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Balurghat
City
1971 War Tank More BalurghatDurga Puja in BalurghatBalurghat Railway StationBalurghat MuseumBalurghat AirportCity Centre Balurghat
BalurghatLocation in West Bengal, IndiaShow map of West BengalBalurghatBalurghat (India)Show map of IndiaBalurghatBalurghat (Asia)Show map of Asia
Coordinates: 25°13′N 88°46′E / 25.22°N 88.76°E / 25.22; 88.76
Country	India
State	West Bengal
Division	Malda Division
District	Dakshin Dinajpur
Government
• Type	Municipality
• Body	Balurghat Municipality
• Chairman	Ashok Kumar Mitra (TMC)
•  MP	Sukanta Majumdar (BJP)
•  MLA	Ashok Kumar Lahiri (BJP)
•  DM	Bijin Krishna, IAS
•  SP	Chinmay Mittal, IPS
Area
• Total	10.76 km (4.15 sq mi)
Elevation	24 m (79 ft)
Population
• Total	151,416
• Density	14,000/km (36,000/sq mi)
• City Rank	20th in West Bengal
Languages
• Official	Bengali
• Additional official	English
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	733101
Telephone code	03522
Vehicle registration	WB-61/WB-62
Lok Sabha constituency	Balurghat
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Balurghat
Website	wb.gov.in ddinajpur.nic.in www.balurghatmunicipality.org www.dakshindinajpurzp.org

Balurghat (pronounced bʌlʊəˈgɑ:t) is a town and municipality located in the South Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India, serving as the district headquarters. Strategically positioned on National Highway 512, it is well-connected by road and rail, facilitating trade and travel within the state and to neighboring regions. The Atrai River flows through Balurghat, contributing to the area's agricultural prosperity by providing vital water resources for both the city and its surrounding areas. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the town blends rural and urban characteristics and is a major hub for commerce, education, and government administration in the region. Balurghat has a strong agricultural base, primarily focused on rice cultivation, and hosts numerous small-scale industries. The town has also seen gradual urbanization, with significant developments in infrastructure, healthcare, and public services, which have enhanced the quality of life for its residents. With a tropical climate featuring hot summers and moderate winters, the city thrives in agricultural productivity and continues to grow as a key center in southern West Bengal, near the Bangladesh border, adding geopolitical significance.

History

Ancient Period

Balurghat and its surrounding regions have a history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was part of the Pundravardhana kingdom, which flourished between the 4th century BCE and the 6th century CE. Inscriptions and artifacts from the Gupta period found near the Balurghat region indicate its historical significance as a center of trade and culture. The presence of ancient terracotta and pottery artifacts further underscores its cultural and commercial connections during this era.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, the region came under the influence of various dynasties, including the Palas and Senas. The strategic location of Balurghat, near the banks of the Atrai River, made it an important hub for trade and agriculture. With the establishment of Islamic rule in Bengal in the 13th century, the area experienced significant socio-economic and cultural transformations. The remnants of mosques and tombs from this period are evidence of the Islamic architectural influence in the region.

Colonial Period

The modern history of Balurghat began to take shape during the British colonial era. It was a part of the Dinajpur district under the Bengal Presidency. The region witnessed significant administrative and infrastructural development during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the introduction of railways and educational institutions. However, the Partition of Bengal in 1947 profoundly impacted Balurghat, as it became a border town with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This led to demographic changes due to migration and economic shifts caused by the disruption of traditional trade routes.

Post-Independence Period

After Indian independence, Balurghat became the district headquarters of West Dinajpur in West Bengal. The town developed as an administrative and cultural center. Over the years, it has grown in prominence due to its strategic location near the India-Bangladesh border. Initiatives for regional connectivity and cross-border trade have further boosted its economic importance. The establishment of institutions like Balurghat College in 1948 contributed to the town's educational growth.

Modern Developments

In recent years, Balurghat has witnessed urbanization and infrastructural development, including improved road and rail connectivity. Cultural festivals like the "Balurghat Utsav" highlight the town's rich heritage and attract visitors. Its proximity to significant natural and historical sites makes Balurghat a growing center for tourism in West Bengal.

Geography

Location

In the map alongside, all places marked on the map are linked in the full screen version.

Balurghat is at 25°13′N 88°46′E / 25.22°N 88.77°E / 25.22; 88.77. It has an average elevation of 25 metres (82 feet). The town covers 10.76 km (4.15 sq mi) of area.

River Atreyee runs across the city, dividing it into disproportionate halves. The heart of the city, with important administrative, cultural and entertainment hubs, is on the eastern bank of the river. India-Bangladesh border is approximately 3 km from the town.

Police stations

Balurghat police station under West Bengal police has jurisdiction over Balurghat municipal area and Balurghat CD Block.Balurghat Women police station has jurisdiction over Balurghat subdivision.

Subdivision and CD block HQ

Balurghat subdivision has its headquarters at Balurghat.The headquarters of Balurghat CD block is at Balurghat.

Climate

Demographics

Religions in Balurghat city

In the 2011 census, Balurghat municipality had a population of 153,279 of which 76,730 were males and 76,549 were females. The Balurghat urban agglomeration had a population of 164,593, out of which 82,466 were males and 82,127 were females. The 0–6 years population was 10,349. Effective literacy rate for the 7+ population was 91.66 per cent.

As of 2001 India census, Balurghat municipality had a population of 151,416, of which 75,794 were males and 75,622 were females. Balurghat has an average literacy rate of 84.8%, with 87% of the males and 82.5% of females literate. Population in the age range of 0-6 years is 10,677. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have a population of 15,204 and 3,008 respectively. Balurghat had 37,507 households in 2011.

98.7% of the population are Hindus, with small percentages (below 1%) of Muslims and Sikhs.

Economics

Balurghat is a distribution centre in northern West Bengal. The main goods traded include rice, jute, sugar cane, fisheries and oilseeds.

Transport

Railway

Balurghat Railway Station is the terminus station of the Eklakhi–Balurghat branch line Trains connecting Balurghat to Kolkata directly include Sealdah Balurghat express, Tebhaga Express and Howrah–Balurghat Bi-Weekly Express. Train services also connect Balurghat to Siliguri in the north through Balurghat-Siliguri Intercity Express. Balurghat is also connected to Malda through Balurghat-Malda Court Passenger Train. Besides, Balurghat-Nabadwip Dham Express connects Nabadwip with Balurghat.

Highways

Indian National Highway 512 passes through Balurghat (from Gazole To Hili).

At Balurghat, there is a Government bus and a separate private bus stand. The NBSTC(Major Service Provider),SBSTC(Limited Service Provider) and WBTC(Only between Kolkata & Balurghat) are the government bus service provides majority of bus rides to distant places. Many buses (both Government and private) run from Balurghat to Kolkata, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Kalna, Durgapur, Malda, and Raiganj.

Airways

Balurghat Airport is situated at the entrance of the town, at Mahinagar, although the airport is not operating right now due to construction and executive issues. A Kolkata-Malda-Balurghat-Coochbehar flight service has been planned for this airport. Previously, there was a Kolkata-Malda-Balurghat helicopter service for some years.

Education

Schools

• Balurghat High School
• Balurghat Lalit Mohan Adarsha Uchchya Vidyalaya
• Kendriya Vidyalaya, Balurghat
• Atreyee D. A. V. Public School
• Balurghat Techno India Group Public School
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dakshin Dinajpur

Colleges

• Balurghat College
• Balurghat Mahila Mahavidyalaya
• Balurghat Law College
• Jamini Majumdar Memorial College
• Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (Majhian Campus)

Universities

• Dakshin Dinajpur University

Festivals

Durga Puja is widely celebrated throughout the town. Major places to visit during festival are Avijatri Club, Kachikala Club, Srijoni Sangha, Newtown, Sanket Club and various others. The next big festival is Kali Puja which is also a major festival celebrated during Deepawali. Majour places are Milan Sangha Club, Balurghat College more, Yubashree Sangha and various others places. Some other festivals like Chhath Puja, Rath Yatra, Biswakarma Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi and Saraswati puja are widely celebrated at Balurghat. Bolla Kali Puja is celebrated at Bolla approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Balurghat, in November each year, for which millions of devotees come to see the festival. Festivals of non-hindu religions are also celebrated i,e Christmas, Ramadaan, and Buddha Purnima.

Sports

Balurghat is also home to district's 1st ever stadium to host the top tier national level cricket match like a Ranji Trophy Match. Balurghat Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium used for sports like cricket and football. A major cricket tournament called Bijay Kumar Saha Memorial T-20 Tournament held annually at this stadium where various teams from West Bengal, India & even from Bangladesh participate. An indoor sports complex in Balurghat is also inaugurated in 2023 for various indoor sports activities like badminton, table tennis, marshal arts etc. The Police line playground is one of the major playground and has the best infrastructure after the main stadium which is used by both the West Bengal Police & general public. Some other major playgrounds are Balurghat College Playground (Uttamasaha), Balurghat High School Playgrounds, Netaji Sporting Club, Railway Station ground etc.

Healthcare

• Dakshin Dinajpur District Hospital has 600 beds
• Balurghat Super Specialty Hospital
• Balurghat Police Hospital has 50 beds
• Balurghat Municipal Hospital or Matri Sadan has 32 beds

Notable people

• Dhiren Banerjee, Indian Revolutionary & Physician
• Sukanta Majumdar, honorable Union Minister of State for Education & Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India
• Palas Barman, former MP
• Ranen Barman, former MP
• Rasendra Nath Barman, former MP
• Susil Ranjan Chattopadhyay, former MP
• Sankar Chakraborty, former MLA
• Abhijit Mondal, footballer
• Madhubanti Bagchi, singer

See also

• Balurghat High School
• Balurghat Airport
• Atreyee DAV Public School

References

1. ^ "Balurghat Municipality". sudawb.org. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
2. ^ "Census of India: Balurghat". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
3. ^ "Fact and Figures". Wb.gov.in. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
4. "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). Nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. p. 85. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
5. Archaeological Survey of India (2020). Terracotta and Early Pottery in Bengal.
6. P.C. Gupta (1985). History of Pundravardhana.
7. Wakil Ahmed (2001). Islamic Architecture in Bengal.
8. Dipesh Chakrabarty (1997). Partition and its Impact on Bengal Borderlands.
9. West Bengal District Gazetteers (1980). Dakshin Dinajpur Gazetteer.
10. N. Sengupta (2003). Education in Colonial and Post-Colonial Bengal.
11. "Annual Development Report for Dakshin Dinajpur". Local Government of West Bengal. 2021.
12. "Maps, Weather, and Airports for Balurghat, India".
13. ^ "District Statistical Handbook 2014 Dakshin Dinajpur". Table 2.1. Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
14. ^ "Dakshin Dinajpur District Police". Know your PS. District Police. Archived from the original on 28 November 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
15. "District Census Handbook: Dakshin Dinajpur, Series 20 Part XII A" (PDF). Map of Dakshin Dinajpur with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page). Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
16. "BDO Offices under Dakshin Dinajpur District". Department of Mass Education Extension & Library Services, Government of West Bengal. West Bengal Public Library Network. Archived from the original on 2 November 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
17. "Station: Balurghat Climatological Table 1991–2020" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1991–2020. India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
18. "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M230. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
19. ^ "C-1 Population By Religious Community". censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
20. "Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
21. Balurghat, from Encyclopædia Britannica.
22. "55721x->55421 Malda Town-Balurghat Passenger". Time Table. India Rail Info. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
23. "Kendriya Vidyalaya, Balurghat, South Dinajpur: Admission, Fee, Facilities, Affiliation". school.careers360.com. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
24. "Techno Global Balurghat". www.technoindiagroup.com. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
25. "Balurghat College". BC. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
26. "Balurghat College". College Admission. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
27. "Balurghat Mahila Mahavidyalaya". BMM. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
28. "Balurghat Mahila Mahavidyalaya". College Admission. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
29. "Balurghat Law College". BLC. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
30. "Balurghat Law College". College Admission. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
31. "Balurghat to host Ranji match for first time". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
32. "BIJAY KUMAR SAHA MEMORIAL T-20 CRICKET TOURNAMENT Balurghat".
33. "Health & Family Welfare Department". Health Statistics. Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2018.

External links

• www.dakshindinajpurzp.org
• balurghatmunicipality.org
• ddinajpur.nic.in
• Balurghat travel guide from Wikivoyage

v t e Cities, towns and locations in Dakshin Dinajpur district, Malda division
Cities, towns and locations in Uttar Dinajpur district Dinajpur District, Bangladesh Joypurhat District, Bangladesh Naogaon District, Bangladesh Cities, towns and locations in Malda district
Cities, municipal and census towns	Balurghat subdivision Balurghat Chak Bhrigu Dakra Par Patiram Gangarampur subdivision Buniadpur Gangarampur Gopalpur Harirampur
Locations other than cities and towns	Balurghat subdivision Hili Kumarganj Patiram Tapan Gangarampur subdivision Bansihari Kushmandi
Related topics	Dakshin Dinajpur topics Dakshin Dinajpur district People from South Dinajpur district Villages in Dakshin Dinajpur district
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