Kalna City

Ambika Kalna is a city in the Purba Bardhaman District, Indian State of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Kalna subdivision, situated on the western bank of the Bhāgirathi. The city is more popularly known as Ambika Kalna, named after a very popular deity, Goddess Kali, Maa Ambika. It has numerous historical monuments, such as the Rajbari (the palace), and the 108 Shiva temples. The city of Kalna is 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Bardhaman.

This article is about the municipality in West Bengal, India. For its namesake subdivision, see Kalna subdivision. For its namesake community development block, see Kalna I. For another namesake community development block, see Kalna II.
Kalna

Ambika Kalna
City
Kalna Temple Complex
Nickname(s): 
The Temple City
Kalna
Location in West Bengal, India
Kalna
Kalna (India)
Coordinates: 23.22°N 88.37°E / 23.22; 88.37
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictPurba Bardhaman
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • BodyKalna Municipality
 • MLABiswajit Kundu
Area
 • Total6.9 km2 (2.7 sq mi)
Elevation
11 m (36 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total56,722
 • Density8,221/km2 (21,290/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialBengali, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
713409
Telephone code+91-3454
ISO 3166 codeIN-WB
Sex ratio961 ♀/1000♂
Literacy84.4%
Lok Sabha constituencyBardhaman Purba
Vidhan Sabha constituencyKalna
Websiteebarkalna.weebly.com purbabardhaman.gov.in

History

The first reference to Ambika Kalna is found in a 6th-century text named Kubjika Tantra.[1]

According to General Alexander Cunningham, the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India, Ambika Kalna was a frontier city of the Tamralipta kingdom during the 7th century A.D. A naval base was founded at Kalna during the reign of Shashanka in the 7th century. Kalna houses the only Chaitanya temple built in Sri Chaitanya's lifetime. It is the abode of pilgrimage for the Baisnabites. It was a celebrated place during Mohammedan rule in the 15th century.[1]

It reached its pinnacle of glory during the late 18th century under the patronage of the Maharajas of Bardhaman, who built several magnificent temples with intricate terracotta ornamentation.

Geography
Cities and towns in the Kalna subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district
M: municipal city/ town, CT: census town, R: rural/ urban centre. H: historical/ religious place.
Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly

Location

Kalna is located at 23°13′N 88°22′E.[2] It has an average elevation of 11 meters (36 ft). It is located on the west bank of the Bhagirathi, a distributary of the Ganges, Ambika Kalna, or popularly known as Kalna, a sup-divisional town. It is a small reflection of a larger multi-dimensional background in Indian history.

The town can be accessed by rail, road or river.

By rail, it is connected on the loop line route from Howrah towards Katwa. Ambika Kalna, 81 km from Howrah, is the main railway station. There are several local trains, as well as express trains on the route and almost all of them stop at the Ambika Kalna rail station.

By road, the town can be accessed from Krishnanagar, Katwa, Bandel, Pandua, Boinchi, Memari and Barddhaman.

Though part of the Burdwan district of West Bengal, it is located near the border with Nadia and Hooghly District, and is close to Nabadwip and Mayapur, known for the ISKCON center.[3]

Kalna is located on the agriculturally rich alluvial plains between the Bhagirathi, Ajay and Damodar rivers.[4]

Temperatures in this region vary from 17–18 °C in winter to 30-32 °C in summer.[5]

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Kalna had a total population of 56,722, of which 28,793 (51%) were males and 27,929 (49%) were females. The population below age six was 4,557. The total number of literate people in Kalna was 45,403 (80.04% of the population being over six years of age).[6]

According to the 2001 Census of India, Kalna had a population of 52,176, of which 51% were male, and 49% female. Kalna had an average literacy rate of 84.4%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 90.1%, and female literacy is 78.4%. In Kalna, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.[7]

The steady flow of refugees from East Pakistan swelled the population of the area in the 1950s.[8]

Religion

Hinduism is the main religion in Kalna with 94.75% of its citizens being Hindu. Islam is the second most practiced religion, with a following of approximately 4.88%. In Kalna, most of the Muslim population is situated in Jabari para. 0.12% practice Christianity, 0.01% practice Jainism, 0.02% practice Sikhism and 0.07% practice Buddhism. Formally, they come from Assam and Bangladesh. Around 0.15% of the population does not practice any particular religion.

Religion in Kalna (2011)[9]

  Hinduism (94.75%)
  Islam (4.88%)
  Christianity (0.12%)
  Sikhism (0.02%)
  Buddhism (0.07%)
  Jainism (0.01%)
  not stated (0.15%)

Attractions

Nava Kailash Temple
Pratapeswar Temple
Lalji Temple
Ras Mancha at the Kalna Temple Complex in Barddhaman
Siddheswari Kalibari
Pathuria Mahal Ghat

Popularised by the sage Bhaba Pagla, the temple of Debi Bhabani holds a special puja on the last Saturday of the Bengali month of Baisakh. Close to it is Sri Gauranga Mandir. The temple complex houses Sri Chaitanya's manuscripts and personal belongings. A major landmark is the Siddheshwari Temple. It is dedicated to Debi Ambika, and it is after her that Kalna is also known as Ambika Kalna. The temple is nearly 800 years old.

A major attraction is the Nava Kailash or 108 Shiv Mandirs. Built in 1809, the temples were constructed in two circles. One consists of 74 temples, whilst the other has 34. The former has white marble and black stone shivlingas, whilst the latter comprises white marble shivlingas. Due to its ingenious planning, all the shivlingas can be seen from the centre of the temple complex.

The Krishna Chandra Mandir (1751-1752), with its 25 steeples, is another popular landmark. Scenes from the epics are depicted on its terracotta walls. Doors remain closed from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Also worthy of note are Lalji Mandir (1739) with 25 steeples, and Pratapeshvara Mandir (1849) of the Rekha style; this temple has magnificent terracotta designs.

Maijir Bari was established in 1752 and has the Shyamchand Radharani Mondir. It has preserved a tradition of nearly 300 years and, even today, festivals such as Dol Purnima, Rath yatra, Jhulan Purnima, Annakot, and Rash are celebrated every year involving the people of the region, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

Projapoti Bari is also quite well known. This landmark house has a huge butterfly emblem atop. Hemanta Banerjee, who inherited the house from his father, also owned Sur-O-Sathi. Apurba Banerjee, brother of Hemanta Banerjee, started Kali puja in 1947.

Gopalbari Mandir consisting of 25 steeples signifies a perfect sculpture. On the walls of these Temples, many Terracotta warriors are ornamented. There is an image of copulation engraved here. A hall adjacent to the Temple for devotional dancing and musical performances was erected. It is an indication of traditional sculpture, located in Bhaduri Para.

Gopalbari Temple

In 688, Siddheswari Kali Mandir was established by Rishi-Amburish. The first time the Goddess was worshipped through the ritual of earthen-pot (ghatt). The ghatt sticks to a stone winnowing tray. This auspicious image is made of a single Neem log. This image represents the Bamakali Idol. The responsibility of this Goddess was shouldered on the part of -1. Sri Taraprassana Adhikari, 2. Kaliprassana Adhikari and now, the 7th generation personality Sri Sonatan Adhikari and Gopal Adhikari are the priests of this Temple. Long ago scarifies of humans to the altar of the Temple were in vogue. But at present he-goat, sugarcane, gourd, etc. instead of a human. The Goddess is worshipped during the new moon in the month of Kartik.

Anantabasudev Mandir is situated at Shyamrai Para. The temple is about 250 years old. His Honour, Maharaj Bahktipromode Puri Goswami had renovated this Temple about 60 years back. Now, Maharaj's nephews, nieces, and their husbands have got the responsibility of looking after it. About 250 years back, his Highness Maharaj of Burdwan founded this Temple.

Buddha Mandir is situated at Bara-Mitra-Para it is the oldest Buddhist temple in ‘Purba Burdwan District’ about 37 years old, a small Theravada Buddhist community (Barua) looking after it. in the temple shrine, a six feet tall gold-plated metallic Buddha statue from Thailand and an old marble Buddha statue originating from Burma are the two main attractions.

There is also the famous Tamarind tree, more than 500 years old, below which Sri Chaitanya came and met Nityananda.

In the past, Pathuria Mahal Ghat was used for Ferry-ghat. Now it has got its identity as an auspicious bathing-ghat in the name of Late Naresh Chandra Kumar, an extraordinary personality and donor of the Bathing-Ghat. It is located at Pathuriyamahal, Kalna.

Recently, Kalna Porjoton Utsab is being organized on every winter (2nd Week of January). Since 2014, the entire Rajbari Temple Complex has been illuminated. Ras Manch is the main attraction there in the evening.

Festivals
Saraswati Puja Pandal

Saraswati Puja is a festival of Kalna, which attracts people from all parts of the state. Large decorated pandals, illuminated with artistic idols pay homage to Goddess Saraswati.

Another festival of Kalna is Mahishmardini Puja in which people gather from all corners of Kalna Subdivision and even from outside. The puja lasts for 4 days. A fair takes place encircling the religious festival, covering almost half of the area of Kalna. Merry-go-rounds, Toy Trains, Puppet Shows, and Magic Shows are the attractions of the fair.

Education

Kalna College, one of the oldest colleges under the University of Burdwan, was founded in 1943. It is accredited B++ by the NAAC. Kalna Polytechnic was established in 2000. Besides, there are several Higher secondary and secondary schools. Some reputed schools in Kalna:

Kalna College
  • Kalna Maharaja's High School
  • Ambika Mahishmardini High School
  • Hindu Girls' High School
  • Mahishmardini Boys Institution
  • Mahishmardini Girls' Institution
  • Nigamananda High School
  • Sasibala Saha High School
  • Mayasundari High School
  • Gajalaxmi High School
  • Acme Academy (ISC Board)
  • Holy Child School
  • Kalna Polytechnic
  • Kalna Primary Teacher's Training Institute

Economy

Kalna is famous for rice, food grains, potato, and jute production and the agriculture-based economy is currently flourishing. There are several rice mills and cold storage facilities within Kalna. After the partition of India, many skilled weavers from Dhaka came and settled in West Bengal around Shantipur in Nadia district and Kalna of Bardhaman district, both traditionally renowned centers for hand-woven fabrics. With government encouragement and support, the talented weavers soon revived their ancestral occupation, and the art of exquisite weaving once again flourished. Today, finely woven feather-touch textiles and saris in exotic designs and colors are being produced in the vast weaving belt of Shantipur, Phulia, Samudragarh, Dhatrigram and Ambika Kalna – each center producing superb fabrics in its unique weaving style. Kalna is famous for tangails and gorgeous jamdanis. The produce is marketed through co-operatives and various undertakings. Rakhi and Bindi are manufactured at Kalna. Many people, especially women, are placed at the cottage industry where they earn their living. Several banks like SBI, UBI, UCO, ICICI, Axis, HDFC, BOI, OBC Bank of Baroda, Kalna Town Credit Co-operative Bank (KTCCBL), and PNB have branches in Kalna.

Transport

Being situated at the junction of three districts (Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Nadia), Kalna has a well-developed transportation network. The main mode of local transport is cycle rickshaw and auto-rickshaw. In this year, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a River bridge project between Kalna and Shantipur.

Rail

Though the main railway station of the town is Ambika Kalna railway station, the northern part of the city can also be accessed through Baghnapara railway station. Ambika Kalna is 42 km and Baghnapara is 46 km from Bandel on the Bandel-Katwa Branch Line.[10] There are many local trains (EMU) and a few express and passenger trains from Howrah and Sealdah.

Road

Kalna is linked to important cities of South Bengal by road. The main bus stand is situated beside the STKK Road (SH 6). Many private local and long route express buses are available. There is a Govt. bus depot operated by South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC). Long-distance express buses, connecting various cities (Asansol, Durgapur, Bardhaman, Bankura, Dumka, Digha, Malda, Bishnupur, Balurghat, etc.) of West Bengal and Jharkhand, are in service from SBSTC bus depot. Bus services are available for Krishnanagar, Shantipur, Phulia, and Ranaghat from Kalna Ghat bus stand on the bank of Bhagirathi River.

Temples at Kalna
  • Nava-Kailasha Temple in Kalna
  • Kalna Ras Manch, Illuminated at Night
  • Kalna Temple Complex
  • Kalna Pratapeswar Temple Terracotta Works
  • Krishna Chandraji Temple
  • Lalji Temple Terracotta Works
  • 108 Siva Temple Outer circle
  • Group of temples at Kalna in Burdwan, West Bengal
  • Rupeswar Temple in Kalna

04.Mahaprabhu Temple 05.Mahismardini Mata temple 06.Nityananda temple (Known as Shyamsunder Mondir) 07. Theravada Buddha Mondir

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References
  1. "Ambika Kalna Travel and Tourism Guide". India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News | India.com. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  2. Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Kalna
  3. "Department of tourism government of West Bengal". wbtourismgov.
  4. Chattopadhyay, Akkori, Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti (History and Folklore of Bardhaman District.), (in Bengali), Vol I, p. 15, Radical Impression. ISBN 81-85459-36-3
  5. Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p. 19
  6. "2011 Census - Primary Census Abstract Data Tables". West Bengal – District-wise. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  7. "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  8. Chattopadhyay, Akkori, Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti (History and Folklore of Bardhaman District.), (in Bengali), Vol I, p57, Radical Impression. ISBN 81-85459-36-3
  9. "kalna Religion 2011". Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  10. Railway local time table
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