Bankura: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Gowhk8
Last edited January 9, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
WikiDwarfBOT (talk | contribs)
Bots, trusted
8,493 edits
Cleanup: Source modification. Information added.
mNo edit summary
 
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Bankura
| name               = Bankura
| other_name               =  
| other_name         =  
| nickname                 = Temple city of Bengal
| nickname           =  
| settlement_type         = City
| settlement_type   = City
| image_skyline           = Rasmancha Bishnupur Bankura 1.jpg
| image_skyline     =  
| image_alt               =  
| image_alt         =  
| image_caption           = Rasmancha Bishnupur ,Bankura
| image_caption     =  
| pushpin_map             = India West Bengal#India3
| pushpin_map       = India West Bengal#India3
| pushpin_label_position   = right
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in West Bengal, India
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal, India
| coordinates             = {{coord|23.25|N|87.07|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates       = {{coord|23.25|N|87.07|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name         = [[India]]
| subdivision_name   = [[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       = [[Bankura district|Bankura]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Bankura district|Bankura]]
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date         =  
| established_date   =  
| founder                 =  
| founder           =  
| named_for               =  
| named_for         =  
| government_type         = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipality]]
| government_type   = Municipality
| governing_body          = Bankura Municipality
| governing_body    = [[Bankura Municipality]]
| unit_pref               = Metric
| leader_title1      = Chairman
| area_footnotes           = <ref>{{cite web|title=Bankura City|url=https://www.sudawb.org/wbdma_oldversion/HTM/DIS/MUNI_ULB_Bankura.htm}}</ref>
| leader_name1      = Aloka Majumdar ([[Trinamool Congress|AITC]])
| area_total_km2           = 19.06
| leader_title2      = Vice Chairman
| area_rank               =  
| leader_name2      = Hiralal Chattaraj ([[Trinamool Congress|AITC]])
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| leader_title3      = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Lok Sabha MP]]
| elevation_m             = 78
| leader_name3      = [[Arup Chakraborty (politician)|Arup Chakraborty]] ([[Trinamool Congress|AITC]])
| population_total         = 137,386
| leader_title4      = [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly|MLA]]
| population_as_of         = 2011
| leader_name4      = [[Niladri Sekhar Dana]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| population_footnotes     =  
| unit_pref         = Metric
| population_density_km2   = auto
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|title=Bankura City|url=https://www.sudawb.org/wbdma_oldversion/HTM/DIS/MUNI_ULB_Bankura.htm}}</ref>
| population_rank         =  
| area_total_km2     = 19.06
| population_demonym       =  
| area_rank         =
| demographics_type1       = Languages
Block total =22
| demographics1_title1     = Official
Police station =23
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| elevation_footnotes =  
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| elevation_m       = 78
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| population_total   = 137,386
| postal_code             = 722101, 722102, 722146 & 722155 (Suburban)
| population_as_of   = 2011
| area_code               = 03242
| population_footnotes =  
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| population_density_km2 = auto
| registration_plate       =  
| population_rank   =  
| blank1_name_sec1         = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| population_demonym =  
| blank1_info_sec1         = [[Bankura (Lok Sabha constituency)|Bankura]]
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| website                 = {{URL|http://www.bankura.gov.in}}
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| footnotes               =  
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| demographics1_info1     = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[English language|English]]
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| blank2_name_sec1         = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| blank2_info_sec1         = [[Bankura (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bankura]]
| postal_code       = 722101, 722102, 722146, 722151 & 722155 (Suburban)
| official_name           =  
| area_code         = 03242
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate =  
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Lok Sabha]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[Bankura Lok Sabha constituency|Bankura]]
| website           = {{URL|http://www.bankura.gov.in}}
| footnotes         =  
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[English language|English]]
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly|Vidhan Sabha]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[Bankura Assembly constituency|Bankura]]
| official_name     =  
}}
}}


'''Bankura''' ({{IPA-all|bænˈkʊərə|pron}}) is a city and a municipality in the state of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Bankura district]].Bankura was described as Suhmobhumi. The word {{transliteration|nhh|larh}} or {{transliteration|nhh|rarh}} (in Nagari: rāḍh) was introduced after 6th century A.D. It comes from the old Austric word ráŕhá or ráŕho which means “land of red soil”.<ref name="Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications 1981">P.R. Sarkar Rarh - The Cradle of Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications, 1981, Kolkata</ref> 2-n ancient times "China called Ráŕh by the name of 'Láti'".<ref name="Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications 1981" /> 3-n Santali, {{transliteration|nhh|lar}} means thread, {{transliteration|nhh|rarh}} means tune and {{transliteration|nhh|larh}} means snake. 4-.Perhaps the Jain and Greek scholars used this original Austric word {{transliteration|nhh|larh}} to indicate this dry forest region which was very difficult. The popularity of Manasa Puja, the worship of Snake-Goddess Manasa, shows this opinion might have some relevance. According to Nilkantha, a commentator of the Mahabharata, the words {{transliteration|sa|suhmo [bhumi]}} (Sanskrit: suhma-bhūmi) and Rarh are synonymous.
'''Bankura''' ({{IPAc-en|b|æ|n|ˈ|k|ʊər|ə}}) is a city and a municipality in the state of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Bankura district]].


Scholars differs in their opinion about the etymology of the name Bankura. In the words of the Kol-Mundas, orah or rah means habitation. Many places of Rarh have an added rah at the end of their names. One of the most influential gods of the district 6-Dharmathakur is called Bankura Roy. The name of the district may come from his name. Linguist Suniti Kumar Chatterjee thinks that the name came from the word banka (zig-zag), and its word-corruption banku, which means extremely beautiful, and he who must be worshiped. In 1979, the word “Bancoorah” was found in the map of Renal. In 1863, Gastrel referred this region as Bancoonda.
==Etymology==
It comes from the old Austric word ráŕhá or ráŕho which means “land of red soil”.<ref name="Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications 1981">P.R. Sarkar Rarh - The Cradle of Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications, 1981, Kolkata</ref> 2-n ancient times "China called Ráŕh by the name of 'Láti'".<ref name="Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications 1981" /> 3-n Santali, {{transliteration|nhh|lar}} means thread, {{transliteration|nhh|rarh}} means tune and {{transliteration|nhh|larh}} means snake. 4-.Perhaps the Jain and Greek scholars used this original Austric word {{transliteration|nhh|larh}} to indicate this dry forest region which was very difficult. The popularity of Manasa Puja, the worship of Snake-Goddess Manasa, shows this opinion might have some relevance. According to Nilkantha, a commentator of the Mahabharata, the words {{transliteration|sa|suhmo [bhumi]}} (Sanskrit: suhma-bhūmi) and Rarh are synonymous.


Bir Hambir was the 49th King of Malla dynasty. Bir Bankura was one of his two sons. Raja Bir Hambir divided his kingdom into 22 tarafs or circles and gave one to his each son. Taraf Jaybelia fell to the lot of Bir Bankura. He developed a town in his taraf and the town was later named as 'Bankura' after its founder's name.
[[File:Birbhoom and Bissunpour (1776 map by James Rennell).jpg|thumb|Bankura (labelled as ''Bankooreah'') in [[Chhatna (community development block)|Chatna]] area of [[Midnapore district]]. (1776 map by [[James Rennell]])]]
 
Scholars differs in their opinion about the etymology of the name Bankura. In the words of the Kol-Mundas, orah or rah means habitation. Many places of Rarh have an added rah at the end of their names. One of the most influential gods of the district 6-Dharmathakur is called Bankura Roy. The name of the district may come from his name. Linguist Suniti Kumar Chatterjee thinks that the name came from the word banka (zig-zag), and its word-corruption banku, which means extremely beautiful, and he who must be worshiped. In 1979, the word “Bancoorah” was found in the map of Renal. In 1863, Gastrel referred this region as Bancoonda.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.bankura.org |first=COMPANY : SOFIA / Design: ANUPAM GANGOPADHYAY / Favorite website |title=Welcome to History of Bankura. |url=https://bankura.org/site/History.htm |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=bankura.org |language=En}}</ref>
 
[[Bir Hambir]] was the 49th King of Malla dynasty. Bir Bankura was one of his two sons. Raja Bir Hambir divided his kingdom into 22 tarafs or circles and gave one to his each son. Taraf Jaybelia fell to the lot of Bir Bankura. He developed a town in his taraf and the town was later named as 'Bankura' after its founder's name.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bengal (India) |first=West |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fDZuAAAAMAAJ&q=Bir+hambir+son+Bankura |title=West Bengal District Gazetteers: Bānkurā by Amiya Kumar Banerji |date=1968 |publisher=State editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers |language=en}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 89: Line 104:
|mark-coord20={{coord|23|10|53|N|86|48|33|E}}| label-pos20=right|label20=Saldiha| numbered20=R| mark-title20= [[Saldiha]] (R)| shape-color20=#C42222
|mark-coord20={{coord|23|10|53|N|86|48|33|E}}| label-pos20=right|label20=Saldiha| numbered20=R| mark-title20= [[Saldiha]] (R)| shape-color20=#C42222
|mark-coord21={{coord|23|31|59|N|86|55|59|E}}| label-pos21=left|label21=Saltora| numbered21=R| mark-title21= [[Saltora]] (R)| shape-color21=#C42222
|mark-coord21={{coord|23|31|59|N|86|55|59|E}}| label-pos21=left|label21=Saltora| numbered21=R| mark-title21= [[Saltora]] (R)| shape-color21=#C42222
|mark-coord22={{coord|23|24|0|N|86|59|0|E}}| label-pos22=right|label22=Susunia| numbered22=H| mark-title22= [[Susunia]] (H)| shape-color22=#87410E
|mark-coord22={{coord|23|24|0|N|86|59|0|E}}| label-pos22=right|label22=Susunia| numbered22=H| mark-title22= [[Susunia]] (H)| shape-color22=#87410E
|mark-coord23={{coord|23|34|29|N|86|55|57|E}}| label-pos23=right|label23=Biharinath| numbered23=H| mark-title23= [[Biharinath]] (H)| shape-color23=#87410E
|mark-coord23={{coord|23|34|29|N|86|55|57|E}}| label-pos23=right|label23=Biharinath| numbered23=H| mark-title23= [[Biharinath]] (H)| shape-color23=#87410E
|mark-coord24={{coord|23|9|55|N|87|14|20|E}} | label-pos24=top|label24=Bahulara| numbered24=T| mark-title24= [[Bahulara Ancient Temple]] (T) |shape-color24=#AA6666
|mark-coord24={{coord|23|9|55|N|87|14|20|E}} | label-pos24=top|label24=Bahulara| numbered24=T| mark-title24= [[Bahulara Ancient Temple]] (T) |shape-color24=#AA6666
Line 102: Line 117:
===Location===
===Location===


Bankura district is located in the north western part of the state of West Bengal. It is a part of Bardhaman Division of the State and is included in the area known as "Rarh" in Bengal. Bankura district is situated at {{Coord|23.25|N|87.07|E|}}. The Damodar River flows along the Northern boundary of the district. Bankura district is bounded by [[Purba Bardhaman district|Purba Bardhaman]] and [[Paschim Bardhaman district|Paschim Bardhman]] district in the north and east, [[Paschim Medinipur district|Paschim Medinipur]] district in the south and [[Purulia district|Purilia]] to the west.
The [[Bankura Forest]] composes about 21% of the entire district. It has degraded in some areas due to overuse by humans. 21.5% of the total geographical area of the district is made up of forest land, covering a total of 148,177 hectares. Net cultivable area of the district is 4.30 lakh (430,000) hectares.


Bankura district is located in the north western part of the state of West Bengal. It is a part of Bardhaman Division of the State and is included in the area known as "Rarh" in Bengal. Bankura district is situated at {{Coord|23.25|N|87.07|E|}}. The Damodar River flows along the Northern boundary of the district. Bankura district is bounded by [[Purba Bardhaman district|Purba Bardhaman]] and [[Paschim Bardhaman district|Paschim Bardhman]] district in the north and east, [[Paschim Medinipur district|Paschim Medinipur]] district in the south and [[Purulia district|Purilia]] to the west.
===Area overview===
The map alongside shows the Bankura Sadar subdivision of Bankura district. Physiographically, this area is part of the Bankura Uplands in the west gradually merging with the Bankura-Bishnupur Rarh Plains in the north-east. The western portions are characterised by undulating terrain with many hills and ridges. The area is having a gradual descent from the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]]. The soil is [[laterite]] red and hard beds are covered with scrub jungle and [[Shorea robusta|sal]] wood. Gradually it gives way to just uneven rolling lands but the soil continues to be lateritic. There are coal mines in the northern part, along the [[Damodar River]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1913_PART_A_DCHB_BANKURA.pdf|title =  District Census Handbook Bankura |work = pages 13-17 | publisher= Directorate of Census Operations West Bengal | access-date = 23 April 2020}}</ref> It is a predominantly rural area with 89% of the population living in rural areas and only 11% living in the urban areas.<ref>{{cite web  |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Hanbook  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2013 Darjeeling  |work = Table 2.4b  |publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 23 April 2020  }}{{Dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


The [[Bankura Forest]] composes about 21% of the entire district. It has degraded in some areas due to overuse by humans.
<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>


===Climate===
===Climate===
Bankura has very hot climate in summer and moderate temperatures in winter. Rainfall occurs mostly between June and September and the annual amount is about 1500mm. Till 2020, the highest ever recorded temperature is 47.4&nbsp;°C, on 8 May 1977. While the lowest was recorded on 9 January 2013, 4.8&nbsp;°C. Bankura holds two state records of monthly highest temperatures. The highest
Bankura has a [[tropical savanna climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Aw'') with very warm conditions in the "cool" season from November to February, and hot to sweltering temperatures from March to October. Rainfall occurs mostly between June and September and the annual amount is about {{convert|1500|mm|in|0|disp=or}}. Till 2020, the highest ever recorded temperature is {{convert|47.4|°C|1}} on 8 May 1977, and the lowest {{convert|4.8|°C|1}} on 9 January 2013.  
recorded temperatures of February (39.3&nbsp;°C) and in April (46.7&nbsp;°C) are maximum in West Bengal for that months.  
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|location = Bankura (1981–1996, extremes 1901–2020)
|location = Bankura (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
|collapsed =  
|collapsed = yes
|metric first = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|single line = Yes
Line 127: Line 145:
|Nov record high C = 37.0
|Nov record high C = 37.0
|Dec record high C = 33.6
|Dec record high C = 33.6
| Jan avg record high C  = 28.9
| Feb avg record high C  = 30.6
| Mar avg record high C  = 36.7
| Apr avg record high C  = 41.1
| May avg record high C  = 42.2
| Jun avg record high C  = 40.7
| Jul avg record high C  = 37.2
| Aug avg record high C  = 36.4
| Sep avg record high C  = 36.6
| Oct avg record high C  = 34.7
| Nov avg record high C  = 32.6
| Dec avg record high C  = 28.9
| year avg record high C = 42.5
|Jan high C = 25.4
|Feb high C = 27.7
|Mar high C = 32.5
|Apr high C = 37.1
|May high C = 38.8
|Jun high C = 37.1
|Jul high C = 34.1
|Aug high C = 33.7
|Sep high C = 33.9
|Oct high C = 32.3
|Nov high C = 29.2
|Dec high C = 25.7
|year high C = 32.3
|Jan low C = 12.4
|Feb low C = 16.0
|Mar low C = 20.1
|Apr low C = 24.3
|May low C = 26.4
|Jun low C = 26.5
|Jul low C = 25.9
|Aug low C = 25.9
|Sep low C = 25.5
|Oct low C = 23.3
|Nov low C = 18.8
|Dec low C = 13.2
|year low C = 21.5
| Jan avg record low C  = 8.1
| Feb avg record low C  = 12.1
| Mar avg record low C  = 16.5
| Apr avg record low C  = 20.1
| May avg record low C  = 22.8
| Jun avg record low C  = 23.4
| Jul avg record low C  = 23.7
| Aug avg record low C  = 24.0
| Sep avg record low C  = 24.2
| Oct avg record low C  = 20.1
| Nov avg record low C  = 14.4
| Dec avg record low C  = 9.7
| year avg record low C = 8.3
|Jan record low C = 4.8
|Jan record low C = 4.8
|Feb record low C = 5.1
|Feb record low C = 5.1
Line 194: Line 157:
|Nov record low C = 10.5
|Nov record low C = 10.5
|Dec record low C = 5.9
|Dec record low C = 5.9
|Jan high C = 25.6
|Feb high C = 29.2
|Mar high C = 34.6
|Apr high C = 37.7
|May high C = 37.6
|Jun high C = 35.6
|Jul high C = 32.8
|Aug high C = 32.7
|Sep high C = 32.8
|Oct high C = 32.1
|Nov high C = 29.9
|Dec high C = 26.5
| year high C = 32.3
|Jan low C = 11.7
|Feb low C = 15.5
|Mar low C = 20.2
|Apr low C = 24.3
|May low C = 25.7
|Jun low C = 26.1
|Jul low C = 25.7
|Aug low C = 25.7
|Sep low C = 25.5
|Oct low C = 23.0
|Nov low C = 17.7
|Dec low C = 13.0
| year low C = 21.2
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 15.8
| Jan rain mm = 19.4
| Feb rain mm = 14.1
| Feb rain mm = 18.6
| Mar rain mm = 35.5
| Mar rain mm = 27.0
| Apr rain mm = 34.7
| Apr rain mm = 58.0
| May rain mm = 75.9
| May rain mm = 115.8
| Jun rain mm = 264.7
| Jun rain mm = 271.3
| Jul rain mm = 384.9
| Jul rain mm = 391.8
| Aug rain mm = 337.0
| Aug rain mm = 349.2
| Sep rain mm = 240.4
| Sep rain mm = 245.9
| Oct rain mm = 72.7
| Oct rain mm = 108.3
| Nov rain mm = 21.1
| Nov rain mm = 11.2
| Dec rain mm = 11.6
| Dec rain mm = 9.3
| year rain mm = 1508.6
| year rain mm = 1625.8
|Jan rain days = 1.5
| Jan rain days = 1.4
|Feb rain days = 1.5
| Feb rain days = 1.5
|Mar rain days = 2.6
| Mar rain days = 2.1
|Apr rain days = 2.8
| Apr rain days = 3.9
|May rain days = 5.3
| May rain days = 6.8
|Jun rain days = 10.9
| Jun rain days = 11.9
|Jul rain days = 16.7
| Jul rain days = 16.4
|Aug rain days = 16.0
| Aug rain days = 15.4
|Sep rain days = 12.1
| Sep rain days = 11.8
|Oct rain days = 4.3
| Oct rain days = 5.1
|Nov rain days = 1.0
| Nov rain days = 0.9
|Dec rain days = 0.5
| Dec rain days = 0.8
|year rain days = 75.4
| year rain days = 78.3
| time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|Jan humidity = 57
| Jan humidity = 60
|Feb humidity = 55
| Feb humidity = 50
|Mar humidity = 56
| Mar humidity = 40
|Apr humidity = 50
| Apr humidity = 46
|May humidity = 49
| May humidity = 57
|Jun humidity = 76
| Jun humidity = 71
|Jul humidity = 82
| Jul humidity = 82
|Aug humidity = 82
| Aug humidity = 83
|Sep humidity = 82
| Sep humidity = 82
|Oct humidity = 76
| Oct humidity = 77
|Nov humidity = 68
| Nov humidity = 69
|Dec humidity = 64
| Dec humidity = 65
|year humidity = 68
|year humidity = 66
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<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/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| archive-date = 8 April 2024
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Station: Bankura, Climatological Table 1981–1996
| title = Station: Bankura Climatological Table 1991–2020
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1991–2020
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| access-date = 17 July 2024}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
| pages = 87–88
| access-date = 10 January 2021}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
Line 255: Line 242:
| page = M230
| page = M230
| access-date = 10 January 2021}}</ref>
| access-date = 10 January 2021}}</ref>
}}<noinclude>
}}
{{Template reference list}}
 
===Area overview===
The map alongside shows the Bankura Sadar subdivision of Bankura district. Physiographically, this area is part of the Bankura Uplands in the west gradually merging with the Bankura-Bishnupur Rarh Plains in the north-east. The western portions are characterised by undulating terrain with many hills and ridges. The area is having a gradual descent from the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]]. The soil is [[laterite]] red and hard beds are covered with scrub jungle and [[Shorea robusta|sal]] wood. Gradually it gives way to just uneven rolling lands but the soil continues to be lateritic. There are coal mines in the northern part, along the [[Damodar River]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1913_PART_A_DCHB_BANKURA.pdf|title =  District Census Handbook Bankura |work = pages 13-17 | publisher= Directorate of Census Operations West Bengal | access-date = 23 April 2020}}</ref> It is a predominantly rural area with 89% of the population living in rural areas and only 11% living in the urban areas.<ref>{{cite web  |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Hanbook  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2013 Darjeeling  |work = Table 2.4b  |publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 23 April 2020  }}{{Dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</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==
{{See also|List of cities in West Bengal}}
In the 2011 census,<ref name="census2011">{{cite web |title=Bankura City Census 2011 data |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/213-bankura.html |publisher=census2011.co.in |access-date=6 October 2018}}</ref> Bankura city had a population of  137,386 of which 69,843 were males and 67,543 were females, giving a sex ratio of 967. The literacy rate was  86.12% and there were 12,148 children 0–6 years old
 
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Bankura
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hindus]]|orange|90.42}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslims]]|green|8.08}}
{{bar percent|Others†|black|1.5}}
|}}
 
==Civic administration==
===Police stations===
Bankura police station has jurisdiction over Bankura municipality, Bankura I and Bankura II CD Blocks. The area covered is 439&nbsp;km2. There are 3 town outposts and an outpost at Rajagram.<ref>{{cite web  |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bankura  |work = Tables 2.1, 2.2  |publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 15 May 2020  |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><ref>{{cite web| url = https://bankurapolice.org/bankura-ps/ |title = Bankura PS | publisher= Bankura District Police | access-date = 14 October 2016}}</ref>
 
Bankura Sadar Division woman police station, started in 2014, has jurisdiction over whole of Bankura Sadar subdivision.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://bankurapolice.org/women-ps-sadar-sub-division/ |title = Bankura women PS Sadar subdivision| publisher= Bankura District Police | access-date = 14 October 2016}}</ref>
 
=== Climate ===
Bankura has a [[tropical monsoon climate]] (Koppen ''Am''). Winters are warm during the daytime and relatively mild during night, although the temperature may occasionally drop to {{convert|8|C|F}}. Summers are very hot, with an average May daytime temperature of {{convert|38.8|C|F}}, and it can sometimes rise to {{convert|42|C|F}}.
\
The average annual rainfall received by the district is around {{convert|1,500|mm|in}}. 21.5% of the total geographical area of the district is made up of forest land, covering a total of 148,177 hectares. Net cultivable area of the district is 4.30 lakh (430,000) hectares.
{{weather box
{{weather box
| single line = Y
| single line = Y
| metric first = Y
| metric first = Y
| location = Bankura (1981-2010)
| collapsed = Y
| location = Bankura (1981–2010)
| Jan record high C = 34.0
| Jan record high C = 34.0
| Feb record high C = 39.3
| Feb record high C = 39.3
Line 398: Line 353:
| source = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web|title=1981-2010 CLIM NORMALS (STATEWISE).pdf|url=http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|publisher=India Meteorological Department|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=24 March 2020|pages=180–181}}</ref>
| source = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web|title=1981-2010 CLIM NORMALS (STATEWISE).pdf|url=http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|publisher=India Meteorological Department|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=24 March 2020|pages=180–181}}</ref>
}}
}}
==Demographics==
{{See also|List of cities in West Bengal}}
In the 2011 census,<ref name="census2011">{{cite web |title=Bankura City Census 2011 data |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/213-bankura.html |publisher=census2011.co.in |access-date=6 October 2018}}</ref> Bankura city had a population of  137,386 of which 69,843 were males and 67,543 were females, giving a sex ratio of 967. The literacy rate was  86.12% and there were 12,148 children 0–6 years old
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Bankura
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hindus]]|orange|90.42}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslims]]|green|8.08}}
{{bar percent|Others†|black|1.5}}
|}}
==Civic administration==
===Police stations===
Bankura police station has jurisdiction over Bankura municipality, Bankura I and Bankura II CD Blocks. The area covered is 439&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. There are 3 town outposts and an outpost at Rajagram.<ref>{{cite web  |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bankura  |work = Tables 2.1, 2.2  |publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 15 May 2020  |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><ref>{{cite web| url = https://bankurapolice.org/bankura-ps/ |title = Bankura PS | publisher= Bankura District Police | access-date = 14 October 2016}}</ref>
Bankura Sadar Division woman police station, started in 2014, has jurisdiction over whole of Bankura Sadar subdivision.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://bankurapolice.org/women-ps-sadar-sub-division/ |title = Bankura women PS Sadar subdivision| publisher= Bankura District Police | access-date = 14 October 2016}}</ref>


==Transport==
==Transport==
[[Bankura Junction railway station]] is managed by the South Eastern Railways and is on the Adra-Midnapore rail route. It is in Bankura city. Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Rupashi Bangla Express, Aranyak Express, Puri-New Delhi (Nandan Kanan) Superfast Express, Ernakulam-Patna Express, Howrah-LTT Samarsata Express and Purulia-Howrah Express pass through this station. It is the originating and terminating station of Bankura Damodar Railway<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.banglalive.com/Feature/FeatureDetail/6895/ |title=Could there be any real immersion of Pother Debota? |website=www.banglalive.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131101110638/http://www.banglalive.com/Feature/FeatureDetail/6895/ |archive-date=1 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which will connect to Howrah-Bardhaman Chord section. Computerized reservation facility is available. Going towards north-west, Adra Junction Railway Station is the nearest main station and moving to south, Midnapore Railway Station is the major station next to Bankura.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/train-to-bankura/cid/859067|title=Train to Bankura|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>
[[Bankura Junction railway station]] is managed by the [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railways]] and is on the [[Kharagpur–Bankura–Adra line|Adra-Kharagpur]] rail route. It is in Bankura city. Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Rupashi Bangla Express, Aranyak Express, Puri-New Delhi (Nandan Kanan) Superfast Express, Ernakulam-Patna Express, Howrah-LTT Samarsata Express and Purulia-Howrah Express pass through this station. It is the originating and terminating station of [[Bankura–Masagram line|Bankura Damodar Railway]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.banglalive.com/Feature/FeatureDetail/6895/ |title=Could there be any real immersion of Pother Debota? |website=www.banglalive.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131101110638/http://www.banglalive.com/Feature/FeatureDetail/6895/ |archive-date=1 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which is connected to [[Howrah–Barddhaman chord line|Barddhaman-Howrah Chord section]]. Computerized reservation facility is available. Going towards north-west, [[Adra Junction railway station|Adra Junction Railway Station]] is the nearest main station and moving to south, [[Kharagpur Junction railway station|Kharagpur Railway Station]] is the major station next to Bankura.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/train-to-bankura/cid/859067|title=Train to Bankura|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>


The Bankura Junction railway station and bridge over Dhaleshwari River were built by Gujarati Railway Contractors of the town Jeewan Gangji Savaria and Lalji Raja Vadher in 1900 working for Bengal Nagpur Railway.
[[National Highway 14 (India)|National Highway 14]] (India) running from Morgam (in [[Murshidabad district|Murshidabad]] district) to [[Kharagpur]] (in [[Paschim Medinipur district|Paschim Medinipur]] district), [[State Highway 9 (West Bengal)]] running from [[Durgapur]] (in Paschim Bardhaman district) to Nayagram (in Jhargram district) and State Highway 5 (West Bengal) running from Rupnarayanpur (in Bardhaman district) to Junput (in Purba Medinipur) pass through Bankura. NH 14 links Bankura to NH 12 and NH 16. Both NH 14 and SH 9 link Bankura to [[National Highway 19 (India)|NH 19]] ([[Grand Trunk Road]]).<ref name="renumber">{{cite web|url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways|publisher=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]]|access-date=3 April 2012|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201124738/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><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>
 
National Highway 14 (India) running from Morgam (in Murshidabad district) to Kharagpur (in Paschim Medinipur district), State Highway 9 (West Bengal) running from Durgapur (in Paschim Bardhaman district) to Nayagram (in Jhargram district) and State Highway 5 (West Bengal) running from Rupnarayanpur (in Bardhaman district) to Junput (in Purba Medinipur) pass through Bankura. NH 14 links Bankura to NH 12 and NH 16. Both NH 14 and SH 9 link Bankura to NH 19 (Grand Trunk Road).<ref name="renumber">{{cite web|url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways|publisher=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]]|access-date=3 April 2012|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201124738/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><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>


==Tourism ==
==Tourism ==
Bankura has gained much popularity among tourists hailing from India. The place has a rich cultural and traditional heritage.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} It is known for its paintings, music and other arts.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} The place has contributed toward modern Bengal art and architecture<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maharashtraweb.com/WestBengal/cities/maps/bankuramap.asp|title = History, Geography, Tourism and Map of Bankura}}</ref>  
The place has contributed toward modern Bengal art and architecture<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maharashtraweb.com/WestBengal/cities/maps/bankuramap.asp|title = History, Geography, Tourism and Map of Bankura}}</ref> The tourist spots can be divided into four zones.<ref name="bankura.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://bankura.gov.in/Tourism/tourism_1.htm |title=Tourism, Bankura |access-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925052522/http://bankura.gov.in/Tourism/tourism_1.htm |archive-date=25 September 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>
The tourist spots can be divided into four zones.<ref name="bankura.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://bankura.gov.in/Tourism/tourism_1.htm |title=Tourism, Bankura |access-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925052522/http://bankura.gov.in/Tourism/tourism_1.htm |archive-date=25 September 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>


===Eastern Zone ===
===Eastern Zone ===
[[File:Jor Mandir 4 Arnab Dutta 2011.JPG|thumb|Jor Mandir]]
*Bishnupur is a tourist spot of Bishnupur district near Bankura. It is 152&nbsp;km from Kolkata and 34&nbsp;km from Bankura Town. This place has a historical importance as it was the capital of Mallabhum. It is known for terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. It is popular for classical music dalmadal and painting. There are approximately 16 temples, most of which are made in the decade of Mallaraja. Temples of Bishnupur in Bishnupur District include Jor Mandir, Rasmancha, Radhamadhab Temple, Kalachand Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Radha-Gobinda Temple and Shyam Ray Temple.
*Joyrambati is 98&nbsp;km from Kolkata.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mustseeindia.com/driving-directions-from-Kolkata-to-Jairambati/travel-direction|title=Kolkata to Jairambati|access-date=7 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908082641/http://www.mustseeindia.com/driving-directions-from-Kolkata-to-Jairambati/travel-direction|archive-date=8 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is a holy place as it was the birthplace of Sree Sree Maa Sarada Devi. Temple of Singha Bahani Devi and Mayerepukur are also visiting sites.
*Joyrambati is 98&nbsp;km from Kolkata.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mustseeindia.com/driving-directions-from-Kolkata-to-Jairambati/travel-direction|title=Kolkata to Jairambati|access-date=7 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908082641/http://www.mustseeindia.com/driving-directions-from-Kolkata-to-Jairambati/travel-direction|archive-date=8 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is a holy place as it was the birthplace of Sree Sree Maa Sarada Devi. Temple of Singha Bahani Devi and Mayerepukur are also visiting sites.


[[File:Gokulchand Temple.jpg|thumb|Gokulchand Temple,Gokulnagar.]]
 


===Western Zone ===
===Western Zone ===
*Susunia Hill is also a tourist spot of Bankura District. It is 50&nbsp;km<ref name="westbengaltourism.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in/web/guest/district-bankura |title=West Bengal Tourism, Bankura |access-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814062409/http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in/web/guest/district-bankura |archive-date=14 August 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> from Bisnupur and 21&nbsp;km from Bankura town . It is known for a natural spring and a historical stone engraving .
*Susunia Hill is also a tourist spot of Bankura District. It is 50&nbsp;km<ref name="westbengaltourism.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in/web/guest/district-bankura |title=West Bengal Tourism, Bankura |access-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814062409/http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in/web/guest/district-bankura |archive-date=14 August 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> from Bisnupur and 21&nbsp;km from Bankura town . It is known for a natural spring and a historical stone engraving.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Susunia Hill, Bankura's ancient attraction |url=https://www.getbengal.com/details/susunia-hill-bankuras-ancient-attraction |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Get Bengal |language=en}}</ref>
*Biharinath Hill is the tallest (448 m)<ref name="bankura.gov.in" /> of Bankura District. It is in the northwestern edge of the district. It is 57&nbsp;km from Bankura Town. It was an ancient centre of Jainism, and known for its natural environment.<ref name="westbengaltourism.gov.in" /> Biharinath has hills, dense forest, water bodies, river Damodar, and a temple of Lord Shiva.
*Biharinath Hill is the tallest (448 m)<ref name="bankura.gov.in" /> of Bankura District. It is in the northwestern edge of the district. It is 57&nbsp;km from Bankura Town. It was an ancient centre of Jainism, and known for its natural environment.<ref name="westbengaltourism.gov.in" /> Biharinath has hills, dense forest, water bodies, river Damodar, and a temple of Lord Shiva.


===South Zone ===
===South Zone ===
[[File:Mukutmanipur Dam, Khatra subdivision, Bankura district, West Bengal, India 05.jpg|thumb|Mukutmanipur dam]]
* Mukutmanipur is a tourist spot of Bankura District. It is 55&nbsp;km<ref name="westbengaltourism.gov.in" /> from Bankura District headquarters. It is the second biggest earthen dam of India.<ref name="bankura.gov.in" />
* Mukutmanipur is a tourist spot of Bankura District. It is 55&nbsp;km<ref name="westbengaltourism.gov.in" /> from Bankura District headquarters. It is the second biggest earthen dam of India.<ref name="bankura.gov.in" />
* Jhilimili has a dense natural forest. It lies 70&nbsp;km from Bankura Town.
* Jhilimili has a dense natural forest. It lies 70&nbsp;km from Bankura Town.
Line 438: Line 408:


* [[Balaram Mukhopadhyay]] (born 1973), [[carbohydrate]] chemist and professor<ref>{{Cite web |title=Balaram Mukhopadhyay {{!}} Ph. D {{!}} Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Kolkata {{!}} Department of Chemical Sciences {{!}} ResearchGate |url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Balaram_Mukhopadhyay |access-date=2019-07-18 |website=ResearchGate}}</ref>
* [[Balaram Mukhopadhyay]] (born 1973), [[carbohydrate]] chemist and professor<ref>{{Cite web |title=Balaram Mukhopadhyay {{!}} Ph. D {{!}} Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Kolkata {{!}} Department of Chemical Sciences {{!}} ResearchGate |url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Balaram_Mukhopadhyay |access-date=2019-07-18 |website=ResearchGate}}</ref>
*[[Maniklal Sinha]] (1916–1994), [[archaeologist]], [[writer]],<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Kabiraj |first=Susanta |title=Shodhganga |url=http://14.139.116.20:8080/jspui/handle/10603/365775 |language=Bengali}}</ref> founder of ''Acharya Jogesh Chandra Pura Kirti Bhavan'' (museum) and ''Bangiya Sahitya Parishad''- Bishnupr branch.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2015 |first=Rakhi |last=Chakrabarty |title=Relic Hunter |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/relic-hunter/articleshow/47740930.cms |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Jamini Roy]], a renowned painter.
*Rupkumar Patra (born 1991) [[Actor]], [[Film Director]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/rupkumar-finally-fulfills-his-dream-of-playing-a-gangster/articleshow/100098330.cms|title=Rupkumar finally fulfills his dream of playing a gangster|date=13 May 2023|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>
* Rocky Rupkumar Patra, a renowned film actor and director.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/nasha-jurm-and-gangster-actor-director-rocky-rupkumar-patra-inspiring-journey-6048179 | title=नशा जुर्म और गैंगस्टर्स के एक्टर-डायरेक्टर रॉकी रूपकुमार पात्रा की जर्नी है इंस्पायरिंग }}</ref>
* Rajkumar Patra, a renowned Bengali film actor and producer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2023 |title=Tollywood: 'আমায় কুপ্রস্তাবও দিয়েছেন ইন্ডাস্ট্রির কিছুজন' |url=https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/entertainment/tollywood-actor-rajkumar-patra-talks-about-his-struggle-and-how-he-faced-casting-couch-in-industry_465946.html |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=Zee24Ghanta |language=Bengali |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005195707/https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/entertainment/tollywood-actor-rajkumar-patra-talks-about-his-struggle-and-how-he-faced-casting-couch-in-industry_465946.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 448: Line 419:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Wikivoyage}}
* {{Official website|http://www.bankura.nic.in/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.bankura.nic.in/}}
* "Bankura" (archived link). National Informatics Centre.
* "Bankura" (archived link). National Informatics Centre.
Line 454: Line 426:
{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}
{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}
{{Bankura District}}
{{Bankura District}}
 
{{West Bengal}}
 
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


</noinclude>
[[Category:Cities and towns in Bankura district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Bankura district]]
[[Category:Bankura| ]]
[[Category:Bankura| ]]
[[Category:Cities in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Cities in West Bengal]]
{{West Bengal}}

Latest revision as of 19:05, 9 January 2026

This article is about the municipality in West Bengal, India. For other uses, see Bankura (disambiguation).
Bankura
City
Location in West Bengal, India
Bankura (India)
Coordinates: 23°15′N 87°04′E / 23.25°N 87.07°E / 23.25; 87.07
CountryIndia
StateWest Bengal
DistrictBankura
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • BodyBankura Municipality
 • ChairmanAloka Majumdar (AITC)
 • Vice ChairmanHiralal Chattaraj (AITC)
 • Lok Sabha MPArup Chakraborty (AITC)
 • MLANiladri Sekhar Dana (BJP)
Area
[1]
 • Total19.06 km2 (7.36 sq mi)
 • RankBlock total =22 Police station =23
Elevation
78 m (256 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total137,386
 • Density7,200/km2 (19,000/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialBengali, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
722101, 722102, 722146, 722151 & 722155 (Suburban)
Telephone code03242
Lok SabhaBankura
Vidhan SabhaBankura
Websitewww.bankura.gov.in

Bankura (/bænˈkʊərə/) is a city and a municipality in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Bankura district.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

It comes from the old Austric word ráŕhá or ráŕho which means “land of red soil”.[2] 2-n ancient times "China called Ráŕh by the name of 'Láti'".[2] 3-n Santali, lar means thread, rarh means tune and larh means snake. 4-.Perhaps the Jain and Greek scholars used this original Austric word larh to indicate this dry forest region which was very difficult. The popularity of Manasa Puja, the worship of Snake-Goddess Manasa, shows this opinion might have some relevance. According to Nilkantha, a commentator of the Mahabharata, the words suhmo [bhumi] (Sanskrit: suhma-bhūmi) and Rarh are synonymous.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Bankura (labelled as Bankooreah) in Chatna area of Midnapore district. (1776 map by James Rennell)

Scholars differs in their opinion about the etymology of the name Bankura. In the words of the Kol-Mundas, orah or rah means habitation. Many places of Rarh have an added rah at the end of their names. One of the most influential gods of the district 6-Dharmathakur is called Bankura Roy. The name of the district may come from his name. Linguist Suniti Kumar Chatterjee thinks that the name came from the word banka (zig-zag), and its word-corruption banku, which means extremely beautiful, and he who must be worshiped. In 1979, the word “Bancoorah” was found in the map of Renal. In 1863, Gastrel referred this region as Bancoonda.[3]

Bir Hambir was the 49th King of Malla dynasty. Bir Bankura was one of his two sons. Raja Bir Hambir divided his kingdom into 22 tarafs or circles and gave one to his each son. Taraf Jaybelia fell to the lot of Bir Bankura. He developed a town in his taraf and the town was later named as 'Bankura' after its founder's name.[4]

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]

Bankura district is located in the north western part of the state of West Bengal. It is a part of Bardhaman Division of the State and is included in the area known as "Rarh" in Bengal. Bankura district is situated at 23°15′N 87°04′E / 23.25°N 87.07°E / 23.25; 87.07. The Damodar River flows along the Northern boundary of the district. Bankura district is bounded by Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhman district in the north and east, Paschim Medinipur district in the south and Purilia to the west.

The Bankura Forest composes about 21% of the entire district. It has degraded in some areas due to overuse by humans. 21.5% of the total geographical area of the district is made up of forest land, covering a total of 148,177 hectares. Net cultivable area of the district is 4.30 lakh (430,000) hectares.

Area overview[edit | edit source]

The map alongside shows the Bankura Sadar subdivision of Bankura district. Physiographically, this area is part of the Bankura Uplands in the west gradually merging with the Bankura-Bishnupur Rarh Plains in the north-east. The western portions are characterised by undulating terrain with many hills and ridges. The area is having a gradual descent from the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The soil is laterite red and hard beds are covered with scrub jungle and sal wood. Gradually it gives way to just uneven rolling lands but the soil continues to be lateritic. There are coal mines in the northern part, along the Damodar River.[5] It is a predominantly rural area with 89% of the population living in rural areas and only 11% living in the urban areas.[6]

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.

Climate[edit | edit source]

Bankura has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with very warm conditions in the "cool" season from November to February, and hot to sweltering temperatures from March to October. Rainfall occurs mostly between June and September and the annual amount is about 1,500 millimetres or 59 inches. Till 2020, the highest ever recorded temperature is 47.4 °C (117.3 °F) on 8 May 1977, and the lowest 4.8 °C (40.6 °F) on 9 January 2013.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

See also: List of cities in West Bengal

In the 2011 census,[10] Bankura city had a population of 137,386 of which 69,843 were males and 67,543 were females, giving a sex ratio of 967. The literacy rate was 86.12% and there were 12,148 children 0–6 years old

Religions in Bankura
Religion Percent
Hindus
 
 90.42%
Muslims
 
 8.08%
Others†
 
 1.5%

Civic administration[edit | edit source]

Police stations[edit | edit source]

Bankura police station has jurisdiction over Bankura municipality, Bankura I and Bankura II CD Blocks. The area covered is 439 km2. There are 3 town outposts and an outpost at Rajagram.[11][12]

Bankura Sadar Division woman police station, started in 2014, has jurisdiction over whole of Bankura Sadar subdivision.[13]

Transport[edit | edit source]

Bankura Junction railway station is managed by the South Eastern Railways and is on the Adra-Kharagpur rail route. It is in Bankura city. Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Rupashi Bangla Express, Aranyak Express, Puri-New Delhi (Nandan Kanan) Superfast Express, Ernakulam-Patna Express, Howrah-LTT Samarsata Express and Purulia-Howrah Express pass through this station. It is the originating and terminating station of Bankura Damodar Railway[14] which is connected to Barddhaman-Howrah Chord section. Computerized reservation facility is available. Going towards north-west, Adra Junction Railway Station is the nearest main station and moving to south, Kharagpur Railway Station is the major station next to Bankura.[15]

National Highway 14 (India) running from Morgam (in Murshidabad district) to Kharagpur (in Paschim Medinipur district), State Highway 9 (West Bengal) running from Durgapur (in Paschim Bardhaman district) to Nayagram (in Jhargram district) and State Highway 5 (West Bengal) running from Rupnarayanpur (in Bardhaman district) to Junput (in Purba Medinipur) pass through Bankura. NH 14 links Bankura to NH 12 and NH 16. Both NH 14 and SH 9 link Bankura to NH 19 (Grand Trunk Road).[16][17]

Tourism[edit | edit source]

The place has contributed toward modern Bengal art and architecture[18] The tourist spots can be divided into four zones.[19]

Eastern Zone[edit | edit source]

  • Joyrambati is 98 km from Kolkata.[20] It is a holy place as it was the birthplace of Sree Sree Maa Sarada Devi. Temple of Singha Bahani Devi and Mayerepukur are also visiting sites.


Western Zone[edit | edit source]

  • Susunia Hill is also a tourist spot of Bankura District. It is 50 km[21] from Bisnupur and 21 km from Bankura town . It is known for a natural spring and a historical stone engraving.[22]
  • Biharinath Hill is the tallest (448 m)[19] of Bankura District. It is in the northwestern edge of the district. It is 57 km from Bankura Town. It was an ancient centre of Jainism, and known for its natural environment.[21] Biharinath has hills, dense forest, water bodies, river Damodar, and a temple of Lord Shiva.

South Zone[edit | edit source]

  • Mukutmanipur is a tourist spot of Bankura District. It is 55 km[21] from Bankura District headquarters. It is the second biggest earthen dam of India.[19]
  • Jhilimili has a dense natural forest. It lies 70 km from Bankura Town.

Northern Zone[edit | edit source]

  • Durgapur Barrage
  • Gangdua Dam
  • Koro Pahar (Amar Kanan)

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

  • Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital is the most important hospital of the district equipped with all major departments and diagnostic facilities.
  • Bankura Sub-Divisional Hospital is an important hospital. It has a paediatric ward, blood test and OT.[23]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Bankura City".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 P.R. Sarkar Rarh - The Cradle of Civilization, Ananda Marga Publications, 1981, Kolkata
  3. ↑ www.bankura.org, COMPANY : SOFIA / Design: ANUPAM GANGOPADHYAY / Favorite website. "Welcome to History of Bankura". bankura.org. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  4. ↑ Bengal (India), West (1968). West Bengal District Gazetteers: Bānkurā by Amiya Kumar Banerji. State editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers.
  5. ↑ "District Census Handbook Bankura" (PDF). pages 13-17. Directorate of Census Operations West Bengal. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  6. ↑ "District Statistical Handbook 2013 Darjeeling". Table 2.4b. Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 23 April 2020.[permanent dead link]
  7. ↑ "Station: Bankura Climatological Table 1991–2020" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1991–2020. India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  8. ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M230. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  9. ↑ "1981-2010 CLIM NORMALS (STATEWISE).pdf" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. pp. 180–181. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  10. ↑ "Bankura City Census 2011 data". census2011.co.in. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  11. ↑ "District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bankura". Tables 2.1, 2.2. Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  12. ↑ "Bankura PS". Bankura District Police. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  13. ↑ "Bankura women PS Sadar subdivision". Bankura District Police. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  14. ↑ "Could there be any real immersion of Pother Debota?". www.banglalive.com. Retrieved 22 May 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  15. ↑ "Train to Bankura". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  16. ↑ "Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways" (PDF). New Delhi: Department of Road Transport and Highways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  17. ↑ "List of State Highways in West Bengal". West Bengal Traffic Police. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  18. ↑ "History, Geography, Tourism and Map of Bankura".
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "Tourism, Bankura". Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  20. ↑ "Kolkata to Jairambati". Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 "West Bengal Tourism, Bankura". Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  22. ↑ "Susunia Hill, Bankura's ancient attraction". Get Bengal. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  23. ↑ "Health Information of Bankura". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  24. ↑ "Balaram Mukhopadhyay | Ph. D | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Kolkata | Department of Chemical Sciences | ResearchGate". ResearchGate. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  25. ↑ "नशा जुर्म और गैंगस्टर्स के एक्टर-डायरेक्टर रॉकी रूपकुमार पात्रा की जर्नी है इंस्पायरिंग".
  26. ↑ "Tollywood: 'আমায় কুপ্রস্তাবও দিয়েছেন ইন্ডাস্ট্রির কিছুজন'". Zee24Ghanta (in Bengali). 5 April 2023. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bankura&oldid=546799"
Discover more