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Berhampore

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Berhampore, also known as Baharampur, is a major city in West Bengal, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters for the Murshidabad district. The city is a vital hub for business, politics, and education in the region.

It is one of the most important urban areas in West Bengal. In the 2011 census, it was ranked as the seventh largest city in the state. The city sits on the eastern side of the Bhagirathi River. This river is a major distributary of the Ganges. In its lower reaches, this water is known as the Hooghly River.

The geography of the region creates a unique climate. Berhampore has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate, known as Köppen Cwa. This differs from the tropical environments found in southern West Bengal. The city has experienced extreme heat in the past. The highest temperature ever recorded in West Bengal occurred here on May 23, 1981. That record-setting temperature was 48.3°C. The city sits at an average elevation of 18 metres. It is located approximately 200 km north of Kolkata by road.

Berhampore has a deep and complex history. Its origins are linked to the ancient city of Karnasubarna, which dates back to 600 AD. The city was once known as Brahmapur. This name came from the many Brahmin families that settled there. In 1757, the East India Company fortified the area. This occurred following the Battle of Plassey in June 1757.

The city functioned as a cantonment until 1870. It also played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The first major armed battle of that rebellion took place at Barrack Square in Berhampore on February 27, 1857.

Many different nations helped shape the city's growth. The British, Dutch, and French all established companies here. These groups used the city as a production hub for trade. Before it became a modern city, several local areas like Saidabad and Kalikapur were already famous. Cossimbazar was also world-famous for its muslin clothes. The city is now divided into five administrative regions. These are Gora Bazar, Khagra, Indraprastha, Cossimbazar, and Haridasmati.

The economy of Berhampore relies on several different industries. Many residents work in agriculture-related fields. These include rice and oil-seed milling. The city is also a center for home-crafts. Skilled workers produce silk weaving, ivory carving, and precious metal items. The Khagra neighborhood is specifically famous for making brass and bell-metal utensils. They produce a specific type of brass called "Khagrai Kansha." This metal is used to make items like bowls and dishes. Tourism is another important industry due to the city's history.

Education and culture are central to life in Berhampore. The city is a cultural hub for West Bengal. It hosts many theatre groups, such as the Berhampore Repertory Theater. These groups organize festivals during the winter season. Visitors can also enjoy famous local sweets. These include chhanabora, monohara, and rosogolla. The city has many educational institutions. Berhampore College was founded in 1853. The Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute was established there in 1943. This institute focuses on the study of silk.

Transportation connects Berhampore to the rest of the country. The Berhampore Railway Station is on the Sealdah–Lalgola line.

Baharmpur Railway Station, Murshidabad
Baharmpur Railway Station, Murshidabad

Major trains like the Bhagirathi Express stop here. The city also acts as a link between North and South Bengal. It is well-connected by National Highway 12. Local travel often uses rickshaws and E-rickshaws, which are called toto cars. People can also travel by water using launchboats on the Bhagirathi. This connects the city to other towns like Azimganj and Jiaganj.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:Patal.jpg
Patal.jpg
File:Aerial View of Berhampore and Ganges.jpg
Aerial View of Berhampore and Ganges.jpg
File:Fort at Baharampur, West Bengal, c 1850.jpg
Fort at Baharampur, West Bengal, c 1850.jpg
File:Baharmpur_Railway_Station,_Murshidabad.jpg
Baharmpur_Railway_Station,_Murshidabad.jpg
File:Residency_Cemetery,_Babulbona_in_Baharampur_13.jpg
Residency_Cemetery,_Babulbona_in_Baharampur_13.jpg
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