Table of Contents
Table of Contents
In eastern India, there’s a district called Purulia. It’s one of the twenty-three districts in West Bengal. Purulia is full of culture, history, and beautiful nature. Besides the main city, there are other important towns like Raghunathpur-Adra, Jhalda, Anara, and Balarampur.
Location and Overview of Purulia District
Geographical Coordinates: 23°20′N 86°22′E
Country: India
State: West Bengal
Division: Medinipur
Administrative Headquarters: Purulia
Government Representation:
- Lok Sabha Constituencies: Purulia, Bankura (shared with Bankura district), Jhargram (shared with Paschim Medinipur district and Jhargram district)
- Vidhan Sabha Constituencies: Bandwan, Balarampur, Baghmundi, Joypur, Purulia, Manbazar, Kashipur, Para, Raghunathpur
Area:
- Total Area: 6,259 km2 (2,417 sq mi)
Population (2011):
- Total Population: 2,930,115
- Population Density: 470/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
Demographics:
- Literacy Rate: 74.48%
- Sex Ratio: 955 females per 1000 males
Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
Average Annual Precipitation: 1100 – 1500 mm
Official Website: purulia.gov.in
Fairs & Festivals
Purulia district celebrates a plethora of vibrant festivals, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
- Shiber Gajan: Also known as Bhagta Parab, Chait Parab, or Gajan, this festival is held from the middle of March to the end of May in rural areas, featuring captivating rituals and performances.
- Disum Sendra: Santhals celebrate this hunting festival in the Ajodhya Hill areas on Baishakhi Purnima, also known as Shikar Parab.
- Dharma Thakurer Puja-O-Mela: From April 15 to May 15, various forms of deity images are worshipped across the district, adding a spiritual aura to the surroundings.
- Rohini Utsav: Celebrated on 13 Jaistha (May 28/29), this festival marks the sowing of seeds by cultivators, accompanied by joyful celebrations.
- Erohk Sim and Batauli: Santhals celebrate the seed sowing festival in Asarh (June 15 to July 15), similar to the festival of Mundas.
- Manasa Pooja: Held on the last day of Shraban (August 15/16), this festival pays homage to the deity Manasa.
- Karam Parab: Celebrated after the completion of paddy cultivation, this festival is a time of joy and gratitude among the agricultural communities.
- Chata Parab: Patronized by kings and landlords, this festival is popular in various areas and involves night-long celebrations with dance and songs.
- Bhadu: Celebrating the harvesting of Aus paddy in the month of Bhadra, this festival holds significance among certain communities in Purulia.
- Jita Asthami: Observed 12 days after Ind Parab, this festival is dedicated to expectant mothers.
- Bandhna Parab: Celebrated after Kalipuja, this festival is popular among specific communities and is known as Sohray to Santhals and Mundas.
- Jathel Utsab: Popular among Santhals, this festival is held during Agrahayan (November 15 to December 15).
- Raas Mela: Celebrating the meeting of Lord Krishna with Shri Radhika and her companions, this festival is observed with grandeur in Purulia town.
- Tushu: Rural women perform Tushu Puja, accompanied by Tushu songs that depict various emotions and experiences of village life.
- Bhansingh Pooja-O-Parab: Held during the month of Magh, this festival honors Bhansingh, the deity believed to protect cattle.
- Akhan Jatra: The first day of Magh is celebrated as Akhan Jatra, considered auspicious by locals.
- Chandi Pooja: Khelai Chandi Pooja is held during Magh, accompanied by a popular fair associated with the pooja.
- Magh Sim: A popular festival among Santhals, celebrated during the month of Magh.
- BAHA: Known as Sarjan Baha or Sarhool to Mundas, BAHA is a spring festival for Santhals, featuring nightlong song and dance festivities.
- Bhejabindha: Archery and cockfighting are part of this festival, popular among Santhals.
History
Prehistory: Purulia’s roots trace back to ancient times, marked by its mention in historical texts like the Jaina Bhagavati Sutra. It was part of Banga, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas, and later known as Vajra-bhumi.
Pre-independence: During the colonial era, Purulia was under the jurisdiction of the British East India Company. It was part of the Jungle Mahals district and later constituted as Manbhum district in 1833. The district underwent administrative changes until its partition in 1956.
Post-independence: Purulia emerged as a distinct district on November 1, 1956, following the partition of Manbhum district between Bihar and West Bengal under the States Reorganization Act.
Geography
Purulia is situated between 22.60 and 23.50 degrees north latitudes and 85.75 and 86.65 degrees east longitudes. It shares borders with Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Bardhaman, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Ranchi, West Singhbhum, and East Singhbhum districts.
Climate
Purulia experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by high temperatures in summer, averaging 40°C, and moderate temperatures in winter, around 10°C. The district receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, with an average annual rainfall ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 mm. The relative humidity varies from 20% to 35% in hot summers to 75% to 85% during the monsoon.
Purulia’s unique geography and historical significance make it a fascinating destination to explore, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Rivers and Lakes
Kansabati River:
Purulia district boasts several significant rivers, including the Kangsabati, Kumari, Silabati (Silai), Dwarakeswar, Subarnarekha, and Damodar. However, due to its undulated topography, approximately 50% of the water runoff occurs. Additionally, the district features small dams like Futiyary, Murguma, Pardi, Burda, and Gopalpur, primarily utilized for agricultural irrigation. Notably, Saheb Bandh stands out as a popular waterbody located in the heart of Purulia town. It serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds arriving from Bangladesh, Burma, Sindh, and Baluchistan during the period from December to March.
Geology
The undulating topography of Purulia results in nearly 50% of rainfall runoff. Residual soil, formed by the weathering of bedrock, predominantly covers the district.
Economy
The economy of Purulia district hinges on the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors. The industrial sector serves as the primary driver of the district’s economy.
Since 2001, with the implementation of new industrial policies by the West Bengal government, the district has witnessed investments in steel, cement, and power sectors. Key industrial establishments include the Santaldih Thermal Power Station, Pumped Storage Project at Baghmundi, and ACC Damodar Cement Factory. Notably, the Purulia Pumped Storage Project, operated by the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., comprises four units generating 900 MW of electricity. The district also hosts DVC’s thermal power plant in Raghunathpur sub-division, with a capacity of 2400 MW, along with investments in steel and cement sectors.
In terms of small-scale industries, the lac and sericulture industries significantly contribute to the district’s income. Purulia accounts for 90% of lac production in West Bengal, with approximately 70,000 individuals associated with this industry. Sericulture thrives due to the abundant caterpillar larvae serving as raw materials.
Tourism serves as another vital source of revenue for Purulia. The district’s diverse natural landscapes, including forests, hillocks, rivulets, streams, wildlife, and flora and fauna, offer ample exploration opportunities for tourists. Popular attractions like Ajodhya Hills, Matha, Murguma Dam and Kuilapal Forests, Jaychandi Pahar, Panchakote Raj, and Duarsini Hills and Forests draw a significant number of visitors annually.
Despite its challenging weather and soil conditions, Purulia lags behind other West Bengal districts in agriculture. Nonetheless, silk and lac cultivation remain prominent agricultural products.
In 2006, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj identified Purulia as one of the country’s 250 most backward districts. Consequently, it became one of the eleven districts in West Bengal to receive funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund programme.
Divisions
Purulia district is divided into four subdivisions: Purulia Sadar, Jhalda, Raghunathpur, and Manbazar. Each subdivision comprises several community development blocks and municipalities, facilitating administrative organization and governance.
Purulia Sadar Subdivision
- Purulia Municipality
- Purulia–I Community Development Block
- Purulia–II Community Development Block
- Hura Community Development Block
- Puncha Community Development Block
- Balarampur Community Development Block
Jhalda Subdivision
- Jhalda Municipality
- Jhalda–I Community Development Block
- Jhalda–II Community Development Block
- Jaipur Community Development Block
- Bagmundi Community Development Block
Raghunathpur Subdivision
- Raghunathpur Municipality
- Para Community Development Block
- Raghunathpur–I Community Development Block
- Raghunathpur–II Community Development Block
- Neturia Community Development Block
- Santuri Community Development Block
- Kashipur Community Development Block
Manbazar Subdivision
- Manbazar–I Community Development Block
- Manbazar–II Community Development Block
- Barabazar Community Development Block
- Bandwan Community Development Block
- Puncha Community Development Block
Assembly Constituencies
The district is further subdivided into assembly constituencies, including Bandwan (ST), Manbazar, Balarampur (ST), Joypur, Purulia, Para (SC), Raghunathpur (SC), and Kashipur (ST). These constituencies play a crucial role in the political landscape of the region.
Impact of Delimitation
The Delimitation Commission’s order has redefined the constituency boundaries, resulting in changes in assembly constituencies. Presently, the district comprises nine assembly constituencies: Bandwan (ST), Balarampur, Baghmundi, Joypur, Purulia, Manbazar (ST), Kashipur, Para (SC), and Raghunathpur (SC). These constituencies accommodate diverse demographic groups, ensuring equitable representation in governance and legislative affairs.
Transport
Purulia district boasts efficient road and rail networks, ensuring seamless connectivity with neighboring cities and towns in West Bengal and beyond.
Rail
South Eastern Railways operate three vital rail routes in the district. One line connects Purulia to Jharkhand and Asansol, another links Bankura to Dhanbad via Purulia, and the third connects Purulia to Jharkhand. Major cities like Ranchi, Tatanagar, Patna, Howrah, Bokaro, Dhanbad, and others are accessible through these rail connections. The Adra railway division, a significant division of the South Eastern Railway, is located in the northeastern part of Purulia district.
Road
Road transport plays a pivotal role in Purulia’s transportation infrastructure. National Highway 18 (now NH 32) links the district to Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Chas, and Dhanbad. National Highway 60A (now NH 314) connects Purulia to State Highway 9 in Bankura and further to NH2 in Durgapur. State Highway 5 is crucial, connecting towns like Raghunathpur, Adra, Santaldih, and Neturia to NH2 in Neamatpur and Asansol. Purulia enjoys excellent road connectivity with the Raniganj-Asansol industrial belt. Private bus operators and the South Bengal State Transport Corporation facilitate travel to Kolkata via State Highway 5, linking towns and cities like Raghunathpur, Adra, and Neturia to Asansol, Raniganj, Durgapur, and Burdwan.
Culture
Purulia boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending influences from Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. From archaeological treasures to local festivals, tribal elements infuse every cultural event, making Purulia unique. Traditional song types like Jhumair, Ahirageet, Bhadu, Bihargeet, Baul, and others thrive here. The birthplace of the martial dance Chhau, Purulia is steeped in vibrant cultural traditions.
Tourism
Purulia attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, drawn to its breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural richness. Highlights include Ayodhya and Turga Falls, PPSP Upper and Lower Dam, Lahoria Shiv Mandir, Matha and Kuilapal, Ajodhya Hills, Bagmundih, Panchet and Murguma Dams, Panchakot Raj Palace, trekking destinations like Pakhi Pahar and Joychandi Pahar, and picturesque picnic spots like Baranti, Duarsini, and Doladanga. Visitors also immerse themselves in traditional folk dances like Chhou Dance and Jhumur Song, experiencing the vibrant culture of Purulia firsthand.
