Traditional Folk Healing Practices Among the Tribals of Bankura

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

Lost Temples of Inner Bankura: Forgotten Shrines in Villages

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

Haunted Heritage: Myths and Ghost Stories of Murshidabad Palaces

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

Decline of Silk Weaving in Murshidabad’s Remote Villages

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

Lesser-Known Zamindari Families of Murshidabad

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

Ancient Pathshalas and Vedic Schools of Nabadwip

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

Snake Charmers of Nadia: A Vanishing Folk Tradition

The Nadia district of West Bengal is a place where ancient traditions breathe alongside the currents of modernity. Among its many cultural legacies, one that is quietly disappearing is the tradition of snake charmers. These itinerant performers, once revered as mystics, healers, and entertainers, now struggle for survival. This article explores the lives of snake … Read more

Undocumented Bird Habitats in Nadia’s Wetlands and Riverbanks

The Nadia district of West Bengal, primarily known for its spiritual heritage and agricultural plains, hides within it an equally important but underreported natural treasure, its wetlands and riverbanks. These ecosystems, shaped by the Jalangi, Churni, Ichhamati, and Bhagirathi rivers, host diverse and largely undocumented bird populations. This article explores the lesser-known bird habitats of … Read more

Lesser-Known Temples of Rural Nadia and Their Oral Histories

The Nadia district of West Bengal is widely known for its spiritual landmarks such as the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur and the sacred town of Nabadwip. However, beyond the well-documented pilgrimage sites lies a network of lesser-known temples scattered across rural villages. These temples, often forgotten or overlooked, carry with them centuries-old oral histories, passed … Read more

Lost Weaving Traditions of Nadia: Forgotten Designs of Pre-British Era

Nadia district’s most iconic contributions to India’s heritage is the rich tradition of handloom weaving, particularly from towns like Shantipur and Phulia. Today, very little is known or documented about the intricate, artistic, and diverse weaving styles that existed in pre-British Nadia, many of which are now lost to time. This article explores the forgotten … Read more