Ausgram II: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Wprlh
Last edited January 19, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
CleanupBot (talk | contribs)
Bots
17,809 edits
updated layout for accuracy and fixed typos
 
Line 11: Line 11:
|image_seal            =  
|image_seal            =  
|seal_size              =
|seal_size              =
|image_map              =  
|image_map              = File:Ausgram-II in Purba Bardhaman (West Bengal).svg
|mapsize                =  
|mapsize                =  
|map_caption            = Location in West Bengal
|map_caption            = Location in West Bengal
|pushpin_map            = India West Bengal
|pushpin_map            =  
|pushpin_label_position =right
|pushpin_label_position =right
|pushpin_mapsize=
|pushpin_mapsize=
Line 58: Line 58:
|footnotes              =  
|footnotes              =  
}}
}}
'''Ausgram II''' is a [[Community development block in India|community development block]] that forms an administrative division in [[Bardhaman Sadar North subdivision]] of [[Purba Bardhaman district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].
'''Ausgram II''' is a [[Community development block in India|community development block]]. It is a municipality in [[Bardhaman Sadar North subdivision]] of [[Purba Bardhaman district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].


==History==
==History==
===Pandu Rajar Dhibi===
===Pre-history===
In 1962, excavation were initiated at Rajpotadanga village, near the southern bank of the [[Ajay River]] in the area and it was extended in 1965. The excavations have revealed the traces of a 3,500-year-old civilisation similar to that of [[Harappa]]-[[Mohenjo-daro]]. There also are indications of links with the [[Minoan civilization]] of [[Crete]].<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, ''Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti'' (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), {{in lang|bn}}, Vol I, pp125-130, Radical Impression. {{ISBN|81-85459-36-3}}</ref> The excavated items have been added to the collection of the [[State Archaeological Gallery]].
Studies at the nearby [[Pandu Rajar Dhibi]] archeological site have found, overall, six layers of occupation. There are traces of a civilisation similar to the [[Indus Valley Civilisation|Indus Valley Bronze Age civilisation]] found at [[Harappa]] in [[Punjab]] (2600 - 1900 BCE) and to the [[Minoan civilization]] of [[Crete]] (3100  - 1450 BCE).<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, ''Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti'' (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), {{in lang|bn}}, Vol I, pp125-130, Radical Impression. {{ISBN|81-85459-36-3}}</ref> The main mound at Pandu Rajar Dhibi is associated with [[Pandu]], the [[Kuru Kingdom|Kuru King]] (1200 - 900 BCE) with evidence of [[Archaeology of India|Chalolithic Bronze Age]] (1600 - 750 BCE) and then [[Iron Age in India|Iron Age]] (1300 - 300 BCE) peoples.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mukherjee |first=Shyam Chand |year=2012 |chapter=Pandu Rajar Dhibi |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Pandu_Rajar_Dhibi |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref>
 
Further excavations were carried out in 1985 by the state department of archaeology. The main mound at [[Pandu Rajar Dhibi]] is associated with King Pandu mentioned in [[Mahabharata]]. The 1985 excavation has clearly shown that there were six periods of occupation at the sites. There were two main periods – the [[Copper Age|Chalcolithic]] period around 1600&nbsp;BC – 750&nbsp;BC, and the [[Iron Age]]. The excavation at Pandu Rajar Dhibi has provided evidence for the gradual growth of a Chalcolithic culture and its displacement by iron-using people.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mukherjee |first=Shyam Chand |year=2012 |chapter=Pandu Rajar Dhibi |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Pandu_Rajar_Dhibi |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref>


===Medieval history===
===Medieval history===
The area between the [[Damodar River|Damodar]] and Ajay was known as Gopbhum, where the Sadgope kings ruled for many centuries, prior to the advent of the Muslims. The Sura kings also occupy a somewhat mythical position in the region. [[Adi Sura]] of this dynasty is credited with having brought the five Brahmins and Kayasthas (two important upper castes in Bengal) from [[Kannauj]] in what is now Uttar Pradesh.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp 150-151</ref> Around the 11th century, King Mahindranath ruled from his fort at [[Amrargar]]. One can see the elementary remains of the foundation of a fort.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://bardhaman.gov.in/tourism/tourism.htm |title = Bardhaman district | work=  Tourism |publisher= Bardhaman district adminstraion  | access-date = 26 February 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =  http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DCHB/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf | title = District Census Handbook, Series 20, Part XIIA  | work = Page 126, Places of Historical Importance  | publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal  | access-date =  24 March 2017}}</ref>
[[Medieval India]] refers to the period between the fall of the [[Gupta Empire]] in the 6th century CE and the rise of the [[Mughal Empire]] in the 16th century CE.


In the 18th century the area faced massive attacks of the [[Bargi]] warriors.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp209, 292-293</ref>
The region between the [[Damodar River]] and the [[Ajay River]] was known as "[[Gopbhum]] ". It was here that the [[Sadgop]] kings ruled in the late medieval period. Their presence continues in the region as part of the [[Yadav]] community.


===Movements===
As it is said, traditionally, that in the 11th century CE, the Hindu king, [[Adi Sura]] brought five [[Brahmin]] and [[Kayastha]] from [[Kannauj]], in what is now [[Uttar Pradesh]], to Gopbhum in order to revive orthodox Brahminical Hinduism in West Bengal and that they are represented now by the [[Bengali Brahmin|Kulin]] community.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp 150-151</ref>
This being a canal-irrigated area it had faced agitations against the imposition of taxes for canal water.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p472</ref>


Damage to embankments of the Ajay and consequent flooding was a regular problem in the Ausgram and Mangalkot area. The devastating flood of 1943 caused immense suffering and lead to a mass movement for restoration/ repair of the embankments. A massive meeting was organised at [[Guskara]] in 1944, with [[Bardhaman Raj#Udaychand Mahtab|Uday Chand Mahtab]], Maharaja of Bardhaman. However, the government did not take any action,. Ultimately, the Communist Party, which had been at the forefront of agitations for some years, provided a huge work force for the purpose and completed the repair work. It laid the foundation for the party's popularity in the area.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p482</ref>
In the 14th century CE, King Mahendranath ruled from his fort at [[Amrargar]]. One can see the elementary remains of the foundation of a fort.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://bardhaman.gov.in/tourism/tourism.htm |title = Bardhaman district | work=  Tourism |publisher= Bardhaman district administration  | access-date = 26 February 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =  http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DCHB/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf | title = District Census Handbook, Series 20, Part XIIA  | work = Page 126, Places of Historical Importance  | publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal  | access-date =  24 March 2017}}</ref> In the 17th century CE, the Amrargar chiefdom faced the warriors of the [[Bardhaman Raj]] and in the 18th century, [[Bargi]] mercenaries of the [[Maratha Confederacy]].<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp209, 292-293</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Map of purba bardhaman district.jpg|thumb|left|500px|CD blocks of Purba Bardhaman district]]
Ausgram II CD Block is located in the central area of West Bengal, the eastern most state of India. It is approximately 41km northwest from the centre of [[Bardhaman]] (Burdwan) city, the capital of [[Purba Bardhaman district]] and approximately 100 km northwest of [[Kolkata]], the state capital.
===Location===
Ausgram II CD Block is part of the Kanksa Ketugram plain, which lies along the [[Ajay River|Ajay]]. The river forms a boundary with Birbhum district on the north for a long stretch and then flows through district.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DCHB/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf |title = Census of India 2011, West Bengal: District Census Handbook, Barddhaman |work = Physiography, pages 13-14| publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal | access-date = 23 January 2017}}</ref> The uneven laterite territory found in the western part of Bardhaman district extends up to Ausgram and then the alluvial flood plains commence.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, ''Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti'' (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), {{in lang|bn}}, Vol I, p18,28, Radical Impression. {{ISBN|81-85459-36-3}}</ref> The entire [[Durgapur]]-[[Kanksa (community development block)|Kanksa]]-[[Faridpur Durgapur|Faridpur]]-Ausgram area was densely forested even in more recent times. The influx of refugees from East Pakistan and their rehabilitation in the area, and the irrigation facilities extended by [[Damodar Valley Corporation]] led to destruction of much of the forests in the area, but some still remain.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p38, 542</ref>
 
Ausgram II CD Block is bounded by [[Ilambazar (community development block)|Ilambazar]] and [[Bolpur Sriniketan]] CD Blocks, in Birbhum district, on the north, [[Ausgram I]] CD Block on the east, [[Galsi I]] CD Block on the south and [[Kanksa (community development block)|Kanksa]] CD Block on the west.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/westbengal/tehsil/barddhman.html  |title = Tehsil Map of Barddhaman |work = CD Block/ Tehsil | publisher= Maps of India | access-date = 23 January 2017}}</ref>


Ausgram II CD Block has an area of 360.45&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. It has 1 [[Panchayat Samiti (Block)|panchayat samity]], 7 [[gram panchayat]]s, 113 gram sansads (village councils), 106 [[mouza]]s and 102 inhabited villages. [[Ausgram, Bardhaman#Police station|Aushgram]] and [[Bud Bud#Police station|Bud Bud]] police stations serve this block.<ref name=handbook2014/> Headquarters of this CD Block is at [[Amrargar]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1909_PART_B_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf  |title = District Census Handbook: Barddhaman | work=  Map of Barddhaman with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page) |publisher=  Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011 | access-date = 22 January 2017 }}</ref>
Ausgram II has an area of 360.45 km<sup>2</sup> . To the north, Ausgram II is bordered by the Ajay River. To the east is Ausgram I. To the south is [[Galsi I]] and to the west is the border with [[Paschim Bardhaman district]].


With water from several small streams swelling it during the monsoons, [[Kunur River]] often floods large areas of Ausgram and [[Mangalkot]] police station areas.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p 35</ref>
[[File:Ajay river in Jharakhand 01.jpg|thumb|Ajay river, a view from railway track in Jharakhand near Deghar]]


[[Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary]], established in 1981 and covering an area of 0.14&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> forms a part of Ausgram II block.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wildlife_sanctuary.html| title = Wildlife Sanctuaries of West Bengal| publisher = West Bengal Forest Department| access-date = 2011-08-26| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120330223558/http://www.westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wildlife_sanctuary.html| archive-date = 2012-03-30| url-status = dead}}</ref>
Within the CD Block there are 7 local government areas (''[[Panchayat samiti]]'' or ''[[Gram panchayat]]''). They are Amarpur, Balki, Bhedia, Debsala, Eral, Kota and Ramnagar. There are 113 village council areas (''gram sansads''), 106 administrative areas (''[[Mouza]]'') and 102 villages. [[Amrargar]] village is the CD Block administrative headquarters. Villages with over 4000 inhabitants include Debshala, Kota Chandipur, Chhora, Pubar, Amragar, Eral, Sar and Bhedia.<ref name="census2011" /><ref>{{cite web |title=District Census Handbook: Barddhaman |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1909_PART_B_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf |access-date=22 January 2017 |work=Map of Barddhaman with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page) |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tehsil Map of Barddhaman |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/westbengal/tehsil/barddhman.html |access-date=23 January 2017 |work=CD Block/ Tehsil |publisher=Maps of India}}</ref>


[[Gram panchayat]]s of Ausgram II block/[[panchayat samiti]] are: Amarpur, Balki, Bhedia, Debsala, Eral, Kota and Ramnagar.<ref>{{cite web| url =  http://wbprd.gov.in/HtmlPage/PANCHAYATS.aspx |title = Directory of District, Subdivision, Panchayat Samiti/ Block and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal  |work = Bardhaman - Revised in March 2008 | publisher= Panchayats and Rural Development Department, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 30 January 2017}}</ref>
Ausgram II CD Block is a [[Irrigation in India|canal irrigated]] agricultural area located on the Kanksa Ketugram flood plain of the [[Ajay River|Ajay]] river. The uneven laterite territory found in the western part of Bardhaman district extends up to Ausgram and then the alluvial flood plains commence.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, ''Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti'' (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), {{in lang|bn}}, Vol I, p18,28, Radical Impression. {{ISBN|81-85459-36-3}}</ref> The CD Block is vulnerable to flooding. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include loss of forested land, damage to the embankments of the Ajay river, and [[Monsoon of South Asia|Monsoonal]] rainfall.<ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p38, 542</ref><ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p472</ref><ref>Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p 35</ref>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==


===Population===
[[File:Four Aatchala Temple at Amrargarh in Purba Bardhaman district.jpg|thumb|Four Aatchala Temple at Amrargarh in Purba Bardhaman district]]
As per the [[2011 Census of India]] Ausgram II CD Block had a total population of 150,896, all of which were rural. There were 77,184 (51%) males and 73,712 (49%) females. Population below 6 years was 17,204. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] numbered 57,141 (37.87%) and [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes]] numbered 21,759 (14.42%).
<ref name=census2011>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-WB.html |title = C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA) | work= 2011 census: West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks|publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India  | access-date = 16 January 2017}}</ref>


{{As of|2001}} census, Ausgram II block had a total population of 136,235, out of which 69,913 were males and 66,322 were females. Ausgram II block registered a population growth of 14.46 per cent during the 1991-2001 decade. Decadal growth for Bardhaman district was 14.36 per cent.<ref name=census>{{cite web | url = http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table4_9.htm  | title = Provisional population totals, West Bengal, Table 4, Barddhaman District | access-date = 4 February 2017 | work = Census of India 2001 | publisher = Census Commission of India|url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110928205026/http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table4_9.htm|archive-date= 28 September 2011}}</ref> Decadal growth in West Bengal was 17.84 per cent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/02/Table4_1.htm |title=Provisional Population Totals, West Bengal. Table 4 |access-date= 4 February 2017 |work=Census of India 2001 |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927041813/http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/02/Table4_1.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> [[Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes|Scheduled castes]] at 54,111 formed around one-third the population. Scheduled tribes numbered 19,355.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/HouseListingF/SCST/All_distSCST(TRU1)9.htm |title=TRU for all Districts (SC & ST and Total) |access-date=4 February 2017 |work=Census 2001 |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719040022/http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/HouseListingF/SCST/All_distSCST%28TRU1%299.htm |archive-date=2011-07-19 }}</ref>
In 2011, the [[2011 Census of India]] found the Ausgram II CD Block population was 150,896. There were 77,184 (51%) males and 73,712 (49%) females. The number of children under 6 years of age was 17,204. Residents belonging to the [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] numbered 57,141 (37.87%) and to [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes]], 21,759 (14.42%).<ref name="census2011">{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-WB.html |title = C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA) | work= 2011 census: West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks|publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India | access-date = 16 January 2017}}</ref>


Large villages (with 4,000+ population) in Ausgram II CD Block are (2011 census figures in brackets): Debshala (4,090), Kota Chandipur (5,177), Chhora (6,145), Pubar (4,167), Amragar (4,397), Eral (4,612), Sar (4,317) and Bhedia (5,882).<ref name=census2011/>
From 1991 to 2011, the total population increased.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/HouseListingF/SCST/All_distSCST(TRU1)9.htm |title=TRU for all Districts (SC & ST and Total) |access-date=4 February 2017 |work=Census 2001 |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719040022/http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/HouseListingF/SCST/All_distSCST%28TRU1%299.htm |archive-date=2011-07-19 }}</ref> In 2020, the total population was 175,760.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ausgram - Ii {{!}} CD Block {{!}} GeoIQ |url=https://geoiq.io/places/Ausgram---Ii/ObQahv9qra |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=geoiq.io}}</ref>


Other villages in Ausgram II CD Block included (2011census figures in brackets): Amarpur (1,721), Ramnagar (1,480), Bhalki (2,997),<ref name=census2011/> Abhirampur, Aduria, Akulia, Amrargar, [[Aogram]], Arjuri, Babuisol, Bagbati, Bahadurpur, Baksibad Pogram, Balarambati, Balarampur, Banktara, Bankul, Baradoba, Bhatkunda, Bhiti, [[Bhuyera]], Bijyapur, Bilaspur, Bilshanda, Bishnupur, Brahmandihi, Budra, Chak Piariganj, Chak Radhamohanpur, Chak Tilang, Chandipur, Chandradwip, Chhora, Chhota Ramchandrapur, Raikona, Debshala, Dhantor, Dharala, Dhonkora, Dombandi, Eral, Genrai, Gobindapur, Gohalara, Gopalmath, Gopalpota, Gopalpur, Goswami Kanda Mullikpur, Harinarayanpur, Harinathpur, Harishpur, Hodogarya, Jalalpur, Jalikandar, [[Jamtara, Bardhaman|Jamtara]], Jayrampur, Jinjira, Kakra, Kalaijhuti, Khandari, Khatnagar, Khorda Dwariapur, Kota Chandipur, Kuldiha, Kural, Kantatikuri, Lachminarayanpur, Lakshminarayanpur Chak, Madanmohonpur, Majuria, Malacha, [[Maliara]], Maukhira, Mokota, Nawapara, Nrisinhapur, Paduma, Panch Mahali, Panduk, Parisha, Pashchim Chandipur, Phanrijangal, Pondali, Pratappur, Premganja, Pubar, Purucha, Radhaballabhpur, Radhamohanpur, Raghunathpur, Ramharipur, Ramnagar (Uttar), Ramnagar Chak, Rangakhila, Reora, Salko, Samantapara, Satla, Shiuli, Shrichandrapur, Shyamsundarpur, Sonai, Sonaiaima, Sonaiaima Purba, Suata and Tilang.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vlist.in/subdistrict/02276.html|access-date=2013-11-10|title=Villages in Ausgram - II C.D.Block|work=vlist.in}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
At the 2011 Census of India, 68% of residents over 6 years of age were designated literate, an increase of approximately 5 % since 2001.  Approximately 15% more males were literate than females.<ref name="census2011" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table5_9.htm |title=Provisional population totals, West Bengal, Table 5, Bardhaman District |access-date= 4 February 2017 |work=Census of India 2001 |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928211117/http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table5_9.htm |archive-date=2011-09-28 }}</ref> 85.24% of the population spoke [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and 12.86% spoke [[Santali language|Santali]] as their first language.<ref name="languages">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10226/download/13338/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1900.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>


===Literacy===
In 2011, 77.32% of residents were [[Hindus|Hindu]], 21.35% were [[Muslims|Muslim]] and 0.35% were [[Christians|Christian]].<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>
As per the 2011 census the total number of literates in Ausgram II CD Block was 90,916 (68.00% of the population over 6 years) out of which males numbered 51,580 (75.26% of the male population over 6 years) and females numbered 39,336 (60.37% of the female population over 6 years). The [[Literacy#Gender disparities|gender disparity]] (the difference between female and male literacy rates) was 14.89%.<ref name=census2011/>


As per 2001 census, Ausgram II block had a total literacy of 62.53% for the 6+ age group. While male literacy was 72.80% female literacy was 51.69 per cent. Bardhaman district had a total literacy of 70.18%, male literacy being 78.63% and female literacy being 60.95&.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table5_9.htm |title=Provisional population totals, West Bengal, Table 5, Bardhaman District |access-date= 4 February 2017 |work=Census of India 2001 |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928211117/http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table5_9.htm |archive-date=2011-09-28 }}</ref>
In 2005, a household survey found 44.85% of residents living in [[Below Poverty Line|below the India poverty line.]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |title = District Human Development Report: Bardhaman |work = Table 4.2: Empirical Measurement of Rural Poverty in Bardhaman 2005, page 94 |publisher = Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011 |access-date = 30 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |archive-date = 14 August 2017 |url-status = dead }}</ref>


See also – [[List of West Bengal districts ranked by literacy rate]]
==Economy==


{{Literacy in CD Blocks of Bardhaman district|collapsible=y}}
[[File:Bulls with Plough and Cow - Bhedia - NH 2B - Bardhaman 2014-06-28 5165.JPG|thumb|Bulls with a plough and a cow in Bhedia.]]


===Languages and religion===
Ausgram II has an agricultural economy. In 2011, 16.18% of workers were farmers and 59.19% were agricultural labourers. 5.13% worked in [[Putting-out system|home based industries.]] 19.50% worked in other settings and the secondary and tertiary sectors.<ref name="handbook2014">{{cite web |title=District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bardhaman |url=http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook |archive-date=21 January 2019 |access-date=30 January 2017 |work=Tables 2.7, 2.1, 8.2, 16.1, 17.2, 18.1, 18.2, 20.1, 21.2, 4.4, 3.1, 3.3 – arranged as per use |publisher=Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=District Human Development Report: Bardhaman |url=http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2017 |access-date=30 January 2017 |work=Block/ Sub-division wise Variation in Occupational Distribution of Workers, page 47 |publisher=Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011}}</ref>
As per census definition, mother-tongue is the language spoken in childhood by the person's mother to the person. As a mother-tongue, [[Bengali language|Bengali]] has decreased its share from 82.3% of the population of Bardhaman district in 1961 to 79.9% in 2001, [[Hindi]] has increased its share from 8.5% in 1961 to 10.9% in 2001 [[Santali language|Santali]] has remained steady at around 4.9% during the period, and [[Urdu language|Urdu]] has increased its share from 2.4% in 1961 to 2.6% in 2001. Other mother-tongues spoken in 2001 were: Odiya (0.3%), Punjabi (0.2%), Koda/Kora (0.2%), Telugu (0.1%), Bhojpuri (0.1%), Nepali (0.1%) and Kurukh/ Oraon (0.1%).<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DCHB/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf |title = Census of India 2011, West Bengal: District Census Handbook, Barddhaman |work = Mother-tongue: Table 11, page 51| publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal | access-date = 7 April 2018}}</ref>


{{bar box
In 2004, the cropped area of Ausgram II was 22,705 hectares (62%). 32% of the cropped area produced more than one crop.<ref>{{cite web |title=District Human Development Report, Bardhaman |url=http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2017 |access-date=30 January 2017 |work=Table 3.10, Gross Cropped Area, Net Cropped Area and Cropping Intensity of different blocks of Bardhaman district 2003-04, Page 53 |publisher=Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, May 2011}}</ref>
|title=Religion in Ausgram II CD Block
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hindu]]|Orange|77.32}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslim]]|Green|21.35}}
{{bar percent|[[Christians|Christian]]|Blue|0.35}}
{{bar percent|Others|Yellow|0.98}}
}}
In the 2011 census Hindus numbered 116,677 and formed 77.32% of the population in Ausgram II CD Block. Muslims numbered 32,217 and formed 21.35% of the population. Christians numbered 523 and formed 0.35% of the population. Others numbered 1,497 and formed 0.98% of the population.<ref name=censusreligion2011>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/c-01.html |title = C1 Population by Religious Community | work= West Bengal |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India  | access-date = 27 January 2017}}</ref>


In Bardhaman district the percentage of Hindu population has been declining from 84.3% in 1961 to 77.9% in 2011 and the percentage of Muslim population has increased from 15.2% in 1961 to 20.7% in 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DCHB/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf |title = Census of Indiia 2011: District Census Handbook, Barddhaman  | work= Table 9: Population by religion in Badhaman district (1961-2011), Page 50|publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India  | access-date = 27 January 2017}}</ref>
[[Sharecropping]] is the predominant form of agriculture. The rights of farmers are recognised in the West Bengal Bargadari Act of 1950.<ref>{{Cite web |title=West Bengal Bargadars Act, 1950 |url=https://www.indianemployees.com/acts-rules/details/west-bengal-bargadars-act-1950#:~:text=An,%20Act%20to%20provide%20for,bargadars%20and%20owners%20of%20land. |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=www.indianemployees.com}}</ref> Since 1970, there has been some [[land reform]] in West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web |title=District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas |url=http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm |archive-date=2016-10-05 |access-date=7 August 2016 |work=(1) Chapter 1.2, South 24 Parganas in Historical Perspective, pages 7-9 (2) Chapter 3.4, Land reforms, pages 32-33 |publisher=Development & Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2009}}</ref> In 2014, 56.51% of the agricultural workforce were labourers. 17.93% were holders of small land deeds ([[Patta (land deed)|''Pattadars'']]). 13.49% were farmers owning land up to 1 [[hectare]] and 4.03% owning land between 1 and 2%. 8.04% were share croppers (''Bargadars'').<ref name="handbook2014" />


==Rural poverty==
The main crop is [[rice]] grown in [[paddy field]]s (32.87% of cropped area). The ''aman'' crop is planted in the monsoon and harvested in winter. The spring rice crop (the ''boro'' crop) yield is smaller but is increasing with expansion of the irrigation system and intensive cropping.<ref>{{cite web |title=District Human Development Report: Bardhaman |url=http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2017 |access-date=30 January 2017 |work=Occupational Structure, Status and levels of Livelihood, page 55 |publisher=Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011}}</ref> The ''aush'' (or ''aus'') crop, a rough rice, is sown with pre-monsoonal showers and harvested in autumn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aush paddy |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/tags/aush-paddy |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref>
As per poverty estimates obtained from household survey for families living [[Below Poverty Line (India)|below poverty line]] in 2005, rural poverty in Ausgram II CD Block was 44.85%.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |title = District Human Development Report: Bardhaman |work = Table 4.2: Empirical Measurement of Rural Poverty in Bardhaman 2005, page 94 |publisher = Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011 |access-date = 30 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |archive-date = 14 August 2017 |url-status = dead }}</ref>


==Economy==
[[Wheat]], [[potato]]es, [[legume]]s and [[Vegetable oil|oil-seeds]] are also grown.<ref name="handbook2014" />


===Livelihood===
In 2014, the 33% of Augram II's land area was irrigated. Most is by canal irrigation. A small amount is by river lift (pumps and direct fetching) irrigation and [[Well|deep tube wells.]]<ref name="handbook2014" />
In Ausgram II CD Block in 2011, amongst the class of total workers, cultivators formed 16.18%, agricultural labourers 59.19%, household industry workers 5.13% and other workers 19.50%.<ref name=handbook2014>{{cite web  | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bardhaman  | work = Tables 2.7, 2.1, 8.2, 16.1, 17.2, 18.1, 18.2, 20.1, 21.2, 4.4, 3.1, 3.3 – arranged as per use  | publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal  | access-date = 30 January 2017  | 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>


In Ausgram II CD Block, cultivators or agricultural labourers formed a large proportion of the workforce, comparatively less workers were engaged in the secondary and tertiary sectors.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |title = District Human Development Report: Bardhaman |work = Block/ Sub-division wise Variation in Occupational Distribution of Workers, page 47 |publisher = Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011 |access-date = 30 January 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf |archive-date = 14 August 2017 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
== Services ==


===Infrastructure===
[[File:Local Road - Sundalpur - NH 2B - Bardhaman 2014-06-28 5152.JPG|thumb|Local road in Sundalpur.]]
There are 102 inhabited villages in Ausgram II CD block. 102 villages (100%) have power supply. 102 villages (100%) have drinking water supply. 27 villages (26.47%) have post offices. 96 villages (94.12%) have telephones (including landlines, public call offices and mobile phones). 39 villages (38.24%) have a pucca (paved) approach road and 60 villages (58.82%) have transport communication (includes bus service, rail facility and navigable waterways). 22 villages (21.57%) have [[Primary Agricultural Credit Society|agricultural credit societies]]. 9 villages (8.82%) have banks.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf |title = District Census Handbook Barddhaman, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A |work =  Page 102 Table 36: Distribution of villages according to availability of different amenities, 2011 | publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal| access-date = 9 February 2019}}</ref>


In 2013-14, there were 44 fertiliser depots, 1 seed stores and 36 [[Public distribution system|fair price shops]] in the CD Block.<ref name=handbook2014/>
All the villages in Ausgram II have a supply of drinking water and a power supply. Most villages have telephone communication.  27 villages (26.47%) have post offices. Not all have a paved approach road and transport options.


===Agriculture===
===Banking===
{{Pie chart
|caption= '''Persons engaged in agriculture<br/>in Ausgram II CD Block'''
|value1 = 8.04
|label1 = Bargadars
|value2 = 17.93
|label2 = Patta holders
|value3 = 4.03
|label3 = Small farmers
|value4 = 13.49
|label4 = Marginal farmers
|value5 = 56.51
|label5= Agricultural labourers}}


Although the Bargadari Act of 1950 recognised the rights of [[bargadar]]s to a higher share of crops from the land that they tilled, it was not implemented fully. Large tracts, beyond the prescribed limit of land ceiling, remained with the rich landlords. From 1977 onwards major land reforms took place in West Bengal. Land in excess of land ceiling was acquired and distributed amongst the peasants.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas | work = (1) Chapter 1.2, South 24 Parganas in Historical Perspective, pages 7-9 (2) Chapter 3.4, Land reforms, pages 32-33 | publisher = Development & Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2009 | access-date = 7 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 2016-10-05 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Following [[Land reform in India|land reforms]] land ownership pattern has undergone transformation. In 2013-14, persons engaged in agriculture in Ausgram II CD Block could be classified as follows: [[bargadar]]s 8.04%, patta (document) holders 17.93%, small farmers (possessing land between 1 and 2 hectares) 4.03%, marginal farmers (possessing land up to 1 hectare) 13.49% and agricultural labourers 56.51%.<ref name=handbook2014/>
In 2014, there were 6 commercial banks, and 4 government owned [[regional rural bank]]s (''gramin'' banks) across Ausgram II.<ref name="handbook2014" /> In 2011, 22 villages (21.57%) had [[Primary Agricultural Credit Society|agricultural credit societies]].<ref>{{cite web |title=District Census Handbook Barddhaman, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf |access-date=9 February 2019 |work=Page 102 Table 36: Distribution of villages according to availability of different amenities, 2011 |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal}}</ref>


In 2003-04 net cropped area in Ausgram II CD Block was 22,705 hectares and the area in which more than one crop was grown was 7,455 hectares.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf | title = District Human Development Report, Bardhaman | work = Table 3.10, Gross Cropped Area, Net Cropped Area and Cropping Intensity of different blocks of Bardhaman district 2003-04, Page 53 | publisher = Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, May 2011 | access-date = 30 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf | archive-date = 14 August 2017 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
=== Commerce ===


In 2013-14, Ausgram II CD Block produced 65,031 tonnes of [[Rice#Ecotypes and cultivars|Aman paddy]], the main winter crop from 21,982 hectares, 4,821 tonnes of Boro paddy (spring crop) from 1,462 hectares, 538 tonnes of wheat from 200 hectares and 6,640 tonnes of potatoes from 539 hectares. It also produced pulses and oilseeds.<ref name=handbook2014/>
In 2014, there were 44 fertiliser depots, 1 seed store and 36 [[Public distribution system|fair price shops]] in Ausgram II.<ref name="handbook2014" />


In Bardhaman district as a whole Aman paddy constituted 64.32% of the total area under paddy cultivation, while the area under Boro and Aus paddy constituted 32.87% and 2.81% respectively. The expansion of Boro paddy cultivation, with higher yield rates, was the result of expansion of irrigation system and intensive cropping.<ref>{{cite web  | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf  | title = District Human Development Report: Bardhaman  | work = Occupational Structure, Status and levels of Livelihood, page 55  | publisher = Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011  | access-date = 30 January 2017  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062640/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/District%20DEV%20Report.%20Burdwan%20%202012%20total%20Book%20Curve%20Red.pdf  | archive-date = 14 August 2017  | url-status = dead  }}</ref> In 2013-14, the total area irrigated in Ausgram II CD Block was 11,968.93 hectares, out of which 11,593.64 hectares were irrigated by canal water, 229.71 hectares by river lift irrigation and 145.58 hectares by deep tube wells.<ref name=handbook2014/>
=== Transport ===


===Banking===
[[File:Bhedia railway station 05.jpg|thumb|Bhedia railway station, Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal]]
In 2013-14, Ausgram II CD Block had offices of 6 commercial banks and 4 [[Regional Rural Bank|gramin banks]].<ref name=handbook2014/>


==Transport==
In 2014, Ausgram II had 8 individual bus routes.<ref name="handbook2014" /> In 2017, there was access to the Khana-Barharwa section of [[Sahibganj Loop]] with a station at Bhedia.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/barddhaman-rampurhat-bamdev-passenger-53065/14455/2/438 |title = 53065 Bardhaman-Rampurhat Bamdev Passenger |work = Time Table | publisher= indiarailinfo | access-date = 10 February 2017}}</ref>
{{Khana-Barharwa section|collapse=y}}
Ausgram II CD Block has 8 originating/ terminating bus routes.<ref name=handbook2014/>


The Khana-Barharwa section of [[Sahibganj Loop]] passes through the CD Block and there is a station at Bhedia.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/barddhaman-rampurhat-bamdev-passenger-53065/14455/2/438 |title = 53065 Bardhaman-Rampurhat Bamdev Passenger |work = Time Table | publisher= indiarailinfo | access-date = 10 February 2017}}</ref>
=== Education ===


==Education==
In 2011, 5 villages in Ausgram II had no school. In 2014, Ausgram II had 133 primary schools with 8,691 students, 7 middle schools with 469 students, 15 high schools with 8,049 students and 6 higher secondary schools with 6,560 students. There were 343 institutions for special and non-formal education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Directorate of Industrial Training West Bengal |url=https://iti.wb.gov.in/institute/home/ausgram |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=iti.wb.gov.in}}</ref>
In 2013-14, Ausgram II CD Block had 133 primary schools with 8,691 students, 7 middle schools with 469 students, 15 high school with 8,049 students and 6 higher secondary schools with 6,560 students. Ausgram II CD Block had 343 institutions for special and non-formal education with 12,025 students<ref name=handbook2014/>


As per the 2011 census, in Ausgram II CD block, amongst the 102 inhabited villages, 5 villages did not have a school, 52 villages had two or more primary schools, 37 villages had at least 1 primary and 1 middle school and 25 villages had at least 1 middle and 1 secondary school.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1909_PART_A_DCHB_BARDDHAMAN.pdf | title = District Census Handbook, Barddhaman, 2011, Series 20, Part XII A | work = Page 1082, Appendix I A:  Villages by number of Primary Schools and Appendix I B: Villages by Primary, Middle and Secondary Schools | publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. | access-date = 9 February 2019}}</ref>
=== Health ===
In 2014, Ausgram II had health centres with a total of 39 beds and 7 doctors. The majority of patients were treated in an outdoor setting.<ref name="handbook2014" /> The main facility is at [[Jamtara]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/ | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work = Health Statistics | publisher = Government of West Bengal | access-date = 19 January 2019 | archive-date = 28 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211028134305/https://qphs.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-99a499ee367f0c1530476c81086270c8 | url-status = dead }}</ref>


More than 6,000 schools (in erstwhile Bardhaman district) serve cooked [[Midday Meal Scheme|midday meal]] to more than 900,000 students.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bardhaman.nic.in/middam/mdm.htm| title = Midday Meal – Burdwan, WB| publisher = District Authorities |access-date = 12 February 2019}}</ref>
== Places of interest ==
[[Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary]], near Burdwan village was established in 1981. It covers an area of 0.14&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wildlife Sanctuaries of West Bengal |url=http://www.westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wildlife_sanctuary.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330223558/http://www.westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wildlife_sanctuary.html |archive-date=2012-03-30 |access-date=2011-08-26 |publisher=West Bengal Forest Department}}</ref>


==Healthcare==
==References==
In 2014, Ausgram II CD Block had 1 block primary health centre and 5 primary health centres with total 39 beds and 7 doctors (excluding private bodies). It had 20 family welfare subcentres. 2,570 patients were treated indoor and 241,627 patients were treated outdoor in the hospitals, health centres and subcentres of the CD Block.<ref name=handbook2014/>
{{Reflist|3}}
 
Jamtara block primary health centre at [[Jamtara, Bardhaman|Jamtara]], PO Amragar (with 15 beds) is the main medical facility in Ausgram II CD block. There are [[Primary Health Centre (India)|primary health centres]] at Amarpur PO Aduria (with 6 beds), Bahadurpur, PO Abhirampur (with 4 beds), Bhatkunda (with 4 beds), Bhedia (with 10 beds) and Ramnagar (with 6 beds).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/ | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics | publisher = Government of West Bengal  |access-date =  19 January 2019}}</ref>


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://bardhaman.gov.in/blocks/blocks.htm District map showing blocks]
* [http://bardhaman.gov.in/blocks/blocks.htm District map showing blocks]
 
* [https://www.wildbengal.com/ramnabagan-wls.php Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary]
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}


{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}
{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}

Latest revision as of 23:25, 19 January 2026

Ausgram II
Community development block
Location in West Bengal
Location in West Bengal
Coordinates: 23°32′08.5″N 87°39′42.5″E / 23.535694°N 87.661806°E / 23.535694; 87.661806
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictPurba Bardhaman
Parliamentary constituencyBolpur
Assembly constituencyAusgram
Area
 • Total139.17 sq mi (360.45 km2)
Elevation
213 ft (65 m)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total150,896
 • Density1,100/sq mi (420/km2)
Time zoneUTC+5.30 (IST)
PIN
713126 (Bhedia)
Telephone/STD code03452
Vehicle registrationWB-37, WB-38, WB-41, WB-42, WB-44
Literacy Rate68.00 per cent
Websitehttp://purbabardhaman.gov.in/

Ausgram II is a community development block. It is a municipality in Bardhaman Sadar North subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

History[edit | edit source]

Pre-history[edit | edit source]

Studies at the nearby Pandu Rajar Dhibi archeological site have found, overall, six layers of occupation. There are traces of a civilisation similar to the Indus Valley Bronze Age civilisation found at Harappa in Punjab (2600 - 1900 BCE) and to the Minoan civilization of Crete (3100 - 1450 BCE).[1] The main mound at Pandu Rajar Dhibi is associated with Pandu, the Kuru King (1200 - 900 BCE) with evidence of Chalolithic Bronze Age (1600 - 750 BCE) and then Iron Age (1300 - 300 BCE) peoples.[2]

Medieval history[edit | edit source]

Medieval India refers to the period between the fall of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE and the rise of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century CE.

The region between the Damodar River and the Ajay River was known as "Gopbhum ". It was here that the Sadgop kings ruled in the late medieval period. Their presence continues in the region as part of the Yadav community.

As it is said, traditionally, that in the 11th century CE, the Hindu king, Adi Sura brought five Brahmin and Kayastha from Kannauj, in what is now Uttar Pradesh, to Gopbhum in order to revive orthodox Brahminical Hinduism in West Bengal and that they are represented now by the Kulin community.[3]

In the 14th century CE, King Mahendranath ruled from his fort at Amrargar. One can see the elementary remains of the foundation of a fort.[4][5] In the 17th century CE, the Amrargar chiefdom faced the warriors of the Bardhaman Raj and in the 18th century, Bargi mercenaries of the Maratha Confederacy.[6]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Ausgram II CD Block is located in the central area of West Bengal, the eastern most state of India. It is approximately 41km northwest from the centre of Bardhaman (Burdwan) city, the capital of Purba Bardhaman district and approximately 100 km northwest of Kolkata, the state capital.

Ausgram II has an area of 360.45 km2 . To the north, Ausgram II is bordered by the Ajay River. To the east is Ausgram I. To the south is Galsi I and to the west is the border with Paschim Bardhaman district.

Ajay river, a view from railway track in Jharakhand near Deghar

Within the CD Block there are 7 local government areas (Panchayat samiti or Gram panchayat). They are Amarpur, Balki, Bhedia, Debsala, Eral, Kota and Ramnagar. There are 113 village council areas (gram sansads), 106 administrative areas (Mouza) and 102 villages. Amrargar village is the CD Block administrative headquarters. Villages with over 4000 inhabitants include Debshala, Kota Chandipur, Chhora, Pubar, Amragar, Eral, Sar and Bhedia.[7][8][9]

Ausgram II CD Block is a canal irrigated agricultural area located on the Kanksa Ketugram flood plain of the Ajay river. The uneven laterite territory found in the western part of Bardhaman district extends up to Ausgram and then the alluvial flood plains commence.[10] The CD Block is vulnerable to flooding. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include loss of forested land, damage to the embankments of the Ajay river, and Monsoonal rainfall.[11][12][13]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Four Aatchala Temple at Amrargarh in Purba Bardhaman district

In 2011, the 2011 Census of India found the Ausgram II CD Block population was 150,896. There were 77,184 (51%) males and 73,712 (49%) females. The number of children under 6 years of age was 17,204. Residents belonging to the Scheduled Castes numbered 57,141 (37.87%) and to Scheduled Tribes, 21,759 (14.42%).[7]

From 1991 to 2011, the total population increased.[14] In 2020, the total population was 175,760.[15]

At the 2011 Census of India, 68% of residents over 6 years of age were designated literate, an increase of approximately 5 % since 2001. Approximately 15% more males were literate than females.[7][16] 85.24% of the population spoke Bengali and 12.86% spoke Santali as their first language.[17]

In 2011, 77.32% of residents were Hindu, 21.35% were Muslim and 0.35% were Christian.[18]

In 2005, a household survey found 44.85% of residents living in below the India poverty line.[19]

Economy[edit | edit source]

Bulls with a plough and a cow in Bhedia.

Ausgram II has an agricultural economy. In 2011, 16.18% of workers were farmers and 59.19% were agricultural labourers. 5.13% worked in home based industries. 19.50% worked in other settings and the secondary and tertiary sectors.[20][21]

In 2004, the cropped area of Ausgram II was 22,705 hectares (62%). 32% of the cropped area produced more than one crop.[22]

Sharecropping is the predominant form of agriculture. The rights of farmers are recognised in the West Bengal Bargadari Act of 1950.[23] Since 1970, there has been some land reform in West Bengal.[24] In 2014, 56.51% of the agricultural workforce were labourers. 17.93% were holders of small land deeds (Pattadars). 13.49% were farmers owning land up to 1 hectare and 4.03% owning land between 1 and 2%. 8.04% were share croppers (Bargadars).[20]

The main crop is rice grown in paddy fields (32.87% of cropped area). The aman crop is planted in the monsoon and harvested in winter. The spring rice crop (the boro crop) yield is smaller but is increasing with expansion of the irrigation system and intensive cropping.[25] The aush (or aus) crop, a rough rice, is sown with pre-monsoonal showers and harvested in autumn.[26]

Wheat, potatoes, legumes and oil-seeds are also grown.[20]

In 2014, the 33% of Augram II's land area was irrigated. Most is by canal irrigation. A small amount is by river lift (pumps and direct fetching) irrigation and deep tube wells.[20]

Services[edit | edit source]

Local road in Sundalpur.

All the villages in Ausgram II have a supply of drinking water and a power supply. Most villages have telephone communication. 27 villages (26.47%) have post offices. Not all have a paved approach road and transport options.

Banking[edit | edit source]

In 2014, there were 6 commercial banks, and 4 government owned regional rural banks (gramin banks) across Ausgram II.[20] In 2011, 22 villages (21.57%) had agricultural credit societies.[27]

Commerce[edit | edit source]

In 2014, there were 44 fertiliser depots, 1 seed store and 36 fair price shops in Ausgram II.[20]

Transport[edit | edit source]

Bhedia railway station, Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal

In 2014, Ausgram II had 8 individual bus routes.[20] In 2017, there was access to the Khana-Barharwa section of Sahibganj Loop with a station at Bhedia.[28]

Education[edit | edit source]

In 2011, 5 villages in Ausgram II had no school. In 2014, Ausgram II had 133 primary schools with 8,691 students, 7 middle schools with 469 students, 15 high schools with 8,049 students and 6 higher secondary schools with 6,560 students. There were 343 institutions for special and non-formal education.[29]

Health[edit | edit source]

In 2014, Ausgram II had health centres with a total of 39 beds and 7 doctors. The majority of patients were treated in an outdoor setting.[20] The main facility is at Jamtara.[30]

Places of interest[edit | edit source]

Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary, near Burdwan village was established in 1981. It covers an area of 0.14 km2.[31]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), (in Bengali), Vol I, pp125-130, Radical Impression. ISBN 81-85459-36-3
  2. ↑ Mukherjee, Shyam Chand (2012). "Pandu Rajar Dhibi". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  3. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp 150-151
  4. ↑ "Bardhaman district". Tourism. Bardhaman district administration. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  5. ↑ "District Census Handbook, Series 20, Part XIIA" (PDF). Page 126, Places of Historical Importance. Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  6. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp209, 292-293
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA)". 2011 census: West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  8. ↑ "District Census Handbook: Barddhaman" (PDF). Map of Barddhaman with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page). Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  9. ↑ "Tehsil Map of Barddhaman". CD Block/ Tehsil. Maps of India. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  10. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), (in Bengali), Vol I, p18,28, Radical Impression. ISBN 81-85459-36-3
  11. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p38, 542
  12. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p472
  13. ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p 35
  14. ↑ "TRU for all Districts (SC & ST and Total)". Census 2001. Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  15. ↑ "Ausgram - Ii | CD Block | GeoIQ". geoiq.io. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  16. ↑ "Provisional population totals, West Bengal, Table 5, Bardhaman District". Census of India 2001. Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  17. ↑ "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: West Bengal". www.censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  18. ↑ "Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  19. ↑ "District Human Development Report: Bardhaman" (PDF). Table 4.2: Empirical Measurement of Rural Poverty in Bardhaman 2005, page 94. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 "District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bardhaman". Tables 2.7, 2.1, 8.2, 16.1, 17.2, 18.1, 18.2, 20.1, 21.2, 4.4, 3.1, 3.3 – arranged as per use. Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  21. ↑ "District Human Development Report: Bardhaman" (PDF). Block/ Sub-division wise Variation in Occupational Distribution of Workers, page 47. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  22. ↑ "District Human Development Report, Bardhaman" (PDF). Table 3.10, Gross Cropped Area, Net Cropped Area and Cropping Intensity of different blocks of Bardhaman district 2003-04, Page 53. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, May 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  23. ↑ "West Bengal Bargadars Act, 1950". www.indianemployees.com. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  24. ↑ "District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas". (1) Chapter 1.2, South 24 Parganas in Historical Perspective, pages 7-9 (2) Chapter 3.4, Land reforms, pages 32-33. Development & Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2009. Archived from the original on 2016-10-05. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  25. ↑ "District Human Development Report: Bardhaman" (PDF). Occupational Structure, Status and levels of Livelihood, page 55. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  26. ↑ "Aush paddy". The Business Standard. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  27. ↑ "District Census Handbook Barddhaman, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A" (PDF). Page 102 Table 36: Distribution of villages according to availability of different amenities, 2011. Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  28. ↑ "53065 Bardhaman-Rampurhat Bamdev Passenger". Time Table. indiarailinfo. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  29. ↑ "Directorate of Industrial Training West Bengal". iti.wb.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  30. ↑ "Health & Family Welfare Department". Health Statistics. Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  31. ↑ "Wildlife Sanctuaries of West Bengal". West Bengal Forest Department. Archived from the original on 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2011-08-26.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ausgram_II&oldid=546777"
Discover more