Balurghat

===Ancient period===

Balurghat and its surrounding regions have a history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was part of the Pundravardhana kingdom, which flourished between the 4th century BCE and the 6th century CE. Inscriptions and artefacts from the Gupta period found near the Balurghat region indicate its historical significance as a center of trade and culture. The presence of ancient terracotta and pottery artefacts further underscores its cultural and commercial connections during this era.{{cite book |title=Terracotta and Early Pottery in Bengal |author=Archaeological Survey of India |year=2020}}{{cite book |title=History of Pundravardhana |author=P.C. Gupta |year=1985}}

===Medieval period===

During the medieval period, the region came under the influence of various dynasties, including the Palas and Senas. The strategic location of Balurghat, near the banks of the Atrai River, made it an important hub for trade and agriculture. With the establishment of Islamic rule in Bengal in the 13th century, the area experienced significant socio-economic and cultural transformations. The remnants of mosques and tombs from this period are evidence of the Islamic architectural influence in the region.{{cite book |title=Islamic Architecture in Bengal |author=Wakil Ahmed |year=2001}}

===Colonial period===

The modern history of Balurghat began to take shape during the British colonial era. It was a part of the Dinajpur district under the Bengal Presidency. The region witnessed significant administrative and infrastructural development during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the introduction of railways and educational institutions. However, the Partition of Bengal in 1947 profoundly impacted Balurghat, as it became a border town with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This led to demographic changes due to migration and economic shifts caused by the disruption of traditional trade routes.{{cite book |title=Partition and its Impact on Bengal Borderlands |author=Dipesh Chakrabarty |year=1997}}

After Indian independence, Balurghat became the district headquarters of West Dinajpur in West Bengal. The town developed as an administrative and cultural center. Over the years, it has grown in prominence due to its strategic location near the India-Bangladesh border. Initiatives for regional connectivity and cross-border trade have further boosted its economic importance. The establishment of institutions like Balurghat College in 1948 contributed to the town's educational growth.{{cite book |title=Dakshin Dinajpur Gazetteer |author=West Bengal District Gazetteers |year=1980}}{{cite book |title=Education in Colonial and Post-Colonial Bengal |author=N. Sengupta |year=2003}}

===Modern developments===

In recent years, Balurghat has witnessed urbanisation and infrastructural development, including improved road and rail connectivity. Cultural festivals like the Durga Puja & Christmas highlight the town's rich heritage and attract visitors. Its proximity to significant natural and historical sites makes Balurghat a growing center for tourism in West Bengal.{{cite web |title=Annual Development Report for Dakshin Dinajpur |url=https://www.westbengal.gov.in |publisher=Local Government of West Bengal |year=2021}}

In the map alongside, all places marked on the map are linked in the full screen version.

{{OSM Location map

|width=350

|height=250

|zoom=9

|coord={{coord|25|20|20|N|88|39|10|E}}

|float=left

|caption=Cities and towns in the Dakshin Dinajpur district
M: municipal city/ town, CT: census town, R: rural/ urban centre, H: historical site
Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly.

|mark-coord1={{coord|25|25|43|N|88|31|55|E}}

|label-pos1=top

|label1=Gangarampur

|numbered1=M

|mark-title1=Gangarampur (M)

|label-color1=#0047AB

|label-size1=11

|mark-size1=12

|shape1=l-circle

|shape-color1=#0047AB

|label-offset-y1=-5

|mark-coord2={{coord|25|14|22|N|88|46|57|E}}

|label-pos2=right

|label2=Balurghat

|numbered2=M

|mark-title2=Balurghat (M)

|label-color2=white

|label-bg2=#FF4500

|label-size2=14

|mark-size2=15

|shape-color2=#FF4500

|label-offset-x2=5

|mark-coord3={{coord|25|23|24|N|88|23|13|E}}

|label-pos3=bottom

|label3=Buniadpur

|numbered3=M

|mark-title3=Buniadpur (M)

|shape-color3=#800080

|label-offset-y3=5

|mark-coord4={{coord|25|21|43|N|88|16|3|E}}

|label-pos4=right

|label4=Harirampur

|numbered4=CT

|mark-title4=Harirampur, West Bengal (CT)

|shape-color4=#32CD32

|label-offset-x4=5

|label-offset-y4=-5

|mark-coord5={{coord|25|21|49|N|88|31|30|E}}

|label-pos5=left

|label5=Gopalpur

|numbered5=CT

|mark-title5=Gopalpur, Dakshin Dinajpur (CT)

|shape-color5=#32CD32

|label-offset-x5=-5

|mark-coord6={{coord|25|21|4|N|88|45|24|E}}

|label-pos6=top

|label6=Par Patiram

|numbered6=CT

|mark-title6=Par Patiram (CT)

|shape-color6=#32CD32

|label-offset-y6=-5

|mark-coord7={{coord|25|14|19|N|88|45|11|E}}

|label-pos7=left

|label7=Dakra

|numbered7=CT

|mark-title7=Dakra (CT)

|shape-color7=#32CD32

|label-offset-x7=-5

|mark-coord8={{coord|25|12|43|N|88|45|1|E}}

|label-pos8=bottom

|label8=Chak Bhrigu

|numbered8=CT

|mark-title8=Chak Bhrigu (CT)

|shape-color8=#32CD32

|label-offset-y8=5

|mark-coord9={{coord|25|16|53|N|88|58|25|E}}

|label-pos9=top

|label9=Hili Checkpoint

|numbered9=R

|mark-title9=Hili, Dakshin Dinajpur (R)

|shape-color9=#8B0000

|label-offset-y9=-5

|mark-coord10={{coord|25|19|7|N|88|44|59|E}}

|label-pos10=left

|label10=Patiram

|numbered10=R

|mark-title10=Patiram (R)

|shape-color10=#8B0000

|label-offset-x10=-5

|mark-coord11={{coord|25|26|1|N|88|43|36|E}}

|label-pos11=right

|label11=Kumarganj

|numbered11=R

|mark-title11=Kumarganj, Dakshin Dinajpur (R)

|shape-color11=#8B0000

|label-offset-x11=5

|mark-coord15={{coord|25|27|48|N|88|31|55|E}}

|label-pos15=top

|label15=Bangarh

|numbered15=H

|mark-title15=Bangarh (H)

|shape-color15=#FFD700

|label-offset-y15=-5

|mark-coord16={{coord|25.5084|88.6052}}

|label16=India

|label-color16=black

|label-angle16=15

|label-pos16=bottom

|label-size16=10

|mark-size16=0

|mark-title16=none

|mark-coord17={{coord|25.5404|88.6252}}

|label17=Bangladesh

|label-color17=black

|label-angle17=15

|label-pos17=bottom

|label-size17=10

|mark-size17=0

|mark-title17=none

}}

Balurghat is at {{Coord|25.22|N|88.77|E}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/28/Balurghat.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Balurghat, India}} It has an average elevation of 25 metres (82 feet). The town covers {{cvt|10.76|km2}} of area.

River Atreyee runs across the city, dividing it into disproportionate halves. The heart of the city, with important administrative, cultural and entertainment hubs, is on the eastern bank of the river. India-Bangladesh border is approximately 3 km from the town.

Balurghat police station under West Bengal police has jurisdiction over Balurghat municipal area and Balurghat CD Block.{{cite web |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook |title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Dakshin Dinajpur |work = Table 2.1 |publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 4 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook |archive-date = 21 January 2019 |url-status = dead }}{{cite web|url = http://dakshindinajpurpolice.gov.in/index.html|title = Dakshin Dinajpur District Police|work = Know your PS|publisher = District Police|access-date = 4 December 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171128184901/http://www.dakshindinajpurpolice.gov.in/index.html|archive-date = 28 November 2017|url-status = dead}}Balurghat Women police station has jurisdiction over Balurghat subdivision.

Balurghat subdivision has its headquarters at Balurghat.The headquarters of Balurghat CD block is at Balurghat.{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1905_PART_A_DCHB_DAKSHIN%20DINAJPUR.pdf |title = District Census Handbook: Dakshin Dinajpur, Series 20 Part XII A | work = Map of Dakshin Dinajpur with CD Block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page) |publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011 | access-date = 4 December 2018 }}{{cite web | url = http://wbpublibnet.gov.in/node/2101 | title = BDO Offices under Dakshin Dinajpur District | work = Department of Mass Education Extension & Library Services, Government of West Bengal | publisher = West Bengal Public Library Network | access-date = 4 December 2018 | archive-date = 2 November 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181102024551/http://wbpublibnet.gov.in/node/2101 | url-status = dead }}

{{Weather box

| location = Balurghat (1991–2020, extremes 1960–2012)

| metric first = yes

| single line = yes

| width = auto

| Jan record high C = 32.0

| Feb record high C = 34.9

| Mar record high C = 39.1

| Apr record high C = 42.2

| May record high C = 43.4

| Jun record high C = 43.0

| Jul record high C = 40.0

| Aug record high C = 38.8

| Sep record high C = 37.0

| Oct record high C = 38.0

| Nov record high C = 35.5

| Dec record high C = 33.0

| year record high C = 43.4

| Jan record low C = 4.1

| Feb record low C = 6.2

| Mar record low C = 9.7

| Apr record low C = 12.4

| May record low C = 14.8

| Jun record low C = 14.8

| Jul record low C = 17.0

| Aug record low C = 16.8

| Sep record low C = 16.2

| Oct record low C = 12.2

| Nov record low C = 7.3

| Dec record low C = 4.7

| year record low C = 4.1

|Jan high C = 24.3

|Feb high C = 27.8

|Mar high C = 32.1

|Apr high C = 34.6

|May high C = 34.8

|Jun high C = 34.4

|Jul high C = 33.5

|Aug high C = 33.6

|Sep high C = 33.4

|Oct high C = 32.3

|Nov high C = 29.2

|Dec high C = 26.3

| year high C = 31.4

|Jan low C = 11.4

|Feb low C = 15.1

|Mar low C = 19.4

|Apr low C = 22.5

|May low C = 24.2

|Jun low C = 25.1

|Jul low C = 24.9

|Aug low C = 24.9

|Sep low C = 24.7

|Oct low C = 23.2

|Nov low C = 18.4

|Dec low C = 14.1

| year low C = 20.7

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 7.1

| Feb rain mm = 6.3

| Mar rain mm = 12.1

| Apr rain mm = 52.2

| May rain mm = 145.9

| Jun rain mm = 261.7

| Jul rain mm = 324.1

| Aug rain mm = 241.8

| Sep rain mm = 269.9

| Oct rain mm = 112.5

| Nov rain mm = 7.2

| Dec rain mm = 2.7

| year rain mm = 1443.4

| Jan rain days = 0.5

| Feb rain days = 0.5

| Mar rain days = 0.6

| Apr rain days = 2.8

| May rain days = 6.5

| Jun rain days = 10.1

| Jul rain days = 10.9

| Aug rain days = 9.4

| Sep rain days = 8.4

| Oct rain days = 3.3

| Nov rain days = 0.4

| Dec rain days = 0.1

| year rain days = 53.7

|time day = 17:30 IST

| Jan humidity = 76

| Feb humidity = 70

| Mar humidity = 65

| Apr humidity = 69

| May humidity = 73

| Jun humidity = 78

| Jul humidity = 80

| Aug humidity = 81

| Sep humidity = 82

| Oct humidity = 82

| Nov humidity = 81

| Dec humidity = 80

|year humidity = 76

|source 1 = India Meteorological Department

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| archive-date = 8 April 2024

| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| title = Station: Balurghat Climatological Table 1991–2020

| work = Climatological Normals 1991–2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = 17 July 2024}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M230

| access-date = 10 January 2021}}

}}

{{see also|List of cities in West Bengal}}

{{bar box

|title=Religion in Balurghat (2011)

|titlebar=#FCD116

|left1=

|float=left

|bars=

{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|92.18}}

{{bar percent|Islam|green|5.33}}

{{bar percent|Christianity|dodgerblue|2.00}}

{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.49}}

}}

{{Pie chart

|caption = Languages of Balurghat CD block (2011)

|label1 = Bengali |value1 = 75.55 |color1 = orchid

|label2 = Santali |value2 = 12.61 |color2 = darkturquoise

|label3 = Sadri |value3 = 2.86 |color3 = burlywood

|label4 = Mundari |value4 = 2.00 |color4 = teal

|label5 = Kurukh |value5 = 1.61 |color5 = mediumseagreen

|label6 = Kurmali |value6 = 1.50 |color6 = indianred

|label7 = Hindi |value7 = 1.45 |color7 = orange

|label8 = Others |value8 = 2.42 |color8 = grey

}}

In the 2011 census, Balurghat municipality had a population of 153,279 of which 76,730 were males and 76,549 were females. The Balurghat urban agglomeration had a population of 164,593, out of which 82,466 were males and 82,127 were females. The 0–6 years population was 10,349. Effective literacy rate for the 7+ population was 91.66 per cent.{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 21 October 2011 }}

{{As of|2001}} India census, Balurghat municipality had a population of 151,416, of which 75,794 were males and 75,622 were females. Balurghat has an average literacy rate of 84.8%, with 87% of the males and 82.5% of females literate. Population in the age range of 0-6 years is 10,677. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have a population of 15,204 and 3,008 respectively. Balurghat had 37,507 households in 2011.{{cite web |title=Census of India: Balurghat |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=351349 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=10 October 2019}}

98.7% of the population are Hindus, with small percentages (below 1%) of Muslims and Sikhs.{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW19C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=10 April 2021}}

At the time of the 2011 census, 75.55% of the population spoke Bengali, 12.61% Santali, 2.86% Sadri, 2.00% Mundari, 1.61% Kurukh, 1.50% Kurmali and 1.45% Hindi as their first language.{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10226/download/13338/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1900.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

{{main|Balurghat (community development block)#Economy}}

Balurghat is a distribution centre in northern West Bengal. The main goods traded include rice, jute, sugar cane, fisheries and oilseeds.[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9012068/Balurghat Balurghat], from Encyclopædia Britannica.

File:Sealdah Balurghat Express AC Economy.jpg

Balurghat Railway Station is the terminus station of the Eklakhi–Balurghat branch line{{cite web| url = https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-malda-town-balurghat-passenger-55421/14243/441/1899 | title= 55721x->55421 Malda Town-Balurghat Passenger | work= Time Table |publisher= India Rail Info | access-date =30 November 2018}}

Trains connecting Balurghat to Kolkata directly include Sealdah Balurghat express, Tebhaga Express and Howrah–Balurghat Bi-Weekly Express. Train services also connect Balurghat to Siliguri in the north through Balurghat-Siliguri Intercity Express. Balurghat is also connected to Malda through Balurghat-Malda Court Passenger Train. Besides, Balurghat-Nabadwip Dham Express connects Nabadwip with Balurghat.

{{multiple image

| border = infobox

| align = left

| total_width = 300

| image_style =

| perrow = 1

| image1 = Shyamoli Volvo Kolkata to Balurghat.jpg

| caption1 = {{small|Shyamoli Volvo Kolkata to Balurghat}}

}}

{{multiple image

| border = infobox

| align = right

| total_width = 300

| image_style =

| perrow = 1/2

| image1 = NBSTC Bus stand Balurghat.jpg

| caption1 = {{small|NBSTC Bus stand Balurghat}}

}}

Indian National Highway 512 passes through Balurghat (from Gazole To Hili).

At Balurghat, there is a Government bus and a separate private bus stand. The NBSTC({{small|Major Service Provider}}),SBSTC({{small|Limited Service Provider}}) and WBTC({{small|Only between Kolkata & Balurghat}}) are the government bus service provides majority of bus rides to distant places. Many buses (both Government and private) run from Balurghat to Kolkata, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Kalna, Durgapur, Malda, and Raiganj.

A helicopter landing at Balurghat Airport from [[Kolkata Airport|thumb|right|228x228px]]

Balurghat Airport is situated at the entrance of the town, at Mahinagar, although the airport is not operating right now due to construction and executive issues. A Kolkata-Malda-Balurghat-Coochbehar flight service has been planned for this airport. Previously, there was a Kolkata-Malda-Balurghat helicopter service for some years.

File:Independence Day Celebration BHS.jpg

Durga Puja is widely celebrated throughout the town. Major places to visit during festival are Avijatri Club, Kachikala Club, Srijoni Sangha, Newtown, Sanket Club and various others. The next big festival is Kali Puja which is also a major festival celebrated during Deepawali. Majour places are Milan Sangha Club, Balurghat College more, Yubashree Sangha and various others places. Some other festivals like Chhath Puja, Rath Yatra, Biswakarma Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi and Saraswati puja are widely celebrated at Balurghat. Bolla Kali Puja is celebrated at Bolla approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Balurghat, in November each year, for which millions of devotees come to see the festival. Festivals of non-hindu religions are also celebrated i,e Christmas, Ramadaan, and Buddha Purnima.

Balurghat is also home to district's 1st ever stadium to host the top tier national level cricket match like a Ranji Trophy Match.{{Cite web|title=Balurghat to host Ranji match for first time|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/balurghat-to-host-ranji-match-for-first-time/cid/1729758|access-date=25 October 2020|website=www.telegraphindia.com}} Balurghat Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium used for sports like cricket and football. A major cricket tournament called Bijay Kumar Saha Memorial T-20 Tournament{{cite web|url=https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1179683/bijay-kumar-saha-memorial-t-20-cricket-tournament/matches/past-matches|title= BIJAY KUMAR SAHA MEMORIAL T-20 CRICKET TOURNAMENT Balurghat}} held annually at this stadium where various teams from West Bengal, India & even from Bangladesh participate. An indoor sports complex in Balurghat is also inaugurated in 2023 for various indoor sports activities like badminton, table tennis, marshal arts etc. The Police line playground is one of the major playground and has the best infrastructure after the main stadium which is used by both the West Bengal Police & general public. Some other major playgrounds are Balurghat College Playground (Uttamasaha), Balurghat High School Playgrounds, Netaji Sporting Club, Railway Station ground etc.

• Dakshin Dinajpur District Hospital has 600 beds
• Balurghat Super Specialty Hospital
• Balurghat Police Hospital has 50 beds
• Balurghat Municipal Hospital or Matri Sadan has 32 beds{{cite web | url = https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/ | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work = Health Statistics | publisher = Government of West Bengal | access-date = 7 December 2018 | archive-date = 28 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211028134305/https://qphs.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-99a499ee367f0c1530476c81086270c8 | url-status = dead }}

• Dhiren Banerjee, Indian Revolutionary & Physician
• Sukanta Majumdar, honourable Union Minister of State for Education & Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India
• Palas Barman, former MP
• Ranen Barman, former MP
• Rasendra Nath Barman, former MP
• Susil Ranjan Chattopadhyay, former MP
• Sankar Chakraborty, former MLA
• Abhijit Mondal, footballer
• Madhubanti Bagchi, singer

• Balurghat High School
• Balurghat Airport
• Atreyee DAV Public School

{{Reflist}}

• {{URL|https://www.dakshindinajpurzp.org/}}
• {{URL|http://balurghatmunicipality.org}}
• {{URL|https://ddinajpur.nic.in/}}
• {{Wikivoyage-inline|Balurghat}}

{{Dakshin Dinajpur}}

{{Dakshin Dinajpur topics}}

{{Balurghat}}

{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}

{{West Bengal}}

{{Commons category| Balurghat}}

Category:Cities and towns in Dakshin Dinajpur district

Category:Cities in West Bengal