Kamal Guha at 13:07, 4 August 2023

2023-08-04T13:07:58Z

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'''Culture of Bankura district''' refers to the culture of [[Bankura district]] (as it existed in 2011) in the Indian state of [[West Bengal]].

==Background==
As the Bankura district and adjoining areas, forming a part of ancient [[Rarh]], were inhabited from pre-historic times by [[Proto-Australoid|Austroloid]] and [[Proto-Dravidian|Dravidian]] tribes who were subsequently assimilated with the people and culture of the [[Proto-Indo-Europeans|Indo-Europeans]] or [[Aryan race|Aryans]], who prevailed in northern India, cultural traces of all these groups are visible in Bankura district to the present day.<ref>Ghosh, Binoy, ''Paschim Banger Sanskriti'', (in Bengali), part I, 1976 edition, pp. 62-65, Prakash Bhaban</ref><ref name=Ray>Ray, Nihar Ranjan, ''Bangalir Itihas Adi Parba'', (in Bengali), 1980 edition, pp. 276-281, Paschim Banga Niraksharata Durikaran Samiti</ref>

Initially, there were two primary groups, the ''[[Nishada Kingdom|Nishadas]]'' (who were Proto-Australoid tribes) and ''[[Dasa|Dasa-dasyus]]'' (related to [[Dravidian peoples|Dravidians]]). Amongst the subgroups were [[Bagdi (caste)|Bagdi]], [[Bauris|Bauri]], [[Kaibartta|Jele]], [[Haris (caste)|Hari]], [[Doms|Dom]], and others.
Around three-fourths of the [[Santals]] living in West Bengal, live in the Rarh region. Many of these peoples were initially martial races and were great heroes at some point of history. It is not that they form a majority in the district or region but they are substantial in numbers and probably were comparatively more numerous as a proportion of the total population in earlier days. Over the ages these people have exerted tremendous influence in shaping the folk culture of the region.<ref>Ghosh, Binoy, pp. 328-331</ref> The area was widely influenced by [[Jainism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Shaivite]] thinking prior to the conversion of [[History of Bankura district#Bir Hambir|Bir Hambir]] to [[Vaishnavism]]. There were traces of Vaishnavism even in earlier days but since Bir Hambir's conversion it became the dominant influence in the region. Thus various historical factors have shaped the culture of Bankura district.<ref>Ghosh, Binoy, pp. 331-342</ref>

==Temples==
[[File:Shyam Ray Temple (Shikhar 1) Arnab Dutta 2011.JPG|thumb|left|Shyam Ray Temple, Bishnupur.]]

Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples in [[Bishnupur, Bankura|Bishnupur]] than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects of temple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<ref name=Ghosh4>Ghosh, Binoy, pp. 337-346</ref>

Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scattered in different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces of Jainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite the area has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite [[terracotta]] carvings. Terracotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as for example at [[Jaydev Kenduli]] or [[Antpur]], but the art of terracotta carvings seems to have flourished with the rise of the [[History of Bankura district#Bishnupur kingdom|Rajas of Bishnupur]] and virtually died out with the fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the [[Bardhaman Raj]] have terracotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by the time [[Rani Rashmoni]] decided to construct the [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]], in the mid nineteenth century, the art of terracotta carvings had obviously faded out.<ref name=Ghosh4/>

While Bankura district has some fine examples of ''rekha deul'' temples built in what is popularly known as the [[Kalinga architecture]] of [[Orissa, India|Orissa]], as for example at [[Bahulara]], but it is the Bengal style of architecture that attracts attention in the district. The Shyamrai temple built by [[History of Bankura district#Raghunath Singh|Raghunath Singh]] in 1643 is perhaps the oldest ''pancharatna'' temple in Bengal. With curved roofs in thatched style, it has one ''deul'' in the centre and one in each corner. The ''Jor Bangla'' temple was built in 1655 also by Raghunath Singh. It is a fine example of the Bengal style of temple architecture. Gods and goddesses were thought of as being close to human beings and as such placed in temples that resembled human habitation, the hut with thatched roof.<ref name=Ghosh4/>

Four distinct types of temples may be distinguished in Bishnupur. The first has a single square on a curved roof and is represented by Malleswar temple. The second has a single tower on a curved roof. The best examples of this are Madan Mohan temple in brick and in laterite Lalji and Radha Shyam temples. The ''pancharatna'' temple has five towers on a curved roof. The best examples are Shyam Rai temple in brick and Madan Gopal temple in laterite. The fourth type is the ''Jor Bangla'' type with two buildings shaped like a typical Bengal hut joined together with a small tower on top. It is the most interesting one from the architectural point of view. The Shyam Rai temple has the finest specimens of carved tiles.<ref name=omalley>O’Malley, L.S.S., ICS, ''Bankura'', ''Bengal District Gazetteers'', pp. 183-191, 1995 reprint, first published 1908, Government of West Bengal</ref>

It needs to be mentioned that the powerful Rajas of Bishnupur had a non-descript single storied palace, not even comparable to the Rajbaris of many a somewhat ordinary [[zamindar]] in Bengal. Even the fort at Bishnupur seems to have been constructed for the protection of temples.<ref name=Ghosh4/>

{{See also|List of temples in Bishnupur}}

==Fort and Rasmancha==
[[File:Rasmancha Arnab Dutta 2011.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Rasmancha]]
The fort has a high earthen wall and a moat around it. The approach is through the ''Pathar Darja'', a large laterite gateway with arrow slits. In the western part of the fort is a building with four solid walls and no entrance except from top. It has no roof. It is believed to have been a dungeon where criminals were thrown in. There are a number of cannons, including the famous ''Dalmardan'' (commonly pronounced ''Dalmadal'').<ref name=omalley/>

The Rasmancha consists of a square chamber surrounded on each side by three galleries with ten, eight and five arched openings respectively, covered by a pyramidal roof. It was earlier used for putting up idols during the Ras festival.<ref name=omalley/>

==Handicrafts==
[[File:Bankura Horses Arnab Dutta 2011.JPG|thumb|220px|Bankura horses]]
Bankura district produces a number of terracotta handicrafts, the most popular being the [[Bankura horse]]. It has been praised for "its elegant stance and unique abstraction of basic values". Originally used for village rituals, it now adorns drawing rooms across the world as symbols of Indian folk-art.<ref name=terracotta>{{cite web| url = http://www.potteryindia.com/Terracotta/Introduction.htm| title = Terracotta Traditions| access-date = 28 July 2010| publisher = potteryindia| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020706173155/http://www.potteryindia.com/terracotta/introduction.htm| archive-date = 6 July 2002| df = dmy-all}}</ref> It is the logo of All India Handicrafts.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bangalinet.com/art&craft_bankura.htm| title = Bankura's Horses| access-date = 28 July 2010 | publisher = bengalinet}}</ref> The principal centres where the terracotta horses and elephants are produced are [[Panchmura]], Rajagram, Sonamukhi and Hamirpur. Each place has its local style. The Panchmura-style of pottery is considered the best and the finest of all the four types.<ref name=horse>{{cite web| url = http://www.webindia123.com/westbengal/art/pottery3.htm
| title = Arts | access-date = 28 July 2010 | work = Bankura Pottery | publisher = Suni Systems (P) Ltd. }}</ref>

Another popular product is the manasachali. The potters of Sonamukhi and Panchmura turn out thousands of manasachali for worshipping [[Manasa]] or the snake goddess.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/bengal/bankura/page5.htm | title = Temples of Bankura | access-date = 28 July 2010 | publisher = Hindu books Universe | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100608165553/http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/bengal/bankura/page5.htm | archive-date = 8 June 2010 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Among other forms of handicrafts prevalent in Bankura are: [[dhokra]], [[wood carving]], conch-shell, [[stone carving]], bamboo craft, bell metal, bel mala, dasabatar playing cards, and lanterns.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bankura.org/SITE/HandiCraft.asp | title = List of handicrafts of Bankura | access-date = 28 July 2010 | publisher = bankura.org | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725042036/http://bankura.org/SITE/HandiCraft.asp | archive-date = 25 July 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Handloom textiles==
One of the most expensive [[sari]]s in India, called the [[Baluchari Sari]]s, are created by craftsmen of Bishnupur. When, with the advent of the British, the Baluchari started declining in Murshidadabad, its original home, Subho Tagore, painter, art-collector and nephew of [[Rabindranath Tagore]], invited Akshay Kumar Das, a master weaver of Bishnupur to learn the intricacies of [[Jacquard loom|jacquard]] weaving. The latter infused the Baluchari into the rich traditions of silk weaving at Bishnupur. The silk strands are dyed separately and then put into a loom. Designs are woven with the help of a series of punch cards that are hung from the top of the loom. Mythological stories that formed the wall sculpture in many a temple in Bishnupur, found their way on to the body of the sari. One sari may have an entire episode from the [[Mahabharata]] woven into its border and pallu.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://sdobishnupur.gov.in/ProfileofBishnupurSub-Division.htm | title = Bishnupur Sub-Division: A Profile – Art and culture | access-date = 28 July 2010 | publisher = Office of Subdivisional Officer, Bishnupur, Bankura, Government of West Bengal | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100709022448/http://sdobishnupur.gov.in/ProfileofBishnupurSub-Division.htm | archive-date = 9 July 2010 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://bankura.org/SITE/Handlooms.asp | title = Baluchari and silk item | publisher = Bankura.org |access-date = 28 July 2010 }}</ref>

Apart from Baluchari and Swarnachuri saris, which are often produced with [[Tussar Silk|tussar silk]], the main cotton products of Bankura district are bed sheets, bed covers, [[gamchha]], towels, window and door curtains, [[dhoti|kachha dhuti]] and saris of coarser variety.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://bankura.gov.in/departments/Handloom/Handloom.htm
| title =Introduction | access-date = 28 July 2010 }}</ref>

==Fairs and festivals==
[[File:Dharmarajtala Surmanagar Arnab Dutta.JPG|thumb|Dharmarajtala, place for [[Dharmathakur|Dharma]] worship in a Bankura village.]]
The fairs of Bankura are often organised in consonance with religious festivities. Examples of such fairs and festivities are [[Choitro]] [[Gajan (festival)|Gajan]] of [[Ekteswar]] and [[Dharmathakur|Dharmarajer]] Gajan of [[Beliatore]]. The major Hindu festivals such as [[Durga Puja]], [[Kali Puja]], [[Lakshmi Puja]] and [[Vasant Panchami|Saraswati Puja]] are celebrated with pomp and grandeur. Major festivals of other religions, such as [[Eid al-Adha]], [[Eid ul-Fitr]], [[Vaisakhi]], Budha Purnima, and [[Christmas]] are also celebrated. Other important fairs and festivals are – Ras Utsab of Bishnupur, Kaliyadaman of Jagadallah and Purandarpur, Pirer Utsab of [[Indas]], Basuli Mela of [[Chhatna]] and Dhara Utsab of [[Susunia]]. [[Bhadu (festival)|Bhadu Puja]] and Tusu Puja find wide participation of women.<ref name=fairs>{{cite web| url = http://bankura.org/site/Fair%20Faist.htm | title = Fairs and Festivals | publisher =Bankura.org |access-date = 28 July 2010 }}</ref>

Jhapan festival, dedicated to the snake goddess [[Manasa]], is observed on the last day of [[Srabon]] in the western fringe of the state with a high concentration of tribal population. Idols of Manasa, specially made for the occasion, are carried round the village. The day is also of great significance for [[snake charmer]]s in the region with some kissing their snakes.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/08/jhapan-festival-snake-festival.html | title = Jhapan Festival – the Snake Festival Dedicated to Goddess Manasa in Bankura District in West Bengal | publisher = Hindu Blog| access-date = 28 July 2010 }}</ref>

Bishnupur Mela is being organised by the state government from 23 to 27 December from 1988, near the Madanmohana Temple. About 3-400,000 people visit the mela. Besides display and sale of handicraft items, cultural programmes including folk songs, are organized on three stages simultaneously, portraying the rich cultural heritage of this part of [[Rarh region|''Rarh Bhumi'']].<ref name="music"/><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.webindia123.com/festival/dec/vishnupur.htm | title = Vishnupur Festival (West Bengal)| publisher = Web India 123 |access-date = 28 July 2010 }}</ref>

Bankura Book Fair is organised in December every year.<ref name=fairs/>

See also - [http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/569540767sDYhYb Bankura Book Fair 2008 pictures]

See also - [http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/569536009hKpqae Bishnupur Fair 2008 pictures]

==Music==
The [[Bishnupur Gharana]] follows the [[Dhrupad]] tradition of [[Hindustani classical music]]. The [[gharana]] originated amongst the court musicians of the Rajas of Bishnupur, around the 14th century. It is said to be the only gharana developed exclusively in West Bengal.<ref name=music>{{cite web | url =http://sdobishnupur.gov.in/TouristInterest.htm | title =Music | publisher =Office of Subdivisional Officer, Bishnupur, Bankura, Government of West Bengal | access-date =28 July 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100413072858/http://sdobishnupur.gov.in/TouristInterest.htm | archive-date =13 April 2010 | url-status =dead }}</ref>

During the reign of Mughal emperor [[Aurangazeb]], the oppressive environment in field of art and culture, lead many musicians to the court at Bishnupur. Amongst them was the famous Dhrupad vocalist and dextrous instrumentalist Bahadur Khan, who was welcomed by Raghunath Singh Deo II and honoured as a court musician.<ref name=music/>

Historical evidence points to Pt. Ramachandra Bhattacharya, a disciple of Ud. Bahadur Khan, as the founder of the Bishnupur Gharana. In the later part of the eighteenth century and towards the early and mid-nineteenth century, when music of different gharanas was gradually veering around the [[Khyal]] style Indian classical music, the Dhrupad style continued flourishing in Bishnupur. It is simple, and devoid of heavy and complicated ornamentation. It has developed its own style with regard to rhythm.<ref name=music/>

A number of musicians played a role in the evolution and development of the gharana, namely Gadadhar Chakraborty, Krishna Mohan Goswami, Ram Sankar Bhattacharya and his son Ram Keshab Bhattacharya. They were some of the early exponents. Then appeared Jadu Bhatta (Jadunath Bhattacharya), who raised this music to a higher level and made it well known throughout India. Dinabandhu Goswami, Ananta Lal Bandyopadhyay. Rama Prasanna Bandyopadhyay, Radhika Prasad Goswami, Gopeshwar Bandyopadhyay, Surendranath Bandyopadhyay were the next generation musicians, all of whom were great exponents of Bishnupur Gharana. The disciples of Rama Prasanna Bandyopadhyay, Gokul Nag (sitar) and Asesh Chandra Bandyopadhyay (esraj) carried the reputation of Bishnupur Gharana to a higher standard.<ref name=music/> Bankura do known for its Rock music love, Events like Rock Fest 2011-2013, Valentine Fever 1-4(2014-2017, Project Agomoni 2014-2017, Noise Reduction 2017 & many more are there. There are few promising rock bands like Rusty nails, White shadow, The Living Word, Limit State, Abhisek & Friends, Crust, Operating System, Umeed.Some well recognised musicians such Shyam ji, Dipak Kumar Tudu, Siddhartha Chatterjee and many more.Anirban Sengupta AKA Bubkka and Rishi Mukherjee plays an important role in developing the bangla rock music culture in this City by Organizing Music fest like Bankura Rock Fest & Valentine Fever.

==Literature==
[[File:Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhaban Arnab Dutta 2011.JPG|thumb|Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhaban (Museum), Bishnupur.]]
A large number of literary little magazines are published in Bengali from Bankura district. Amongst the little magazines are: ''Aaddaa'', ''Aalor Shisu'', ''Aarja'' (quarterly published since 1979), ''Columbus'' (quarterly published since 1980), ''Kabitaa Dash Dine'', ''Kaanchan'', ''Kolaaj'', ''Kheyaali'' (quarterly published since 1981), ''Graamin Maatir Gandha'', ''Deepti'' (quarterly published since 1987), ''Tulsi Chandan'' (quarterly published since 1982), ''Pragati'', ''Manikaustav'' (monthly published since 1981), ''Jaameeni'' (bi-monthly published since 1976), ''Raamkinkar'', ''Lagnausha'' (quarterly published since 1979), ''Lokaayata'', ''Shatadal'' (quarterly published since 1981), ''Samakriti'', ''Sat'' (annual published since 1988), and ''Mukta Kanthaswar'' (quarterly published since 1988) ''Pipilika'' ( tri monthly published from 2016).<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.kolkatabookfaironline.com/little_bankura.php | title = Little magazines published from Bankura | publisher = Kolkata Book Fair |access-date = 28 July 2010 }}</ref>

==Art==
[[Jamini Roy]] (1887–1972), one of the most celebrated artists of modern India, was born in a remote village of Bankura district.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.calcuttaweb.com/people/jamini.shtml | title =Jamini Roy | publisher =calcuttaweb | access-date =1 August 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100918235940/http://calcuttaweb.com/people/jamini.shtml | archive-date =18 September 2010 | url-status =dead }}</ref>

[[Ram Kinker Baij]] (1910–1980), the earliest Indian artist to experiment with abstract sculptural forms, was born in Bankura.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.saffronart.com/artist/artistprofile.aspx?artistid=22 | title = Ramkinkar Baij | publisher = Saffronart |access-date = 1 August 2010 }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Bankura topics}}

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[[Category:Bankura district]]
[[Category:Culture of West Bengal]]

Culture of Bankura district - Revision history

Kamal Guha at 13:07, 4 August 2023