The town of Bansberia in Hooghly district, West Bengal, is often overshadowed by the better-known colonial histories of Chandannagar, Serampore, and Bandel. Yet in this seemingly quiet town lies a largely forgotten and fascinating chapter of Bengal’s colonial history, the Dutch legacy. While the Portuguese, French, and British influences are commonly celebrated, the Dutch East … Read more
The district of Malda in West Bengal holds a significant place in the socio-political history of India. Known for its fertile lands and strategic location, Malda was deeply impacted by colonial agrarian policies, especially the forced cultivation of indigo. The district emerged as a stronghold of peasant resistance during the Indigo Rebellion of the 19th … Read more
In the rural heartland of Malda lies a lesser-known but vital tradition: the legacy of women storytellers and traditional healers. These women, often from ordinary village households, have served as the oral historians, herbalists, midwives, and spiritual guides of their communities for generations. In a world increasingly dominated by digital media and modern medicine, the … Read more
Mango, often referred to as the “King of Fruits,” holds a special place in the agricultural and cultural landscape of India. Among the regions renowned for mango cultivation, Malda district in West Bengal stands out for its luscious varieties such as Fazli, Himsagar, and Langra. While modern horticultural methods are gaining popularity, it is the … Read more
Among its many cultural treasures, one of the most fascinating aspects of Bankura is the folk healing practices of the tribal communities. Despite the increasing reach of modern medicine, traditional healers continue to serve as key health providers in remote areas of Bankura, particularly among the Santhal, Bhumij, Munda, and Lodha tribes. In this article … Read more
Bankura, a district in the western part of West Bengal, is known for its rich tribal culture, terracotta temples, and scenic hills. While sites like Bishnupur are famous for their terracotta temple architecture, the remote interior villages of Bankura hide numerous forgotten temples, many in ruins, some still used for worship, and others lost in … Read more
Murshidabad, the former capital of Bengal Subah under the Mughals, is known for its grand palaces, sprawling gardens, and a rich history. But beneath this regal beauty lies a mysterious and eerie side, tales of hauntings, whispers of curses, and ghost stories that have survived generations. This article explores the haunted heritage of Murshidabad, revealing … Read more
Murshidabad was once famous for its famed silk industry. Revered for its exquisite Murshidabad silk, the region gained prominence during the Mughal era and remained a global silk hub well into the colonial period. However, over the last few decades, silk weaving has seen a dramatic decline, especially in Murshidabad’s remote villages, where generations of … Read more
Murshidabad district is home to numerous lesser-known zamindari families who played crucial roles in shaping the region’s social, economic, and cultural history. This article explores these hidden pillars of Murshidabad’s zamindari legacy. Understanding the Zamindari System in Murshidabad Origins and Significance The zamindari system was introduced during Mughal rule and later institutionalized by the British … Read more
Before British rule introduced formal Western education in Bengal, the town of Nabadwip in Nadia district stood as a prestigious center of Hindu learning and Vedic scholarship. Revered as the “Oxford of Bengal,” Nabadwip attracted scholars, theologians, and students from across India to its pathshalas (traditional schools) and tole systems, which focused on Sanskrit, logic, … Read more