through Contai was scheduled to get converted to dual road within 2020 thus enabling swifter trade, commerce and tourism.


==Education==
==Education==
There are a number of well-known schools and colleges in Contai. For higher education, besides the '''[[Prabhat Kumar College, Contai]]''' [https://web.archive.org/web/20120206014054/http://www.pkcollegecontai.org/] under the [[Vidyasagar University]], there is an Ayurvedic Medical College named '''Raghunath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Hospital''', a Government Polytechnic Engineering College named '''Contai Polytechnic''', a private management college named '''Contai College of Learning and Management Science, three B.Ed colleges, private ITI Colleges''' and many more. There   are future plans to upgrade the Contai Sub-divisional hospital into a Medical College.Contai is one of the most educated city of West Bengal.The literacy rate of Contai town is as high as 90%. Being in the most educated district (Purba Medinipur) of West Bengal, Contai boasts of having a lot of highly talented students and teachers along with higher secondary schools. There is one CBSE board school ( up to 12th standard ) and one ICSE board School.There are more than 20 Schools in Contai.
There are a number of well-known schools and colleges in Contai. For higher education, besides the [[Prabhat Kumar College]] under the [[Vidyasagar University]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prabhat Kumar College, Contai::Admission 2019-2020 |url=https://pkcollegecontai.ac.in/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=pkcollegecontai.ac.in}}</ref> there is an Ayurvedic medical college, named Raghunath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Hospital; a Government Polytechnic Engineering College named Contai Polytechnic; a private management college, named Contai College of Learning and Management Science; three B.Ed colleges; private ITI colleges and many more. There are plans to upgrade the Contai sub-divisional hospital into a medical college.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}


;<big><u>List of schools in Contai :-</u></big>
===List of schools in Contai===
;* Contai Public School.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.contaipublicschool.com/|title=Contai Public school|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref>
*Contai Narayana School (CBSE)
;*[[Contai Kshetra Mohan Bidhyabhaban]] (H.S.)
*Contai Public School (ICSE & ISC)
*[[Safiabad Sital Prasad Vidyamandir]] (H.S)
* [[Contai Kshetra Mohan Bidhyabhaban]] (H.S.)
*[[Contai High School]] (H.S.)
* Safiabad Sital Prasad Vidyamandir (H.S)
*[[Contai Model Institution]] (H.S.)
* [[Contai High School]] (H.S.)
*[[Contai Hindu Girls' School]] (H.S.)
* [[Contai Model Institution]] (H.S.)
*[[Contai Chandramani Brahmo Girls' School]]
* [[Contai Hindu Girls' School]] (H.S.)
*[[Contai Town Rakhal Chandra Vidyapith]]
* [[Contai Chandramani Brahmo Girls' School]]
*[[Kishorenagar Sachindra Siksha Sadan]]
* [[Contai Town Rakhal Chandra Vidyapith]]
*[[Kalikapur High School]]
* [[Kishorenagar Sachindra Siksha Sadan]]
* [[Kalikapur High School]]
* Contai Rahamania High Madrasha H/S
* Contai Rahamania High Madrasha H/S
* Contai Muslim Girls' School
* Contai Muslim Girls' School
* Contai Sawkatia English Medium High Madrasha School
* Contai Sawkatia English Medium High Madrasha School
* Mount Litera Zee School, Contai
* Mount Litera Zee School, Contai (CBSE)
*Contai St. Paul's School
* Contai St. Paul's School
*North Point Day School
* North Point Day School
* Malabika Public School
* Contai Dishari Public School
* Mahishagote Shahid Smriti Vidyamandir
 
* Sabajput Sambodhi Shikshatirtha
* Nayaputra Sudhir Kumar High School


==Health==
==Health==
There are many hospitals in the Contai town. one is named as [[Contai Subdivisional Hospital]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.contai.info/hospital.php |title=Contai Sub Divisional Hospital |publisher=Contai.info |access-date=2013-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085849/http://www.contai.info/hospital.php |archive-date=26 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> People of this subdivision mainly depends on this hospital. There are also two primary health clinics newly inaugurated at Old Outdoor Hospital and Contai Central Bus Terminus. There are also many private nursing homes. Health of common people is generally well. Rotary Polyclinic is a well-known private NGO-clinic in the locality.
[[File:Contai Subdivisional Hospital Area - Contai - East Midnapore 2016-06-18 4314.JPG|thumb|Contai Subdivisional Hospital Area]]
There are many hospitals in the Contai town; one is the Contai Subdivisional Hospital.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.contai.info/hospital.php |title=Contai Sub Divisional Hospital |website=Contai.info |access-date=24 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085849/http://www.contai.info/hospital.php |archive-date=26 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> People of this subdivision depend mainly on this hospital. There are also many private nursing homes.


==Culture==
==Culture==
[[File:contaipuja.jpg|thumb|left|[[Durga Puja]] in Contai|242x242px]]
Among many festivals in Contai, "Gandhi Mela" is the most popular. It is a type of fair. It is held during January/February every year and it continues for 10 or 15 days. Many people from Contai and neighbouring subdivisions take part in "Gandhi Mela" not only for amusement but also for agricultural and industrial exhibitions. There are also some cultural institutions like Contai Bramho Samaj, Contai Harisabha, Contai Club etc. The regular Bengali festivals like [[Durga Puja]], [[Vasant Panchami|Saraswati Puja]] and [[Kali Puja]] are well attended. Other common pujas in the worship of Sitala, Jagaddhatri, [[Holi]], [[Krishna Janmashtami|Janmastami]], Bheema Puja, Viswakarma also takes place. Film productions has newly seen a growth in recent years in this town. Several cultural programmes are frequently organised at the Town Hall. There is also an annual book fair held in the town. Baishakhi mela is another popular fair organised recently by the Contai Nandanik Club. There are frequent T20 tournaments held in winter in the various stadiums of Contai. Muharram Mela and Tajiya demonstration are some popular festivals in Contai observed by Muslims of the region and collectively shared and enjoyed by Hindus and other communities of the region as well. There is a competition held in Darua Karabala maidan for the best decorated Tajiya.
Among many festivals in Contai, "Gandhi Mela" is the most popular. It is a type of fair. It is held during January/February every year and it continues for 10 or 15 days. Many people from Contai and neighbouring subdivisions take part in "Gandhi Mela" not only for amusement but also for agricultural and industrial exhibitions. There are also some cultural institutions like Contai Bramho Samaj, Contai Harisabha, Contai Club etc. 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, Bheema Puja, Viswakarma also takes place. Film productions has newly seen a growth in recent years in this town. Several cultural programmes are frequently organised at the Town Hall. There is also an annual Book Fair held in the town. Baishakhi mela is another popular fair organised recently by The Contai Nandanik Club. There are frequent T20 tournament held in winter in the various stadiums of Contai. Muharram Mela and Tajiya demonstration are some popular festivals in Contai observed by Muslims of the region and collectively shared and enjoyed by Hindus and other communities of the region as well. There is a competition held in Darua Karabala maidan for the best decorated Tajiya.


==Arts and crafts==
==Arts and crafts==
Contai is famous for pital (brass), kansa (tin) sillpo and madur (mat made of a kind of grass) silpo.
Contai is famous for {{lang|hi|pital}} (brass), ''kansa silpo'' (tin) and {{lang|bn|madur silpo}} (mat made of a kind of grass).


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
* [[Birendranath Sasmal]], freedom fighter
* [[Birendranath Sasmal]], nationalist Barrister
* [[Balai Lal DasMahapatra]], freedom fighter
* [[Madhusudan Jana]], doctor, journalist, teacher and social worker
* [[Sudhir Chandra Das]], politician
* [[Sudhir Chandra Das]], politician
* [[Suvendu Adhikari]], former member of Lok Sabha, former Minister in Charge of Transport, Irrigation and Water Resources, Govt. of West Bengal
* [[Suvendu Adhikari]], former member of Lok Sabha, former Minister of Govt. of West Bengal
* [[Sisir Adhikari]], member of the Lok Sabha, Former Minister of State for Rural Development, Govt. of India.
* [[Sisir Adhikari]], member of the Lok Sabha, former Minister of State of Govt. of India
* [[Tuhina Das]], Bengali actress


==Tourist spots==
==Tourist spots==
* Kapalkundala Temple
* Kapalkundala Temple, Dariapur<ref>{{Citation |last=Pinakpani |title=English:  Famous Kapalkundala temple, situated at Dariapur, Purba Medinipur |date=2024-01-20 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Famous_Kapalkundala_temple,_situated_at_Dariapur,_Purba_Medinipur_11.jpg |access-date=2024-01-24}}</ref>
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120621023950/http://colorsofcontai.com/digha.php Digha] beach
* Dariapur Light House
* Hijli Mosque
* Nimak Mahal
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120624045038/http://colorsofcontai.com/innerpage.php?submenu_id=16 Dariapur Light House]
* Brahmo Samaj, Contai<ref>{{Citation |last=Ganguly |first=Biswarup |title=English: Photographed in Kanthi or Contai, East Midnapore. |date=2016-06-18 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brahmo_Samaj_-_Contai_-_East_Midnapore_2016-06-18_4312.JPG |access-date=2024-01-24}}</ref>
* Daksin Paikbar
* Rajbari
* Sankarpur beach
* Mandarmani beach
* Tajpur
* Virgin beach at Baguran-Jalpai
* Hijili Mangrove Area Picnic Spot
* Rasalpur River
* Nachinda Mandir
* Sand Dunes at Contai
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120624045043/http://colorsofcontai.com/innerpage.php?submenu_id=19 Neemkuthi of Contai]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120624045033/http://colorsofcontai.com/innerpage.php?submenu_id=14 Bahiri]
* [https://archive.is/20130119132524/http://colorsofcontai.com/innerpage.php?submenu_id=17Indian First Telegraph Office, Khejuri]
* Bankiput sea beach
* Kadua sea beach
* [[Daisai]]
* Soulia beach
* Home of freedom fighter Birendranath Sasmal


==References==
==References==
Line 331: Line 338:
{{Wikivoyage-inline|Junput}}
{{Wikivoyage-inline|Junput}}
* [http://www.onlinecontai.com/pages/index.php/ Contai Municipality official website]  
* [http://www.onlinecontai.com/pages/index.php/ Contai Municipality official website]  
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091102074539/http://www.colorsofcontai.com/ Contai Royals-Information about Contai(Developing Now)]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20091102074539/http://www.colorsofcontai.com/ Contai Royals-Information about Contai(Developing Now)]}}
* [http://www.purbamedinipur.gov.in/ Purba Medinipur District Official Website]
* [http://www.purbamedinipur.gov.in/ Purba Medinipur District Official Website]
* [http://www.paschimmedinipur.gov.in/ Paschim Medinipur District Official Website]
* [http://www.paschimmedinipur.gov.in/ Paschim Medinipur District Official Website]
Line 347: Line 354:


[[Category:Cities and towns in Purba Medinipur district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Purba Medinipur district]]
[[Category:Cities in West Bengal]]

Latest revision as of 14:51, 19 February 2026

Contai
Kanthi
City
Contai Municipality
Nickname: 
Coastal City
Location in West Bengal, India
Contai is located in India
Contai
Contai
Contai (India)
Coordinates: 21°47′N 87°45′E / 21.78°N 87.75°E / 21.78; 87.75
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictMidnapore East
Sub DivisionContai subdivision
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • BodyContai Municipality
 • ChairmanManasi Panda
Area
 • Total14 km2 (5 sq mi)
Elevation
6 m (20 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total92,226
 • Density4,492/km2 (11,630/sq mi)
DemonymMedinipur
Languages
 • OfficialBengali, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
721401
Telephone code91-3220
Vehicle registrationWB-31-xxxx, WB-32-xxxx
Lok Sabha constituencyContai
Vidhan Sabha constituencyContai South
Websitecontaimunicipality.org.in

Contai, also known as Kanthi (bn),[2] is a coastal and subdivisional city and a municipality in East Midnapore district, West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Contai subdivision.[3]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

In the 5th century, during the visit of Fa-Hien, Contai was uninhabited and had no name for the outside world. In Valentine's[who?] travelogue, a harbour, Petua by name, was mentioned. This harbour was on the bank of the river Rasulpur, a short distance from the Rasulpur estuary. Later the harbour was shifted to the present site of the Contai Town. However, it is said, the name of the abandoned port was retained for its new location, In foreigners tongue, Petua is said to have changed first to Cauntee and finally to Contai, whereas in local tongue it has changed to Kanthi (কাঁথি).[citation needed]

According to the geologists, the present geographical dimension of Contai came into existence with the great natural disaster of the third century AD (flood), which created Chilka lake out of the Chilka Bay. Kanthi, that is Contai, means "sand-bound reefs" or sand walls. The name Contai may thus be an English expression of the local jargon meaning "sand heaps".[4]

But linguists raise serious doubts about such change of pronunciation. They offer other suggestions. Yogesh Chandra Sarkar thinks that the name Kanthi owes its origin to outstretched sand-dune, about 27 miles from Rasulpur estuary to Peeplipattan, that from the sea looked like a long wall or Kanth (কাঁথি) as it is called by local people. Some suggest that the name may originate from the custom of local people to build long walls or Kanths around their habitation in order to keep off wild beasts like buffaloes, tigers and rhinoceroses that were found in abundance then and these Kanths gave the place its name.[citation needed]

History[edit | edit source]

NimaK Mahal, the heritage former administrative building in Contai established by East India Company

In 1243, Contai was the site of the Battle of Katasin, in which Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty defeated Tughral Tughan Khan, the Bengal governor of the Mamluk dynasty of Delhi.[5] Contai was later a part of the Hijli Kingdom, a tributary state of Orissa ruled by the Hindu king Gopinath Pattanayak. In 1852 the East India Company of British India announced Contai as a Sub-Division consisting of six police stations - Contai, Khejuri, Ramnagar, Bhagwanpur, Egra and Patashpur.[6] But the Government continued working from Negua. The Sub-Division that covered 912 square miles (2,400 km2) was the second largest in Bengal .In 1863 when Nimak Mahal (the salt factory and business center) at Contai, in the teeth of a serious crisis, ceased functioning, the Sub-Divisional office was shifted from Negua to the abandoned Nimak Mahal building.[7][8]

Bankim Chandra Chottopadhyay, the precursor of Bengali novel, worked as the Deputy Magistrate of Contai, though for a short period, from January 1860 to November of the year.[9]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Lua error in Module:OSM_Location_map at line 1984: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Location[edit | edit source]

Contai is about 160 km from Kolkata and 31 km from the beach town Digha.

Climate[edit | edit source]

Contai receives heavy rains during monsoon. Winters are not that severe. Summers are average and cooler than that of northern India.

Climate data for Contai (1991–2020, extremes 1948–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 32.5
(90.5)
37.2
(99.0)
40.2
(104.4)
43.8
(110.8)
43.6
(110.5)
43.6
(110.5)
39.2
(102.6)
37.3
(99.1)
37.8
(100.0)
38.4
(101.1)
36.3
(97.3)
33.8
(92.8)
43.8
(110.8)
Average high °C (°F) 25.0
(77.0)
28.5
(83.3)
33.0
(91.4)
35.3
(95.5)
36.4
(97.5)
35.0
(95.0)
32.9
(91.2)
32.2
(90.0)
32.4
(90.3)
31.8
(89.2)
30.0
(86.0)
26.1
(79.0)
31.6
(88.9)
Average low °C (°F) 12.6
(54.7)
16.4
(61.5)
21.8
(71.2)
24.9
(76.8)
26.6
(79.9)
26.4
(79.5)
25.7
(78.3)
25.4
(77.7)
25.2
(77.4)
23.4
(74.1)
17.7
(63.9)
13.3
(55.9)
21.7
(71.1)
Record low °C (°F) 6.4
(43.5)
6.9
(44.4)
10.3
(50.5)
16.4
(61.5)
17.2
(63.0)
13.8
(56.8)
21.3
(70.3)
20.7
(69.3)
21.5
(70.7)
14.9
(58.8)
10.9
(51.6)
7.1
(44.8)
7.7
(45.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 10.4
(0.41)
20.4
(0.80)
30.8
(1.21)
39.9
(1.57)
130.7
(5.15)
223.2
(8.79)
360.5
(14.19)
362.7
(14.28)
363.9
(14.33)
189.5
(7.46)
31.2
(1.23)
5.4
(0.21)
1,768.6
(69.63)
Average rainy days 0.7 1.1 1.7 2.8 5.0 9.2 15.5 15.3 12.5 6.0 1.2 0.5 71.6
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 73 75 71 71 73 75 75 72 76 77 72 71 73
Source: India Meteorological Department[10][11][12]

Urbanisation[edit | edit source]

93.55% of the population of Contai subdivision live in the rural areas. Only 6.45% of the population live in the urban areas and it is considerably behind Haldia subdivision in urbanization, where 20.81% of the population live in urban areas.[13]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As per 2011 Census of India, Contai had a total population of 92,226 of which 49,031 (53%) were males and 43,195 (47%) were females. Population below 6 years was 8,440. The total number of literates in Contai was 78,500 (93.69% of the population over 6 years).[14]

As of 2001 India census,[15] Contai had a population of 77,497. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Contai has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85% and, female literacy is 78%. In Contai, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Language and religion[edit | edit source]

Religion in Contai (2011)[16]
Hinduism
79.95%
Islam
19.80%
Other or not stated
0.25%

In 2011 census Hindus numbered 73,732 and formed 79.95% of the population in Contai Municipal Area. Muslims numbered 18,263 and formed 19.80% of the population.[17] Others numbered 231 and formed 0.25% of the population.[16] In 2001, Hindus made up 79.95% and Muslims 19.80% of the population respectively.[18]

Police stations[edit | edit source]

Contai Subsidiary Correctional Home
Contai Sub divisional Court

Located at the heart of the town, Contai police station has jurisdiction over Contai I and Deshapran CD Blocks. It covers an area of 370.80 km2 with a population of 382,216.[19] Contai Women police station was opened on 18 March 2012. It has jurisdiction over Contai subdivision.[20][21]

Economy[edit | edit source]

Contai is famous for its tourism, cashew crop, fishing and processing industries. Fishing is the predominant high earning business apart from Cashew processing in Contai. Many people are associated with Prawn cultivation. Processing of dry fish is also practised in certain regions. The cultivation fields are generally outside the main town. Paddy is the main food crop cultivated in Contai. Cashew processing industry is mainly practised in the areas in and around Majna, a village 5 km off Contai town. It is the second highest paddy producing district in West Bengal. The land is highly fertile and therefore, agriculture is also the major driving force that sustains the middle-class economy of this region. However, sometimes agriculture is affected by frequent floods due to torrential monsoon rains and cyclones formed from depressions in the Bay of Bengal. A major portion of the towns dwellers are associated with business. Businessmen still form the major number of workforce in the main town. The main bazaar of Contai town is Contai Super Market. Apart from that there are New Market, Raja Bazaar, and unorganized market distributed throughout. Popular tourist attractions like Digha, Mandarmani, Junput, Tajpur, Sankarpur are near the area of Contai Subdivision. Petuaghat, the biggest fishing port of Asia is located near Contai.[citation needed]

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Central Bus Terminus, Conta

Contai is well connected by roads/highways with other nearby cities and towns and several important junctions like, Digha, Dantan, Jhargram, Kharagpur, Midnapore, Tamluk, Haldia, Howrah and Kolkata. Kanthi railway station is connected by a rail link to Howrah/Kolkata which is again extended to Digha. Kandari Express, Tamralipta Express and Howrah–Digha Super AC Express connects Kolkata and Contai. Local trains are available too. Contai is directly connected by rail to Asansol, Malda Town and Siliguri of West Bengal, Puri of Odisha and Vishakapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. The rail line is believed to have given a rise to the local economy. For local transportation, bus, mini-bus, taxi and much eco-friendly options like toto, autos and cycle rickshaws are available.

Contai more, Digha Kolkata Highway

The opening of Central Central Bus Terminus has eased the traffic congestion within the town to a great deal. The NH-116B from Nandakumar to Digha which passes through Contai was scheduled to get converted to dual road within 2020 thus enabling swifter trade, commerce and tourism.

Education[edit | edit source]

There are a number of well-known schools and colleges in Contai. For higher education, besides the Prabhat Kumar College under the Vidyasagar University,[22] there is an Ayurvedic medical college, named Raghunath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Hospital; a Government Polytechnic Engineering College named Contai Polytechnic; a private management college, named Contai College of Learning and Management Science; three B.Ed colleges; private ITI colleges and many more. There are plans to upgrade the Contai sub-divisional hospital into a medical college.[citation needed]

List of schools in Contai[edit | edit source]

  • Sabajput Sambodhi Shikshatirtha
  • Nayaputra Sudhir Kumar High School

Health[edit | edit source]

Contai Subdivisional Hospital Area

There are many hospitals in the Contai town; one is the Contai Subdivisional Hospital.[23] People of this subdivision depend mainly on this hospital. There are also many private nursing homes.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Among many festivals in Contai, "Gandhi Mela" is the most popular. It is a type of fair. It is held during January/February every year and it continues for 10 or 15 days. Many people from Contai and neighbouring subdivisions take part in "Gandhi Mela" not only for amusement but also for agricultural and industrial exhibitions. There are also some cultural institutions like Contai Bramho Samaj, Contai Harisabha, Contai Club etc. 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, Bheema Puja, Viswakarma also takes place. Film productions has newly seen a growth in recent years in this town. Several cultural programmes are frequently organised at the Town Hall. There is also an annual book fair held in the town. Baishakhi mela is another popular fair organised recently by the Contai Nandanik Club. There are frequent T20 tournaments held in winter in the various stadiums of Contai. Muharram Mela and Tajiya demonstration are some popular festivals in Contai observed by Muslims of the region and collectively shared and enjoyed by Hindus and other communities of the region as well. There is a competition held in Darua Karabala maidan for the best decorated Tajiya.

Arts and crafts[edit | edit source]

Contai is famous for pital (brass), kansa silpo (tin) and madur silpo (mat made of a kind of grass).

Notable people[edit | edit source]

Tourist spots[edit | edit source]

  • Kapalkundala Temple, Dariapur[24]
  • Dariapur Light House
  • Nimak Mahal
  • Brahmo Samaj, Contai[25]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Contai Municipality". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  2. Etymology of Kanthi
  3. "Subdivision & Blocks | Purba Medinipur | India". Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  4. ".:: Legacy of Midnapore - Contai ::". www.midnapore.in. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  5. R. C. Majumdar, ed. (1960). The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Delhi Sultanate (2nd ed.). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 70.
  6. গুহ, সুব্রত. "ঐতিহ্যের নিমকমহলে এখন সাপ-বাদুড়ের বাস". www.anandabazar.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  7. সংবাদদাতা, নিজস্ব. "ঐতিহাসিক 'নিমকমহল'কে হেরিটেজ ঘোষণার দাবি". www.anandabazar.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  8. "Bartaman Patrika". bartamanpatrika.com. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  9. ".:: Legacy of Midnapore - Contai ::". www.midnapore.in. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  10. "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  11. "Station: Contai Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 205–206. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  12. "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M232. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  13. "District Statistical Handbook 2014 Purba Medinipur". Table 2.2. Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  14. "2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables". West Bengal – District-wise. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  15. "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  16. 16.0 16.1 "Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  17. Municipality, Contai. "Contai Municipality". Contai Municipality. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  18. "Table C01 Population by Religious Community: West Bengal". Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2001.
  19. "Contai PS". Purba Medinipur District Police. Archived from the original on 12 November 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  20. "Contai Women PS". Purba Medinipur District Police. Archived from the original on 12 November 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  21. "Existing Women Police Stations along with their jurisdiction and Date of Inauguration". West Bengal Police. Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  22. "Prabhat Kumar College, Contai::Admission 2019-2020". pkcollegecontai.ac.in. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  23. "Contai Sub Divisional Hospital". Contai.info. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  24. Pinakpani (20 January 2024), English: Famous Kapalkundala temple, situated at Dariapur, Purba Medinipur, retrieved 24 January 2024
  25. Ganguly, Biswarup (18 June 2016), English: Photographed in Kanthi or Contai, East Midnapore., retrieved 24 January 2024

External links[edit | edit source]