Bankura: The Cultural Heritage of Bengal
History of Bankura: From the ancient heritage of Rarh to the golden age of the Malla kings
Bankura district, located in West Bengal, is much more than a provincial district—it is a vibrant repository of Bengal’s culture, architecture and folk art. With nearly a thousand years of history under the Mallabhum dynasty, terracotta temples of Bishnupur, Baluchari sarees, the terracotta houses of Bankura, and a rich indigenous culture, the region stands as one of India’s richest cultural heritage sites. Lying at the intersection of the Gangetic plains and the Chota Nagpur plateau, Bankura’s geography, lifestyle and history have all grown together into a distinct mix.
Geographical Description-
A division of Bardhaman, Bankura district lies between 22°38′ north latitude and 86°36′ to 87°47′ east longitude. It is bounded by Bardhaman on the north, Purulia on the west, Paschim Medinipur on the south, and Hooghly on the east. The Damodar river flows along its northern border, while the Dwarakeswar, Gandheswari and Kangsabati rivers flow through the district itself. To the west, the terrain slopes gradually into the rugged, rocky hills of Chota Nagpur, while to the east it flattens out into fertile plains—the two landscapes that place Bankura between the plains of Bengal and its mainland country. The region covers an area of about 6,882 square miles.
Prehistoric period-
Human settlement in Bankura goes back thousands of years. Excavations near Dihar, near Bishnupur, have unearthed ancient settlements. Archaeologists believe that Chalcolithic (Iron-Stone Age) people settled on the northern bank of the Dwarakeswar River around 1000 B.C. Research has shown that--
* stones and tools
* iron products
* terracotta pottery
* agricultural evidence
* remains of ancient settlements
Later in prehistoric times, the region was home to various Proto-Australoid and Proto-Dravidian groups, which showed evidence of life at different stages of development, ranging from food gathering to hunting. Together, these evidences point to Bankura as one of the oldest continuously inhabited districts of Bengal.
Rarh and Bankura in ancient texts-
In ancient times, Bankura was part of the region of Rarh, mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Jain Acharanga Sutra, Buddhist Jataka stories, and various Sanskrit literary works. Ancient Jain texts also refer to this area as Sumha or Ladha, describing it, in the language of the time, as inhabited by "uncivilized" or "barbaric" peoples. Rarh was a land of dense forest, rolling red soil, and rocky hills, home to ancestors of communities like Santhal, Bauri, Bagdi, Kurmi and Bhumij. Historians have argued that Aryan culture and religion first spread to north and east Bengal before reaching the west; The spread of Buddhism and Jainism followed the same course.
Influence of Jainism-
Jain literature records that Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, visited the city of Rarh in the 6th century BC. Various parts of Bankura still offer ancient Jain idols, statues of Tirthankaras, and ruins of Jain temples, proof that Jainism once had considerable influence over the region.
The Gupta Period and the Susunia Inscription-
In 4.–5. century AD Bankura came under the influence of the Gupta Empire. An ancient rock inscription found on the Susunia hill records the names of King Simhavarman and his son Chandravarman. This inscription is regarded as one of the most important archaeological records in the early political history of Bankura. Today, Susunia Hill is not only appreciated for its historical significance but also as a popular destination for nature-loving tourists.
The rise of the Malla empire-
The longest and most famous chapter in the history of Bankura belongs to the Malla dynasty. According to traditional and historical records, the empire was founded in the late 7th century, around 694, by Adi Malla, also known as Bagdi Raja. He ruled from his capital at Laugram for about thirty-three years. His son Jay Malla captured the Padampur fort and shifted the capital to Bishnupur, which later became the center of Malla power.
A succession of rulers—Kalu Malla, Kanu Malla, Jhau Malla, Shur Malla, and others—each extended the boundaries of the kingdom. Shur Malla defeated the Raja at Bagri, north of modern Medinipur, and further extended the kingdom. In all, more than forty kings occupied the throne in succession, collectively known as Mallabaninath, or "Lords of Mallabhum." For nearly a thousand years, from the 7th century until the advent of British rule, the empire ruled independently.
Growth of Malabhum-
The rule of the Malla kings came to be known as Mallabhum. Its core included what is now Bankura police station area (excluding Chhatna), along with Onda, Bishnupur, Kotulpur and Indas. His sphere of influence, however, was very continuous—from Damin-i-Koh in the Santhal Parganas in the north to Medinipur in the south, and from parts of Bardhaman in the east to parts of Chota Nagpur in the west. At various times large parts of Birbhum, Santhal Parganas and Purulia also fell under Mallabhum control. The Khatra region was known as Dhalbhum, the Raipur region as Tungbhum, and the Chhatna region as Samantabhum—all of which were gradually under Malla control. Society was organized during the Malla regime in the vicinity of the village: the tax collectors were called Gumasta, their assistants Aat Pahari or Paik, and the headman was called Mukhiya or Mandal.
Bir Hambir Dynasty: The Golden Age-
The most celebrated of the Malla kings was the forty-nine ruler, Bir Hambir (Hambir Malla Dev), who reigned from 1565 to 1620 AD. His period is considered the golden age of Bankura’s cultural history. He was a contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Conversion to Vaishnavism:
Under the influence of Vaishnava saint Srinivas Acharya, Bir Hambir embraced Vaishnavism. The migration had a profound impact on the cultural life of Mallabhum, creating a new flowering of literature, music, sculpture and temple architecture. In the 17th century, Vaishnavism became the state religion of the Malla kingdom, reshaping the region’s culture in the process.
Relations with the Mughals-
During the reign of Akbar, the Malla kings maintained good relations with the Mughal court. In exchange for paying the obligatory tribute, they retained considerable autonomy in administering their own kingdom, which allowed Mallabhum to survive for a long time as, indeed, a sovereign nation.
Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur: "Temple City".
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Bishnupur witnessed the construction of numerous terracotta temples constructed from local red clay—earning it the title of Bengal’s “City of Temples”. Some of the more notable ones are--
* Rasmancha used
* Jor Bangla people
* Shyamrai Temple
* Madan Mohan Temple
* Radhashyam temple
* Lalji Temple
* Kalachand temple
The walls of the temple are carved with magnificent terracotta relief works depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the life of Krishna, modern social life, and martial arts. Today, the temples of Bishnupur are recognized as one of the most important surviving examples of India’s architectural heritage and have also been discussed for inclusion in the critical UNESCO World Heritage List.
Bishnupur Gharana-
Under the patronage of the Malla kings, a distinct tradition of Hindustani classical music, the Bishnupur Gharana, emerged. Its hallmarks are Dhrupad singing, Vaishnava padavali ( devotional verse), and distinctive raga rhythm. With royal patronage, this gharana occupies a prominent place in the history of Indian classical music.
Maratha Raids: Raids of Bargi-
In the 1740s, repeated raids by Maratha troops, known as Bargis, ravaged large areas of Bengal. In Bankura, the attacks destroyed many villages, destroyed agriculture, reduced the population, and crippled the local economy. The sustained pressure of these invasions greatly weakened the Malla kingdom and paved the way for later British expansion.
Reorganization of British Administration and Governance-
In 1760, pursuant to an order from Mir Qasim, a part of the present territory of the district came, together with Bardhaman and Medinipur, under the East India Company; After the grant of the Diwani in 1765, the remaining portion was annexed to Birbhum. The great Bengal famine of 1770 cost Bankura many lives. Subsequently, the territorial boundaries of the district have been redrawn several times:
* In 1805, Bankura district was included in Jangalmahal district.
* In 1834 the Bishnupur area was added to the Bardhaman district.
* In 1787 Bishnupur had earlier been attached to Birbhum.
* In 1793, the area was placed under Bardhaman Collectorate.
* In 1879 the present county boundaries were established.
* In 1881, Bankura was formally established as a district, taking its name from its headquarters town.
The Malla rule came to a formal end in 1765, when the kingdom passed under the control of the British East India Company.
Name source-
The origin of the name "Bankura" is disputed. According to a popular tradition, a Malla ruler divided his kingdom into twenty-two tarafs, or portions, giving one to each of his sons. The taraf of Jaybelia went to a son named Bir Bankura, who developed the place and was later named after him. Another opinion holds that "Bankura" is a corruption of "Bankunda", meaning "five tanks".
Bankura in the Freedom Council-
The people of Bankura took an active part in India’s freedom struggle, participating in the struggle against the partition of Bengal, the Swadeshi Movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement. Many freedom fighters from the region played a notable role in the struggle against Britain, enriching Bankura’s patriotic heritage.
Post-Independence Bankura-
After India’s independence in 1947, Bankura became a district of West Bengal. In the following decades, agriculture was boosted by the Kangsabati reservoir and irrigation project, while schools, roads, and health services gradually increased. The district is also rich in raw materials: coal is found in the Saltora, Mejia, Barjora and Gangajalghati areas; tungsten around Thanapahari and Cheradungri; mica at Jhilimili near Ranibandh; and china clay around Raipur. Mejia is the region’s only heat-station, while Gouripur has one of the largest leprosy hospitals in Asia. Jaipur forest is known as the only important forest area in the plains of southern Bengal.
Tourism sector-
Bankura today serves several tourism circuits:
Forest Circle:Jaipur, Ranibandh, Jhilimili.
Mountain Circle:Koro Hills, Susunia, Biharinath, Mashak, Bardi Hills.
Beach: Mukutmanipur Reservoir, Talberia, Gangdoya.
Cultural Circle:Bishnupur, Sonamukhi, Maliara.
Religious Area:Jairambati, Bishnupur, Ekteshwar.
Culture and Heritage of Bankura-
Bankura is known around the world today for its distinctive indigenous arts and crafts.
Terracotta House:The terracotta house of Bankura is a symbol of the art of Bengal and a popular handicraft of India, now becoming a national handicraft symbol.
Baluchari Saree: The Baluchari sarees of Bishnupur are woven with intricate patterns from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, representing typical examples of Indian textiles.
Dokra Craft:Crafted using the lost-wax casting technique, Dokra metalcraft is enjoyed worldwide and carries on a vibrant tribal art tradition.
Country Culture:Jhumur songs, Tusu and Bhadu festivals, Dharma Thakur worship, and various tribal dances and folk rituals are an inseparable part of Bankura culture sustained between generations in the rural life of the district.
From prehistoric settlement to the periods of Jainism and Gupta rule to the millennial rule of the Malla kings, the history of Bankura stands as a living record of the cultural evolution of Bengal. The combination of Bishnupur’s terracotta temples, Mallabhum’s political and cultural heritage, Bishnupur Gharana, Baluchari sarees, and terracotta handicrafts continues to give Bankura its status as one of India’s most important historical and cultural districts. Rising from the rugged red soil of Old Rarh, this heritage remains an invaluable asset to the history and culture of West Bengal.
