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'''Ilambazar''' is a [[census town]], with a police station, in [[Ilambazar (community development block)|Ilambazar]] [[Community development block in India|CD block]] in [[Bolpur subdivision]] of [[Birbhum District]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]]. A traditional weaving and trading centre it serves as a gateway to Birbhum district.
'''Ilambazar''' is a [[census town]], with a police station, in [[Ilambazar (community development block)|Ilambazar]] [[Community development block in India|CD block]] in [[Bolpur subdivision]] of [[Birbhum district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].


==History==
==History==
Ilambazar developed as a trade mart because of its location at the junction of thoroughfares and the river front. It also had the advantage of being near to  weaving centres.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar,  ''The Economic Life of a Bengal District: Birbhum 1770 &ndash; 1857'', p. 14, The University of Burdwan, 1984.</ref> The English assumed the direct administration of the district in 1786 and the [[British East India Company]] had a factory at Ilambazar. At that time the [[French East India Company]] also made a foray in the Ilambazar area. It helped in the weavers securing higher prices.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 152</ref>
Ilambazar developed as a trade centre because of its location at the junction of thoroughfares and the river front. It also had the advantage of being near weaving centres.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar,  ''[[iarchive:dli.bengal.10689.13368/page/n279/mode/2up|The Economic Life of a Bengal District: Birbhum 1770 – 1857]]'', p. 14, The University of Burdwan, 1984.</ref> The [[British East India Company]] had a factory at Ilambazar. The [[Compagnie de Calonne|French East India Company]] also made a foray in the Ilambazar area in the 1780s, which drove prices up to the benefit of the weavers. The English assumed direct administration of [[Birbhum district]] in 1786.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 152</ref>


Birbhum was one of the worst sufferers of the [[Great Bengal famine of 1770]]. Many hundreds of villages were entirely depopulated and in the towns not a fourth of the population survived.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 257</ref> In the late 18th century, Birbhum and surrounding areas were affected by famines followed by a peasants’ insurrection. Although the insurrection was against [[zamindar]]s and the government, trade marts were also plundered. In June 1789, Ilambazar, the chief manufacturing and trade centre in the area was sacked in open dylight.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, pp. 44, 47</ref> Ilambazar survived the sack of 1789 and re-emerged as a busy manufacturing and trade centre since the opening of the 19th century. At the time of Shewill's survey operations it contained a population of 2,235 souls.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 260</ref>
Birbhum was badly impacted by the [[Great Bengal famine of 1770]]. Many villages were wiped out entirely, and even in large towns, over three quarters of households perished.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 257</ref> During a peasants' insurrection in June 1789, Ilambazar was sacked, although it recovered and became a magnet for manufacturing and trade.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, pp. 44, 47, 260</ref> When the district was surveyed by Captain W. S. Sherwill from 1848-1852, the town's population was 2,235.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 260</ref>


Cotton goods were not the only items of trade. In the mid 19th century, John Erskine of Ilambazar was one of the leading sugar manufacturers and exporters in the area.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 188</ref> The Erskine family also had indigo factories.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 191</ref> Ilambazar was once an area for indigo cultivation, traces of which can still be found.<ref>Sarkar, Joydeep, Paryatan Boichitre Birbhum Jela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, February 2006, {{in lang|bn}}, p. 199,  Information & Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.</ref>
In the mid 19th century, John Erskine of Ilambazar was one of the leading [[sugar]] manufacturers and exporters in the area.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 189</ref> Ilambazar was once a significant area for indigo cultivation, traces of which can still be found.<ref>Sarkar, Joydeep, Paryatan Boichitre Birbhum Jela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, February 2006, {{in lang|bn}}, p. 199,  Information & Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.</ref> The Erskine family also had [[indigo]] factories.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 191</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 101: Line 101:
Ilambazar is located on the northern bank of [[Ajay River]]. It is on the four-lane [[Panagarh&ndash;Morgram Highway]]. The highway has been completed at a cost of $150-million.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=1&id=9669&usrsess=1| title =  $210 m ADB loan for north-south corridor | access-date = 2007-09-17 | publisher = The Statesman, 28 May 2001 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> A road connects to [[Bolpur]]/[[Santiniketan]] and ( [[Suri, Birbhum|Suri]] - [[Kirnahar]] - [[Katwa]] ) Road
Ilambazar is located on the northern bank of [[Ajay River]]. It is on the four-lane [[Panagarh&ndash;Morgram Highway]]. The highway has been completed at a cost of $150-million.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=1&id=9669&usrsess=1| title =  $210 m ADB loan for north-south corridor | access-date = 2007-09-17 | publisher = The Statesman, 28 May 2001 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> A road connects to [[Bolpur]]/[[Santiniketan]] and ( [[Suri, Birbhum|Suri]] - [[Kirnahar]] - [[Katwa]] ) Road


Most of the forests in Birbhum district are on laterite soil but the Choupahari sal forests in the Ilambazar area (area 13.9&nbsp;km²) are on alluvial soil.<ref>Ghosh, Kanailal, Birbhumer Bon Udbhidjo O  Banyapran, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, February 2006, {{in lang|bn}}, p. 193,  Information & Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.</ref>
Most of the forests in Birbhum district are on laterite soil but the Choupahari sal forests in the Ilambazar area (area 13.9&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) are on alluvial soil.<ref>Ghosh, Kanailal, Birbhumer Bon Udbhidjo O  Banyapran, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, February 2006, {{in lang|bn}}, p. 193,  Information & Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.</ref>
 
The forests around Ilambazar was on the verge of extinction in the nineties of the previous century but it has got back much of its flora and fauna. The villagers, living in 32 villages located inside the forest, have realised that they can make a living by selling plates (''thalis'') made of ''sal'' leaves and mushrooms (locally called ''toshor ghuti'') both abundantly available in the forest. The forest department formed 12 ‘Bonosamrakshan committees’ (forest preservation committees) comprising the villagers and made them understand how their survival was linked with that of the forest.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=6&id=3650&usrsess=1 | title =  Collective effort to restore greenery | access-date = 2007-09-17 | publisher = The Statesman, 9 October 2002 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}
Illambazar Helpful Boy Arozkhadim From- IIllambazar</ref>


===Police station===
===Police station===
Ilambazar police station has jurisdiction over [[Ilambazar (community development block)|Ilambazar]] CD block.<ref name=handbook2008>{{cite web| url = http://birbhum.nic.in/dept/BAES_DIST_STAT_BK_2008.pdf  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2008, Birbhum  |work = Table 2.1  | publisher= Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 30 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://birbhumpolice.org/policestation.php |title = Birbhum Police |work = Police Stations | publisher= West Bengal Police| access-date = 30 January 2018}}</ref>
Ilambazar police station has jurisdiction over [[Ilambazar (community development block)|Ilambazar]] CD block.<ref name=handbook2008>{{cite web| url = http://birbhum.nic.in/dept/BAES_DIST_STAT_BK_2008.pdf  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2008, Birbhum  |work = Table 2.1  | publisher= Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 30 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://birbhumpolice.org/policestation.php | title = Birbhum Police | work = Police Stations | publisher = West Bengal Police | access-date = 30 January 2018 | archive-date = 12 February 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180212131641/http://birbhumpolice.org/policestation.php | url-status = dead }}</ref>


===CD block HQ===
===CD block HQ===
Line 119: Line 116:


==Education==
==Education==
'''ILLAMBAZAR JATIYA YUVA COMPUTER SHAKSHARTA MISSION - Illambazar JYCSM''' was established at Illambazar in early 2018. It is recognized by Govt. Of India and also Govt of West Bengal, it offers Certificate, Diploma and Advance Diploma Courses. This Computer Training Centre is one of the best centres in Illambazar<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.jycsm.com  |title = Illambazar Jatiya Yuva Computer Shaksharta Mission  | publisher= Computer Training Centre | access-date = 21 February 2020}}</ref>
[[Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya]] was established at Ilambazar in 2007. Affiliated to the [[University of Burdwan]], it offers honours courses in Bengali and English. Illambazar jatiya Yuva Computer Shaksharta Mission is one of the best Computer Training centre at Illambazar, It is a recognised by Government of India and Government of West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://kjmahavidyalaya.co.in/  |title = Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya  | publisher= KJM | access-date = 9 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.collegeadmission.in/KabiJoydebMahavidyalaya/Kabi_Joydeb_Mahavidyalaya.shtml#!  | title = Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya  | publisher = College Admission | access-date = 9 February 2018 | archive-date = 10 February 2018  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180210002529/http://www.collegeadmission.in/KabiJoydebMahavidyalaya/Kabi_Joydeb_Mahavidyalaya.shtml#!  | url-status = dead  }}</ref>
 
[[Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya]] was established at Ilambazar in 2007. Affiliated to the [[University of Burdwan]], it offers honours courses in Bengali and English.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://kjmahavidyalaya.co.in/  |title = Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya  | publisher= KJM | access-date = 9 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.collegeadmission.in/KabiJoydebMahavidyalaya/Kabi_Joydeb_Mahavidyalaya.shtml#!  |title = Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya  | publisher= College Admission | access-date = 9 February 2018}}</ref>


==Culture==
==Culture==
===Temples===
===Temples===
The Gouranga temple at Ilambazar, and the Shiva temple at Ghurisha are amongst the state protected temples in the area.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbgov.com/e-gov/English/Departments/DeptDetails.asp?DPId=120&LinkId=6&Type=1
The Gouranga temple at Ilambazar, and the Shiva temple at Ghurisha are amongst the state protected temples in the area.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbgov.com/e-gov/English/Departments/DeptDetails.asp?DPId=120&LinkId=6&Type=1
| title = List of State Protected Monuments & Sites | access-date = 2007-08-24 | work = District Birbhum | publisher = Deptt of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal}}</ref> Rameswara Shiva temple is one of the three temples at Ilambazar with exquisite [[terracotta]] work.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.indianheritages.blogspot.com/ | title =  Indian Heritage | access-date = 2007-09-17 | work = Rameswara Shiva temple | publisher = indianheritages.blogspot.com }}</ref>
| title = List of State Protected Monuments & Sites | access-date = 2007-08-24 | work = District Birbhum | publisher = Deptt of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal}}</ref> Rameswara Shiva temple is one of the three temples at Ilambazar with exquisite [[terracotta]] work.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.indianheritages.blogspot.com/ | title =  Indian Heritage | access-date = 2007-09-17 | work = Rameswara Shiva temple | publisher = indianheritages.blogspot.com }}</ref>


During the late 1940s Ilambazar terracotta temples were photo-documented by artist [[Mukul Dey]] of [[Santiniketan]].
During the late 1940s Ilambazar terracotta temples were photo-documented by artist [[Mukul Dey]] of [[Santiniketan]].


[[David McCutchion|David J. McCutchion]] mentions several temples in the Ilambazar area:<br/> (1) the [[Shiva]] temple at Ilambazar as a standard (small) 19th century ‘Birbhum-Bradhaman’ type brick built [[Deula|rekha deul]] with rich [[terracotta]] façade,<br/>(2) the four Shiva temples at Uchkaron as standard (small) [[Char-chala|char chalas]], built in 1769, with rich terracotta facades, <br/> (3) the 19th century Lakshmi-Janardana temple at Ilambazar, as a standard West Bengal type [[Pancharatna (architecture)|pancharatna]] with ridged rekha turrets and porch on triple archway, <br/>(4) the 17-18th century Radha Vinode temple at [[Jaydev Kenduli]] as a low storied West Bengal [[Navaratna (architecture)|navaratna]] with ridged turrets, <br/>(5) the 19th century Lakshmi Janardana temple at Ghurisha is a straight corniced navaratna with very large upper tower and tiny clustering corner towers with rich terracotta, and <br/>(6) the 19th century temple in the market place at Ilambazar as an octagonal ridged [[Deula|rekha]] with rich terracotta on all sides.<ref>McCutchion, David J., ''Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal'', first published 1972, reprinted 2017, pages 23, 30, 47, 53, 54, 59 . The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, {{ISBN| 978-93-81574-65-2}}</ref>
[[David McCutchion|David J. McCutchion]] mentions several temples in the Ilambazar area:<br/> (1) the [[Shiva]] temple at Ilambazar as a standard (small) 19th century 'Birbhum-Bradhaman' type brick built rekha deul with rich [[terracotta]] façade,<br/>(2) the four Shiva temples at Uchkaron as standard (small) [[Char-chala|char chalas]], built in 1769, with rich terracotta facades, <br/> (3) the 19th century Lakshmi-Janardana temple at Ilambazar, as a standard West Bengal type [[Pancharatna (architecture)|pancharatna]] with ridged rekha turrets and porch on triple archway, <br/>(4) the 17-18th century Radha Vinode temple at [[Jaydev Kenduli]] as a low storied West Bengal [[Navaratna (architecture)|navaratna]] with ridged turrets, <br/>(5) the 19th century Lakshmi Janardana temple at Ghurisha is a straight corniced navaratna with very large upper tower and tiny clustering corner towers with rich terracotta, and <br/>(6) the 19th century temple in the market place at Ilambazar as an octagonal ridged [[Deula|rekha]] with rich terracotta on all sides.<ref>McCutchion, David J., ''Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal'', first published 1972, reprinted 2017, pages 23, 30, 47, 53, 54, 59 . The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, {{ISBN| 978-93-81574-65-2}}</ref>


According to [[Binoy Ghosh]], there are three temples at Ilambazar with beautiful terracotta designs: the hexagonal temple at hattala, the Shiva temple in the village and the pancharatna Narayan temple. There are pictures of British people amongst the terracotta desigs. Ghurisa, about 4 miles west of Ilambazar, has rich temple traditions but many of them are in a state of decay. There is a char chala temple, which was constructed in 1555. It is said that there was a golden idol of [[Rama]] in the temple, but the [[Bargi]]s took it away around 1742-48. Moukhira, a village about 3 miles south of Ilambazar, has many early 19th century temples. Benoy Ghosh notes that the portrayal of Europeans in the temple carvings in Birbhum district are more than in other places, perhaps because of the activities of the early European merchants in the area.<ref>Ghosh, Binoy, ''Paschim Banger Sanskriti'', {{in lang|bn}}, part I, 1976 edition, pages 267-271, Prakash Bhaban, Kolkata</ref>
According to [[Binoy Ghosh]], there are three temples at Ilambazar with beautiful terracotta designs: the hexagonal temple at hattala, the Shiva temple in the village and the pancharatna Narayan temple. There are pictures of British people amongst the terracotta designs. Ghurisa, about 4 miles west of Ilambazar, has rich temple traditions but many of them are in a state of decay. There is a char chala temple, which was constructed in 1555. It is said that there was a golden idol of [[Rama]] in the temple, but the [[Bargi]]s took it away around 1742-48. Moukhira, a village about 3 miles south of Ilambazar, has many early 19th century temples. Benoy Ghosh notes that the portrayal of Europeans in the temple carvings in Birbhum district are more than in other places, perhaps because of the activities of the early European merchants in the area.<ref>Ghosh, Binoy, ''Paschim Banger Sanskriti'', {{in lang|bn}}, part I, 1976 edition, pages 267-271, Prakash Bhaban, Kolkata</ref>


===Temple picture gallery===
===Temple picture gallery===
Line 140: Line 135:
File:Four Shiva Temples at Uchkaran.jpg|Four Shiva temples at Uchkaron
File:Four Shiva Temples at Uchkaran.jpg|Four Shiva temples at Uchkaron
</gallery>
</gallery>
===Craft===
John Erskine and John Cheap took an important part in the development of the [[shellac]] industry. Erskine constructed a large shellac and [[lac]] dye factory at Ilambazar and as Cheap retired from the field, virtually monopolized it. The lac was collected from the forests and lac dye and shellac manufactured in the factory at Ilambazar. Lac [[artisan]]s, locally called ''nuris'', worked out a variety of lacquered items namely, cups, inkpots, bracelets and toys ‘of excellent design and craftsmanship’. Some of the ornamental items were sent to the [[Exposition Universelle (1855)|Great Paris Exhibition]] of 1855. However, Sherwill noted that ornamental items were manufactured at Ilambazar by only two men.<ref>Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 196</ref>


==Healthcare==
==Healthcare==
Ilambazar Rural Hospital at Ilambazar has 30 beds.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf  | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals | publisher = Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 26 January 2018}}</ref>
Ilambazar Rural Hospital at Ilambazar has 30 beds.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf  | title =Health & Family Welfare Department | work =Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals | publisher =Government of West Bengal  | access-date =26 January 2018 | archive-date =8 October 2022  | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20221008143352/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf  | url-status =dead  }}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 08:33, 14 August 2025

Ilambazar
Census Town
Location in West Bengal, India
Coordinates: 23°38′N 87°32′E / 23.63°N 87.53°E / 23.63; 87.53
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictBirbhum
Area
 • Total1.8648 km2 (0.7200 sq mi)
Elevation
54 m (177 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total7,125
 • Density3,800/km2 (9,900/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialBengali, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
731214
Telephone/STD code91 3463
Sex ratio843 ♂/♀
Lok Sabha constituencyBolpur
Vidhan Sabha constituencyBolpur
Websitebirbhum.nic.in
CD Block

Ilambazar is a census town, with a police station, in Ilambazar CD block in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

History[edit | edit source]

Ilambazar developed as a trade centre because of its location at the junction of thoroughfares and the river front. It also had the advantage of being near weaving centres.[1] The British East India Company had a factory at Ilambazar. The French East India Company also made a foray in the Ilambazar area in the 1780s, which drove prices up to the benefit of the weavers. The English assumed direct administration of Birbhum district in 1786.[2]

Birbhum was badly impacted by the Great Bengal famine of 1770. Many villages were wiped out entirely, and even in large towns, over three quarters of households perished.[3] During a peasants' insurrection in June 1789, Ilambazar was sacked, although it recovered and became a magnet for manufacturing and trade.[4] When the district was surveyed by Captain W. S. Sherwill from 1848-1852, the town's population was 2,235.[5]

In the mid 19th century, John Erskine of Ilambazar was one of the leading sugar manufacturers and exporters in the area.[6] Ilambazar was once a significant area for indigo cultivation, traces of which can still be found.[7] The Erskine family also had indigo factories.[8]

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]

Ilambazar is located at 23°38′N 87°32′E / 23.63°N 87.53°E / 23.63; 87.53. It has an average elevation of 54 m (177 ft).[9]

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

Ilambazar is located on the northern bank of Ajay River. It is on the four-lane Panagarh–Morgram Highway. The highway has been completed at a cost of $150-million.[10] A road connects to Bolpur/Santiniketan and ( Suri - Kirnahar - Katwa ) Road

Most of the forests in Birbhum district are on laterite soil but the Choupahari sal forests in the Ilambazar area (area 13.9 km2) are on alluvial soil.[11]

Police station[edit | edit source]

Ilambazar police station has jurisdiction over Ilambazar CD block.[12][13]

CD block HQ[edit | edit source]

The headquarters of Ilambazar CD block are located at Ilambazar.[14]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As per the 2011 Census of India, Ilambazar had a total population of 7,125 of which 3,632 (51%) were males and 3,493 (49%) were females. Population below 6 years was 443. The total number of literates in Ilambazar was 5,246 (82.67% of the population over 6 years).[15]

Infrastructure[edit | edit source]

As per the District Census Handbook 2011, Ilambazar covered an area of 1.8648 km2. There is a railway station at Bolpur 18 km away. Buses are available in the town. It has 70 km roads and both open and closed drains. The major source of protected water supply is from bore well pumping and over head tank. There are 1,654 domestic electric connections and 100 road light points. Amongst the medical facilities it has 2 hospitals with 280 beds, 4 dispensaries/ health centres and 3 maternity and child welfare centres. Amongst the educational facilities it has are 2 primary schools, 1 secondary school and 1 senior secondary school. Amongst the social, recreational and cultural facilities there is 1 cinema theatre, 1 auditorium/ community hall and 1 public library. It has the branches of 3 nationalised banks, 1 cooperative bank, 1 agricultural credit society and 2 non-agricultural credit societies. Amongst the commodities it produced were rice milling products, bamboo products and kantha stitch products.[16]

Education[edit | edit source]

Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya was established at Ilambazar in 2007. Affiliated to the University of Burdwan, it offers honours courses in Bengali and English. Illambazar jatiya Yuva Computer Shaksharta Mission is one of the best Computer Training centre at Illambazar, It is a recognised by Government of India and Government of West Bengal.[17][18]

Culture[edit | edit source]

Temples[edit | edit source]

The Gouranga temple at Ilambazar, and the Shiva temple at Ghurisha are amongst the state protected temples in the area.[19] Rameswara Shiva temple is one of the three temples at Ilambazar with exquisite terracotta work.[20]

During the late 1940s Ilambazar terracotta temples were photo-documented by artist Mukul Dey of Santiniketan.

David J. McCutchion mentions several temples in the Ilambazar area:
(1) the Shiva temple at Ilambazar as a standard (small) 19th century 'Birbhum-Bradhaman' type brick built rekha deul with rich terracotta façade,
(2) the four Shiva temples at Uchkaron as standard (small) char chalas, built in 1769, with rich terracotta facades,
(3) the 19th century Lakshmi-Janardana temple at Ilambazar, as a standard West Bengal type pancharatna with ridged rekha turrets and porch on triple archway,
(4) the 17-18th century Radha Vinode temple at Jaydev Kenduli as a low storied West Bengal navaratna with ridged turrets,
(5) the 19th century Lakshmi Janardana temple at Ghurisha is a straight corniced navaratna with very large upper tower and tiny clustering corner towers with rich terracotta, and
(6) the 19th century temple in the market place at Ilambazar as an octagonal ridged rekha with rich terracotta on all sides.[21]

According to Binoy Ghosh, there are three temples at Ilambazar with beautiful terracotta designs: the hexagonal temple at hattala, the Shiva temple in the village and the pancharatna Narayan temple. There are pictures of British people amongst the terracotta designs. Ghurisa, about 4 miles west of Ilambazar, has rich temple traditions but many of them are in a state of decay. There is a char chala temple, which was constructed in 1555. It is said that there was a golden idol of Rama in the temple, but the Bargis took it away around 1742-48. Moukhira, a village about 3 miles south of Ilambazar, has many early 19th century temples. Benoy Ghosh notes that the portrayal of Europeans in the temple carvings in Birbhum district are more than in other places, perhaps because of the activities of the early European merchants in the area.[22]

Temple picture gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Raghunathji Temple with Shiva deity at Ghurisha
    Raghunathji Temple with Shiva deity at Ghurisha
  • Gouranga temple at Ilambazar
    Gouranga temple at Ilambazar
  • Four Shiva temples at Uchkaron
    Four Shiva temples at Uchkaron

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

Ilambazar Rural Hospital at Ilambazar has 30 beds.[23]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, The Economic Life of a Bengal District: Birbhum 1770 – 1857, p. 14, The University of Burdwan, 1984.
  2. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 152
  3. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 257
  4. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, pp. 44, 47, 260
  5. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 260
  6. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 189
  7. ↑ Sarkar, Joydeep, Paryatan Boichitre Birbhum Jela, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, February 2006, (in Bengali), p. 199, Information & Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.
  8. ↑ Gupta, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, p. 191
  9. ↑ "Ilam Bazar, India Page". West Bengal. Falling Rain Genomics. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  10. ↑ "$210 m ADB loan for north-south corridor". The Statesman, 28 May 2001. Retrieved 17 September 2007. [dead link]
  11. ↑ Ghosh, Kanailal, Birbhumer Bon Udbhidjo O Banyapran, Paschim Banga, Birbhum Special Issue, February 2006, (in Bengali), p. 193, Information & Cultural Department, Government of West Bengal.
  12. ↑ "District Statistical Handbook 2008, Birbhum" (PDF). Table 2.1. Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  13. ↑ "Birbhum Police". Police Stations. West Bengal Police. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  14. ↑ "District Census Handbook: Birbhum, Series 20, Part XII B" (PDF). Map of Birbhum with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page). Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  15. ↑ "2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables". West Bengal – District-wise. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  16. ↑ "District Census Handbook Birbhum, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A" (PDF). Section II Town Directory, Pages 1025- 1033. Directorate of Census Operations V, West Bengal. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  17. ↑ "Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya". KJM. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  18. ↑ "Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya". College Admission. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  19. ↑ "List of State Protected Monuments & Sites". District Birbhum. Deptt of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
  20. ↑ "Indian Heritage". Rameswara Shiva temple. indianheritages.blogspot.com. Retrieved 17 September 2007.
  21. ↑ McCutchion, David J., Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal, first published 1972, reprinted 2017, pages 23, 30, 47, 53, 54, 59 . The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, ISBN 978-93-81574-65-2
  22. ↑ Ghosh, Binoy, Paschim Banger Sanskriti, (in Bengali), part I, 1976 edition, pages 267-271, Prakash Bhaban, Kolkata
  23. ↑ "Health & Family Welfare Department" (PDF). Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals. Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
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