Sagardighi and the Hiranyagarbha Shiva Temple of Coochbehar, the Memory, Architecture and Urban Vision of Maharaja Harendra Narayan Bhupbahadur - (Part 1): West Bengal, North Bengal and the Historical Setting of Cooch Behar.
Episode 1
Author - Biswarup Chatterjee.
Introduction
In the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, West Bengal is a state (- 21°25′ N to 27°13′ N latitude and 85°50′ E to 89°50′ E longitude.), which is quite rich in geographical diversity, cultural vitality, and historical depth. The area has contributed significantly to the growth of Indian civilization and legacy since ancient times. A distinctive natural setting is provided by its diverse physical landscape, which includes the fertile alluvial plains in the middle, the plateau regions in the west, the coastal belt along the Bay of Bengal in the south, and the foothills of the Himalayas in the north. In addition to improving biodiversity and the environment, this geographic diversity has had a significant impact on the way of life, economics and cultural customs of its inhabitants.
Kolkata is the capital city of this state (Latitude: (22.57° N & Longitude: (88.36° E), which is a most significant hub for education, literature, arts, culture, and business in the nation of Kolkata, formerly the city was the capital of British India. Kolkata has served as a significant center for various nationalist movements, intellectual awakening, and cultural renaissance from the colonial era to the present. Renowned universities, libraries, research centers, and cultural institutions have all contributed to the city's unique standing in the fields of academia and the arts.
The rich alluvial soil formed by the Ganga, Bhagirathi, and Hooghly rivers has made the region highly fertile and agriculturally prosperous. Because of this, rice, jute, vegetables, and many other crops have been grown successfully in West Bengal for generations. The livelihood and the culture of the People are still strongly tied to agriculture. In addition to this traditional foundation, contemporary industries like trade, small-scale manufacturing, tourism, information technology, and handicrafts have all significantly boosted the state's economy.
The state is also highly regarded in the areas of literature, music, theater, painting, and folk culture. This place has produced notable individuals who have enhanced the cultural life of this place, which includes a number of poets, authors, writers and intellectuals. In addition to being religious celebrations, festivals like Durga Puja, which is . (Figure 1, 2 & 3) and Poush Mela (Figure 4, 5 & 6), which is a famous traditional fair held every year in Santiniketan, West Bengal, to celebrate the Bengali month of Poush (December–January). It is one of the most important cultural festivals associated with Santiniketan and Visva-Bharati, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, one of the greatest noble laureate poets, philosophers, and cultural figures of India. He was a poet, writer, philosopher, composer, and educationist, and is widely regarded as the most influential literary figure of modern India.. are also lively social and cultural events that capture the spirit of Bengalis and their vibrant social lives.
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Figure 2:
Figure 3: Durga puja of Bengal
North Bengal: A Cultural and Historical Landscape
The northern part of West Bengal, popularly known as North Bengal, is a region of exceptional natural beauty and historical significance. It comprises the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda. Geographically, the region extends from the eastern Himalayas in the north to the fertile alluvial plains in the south. The mountainous terrain of Darjeeling and Kalimpong is characterized by cool climate, dense forests, and world-famous tea plantations, which developed during the colonial period and continue to contribute significantly to the regional economy. The Terai and Dooars zones, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, are rich in biodiversity and are home to several important wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
North Bengal also possesses a rich historical and archaeological heritage. The region formed an important part of ancient and medieval political centres such as Kamarupa, Gauda, and later the Koch kingdom. Archaeological remains, including temple structures, sculptural fragments, fortified settlements, and large man-made reservoirs such as sagar and dighi, reflect advanced planning, religious patronage, and urban development. The monuments and material remains of Cooch Behar, particularly those associated with the Koch rulers, demonstrate the region’s cultural prosperity and administrative sophistication, preserving valuable evidence of its glorious past.
Cooch Behar: The Heritage Town
Among the districts, Cooch Behar holds special importance for:
- Rajbanshi culture
- Koch royal history
- Numerous temples and water reservoirs
- Rich architectural heritage
- Monuments
One of the significant monuments here is the Hiranyagarbha Shiva Temple, located beside Sagardighi.
References.
1) Ahamad, Khan Chaudhary Amanatulla. 1990 [rep.]. Kochbiharer Itihas , (in Bengali). Kochbihar: Kochbihar State Press.
2) Mukhopadhyay, Shyamachand, compiler and author. Kochbehar Jelar Purakirti. Edited by Amiya Kumar Bandyopadhyay and Sudhir Ranjan Das,Puratattva O Sangrahalay Adhikar, PWD (Archaeology), Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, 1st ed., Oct. 1974; 2nd ed., Jan. 2015. Printed by Saraswati Press Ltd.
3) My Personal Fieldwork.
**This article is part of a four-part research series on Sagardighi and the Hiranyagarbha Shiva Temple of Cooch Behar.**
* Next episode comming very soon*
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