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Chandannagar
| Chandannagar চন্দননগর Chandernagor (French); Chandernagore (English) | |
|---|---|
| City | |
|
Coordinates: 22°52′N 88°23′E / 22.87°N 88.38°ECoordinates: 22°52′N 88°23′E / 22.87°N 88.38°E{{#coordinates:22.87|N|88.38|E|type:city(166867)_region:|||| |primary |name= }} | |
| Country | Template:Country data India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District | Hooghly |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19 km2 (7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 166,867 |
| • Density | 8,800/km2 (23,000/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Bengali, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 712136 |
| Telephone code | 033 |
| Vehicle registration | WB- |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Hooghly |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Chandannagar |
Chandannagar, formerly known as Chandernagore (Chôndonnôgor, French: Chandernagor), is a Corporation city and former French colony located Script error: No such module "convert". north of Kolkata, in West Bengal, India. It is headquarters of a subdivision in Hooghly District. It is one of the 6 municipal corporations in West Bengal. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. Located on the Hooghly River, the city has been able to maintain a separate identity different from all other cities and abide by her own characteristics. The total area is Script error: No such module "convert"., and had a population of 166,867 at the 2011 Census. Chandannagar is connected to Kolkata by railway, roadways and river and it takes about an hour to reach there by car.
Contents
Origin of name of chandannagar
The name Chandannagar is possibly derived from the shape of the bank of the river Ganges which is bent like a half moon (in Bengali, Chand means moon and Nagar implies city). In some old documents the spelling of Chandannagar was Chandernagore which probably came from Chandra Nagar. To mention, Chandra is the Bengali of Moon. Others believe it might have been taken from the flourishing trade and business of sandal wood (Bengali:Chandan) at that time. One more reason behind the name is, in Chandernagore there is a temple of Goddess 'Chandi'. So it might come from there. But earlier people knew the place by the name Farasdanga as it was a French colony (Bengali: Farasi means French, danga means land).
History
Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River. Bengal was then a province of the Mughal Empire. It became a permanent French settlement in 1688, and in 1730 Joseph François Dupleix was appointed governor of the city, during whose administration more than two thousand brick houses were erected in the town and a considerable maritime trade was carried on. For a time, Chandannagar was the main center for European commerce in Bengal.
In 1756 war broke out between France and Great Britain, and Colonel Robert Clive of the British East India Company and Admiral Charles Watson of the British Navy bombarded and captured Chandannagar on 23 March 1757. The town's fortifications and many houses were demolished thereafter, and Chandannagar's importance as a commercial center was eclipsed by that of Calcutta just downriver. Chandernagore was restored to the French in 1763, but retaken by the British in 1794 in the Napoleonic Wars. The city was returned to France in 1816, along with a Script error: No such module "convert". enclave of surrounding territory. It was governed as part of French India until 1950, under the political control of the governor-general in Pondicherry. By 1900 the town's former commercial importance was gone, and it was little more than a quiet suburb of Calcutta, with a population of 25,000 (1901). The European town was noted for its clean wide thoroughfares, with many elegant residences along the riverbank.
Independence
India became independent of Britain in 1947, and in June 1948 the French Government held a plebiscite which found that 97% of Chandannagar's residents wished to become part of India. In May 1950, the French allowed the Indian government to assume de facto control over Chandannagar, officially ceding the city to India on 2 February 1951. De jure transfer took place on 9 June 1952. On 2 October 1954 Chandannagar was integrated into the state of West Bengal.
Places of tourist interest
- Chandannagore Strand
- The tree-shaded promenade along the river is about Script error: No such module "convert". in length and Script error: No such module "convert". in width, and there are many building of historical importance along the way. It is a popular spot for local people and tourists alike, who love to stroll along enjoying the breeze and watching the small boats sail by. Along the strand are present Vivekananda Mandir (a meditation centre) and a protruding structure into the river Ganges.
- Chandannagore Museum and Institute (Institut de Chandernagor)
- One of the oldest museums of the region. It boasts a collection of French antiques (like cannons used in Anglo-French war, wooden furniture of 18th century, etc.) which are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The institute still teaches French through regular classes.
- The Sacred Heart Church of Chandannagar (l'Eglise du Sacré Cœur)
- The church is situated near strand. It was built on 1691 and designed by French Architect Mr. Jacques Duchatz. The church stands for over two centuries to mark the beauty of the architecture during the French period — a good place to visit for the historians and tourists alike. The remains of the Church of St. Louis are also an attractive tourist spot.
- The Underground House (Patal-Bari)
- The building is another beautiful example of the advancement in the knowledge of architecture and the aesthetic sense of the people of those earlier days. Its lowest floor is submerged in the River Ganges. The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore frequently visited the place and appreciated a lot about the building. He felt that the place influenced him to a large extent and broadened his intellectual capabilities. He mentioned Patal-bari in many of his famous novels. The famous social reformer Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar also stayed in the building. The house was owned by the zemindars of nearby Bansberia.
- Ancient temples
- Nandadulal Temple, built in 1740 by Indranarayan Roychoudhury presents an excellent example of ancient Indian sculptures. There are many fascinating temples devoted to Kali, Shiva and other deities which show marks of brilliant craftsmanship and artistic taste.
- Residences of famous personalities
- The place hosts a galaxy of famous personalities who had strong impact not only on contemporary society but also affected Indian History. The revolutionary leader Rash Behari Bose's paternal house stands at Fatokgorah. Kanailal Datta and the great social reformer Sri Harihar Sett were also natives of Chandannagar. Upendra Nath Bandopadhyay, the founder of Dynik Basumoti a daily Bengali news paper, Mr. Jatindra nath Bandopadhyay,Anthony Firingee( Hensman Anthony) was a Bengali language folk poet of Portuguese origin, arrived in Bengal sometime in early 19th century and subsequently came to settle in Farashdanga, in the town of Chandernagore were among the other renowned personalities of this historic town.
- Nritya Gopal Smriti Mandir
- Built by Sri Harihar Sett, and donated to the people of Chandannagore. This building still serves as a theatre hall and a library. It was first of its kind in the entire locality. It has one of the largest collections of books in French, English and Bengali in the district.
- Bishalakshmi temple
- The temple is situated near Brahmin para,Boubazar in the western part of railway station.The history of this ancient temple is not known properly.The deity is worshiped regularly by the local people.
- Picnic and amusement park
- KMDA, Chuti park and New Digha are three very popular amusement parks situated in the western part of Chandannagar.
Roads and transport
- By road
- Chandannagore is Script error: No such module "convert". by road from Kolkata via G.T.Road or Delhi road. Taxis and private cars in Kolkata are easily available to approach Chandannagore.
- By rail
- Local trains from Howrah through Howrah Burdwan Eastern Railway main line run very frequently (peak frequency one train every 10 or 12 minutes). Many important express and passenger trains halt here. The distance from Howrah by rail is approximately Script error: No such module "convert". and it takes about 50–55 minutes in all stop local trains.
- By air
- Nearest airport is at Kolkata (Kolkata Airport), which is airlinked with all major Indian and international cities. Chandannagore is only Script error: No such module "convert". by road from the airport. Please check Flight Schedules from the airport.
- By water
- Government of West Bengal (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation) operates river services across river Hooghly (the Ganges) and also between Chandannagore and Kolkata and Belur.
Heritage and culture
Jagaddhatri Puja is a major socio cultural event in this region.
History
The ancient history of Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar is unknown even today. It is believed that Indranarayan Chowdhury introduced the Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar in the manners similar to Raja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagore. The time of beginning of Jagadhatri Puja in Krishnanagore was 1762. Indranarayan Choudhury died in 1756. So Indranarayan Choudhury by no means introduced the Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar. The beginning of Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar probably dates back earlier than 1750. Indranarayan Choudhury performed the Jagadhatri puja at his own house in Chandannagar, at the time Krishnachandra used to come to borrow money from Indranarayan Choudhury. Perhaps Krishnachandra was attracted to greatness of Jagadhatri at this time.
Rituals and the idol
Public display
Education
It is believed that there was a small school founded by the missionaries for the Bengali boys on the south of Chandannagar where there is a convent now. Bengali and French were freely taught there. The former Collège Dupleix was also established by the missionaries. Later Dupleix College was known as École Dupleix from 1901. The school was renamed Kanailal Vidyamandir after the name of the revolutionary Kanailal Dutta, a student of this school, on 17 May 1948 just before the liberation from the French rule. The Centenary ceremony of the school was inaugurated by Dr. Brajakanta Guha, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Burdwan on its first day. It is one of the most renowned schools in the district. The oldest school of Chandannagore is École de jeunes filles ( "Girls School" in French) situated at the strand road beside the Police station. It was the first school established during the French rule in Chanannagore.
Banga Vidyalaya is another well known school of Chandannagar. It was established on Baisakh 20, 1288 (Bengali calendar) with three boys only on roll at a small rented house of Kanailal Khan at Barasat Tematha.
There were two primary schools, one established in 1885 by Durga Charan Rakshit after his own name. The other one was founded by Harihar Sett after his father's name as Nritya Gopal Sett Prathamik Vidyalaya.
Krishna Bhabini Nari Siksha Mandir was established in 1926 by Harihar Sett after his mother's name. This was the first girl's high school in the district. Besides there is an educational institution established and managed by Prabartak Sangha. There was an arrangement for only girls to stay and receive education here. Convent for girls at Chandannagar. It was the oldest educational institution in the area. Through the years the school has retained its excellent tradition of exemplary dedication which is reflected in its excellent result in ICSE exam. The building which first bore the name St. Joseph Convent has now branded into buildings on every side of the campus. These buildings have been erected to accommodate the sister institutions, St. Anthony's High School, the dispensary and its annexe, St. Mary's school, all under the management of St. Joseph Convent.
List of boys' schools
- Sri Aurobindo Vidyamandir (English Medium) (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- Adarsa Shikshalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- Kanailal Vidyamandir (English Section)(WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- Kanailal Vidyamandir (French)
- Durga Charan Rakshit Banga Vidyalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- Chandannagore Banga Vidyalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- Prabartak Vidyarthi Bhaban (WBBSE)
- Ganges Gurukul (Coed)(ICSE)
- Khalisani Vidya Mandir (WBBSE)
- Narua Siksha Niketan (WBBSE)
- Modern Public School, Bhakunda (co ed)
- Chandannagar St. Paul's
- Rishi Aurobindo Bal-Kendram, Vidyalanka (Co-Ed)
List of girls' schools
- Krishna Bhabini Nari Shiksha Mandir (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- St. Joseph Convent[1]
- St. Anthony's High School (WBBSE)
- Lal Bagan Balika Vidyalaya (WBBSE)
- Ushangini Balika Vidyalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
- Prabartak Nari Mandir (WBBSE)
- Indumati Girls High School (WBBSE)
- Khalisani Nari Siksha Mandir (WBBSE)
- Ganges Gurukul (Coed)(ICSE)
- Bholanath Das Balika Vidyalaya
- Modern Public School, Bhakunda (co ed)
- Rishi Aurobindo Bal-Kendram, Vidyalanka (Co-Ed)
List of colleges
- Chandannagar Govt. College (University of Burdwan)
- Khalisani Mahavidyalaya (University of Burdwan)
- Institute of Education (P.G.) for Women, Chandernagore
- Women's Polytechnic College
Art school
The first drawing school of Chandernagore was Sishu Kala Bhavan, established in 1946 by Sri Bankim Bandyopadhyay in Kanailal Vidyamandir (French Section).
"RONG O TULI" established in the 1964 by Sri Sunil Chattopadhayay. This famous Art School now running by Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee at Gondal Para, Satghat, Chandannagore. Ph: 09830169644.
"VIBGYOR ART CLUB OF CHANDANNAGORE" a famous Art & Craft Organization in town . Established in the 2002 by Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee. Successfully organized prestigious "Vibgyor Puja Porikroma" every year along with Art & Craft Exhibition and Workshop every year.
Many talented painters started their career from there. The first international prize in painting was won by Sri Patit Paban Das from Sishu Kala Bhavan in 1956 in West Bengal. Other famous artists were Sri Madhab Ch Basak, Sri Gora Chand Das, Sri Ajit Das, Sri Hari Narayan Das, Shuvendu Banerjee.
Gallery
| 23px | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (January 2011) |
List of newspapers and magazines
This is a list of publications from Chandannagore in both the French era and modern times:
- Le Petit Bengali: The first French newspaper published from Chandannagore. First publication year 1879.
- Vive la République: Weekly newspaper. First publication ion 1882. Bengali version named Prajabandhu. Published by Bayas Press, 15 Rue General Martin, Chandernagore.
- Dhumketu: Weekly newspaper in Bengali. First published in 1886.
- Chandannagore Prakash: Another weekly newspaper in Bengali. First publication in 1892.
- Pravartak: [Bi-monthly magazine in Bengali. Published by Governoof Chandernagore. First published on 16 January 1916.
- Nabasangha: Weekly magazine in Bengali. First publication in 1920 from Pravartak Publishing House.
- Le Matribhumi: Bi-monthly magazine. First appeared on 8 January 1927.
- Pravartak: Fort-nightly journal in English on constructive nationalism. First published on 19 September 1931.
- Sevak: Weekly Bengali newspaper. First published on 21 March 1932.
- Prajashakti: Bi-monthly magazine. First appeared on 13 January 1937.
- Swadhinata: Fortnighty journal. Publication started from 26 May 1945.
- Jai Hind: Weekly patriotic] newspaper. First published on 13 April 1947.
- Jugantar: Bi-monthly magazine. First appeared on 19 April 1947.
- Maitri: a famous Bengali Sahityo Patrika (Literary Magazine) (Bi-annual) Edited by Shuvendu Banerjee, Since 1995.Editorial Office: P.O. Gondal Para, Stghat, Chandannagore, Dt: Hooghly. India.
Geography
Chandannagar is located at 22°52′N 88°23′E / 22.87°N 88.38°E{{#coordinates:22.87|N|88.38|E||||| | |name= }}. It has an average elevation of Script error: No such module "convert"..
Chandannagar consisted of mainly three parts Khalisani (west),Gondalpara (south) and boro kishanganj (north). presently there are about 30 localities (para) and more than 100 sub-localities.Of them some are Gondalpara, Nutan Telighat, Barasat, Tematha, Hatkhola, Daibokpara, Padripara, Barabazar, Bagbazar, Fatokgora, Khalisani,Nabagram, Palpara, Urdibazar, Luxmigunj, Panchanantala, Taldanga, Haridradanga etc. The areas of Dinemardanga, Mahadanga etc. are the newest places in the city and were previously colonies.
The Mankundu area was under G.C Khan (after whom the area is named). Later the place was separated from chandannagar and renamed Mankundu. A railway station was later formed in the Howrah main line. The area is however managed by Chandannagore Municipal Corporation.
The geographical boundary of the city is marked by gateways or 'gor's.The G.T.Road runs through the middle of the city. The Delhi road runs marking the western limit of the city. Bajra, Bandhagram etc. are some of the village like areas near the borders of the city.
The city is guarded by Chinsurah in the north, Bhadreshwar in the south, the Hooghly river in the east and Dhaniakhali in the west
Demographics
As of 2011[update] India census,[2] Chandannagar had a population of 166,867. Males constituted 52% of the population and females 48% in 2001. Chandannagar has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 74%. 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.
See also
References
- ^ http://sjc.net.in/
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
Further reading
- Hill, Samuel Charles (1903). Three Frenchmen in Bengal: The Commercial Ruin of the French Settlements in 1757. Project Gutenberg. e-text #10946. Retrieved 25 April 2007.
- Strang, Herbert. In Clive's Command: A Story of the Fight for India. Project Gutenburg. e-text #16382. Retrieved 25 April 2007.
- Sailendra Nath Sen (2012). Chandernagore: From Boundage to Freedom, 1900-1955. Primus Books. ISBN 978-93-80607-23-8.
External links
| 40x40px | Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chandannagar. |
| 40x40px | Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Chandannagar. |
- 300 years of Chandannagar (1696-1996)
- Geocities site about Chandannagar
- Institut de Chandernagore - official website
- Indian Ministry for External Affairs - 1951 Treaty of Cession
- La présence française à Chandernagor (1688-1950) Invalid language code.
- East Meets West by A. Chatterji
- Banglapedia page on Chandannagar
- Yahoo! Education page on Chandannagar
- Stereotype photo (poverty etc) Gallery of Chandannagar on TrekEarth
- Chandannagar Information
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