Barrackpore Barrackpur | |
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    From the top : Barrackpore railway station Barrackpore Trunk Road Race course Track Ground Mangal Pandey Park | |
  Barrackpore Location in West Bengal, India Show map of West Bengal Barrackpore Barrackpore (India) Show map of India Barrackpore Barrackpore (Asia) Show map of Asia | |
| Coordinates:22°46′N88°22′E / 22.76°N 88.37°E /22.76; 88.37 | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  West Bengal |
| Division | Presidency |
| City | Kolkata |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Body | Barrackpore Municipality |
| • Chairman | Uttam Das (TMC)[1][2] |
| • MP | Partha Bhowmick (TMC) |
| • MLA | Raj Chakraborty (TMC) |
| • Police Commissioner | Alok Rajoria,IPS |
| • Deputy Commissioner of Police | Srihari Pandey,IPS |
| Area | |
• Total | 10.61 km2 (4.10 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 15 m (49 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 152,784 |
| • Density | 14,400/km2 (37,300/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Barrakpurians |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Bengali[3][4] |
| • Additional official | English[4] |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 700120, 700121, 700122, 700123 |
| Telephone code | +91 33 |
| Vehicle registration | WB-23/WB-24 |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Barrackpore |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Barrackpore |
| Police Jurisdiction | Barrackpore Police Commissionerate |
| Website | bkpmuty |
Barrackpore (Bengali pronunciation:[bærakpur]), also spelled asBarrackpur,[5]is a city and a municipality ofNorth 24 Parganas district in theIndian state ofWest Bengal. It is the headquarters of theBarrackpore subdivision.[6] The city is a part of the area covered byKolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).[7]
The name Barrackpore may have originated from the English wordbarracks, as it was the site of the first cantonment of theBritish East India Company. Alternatively, theAin-i-Akbari suggests that the name comes from "Barbakpur".[8]Manasa Vijay, written byBipradas Pipilai, refers to Talpukur (a place in Barrackpore) as "Charnak".
The earliest references to the Barrackpore region are found in the writings of the Greek navigators, geographers, chronicles and historians of the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. These authors generally referred to the country of a people variously called theGangaridai (also Gangaridae or Gandaritai). By the 15th and 16th centuries, Chanak and the other towns in the region had become populous river towns.[9] The Statistical Account of Bengal byW.W.Hunter mentions the towns and villages of this subdivision on the banks of the Hooghly river as chief trading and marketing centres: "On The Hugli- Calcutta, the chief seat of commerce in India. Baranagar, Dakhineswar, Agarpara, Panihati, Sukchar- Khardah, Barrackpur, Nawabganj, Ichapore, Shyam Nagar, Naihati and Halisahar contain large bazaars for sale of miscellaneous goods."[10]
Under theMughal Empire, Bengal was divided intoCircars, or administrative subunits, each of which was ruled over by a Mahal. The name"Barbuckpur", another name for Barrackpore, is associated with a Mahal in theAin-e-Akbari. From the 17th century, the area was ruled over by a line ofZamindars based in Nona Chandanpukur, Barrackpore.
The firstBritish barrack or cantonment in India was built in the town in 1772. After the British crown assumed direct control of India, the sprawling Government House and the Government Estate were built in Barrackpore to provide theviceroy with a suburban residence 20 kilometres (12 miles) outside of Calcutta.
Two rebellions against British authority took place in Barrackpore in the 19th century. The first of these wasBarrackpore Mutiny of 1824, led by Sepoy Bindee Tiwary.[11] In this rebellion, 47thBengal Native Infantry refused to board boats to cross the sea for various reasons including social taboo "kala pani" toBurma in theFirst Anglo-Burmese War. The mutiny was suppressed by loyal Indian sepoys under the command of their British officers.[12] In 1857, Barrackpore was the scene of an incident that some credit with starting theIndian Rebellion of 1857: an Indian soldier,Mangal Pandey, attacked his British commander, and was subsequentlycourt-martialed. His regiment was disbanded, an action which offended a number ofsepoys and is considered to have contributed to the anger that fuelled the rebellion. In order to commemorate his actions, a park named 'Sahid Mangal Pandey Udyan' was opened in the serenity of river Hoogly. The Army cantonment of Barrackpore also houses another significant historicallandscape called the RCTC area, now populated by the defence quarters.[13]
Asia's firstzoo was established at Barrackpore. The zoo was built byLord Wellesley in the 19th century. There is an aviary built in magnificentGothic architecture.The zoo had animals such as theAfrican donkey,tiger,bear,bison,leopard,mousedeer, kangaroos, monkeys and various species of birds.[14][15]
Lord Wellesley felt the need of making a detailed description of the animals inAsia. This was primarily because theEuropeans were mostly ignorant when it came to the category of Indian animals. He started working on the first Natural Research Center in Asia, the 'National Heritage of India'. Various animals were required to be collected. Barrackpore Zoo was built to store these animals and birds. Until 1804, ₹2,791 was invested in the cost of maintenance of these animals and birds.
Until 1802 and 1803, then only three zoos were open to the general public around the world. The first inVienna (1765), the second inMadrid (1775), the third inParis (1795). Even the 'Zoological Society of London' was not yet formed (to be formed in 1826). London Zoo was still a long way off, having started in 1828, and was still 43 years late for the general public. Subjects do not have access to the royal zoo. It is surprising to think that at such a time sixteen miles north of Calcutta, Barrackpore, the first zoo in India, the first in Asia and probably the fourth in the world, opened to the general public. This revolutionary work in the history of naturalism in the world was done by an enterprising man of theEast India Company, the Governor General of India, Lord Richard Wellesley, the first Marquess Wellesley.
Later due to decrease in funds byEast India Company to run the zoo, the birds, animal (like elephant and tigers) were distributed into kings ofPrincely states.
Between 1798–1805,Lord Wellesley was the Governor of Kolkata and he created a picturesque garden on the banks of the Ganges in Barrackpore spreading across 1006 bighas of land. This garden is today, called Laat Bagan or Mangal Pandey Park.Right next to this garden, he built a gigantic house which resembled no less than a castle. Later, this house was named Barrackpore Government House. It was called Country House by British. It also had hospital at that time. For transport he made road from Barrackpore toShyambazar, now known asB.T.Road.
Barrackpore is bounded by North Barrackpur and Jaffarpur to the north, Mohanpur, Chak Kanthalia, Ruiya and Patulia to the east, Titagarh to the south, and the Hooghly and Barrackpur Cantonment to the west.
Historically, the town was a military and administrative center under British rule and was the scene of several acts of rebellion against Britain during the 19th century. The oldest cantonment in India and the Police Training Academy in West Bengal are both located in Barrackpore. Barrackpore is also the seat for the Sub-Divisional Court of North 24 Parganas District in West Bengal. It was also one of the earliest known places in India, where the sport ofcricket was introduced and played during the Colonial era.[16]
96% of the population ofBarrackpore subdivision (presented in the maps alongside) live in urban areas. In 2011, it had a density of population of 10,967 per km2. The subdivision has 16 municipalities and 24 census towns.[17]
For most of the cities/ towns information regarding density of population is available in the Infobox. Population data is not available for neighbourhoods. It is available for the entire Municipal area and thereafter ward-wise.
All places marked on the map are linked in the full-screen map.
Barrackpore is bounded byNorth Barrackpur andJafarpur on the north,Mohanpur,Chak Kanthalia,Ruiya andPatulia on the east,Titagarh on the south, and theHooghly andBarrackpur Cantonment on the west.[18][19]
Barrackpore and Titagarh police station underBarrackpore Police Commissionerate has jurisdiction over Barrackpore Municipal area.[20][21]
Barrackpore Head Post Office is one of the two Head Post Offices of Barrackpore Division (formerly known as North Presidency Division) of North 24 Parganas district . It is a delivery post office, withPIN 700120. Other post offices with the same PIN are Monirampur, Nayapally, Orderly Bazar, Vivekananda Math, Barrackpore Bazar, Barrackpore Government Housing and Ghoshpara Road.[22]
Sewli Telenipara is a delivery branch post office, withPIN 700121 in the Barrackpore Division of North 24 Parganas district. Other post offices with the same PIN areNilganj Bazaar Sub Post Office, Beraberia BO and Suryapur BO.[23]
Anandapuri is a non-delivery sub post office, withPIN 700122 in the Barrackpore Division of North 24 Parganas district. Other post offices having the same PIN are Nonachandanpukur (delivery office) andJafarpur.[24]
Barrackpore RS is a non-delivery sub post office, withPIN 700123 in the Barrackpore Division of North 24 Parganas district. Other post offices having the same PIN are Panpara and Talpukur (delivery office).[25]
Barrackpore has been ranked 30th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.[26]
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 19,307 | — |
| 1911 | 27,605 | +43.0% |
| 1921 | 22,460 | −18.6% |
| 1931 | 14,413 | −35.8% |
| 1941 | 21,773 | +51.1% |
| 1951 | 42,639 | +95.8% |
| 1961 | 63,778 | +49.6% |
| 1971 | 96,889 | +51.9% |
| 1981 | 115,516 | +19.2% |
| 1991 | 142,557 | +23.4% |
| 2001 | 144,391 | +1.3% |
| 2011 | 152,783 | +5.8% |
| 2021 | 198,000 | +29.6% |
| Source:[27] | ||
As per the2011 Census of India, Barrackpore had a total population of 152,783, of which 78,349 (51%) were males and 74,434 (49%) were females. Population below 6 years was 11,786. The total number of literates in Barrackpore was 125,144 (88.76% of the population over 6 years).[29]
As of the 2001 India Census[update],[30] Barrackpore had a population of 144,331. Men constitute 53% of the population and women 47%. Barrackpore has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The majority of the population isBengali andHindu.
The following Municipalities, Census Towns and other locations in Barrackpore subdivision were part of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration in the 2011 census:Kanchrapara (M),Jetia (CT),Halisahar (M),Balibhara (CT),Naihati (M),Bhatpara (M),Kaugachhi (CT),Garshyamnagar (CT),Garulia (M),Ichhapur Defence Estate (CT),North Barrackpur (M),Barrackpur Cantonment (CB),Barrackpore (M),Jafarpur (CT),Ruiya (CT),Titagarh (M),Khardaha (M),Bandipur (CT),Panihati (M),Muragachha (CT)New Barrackpore (M),Chandpur (CT),Talbandha (CT),Patulia (CT),Kamarhati (M),Baranagar (M),South Dumdum (M),North Dumdum (M),Dum Dum (M),Noapara (CT),Babanpur (CT),Teghari (CT),Nanna (OG), Chakla (OG), Srotribati (OG) andPanpur (OG).[32]
As per the District Census Handbook 2011, Barrackpore Municipal city covered an area of 10.61 km2 (4.10 sq mi). Amongst the civic amenities it had 172.63 km of roads and open drains. Amongst the medical facilities It had 40 medicine shops. Amongst the educational facilities It had 62 primary schools, 12 middle schools, 1 secondary school, 11 senior secondary schools and 3 non-formal education centres. Amongst the social, recreational and cultural facilities it had 1 old age home, 6 auditorium/ community halls, 2 public libraries and 6 reading rooms. Amongst the commodities manufactured were cottage industry and confectionery items. It had 11 bank branches.[33]
See alsoCities and towns in Barrackpore subdivision
Barrackpore Trunk Road (B.T. Road) (part of bothSH 1 andSH 2) connects Barrackpore Chiria More withShyambazar. Ghoshpara Road connectsBarrackpore railway station area withKanchrapara and goes on to link with the adjacent district of Nadia. Surendranath Banerjee Road connects Manirampore withBarrackpore railway station area via Barrackpore Chiria More. Barrackpore-Barasat Road (part ofSH 2) starts at Lalkuthi and goes up toBarasat viaNilganj. Many buses ply along these roads. Barrackpore Rail Overbridge was opened in 2013 at Lalkuthi to make transport-communication easier and smoother.[34]
Barrackpore has been serviced by rail since 1862. It takes about 35–40 minutes by suburban train to reachBarrackpore railway station fromSealdah Station. TheSealdah-Ranaghat Line runs through this city and connects toHowrah,Kolkata,Budge Budge,Kalyani,Ranaghat,Krishnanagar,Shantipur,Gede,Bandel,Burdwan, andKatwa. It is part of theKolkata Suburban Railway system. Former Rail MinisterMamata Banerjee announced the extension of Metro Rail project to Barrackpore (Pink Line) which was later shelved infinitely. TheBarrackpore Racecourse railway station was constructed in 1927 for race special train. This railway station is now abandoned and used by theIndian army only.[citation needed]
There are three Ferry ghats in Barrackpore. Barrackpore Ferry Ghat links to Jugal Adhya Ferry Ghat across theHooghly River inSerampore. Babaji Ghat at Monirampore links toChatra Char Poisar Ghat atSerampore and Dui Poisar Ghat links toSheoraphuli Ghat.[35]
Barrackpore Air Force Station is anIndian Air Force base located at Barrackpore. It is one of the oldest stations in the IAF, operating transport units. One of theMi-17 squadrons is based here.Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport inDum Dum, Kolkata is the nearest airport.
Notable schools include in Barrackpore include,St. Claret School,St. Augustine's Day School Douglas Memorial Higher Secondary School, Modern English Academy School,Barrackpore Government High School, JDS Public School, Panpur, Adamas International School andArmy Public School.
Among the colleges located in Barrackpore areBarrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College andMahadevananda Mahavidyalaya. The area also has two engineering colleges,St. Mary's Technical Campus Kolkata being affiliated toAICTE.Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibers, Its only research institute on jute & allied fibres crops in India.
Medical facilities available in Barrackpore are B.N. Bose Subdivisional Hospital (with 200 beds), Barrackpore Cantonment Hospital (with 48 beds), Barrackpore Police Case Hospital (with 6 beds) and Police Brigade Hospital (with 120 beds).[36] Amongst the private medical facilities are Barrackpore Multispeciality Hospital, Sarada Seva Sadan, Panacea Nursing Home, Nehru Memorial Techno Global Hospital, Barrackpore City Hospital, Barrackpore Medical Research Center, Disha Eye Hospital and Disha Cataract and Refractive Surgi Centre, Prova Eye Foundation.[37]
Media related toBarrackpore at Wikimedia Commons
Kolkata/Northern fringes travel guide from WikivoyageBarrackpore travel guide from WikivoyageCities, towns, locations and neighbourhoods inNorth 24 Parganas district,Presidency division | |||||||||
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| Kolkata Urban Agglomeration Outside KMC |
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