Katwa
| Katwa | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
  Katwa Location in West Bengal, India | |
| Coordinates: 23°39′N 88°08′E / 23.65°N 88.13°ECoordinates: 23°39′N 88°08′E / 23.65°N 88.13°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District | Bardhaman |
| Government | |
| • MP | Sunil Mondal |
| • MLA | Rabindra Nath Chatterjee |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.53 km2 (3.29 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 21 m (69 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 81,615 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Bengali, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 713130 |
| Telephone code | 91 3453 |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Bardhaman Purba |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Katwa |
| Website |
bardhaman |
Katwa (Bengali: কাটোয়া) is a town and the headquarters of Katwa subdivision in Bardhaman district of Indian state of West Bengal.
History
The town's earliest known name was Indranee Pargana. The name was later changed to Kantak Nagari ("the city of thorns") and it became the fort area of Murshid Kuli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal (reign 1717–1727). Katwa was invaded by the Bargis (break-away Maratha groups) several times.
This was the place where Chaitanya got sannyasa from Kesava Bharati. Since then, this town has been a sacred place for the Vaishnavites of Bardhaman district and Nadia district.
The house of the maternal uncle of Jagannath and Madhav (two disciples of Chaitanya; Jagai and Madhai, as they are popularly called) is reputed to be here.
Geography
Katwa is located at 23°39′N 88°08′E / 23.65°N 88.13°E. It has an average elevation of 21 m (69 ft). It is situated between the Ajay River and the Bhagirathi River and so bounded by water to the east, west and north. It is at the eastern end of the district and is 150 km from Kolkata and 56 km from Barddhaman.
The weather and climate of the region are similar to the rest of Gangetic West Bengal, with three main seasons (summer, rainy, and winter) and two more barely discernible seasons, autumn and spring.
Gram panchayats under Katwa I Panchayat Samiti are: Koshigram, Goai, Srikhanda, Khajurdihi, Sudpur, Karajgram, Alampur, Gidhagram and Saragram.[1]
Gram panchayats under Katwa II Panchayat Samiti are: Karui, Palsona, Jagadannadapur, Gazipur, Agradwip, Sribati[2] and Singhee.[1]
Economy
Katwa's economy has grown significantly in recent years. The traditional backbone of the economy was agriculture but the town has since developed into a major trading hub with booming retail and service sectors. Katwa is also a transit point for agricultural products grown in nearby villages.A Numismatist as well as a student Mr.Arnab patra said that from many years sankhari patti, kharer bazaar,and kachari road zone are famous for jewelry makers and jewelry business.
Every day hundreds of people from surrounding villages visit Katwa mainly for the medical services available in Katwa. The late Dr. Sanat Kumar Konar, Late Dr. S. K. Roy, the late Dr. Basanta Kumar Bandhopadhay and the late Dr. Nandagopal Chattopadhaya were pioneers for professional medical services in the town.
A mental hospital is situated at Khajurdihi founded by Dr. Harmon Sinha. Khajurdihi is a village situated approximately 3 km from Katwa.
The town has mobile and broadband internet facilities. The Bengal government recently started a mega power project at Katwa. Many investments are being planned for this soon-to-be industrial hub.
A cause of concern is groundwater arsenic contamination as arsenic is found at shallow depth (typically more than 20 m and less than 100 m deep) in the region.[3]
Railway
Katwa railway station is a railway junction on Broad Gauge 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) railway line from Calcutta to Malda Town. broad gauge railway line and to Burdwan junction on Howrah-Asansol broad gauge railway line. The Katwa-Burdwan narrow gauge railway line is being converted to broad gauge under project Unigauge. NTPC who is developing Katwa Super Thermal Plant of 1320MW Capacity has Deposited Rs 112.57 Crs with Eastern Railway for gauge conversion from Katwa to Burdwan.[4] The work to be started in Dec14 and to be completed in 2016.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[5] Katwa had a population of 71,573, 51% male and 49% female. The average literacy rate is 74%, higher than the national average: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 69%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Katwa has a total area of 8.53 km² with a population density of 8,391/km².[6] A steady flow of refugees from East Pakistan increased the population of the area in the fifties.[7]
Communication
Lots of Internet Service Providers are available here at Katwa
MTS broadband [8]
Katwa broadband wi-fi,
Speednet wi-fi,
Airtel 3G,
Bsnl 3G,
Idea 3G,
Vodafone 3G. We may call that Katwa is a wi-fi city. Wherever you go, there is a wi-fi available at katwa. So, katwans (Those who live in katwa) may call that Katwa is under the category of Municipal wireless network.
Culture
Festivals
Durga Puja is widely celebrated here but Katwa is more famous for its traditional Kartik Puja, also known as Kartik Larahai. On this day the whole town comes alive with pandals in each and every street. Haragouri para, Kharer bazar, Pratibad club, Aoaz club, Janakalyan Club, Jayashri Sangha, Sankhari patti, Samapti club, Young boys club, Desbondhu club, Chaulpatti club and Kumor para are especially famous for the celebrations of Kartik Larahai The celebration is not restricted to the townsfolk, and people come in large numbers from neighbouring villages. The atmosphere of the entire city rivals that of a carnival. Some famous Durga Pujas have been performed by families for more than 100 years, such as Ghosh bari at Goal para (Banku Bihari Ghosh), Datta-bari, chattarjee-bari (Ashok catterjee,Amar chattejee,Anjan chatterjee),Mallick-bari and Hari-bari, Barowari Tala,chowdhuri bari(*Sundar gopal Chowdhury & family*) and Muhuri Bari of Katwa. The Khepa Kali Puja is also widely known and attended by people from nearby villages. The Durga puja at Ghosh bari (Banku Bihari Ghosh) is a 110 years old puja in katwa. Now this puja is mainly organised by Chandra Sekhar Ghosh, grandson of Banku Bihari Ghosh.
The traditional way of celebrating Durga Puja can still be seen in Murundi, a small village 16 km from Katwa. This Puja is organized by the Singha (Sinha) family (Mrityunjay Sinha, Bankim Chandra Sinha). One could see the two Durga temples standing side by side at the entrance of the village. The celebration is said to be about 250 years old. The origin of this celebration is said to originate in the mantari of the Burdwan Raja telling the Maharaja of his desire to visit his native palace during the Durga Puja festival. The maharaja refused and Ma Durga subsequently ordered the Maharaja to perform the Puja in his dreams. It has been celebrated in Murundi ever since. Over time this Puja split into two parts; now one can see the present form of it. Katwa Haragouri para(Madhya Palli) organized Durga Puja in 1414 (2007).[9]Katwa kristi Sanstha arrange a drama festival (All Bengal short drama competition) in the month of January since last 5 years. Next year NATYAUTSAVE 2015 will take place on 14 to 18 January.
Kali Puja is celebrated here at katwa with lots of fun and frolic. "Jhupo maa kali", "Khepi maa kali" are the famous ones here at katwa.
Places of Interest
Historical
- The fort of Shah Alam: A building of Archeological interest built in the early 18th century by Murshidkuli Khan, the then Subedar of Bengal. (Katwa Municipality)
- Uddhanpur: The village resembles a fort and it is believed that the famous Naihati Fort was situated here. It is famous for its 500 year old fair. (Ketugram -II Block)
- The village of Singi: The native village of Kashiram Das, the noted Bengali translator of the Mahabharata. (Katwa-II Block)
- Sher Afbar Gark: The remains of the fort of Sher Afgan. Additionally, a huge lake is situated nearby. (Andal Block)
Religious
- Sree Gouranga Temple: A Baishnab Temple believed to have been visited by Sri Chaitanya and Keshav Bharati. The footprints of Sri Chaitanya and his Guru Keshav Bharati can be seen in the left side of the temple. The temple is visited by many followers during the famous Gadadhar Utsab (a Vaishnav festival) in November. A 500-year old tree stands inside the courtyard of the temple, under which Sri Chaitanya is believed to have had his head shaven by the barber at a part of his Sanyaas. (Katwa Municipality)
- Madhaitala: The Ashrama is believed to have been visited by Jagai & Madhai, two disciples of Sree Chaitanya, and the Akhanda Kirtana has reportedly been there for more than 50 years. It is famous for the 24/7 "Harinaam Sankirtan" that happens there. A large number of devotees from the Vaisnavite communities visit the temple regularly. (Katwa Municipality)
- The Khepakali Mata Mandir: A celebrated temple of goddess Kali, it is famous for its gorgeous Kali Puja. The adjoining temples of Lord Shiva and goddess Durga are also notable. Thousands of poor are fed every year here after the annual Kali Puja.
- Sreekhanda: A center of Vaishnav culture, famous for congregation of Bauls every Baisakh, the first month of the Bengali calendar. A famous temple of Khandeswari, the presiding Goddess of the village also exists. (Katwa Municipality)
- Agradweep: Associated with Gouranga Mahaprabhu and famous for its Gopinath temple. (Katwa Municipality) JAJIGRAM Srinibas, believed to be the second incarnation of Chaitanya is said to have lived here. The relics of his Sadhanpith can still be seen. This temple houses several wooden and stone idols. (Katwa Municipality)
- Kshetrapal: A big banyan tree on the Dainhat Krishnanagar Road worshiped for centuries by people from far and near. (Katwa -II Block)
- Gnandas Kandra: Gnandas the noted Baishnab poet was born in Kandra. His place of worship in the village still attracts large number of devotees from all over the country. (Ketugram-I Block)
- Attahas: The temple of Attahas, the Goddess of Sakti cult, also known as Fullora Attahas. It s believed to be one of the 51 SATIPITHS. It is said that the upper lip of Goddess Sati, the incarnation of Goddess Durga, had fallen here. (Ketugram-II Block)
- Ghoshesware temple: A famous temple of Lord Shiva, located beside Ghoshwaser Tala.
- Maa Amariya temple: This is a famous temple at Panuhat.
- Vivekananda Pathchakra: There is a private branch of Ramakrishna Math & Mission. Different types of materials such as books and photos related to Ramkrishna Mission are sold here.
- Ajay River Dam: Bank of Ajay River is very flood prone area. But there is almost no water situation during peak summer. But the same river become very dangerous during monsoon. To avoid the flood, dam along Aay Rive bank has been constructed with scenic plantation and enjoyable environment. Ideal place for morning jogging and execrise.
Geographical
- Confluence of Ajay River and Bhagirathi River: Ajay River is confluencing with Bhagirathi river near Sakhai Ghat. There you can find difference of colour of water of Ajay River and Bhagirathi River
People of Interest
Sayambhu Sinha was a leader of the Indian National Congress. Rabindra Nath Chaterjee, the regional head of Indian National Congress and the ex-chairman of Katwa municipality, is regarded as the founder of New Katwa. Dr. Harmohan Singa is a well-known doctor and social worker of the region. He established Anandanikatan, a private hospital for the mentally retarded patients.
Education
Katwa Kashiram Das Institution named after the writer who translated the Mahabharata in Bengali was established in 1857. It has been one of the more prestigious boys' schools in the district. Jagadish Chandra Bose was once a student here. Sudpur High School was established in 1914. Katwa Bharati Bhaban High School is a famous school at katwa. Debashish Mondal, a former student of Katwa Bharati Bhaban, got rank 4th in West Bengal Higher Secondary exam as well as he secured the similar rank in WB joint entrance examination too. In 2014, Sourav Pal, a former student of Katwa Bharati Bhaban, got rank 2nd in West Bengal Higher Secondary exam.[10] There are many other high and higher secondary schools in Katwa. Katwa D.D.C girls' high school is one of the famous school in katwa for girls.St. Joseph English Medium School also situated in Jajigram which is very close to Katwa. In 2014, Aniruddha Sarkar, a former student of Katwa Kashiram Das Institution, got rank 2nd in Secondary (madhyamik) Examination. And Sayanti Mondal & Parijat Dutta, Students of Katwa D.D.C girls' High School secured the rank 6 and 7 respectively in Secondary (madhyamik) exammination 2014.[11]
Katwa Mahavidyalaya, Katwa Teachers' Training College and Bengal Institute of Technology (BIT) are some of the colleges that are situated at katwa.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "List of Pradhan of Gram Panchayats, District: Bardhaman" (PDF). Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
- ↑ Sribati
- ↑ Arsenic contamination
- ↑ http://www.railnews.co.in/ntpc-nod-to-katwa-power-plant-to-pay-rs-110-cr-to-rlys-for-katwa-bardhaman-gc-works/
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ Population data on urban units of Bardhaman
- ↑ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti (History and folklore of Bardhaman District.), (Bengali), Vol I, p57, Radical Impression. ISBN 81-85459-36-3
- ↑ "Mts broadband at katwa".
- ↑ http://bardhaman.com/pujo09/katwa/index.htm
- ↑ http://indiablooms.com/ibns_new/life-details/E/151/higher-secondary-exam-results-declared.html
- ↑ http://www.anandabazar.com/eimuhurte/%E0%A6%8F-%E0%A6%AC-%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%93-%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%A7-%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%A6-%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%9C-%E0%A6%B2-1.33995
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||