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| Chandannagar | |
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| Coordinates | 22°52′N 88°23′E / 22.87°N 88.38°E |
| Country |  India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District(s) | Hooghly |
| Population • Density |
150000 (2001) • 7,500 /km2 (19,425 /sq mi) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Area | 20 km2 (8 sq mi) |
Chandannagar, formerly known as Chandernagore or Chandernagar (French: Chandernagor), (Bengali: চন্দননগর Chôndonnôgor) is a small city and former French colony located 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of Kolkata, in West Bengal, India. It is head quarters of a subdivision in Hooghly District. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority.[1] Located on the Hooghly River, the city has been able to maintain a separate identity different from all other cities and abide by her own characteristics. The total area is a meagre 19 square kilometres (7.3 sq mi) having a population of over 150,000. Chandannagar is connected to Kolkata by railway, roadways and river and it takes about an hour to reach there by car.
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The name Chandannagore is possibly derived from the shape of the bank of the river Ganga which is bent like a half moon (Bengali: Chand means moon and Nagar implies city). Others believe it might have been taken from the flourishing trade and business of sandal wood (Bengali:Chandan) at that time. One more reason behind the name is, in Chandernagore there is a temple of Goddess 'Chandi'. So somebody believes that it might come from there. But earlier people knew the place by the name Farasdanga as it was a French colony (Bengali: Farasi means French, danga means land).
Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River. Bengal was then a province of the Mughal Empire. It became a permanent French settlement in 1688, and in 1730 Joseph François Dupleix was appointed governor of the city, during whose administration more than two thousand brick houses were erected in the town and a considerable maritime trade was carried on. For a time, Chandannagar was the main center for European commerce in Bengal.
In 1756 war broke out between France and Great Britain, and Colonel Robert Clive of the British East India Company and Admiral Charles Watson of the British Navy bombarded and captured Chandannagar on 23 March 1757. The town's fortifications and many houses were demolished thereafter, and Chandannagar's importance as a commercial center was eclipsed by that of Calcutta just downriver. Chandernagore was restored to the French in 1763, but retaken by the British in 1794 in the Napoleonic Wars. The city was returned to France in 1816, along with a 3 sq mi (7.8 km2) enclave of surrounding territory. It was governed as part of French India until 1950, under the political control of the governor-general in Pondicherry. By 1900 the town's former commercial importance was gone, and it was little more than a quiet suburb of Calcutta, with a population of 25,000 (1901). The European town was noted for its clean wide thoroughfares, with many elegant residences along the riverbank.
India became independent of Britain in 1947, and in June 1948 the French Government held a plebiscite which found that 97% of Chandannagar's residents wished to become part of India. In May 1950, the French allowed the Indian government to assume de facto control over Chandannagar, officially ceding the city to India on 2 February, 1951. De jure transfer took place on 9 June 1952. On 2 October 1955 Chandannagar was integrated into West Bengal state.
Chuti and New Digha are two very popular amusement parks situated in the western part of Chandannagar.
Jagaddhatri Puja is a major socio cultural event in this region.
The ancient history of Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar is unknown even today. It is believed that Indranarayan Chowdhury introduced the Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar in the manners similar to Raja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagore. The time of beginning of Jagadhatri Puja in Krishnanagore was 1762. Indranarayan Choudhury died in 1756. So Indranarayan Choudhury by no means introduced the Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar. The beginning of Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar probably dates back earlier than 1750. Indranarayan Choudhury performed the Jagadhatri puja at his own house in Chandannagar, at the time Krishnachandra used to come to borrow money from Indranarayan Choudhury. Perhaps Krishnachandra was attracted to greatness of Jagadhatri at this time.
The formal difference between goddess Durga and Jagaddhatri lies in Mayatantra and Jagaddhatri is mentioned with reference to Durga in Krishnanda's Tantrasaar. The rule to perform the special puja of the goddess on the ninth lunar day of the light fortnight in the Bengali month of Kartick has been mentioned in Krityatattarnab by Srinath Acharyachuramoni of the 15-16th century. The four-handed goddess is carried by the lion everywhere, an elephant lies at the feet of the lion. The idol has an old fashioned shaping, i.e. the face cutting is of a longish pattern; it has large eyes spread up to the ears and the four hands display conch, discus, shaft and bow respectively. The snake is her sacred thread. One of the main attraction of Jagaddhatri idol of Chandannagar is the ornamental decoration of the goddess with shola (stick) and beautiful canvas of mats with painting at the back of the image.
The number of community pujas in Chandannagar, Bhadreswar and Champdani Municipal areas cross 190. Of these, 132 Puja committees in different localities in Chandannagar and Bhadreswar are affiliated to the Chandannagar Central Jagadhatri Puja Committee. The Central committee renders all possible assistance to its constituents in getting permissions and clearances for holding Puja. The immersion procession is really memorable and enjoyable sight to witness in which lakhs of people participate from far and near. The beautiful decorated tall images loaded on trucks are taken around the city in a procession.
It is believed that there was a small school founded by the missionaries for the Bengali boys on the south of Chandannagar where there is a convent now. Bengali and French were freely taught there. The former Dupleix college was also established by the missionaries. Later Dupleix college was known as Dupleix school from 1901. The school was renamed Kanailal Vidyamandir after the name of the revolutionary Kanailal Dutta, a student of this school, on 17 May 1948 just before the liberation from the French rule. The Centenary ceremony of the school was inaugurated by Dr. Brajakanta Guha, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Burdwan on its first day.
Banga Vidyalaya is another well known school of Chandannagar. It was established on Baisakh 20, 1288 (Bengali calendar) with three boys only on roll at a small rented house of Kanailal Khan at Barasat Tematha. There were two primary schools, one established in 1885 by Durga Charan Rakshit after his own name. The other one was founded by Harihar Sett after his father's name as Nritya Gopal Sett Prathamik Vidyalaya.
Sri Aurobindo Vidyamandir is one of the most renowned School of this town and is the only English medium School of the town for Boys. It is quite famous in the district as it is one of the very few English medium schools that are affiliated to the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE).
Krishnabhabini Narisiksha Mandir was established in 1926 by Harihar Sett after his mother's name. This was the first girl's high school in the district. Besides there is an educational institution established and managed by Prabartak Sangha. There was an arrangement for both boys and girls to stay and receive education here. Convent for girls at Chandannagar. It was the oldest educational institution in the area. Through the years the school has retained its excellent tradition of exemplary dedication which is reflected in its excellent result in ICSE exam. The building which first bore the name St. Joseph's Convent has now branded into buildings on every side of the campus. These buildings have been erected to accommodate the sister institutions, St. Anthony's High School, the dispensary and its annexe, St. Mary's school, all under the management of St. Joesph's Convent.
[[RISH AUROBINDO BAL KENDAM]]
Italic text
“RONG O TULI” one of the renowned Art School at Chandannagore since 1960. Celebrating Golden Jubilee this year. Founder famous seiner artist Sri Sunil Chattopadhayay. Presently Teacher in Charge Mr.Shuvendu Banerjee, Tematha, Shivtala , Chandanagore, Dt: Googhly. India.
First drawing school of Chandernagore was SISHU KALA BHAVAN Estd: 1946. Founded by Sri Bankim Bandyopadhyay in Kanailal Vidyamandir (French Section). Many talented painters started their carrier from there. The first International prize in painting was won by Sri Patit Paban Das from Sishu Kala Bhavan in 1956 in West Bengal. Other Famous Artists were Sri Madhab Ch Basak, Sri Gora Chand Das, Sri Ajit Das, Sri Hari Narayan Das etc.
This is a list of publications from Chandannagore in both the French era and modern times:
Chandannagar is located at 22°52′N 88°23′E / 22.87°N 88.38°E[2]. It has an average elevation of 10 metres (32 feet).
As of 2001 India census[3], Chandannagar had a population of 162,166. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Chandannagar has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 74%. 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Current MLA from Chandannagar assembly constituency is Shibaprasad (Ratan) Bandopahdyaya of CPI(M), who won the seat in State elections of 2006. Kamal Mukherjee of INC had won this seat in 2001 and in 1996. Sandhya Chatterjee of CPI(M) was elected in 1991 and in 1987. Bhabani Mukherjee of CPI(M) was MLA from this seat in 1982 and in 1977.[4]
Chandannagar assembly constituency is part of Hooghly (Lok Sabha constituency).[5]
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Chandernagore (Chandannagar, Chandernagar, Chandernagor, Chandernagore) is a small city located 30 kilometers north of Kolkata, in West Bengal, India. Situated along the banks of river Ganga, the city has been able to maintain a separate identity different from all other cities and abide by her own characteristics. The "City of Liberty" has always attracted people from all over the world due to her indescribable beauty. Though the total area is a meagre 19 square kilometers having a population of only over 150 thousands, she has managed to maintain a distinct place not only on the map of India but also on that of the world. This small town for over a period of 300 years has a unique blend of culture and heritage which is unparalleled in history. Chandannagar is well connected to Kolkata by railways, roadways and river and it takes about an hour to reach the place. The people of Chandanngore have excelled in all the fields varying from literature and education to culture, sports and arts throughout history. Chandannagore hosts many tourist places like Museums, the Strand, Churches, Temples, Rabindra Bhaban, birth places of many celebrities and many other spots some of which are not so well known but nevertheless a treat for the tourists and historians.
By Road: Chandannagore is 37 km by road from Kolkata via G.T.Road or Delhi road. Taxis and private cars in Kolkata are easily available to approach Chandannagore. Since National Golden Quadilateral is almost completed, you can use Bombay highway from Calcutta. This new highway is very fast, 4 laned and dodges traffic congestion near Bally bridge.
By Rail: Local trains from Howrah through Eastern Railway main line run very frequently (peak frequency one train every 10 or 12 minutes). Many important express and passenger trains halt here. If you are coming from Calcutta (Kolkata) you can catch either of these local suburban trains: Burdwan via main line, Bandel local, Katwa local, Panduah local. Tickets prices for local train is Rs.8 one way. Normally, there is a very high rush during morning and evening hours as a large number of people travel to and back from Kolkata for work,etc.
By Air: Nearest airport is at Kolkata (Kolkata Airport), which is airlinked with all major Indian and international cities. Chandannagore is only 40 km by road from the airport. Please check Flight Schedules from the airport. If you want to go to airport from Chandernagore, the best option will be to hire a car. The cab will charge around Rs. 500-600 and will take around 1.5 hours- 2 hours depending upon traffic.
By Water: Government of West Bengal (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation) operates river services across river Hooghly (Ganga) and also between Chandannagore and Kolkata and Belur.
You can rent a car if you wish. In the rail station itself, you will find innumerable rickshaws waiting and calling you. Talk to one of them. It should not take more than Rs. 150/- to visit the entire city. This is an over estimate. Try to burgain as much as you can. In the evening, leave the rickshaw and take a leisurely stroll in the promenade in Chandannagar strand. You can also book an autorickshaw to get around in Chandannagar. There is an excellent service by this autoriskshaws. Autorickshaw is a small three wheeler van, similar to Tuk Tuk's of Thailand. There are dirt cheap (around Rs. 3-5) and usually you have to travel with a group of people (say 4 or 5 people). Normally, these autorickshaw ply on designated routes, but you can hire them personally to take you to desired place.
Chandernagore is famous for its Jagatdhatri Puja. It takes place just one month after the Durga Puja, usually in the month of November. The pandals, street lightings, idols - everything will make you spellbound. Millions of people from different parts of the country come here during that period. If you are crowd averse, then its better for you to avoid Chandernagore during that time. Though, the atomosphere then is electrifying, and the whole city buzzes with exuberance. The emersion of idols gets marked with illuminated processions.
Residences of famous personalities: The place hosts a galaxy of famous personalities who had strong impact not only on contemporary society but also affected Indian History. The revolutionary leader Rash Behari Bose, Kanailal Datta and the great social reformer Sri Harihar Seth belonged to this place.
Apart from these, there are a number of amusement parks in Chandernagore, which attracts millions of picnic lovers during the winter. Wonderland Amusement Park, operated by KMDA is the most popular one, which is located near the Chandernagore Rail Station. Chhuti, opearted by Chandernagore Municipal Corporation is another one which is located near Delhi Road.
Another big crowd puller in Chandernagore is Christmas celebration. Chandannagar has a very old church in the middle of Barabazar and it is point of major attraction during Christmas for people of all faiths.
You can also enjoy Charak puja in Hospital ground in Laxmigung street and Jyotimore crossing. during Bengali New Year. In Charak puja, a groups of men and women, hang from a bamboo stick of 10 or 15 foot height and they were swinged in a circular direction. Good art to see!!!
Chandannagar is a small city. There is not much to do. Nowadays, the local civic authority and some local clubs are trying to promote the city as an adventure sports hub.
Chandernagore was once called Farashdanga. At that time, the local handloom industry was at its peak. Farashdanga Dhooti (A traditional dress for bengali men), saree were famous not only in bengal, but in other parts of the country also. Now also, the industry exists, though its getting sicker and sicker everyday. You can go to the place called Halderpara, where some of them still exist.
There are innumerable shops where you get whatever you want. From most modern civic amenities to apparels, everything is available. There are few air conditioned shopping malls also present there. Buy a souvenir from there if you wish.
There is also new air conditioned mall coming up in Laxmigung Bazar. The mall is supposed to house all local and national brands.
The major shopping area in Chandernagore is concentrated in the Bagbazar and Laxmigung Bazar area. During peak seasons, i.e. Durga puja and Jagadhatri puja, streets are jostling with people buying cloths, accessories etc.
Chandernagore is famous for its sweets. Suryakumar Modak, a famous confectioner, apparently invented a new sweet named Jolbhora Sandesh once upon a time. Nowadays, his grandsons operate more than one sweet shops in the city. Don't forget to have a taste of jolbhora. Apart from this, the other sweets and deserts are also very tasty and delicious. Names of few famous sweet shops are listed below -
Apart from these, few very good restaurants are also available, where you get a wide range of food from Chinese to Indian. few of them are -
Street food in Chandernagore is really awesome. However, it is not always advisable to eat outside food specially from vendors as they maintain poor hygiene standards. Some of the places where you can go to tease your taste buds are -
Liquor shops are available throughout the city, where you get a vast variety of foreign liquors. Few bars are also in operation. Chandernagore was once famous for its home-made country liquor industry. Its still very much alive on the other side of the railway track (though illegally operated). Prudence says: don't venture. You never know what can happen to you after that. Also one should refrain oneself from drinking in open public places as it is deemed to bad in Indian culture.
Ganesh Sweets in Laxmigunj Bazar is famous for its lassi. It's a treat to your thirst in the hot and humid days of summer.
There is a scarcity of good hotels in Chandernagore. One has to book well in advance if you plan to visit the city. Few options which are available are-
KMDA Park Rest House - Set amidst the beautiful garden in the amusement park called Wonderland. Operated by KMDA.
The first one can be booked through the following no. +91 33 26835840. This is the no. of Rabindra Bhaban. If it is full, they should be able to help you with the phone no. of the second place.
Chandernagore is very close to most other one time non-british colonies. Chinsurah, once held by Dutch is just 5 km away from Chandernagore. Former Portuguese settlement Bandel and Danish settlement Serampore are also nearby. One can visit Hangseswari Temple in Bansberia, Tarakeswar, Furfura Sharif in Jangipara, Belur Math also from Chandernagore.
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Category: Outline articles
   | Geocities site about Chandannagar - Welcome to Home Page of Chandannagore |
| | Indian Ministry for External Affairs - 1951 Treaty of Cession - Economy - India Bilateral Treaties and Agreements - Volume 1 |
| | Stereotype photo (poverty etc) Gallery of Chandannagar on ''Trek''Earth - Chandannagar Photos | TrekEarth |
| | ''East Meets West'' by A. Chatterji - East Meets West |
| | Yahoo! Education page on Chandannagar - Chandannagar - Facts from the Encyclopedia - Yahoo! Education |
| | Institut de Chandernagore - official website - Institute De Chandennagore |
| | In Clive's Command: A Story of the Fight for India - In Clive's Command by Herbert Strang - Project Gutenberg |
| | Three Frenchmen in Bengal: The Commercial Ruin of the French Settlements in 1757 - Three Frenchmen in Bengal by S. C. Hill - Project Gutenberg |
| | Yahoo! Education page on Chandannagar - Chandannagar - Facts from the Encyclopedia - Yahoo! Education |
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