Heritage is that, what one can receive from the past. It shapes ones present identity and provides imminent for ones future. It is not only about sticks and stones reflecting the sighs of history but the term "heritage" signifies a lot more. Heritage is the combination of all those things, which make ones individuals
The rich heritage and culture of Bengal remains in her lullabies, literature, folks, dances, music and theaters which finds an articulate enunciation amidst the different heritage sites of Bengal of which Murshidabad, Coochbehar, Hoogly, Malda etc are worth mentioning.
Murshidabad:
Murshidabad is one of the oldest cities of west Bengal. It has a rich heritage. Laced with its historical wonders Murshidabad was the first capital of Bengai. Nawab Murshid Quli Khan founded Murshidabad. The District Of Murshidabad has an area of 2143 sq. m. The town of Murshidabad is on the left bank of the Bhagirathi or old sacred channel of the Ganges. The archeological wonders, historical relics and braided with its glorious past Murshidabad still whispers the verities of those long gone days of British colonialism. In the recent era Murshidabadm has gradually developed itself as the main trading town for agricultural products and has also prospered into a famous silk centre.
Coochbehar:
Cooch Behar was once a significant State ruled by the Kings of Cooch Behar, back in the year 1949. Eventually, on 19th January, 1950, Cooch Behar was transferred and merged with the province of West Bengal. History reveals that the ancient territory of Kamrup played a role in the development of the present region of Cooch Behar. One of the most famous attractions, The Coochbehar Palace stands vast and radiant with unique architecture, grandeur and beauty in Coochbehar. Gosanimari Temple and Baneswar Temple are also well recognized as the tourist spots and are famous for the rare giant turtles that are found.
Hoogly
Hoogly is 47 km north of Kolkata. The Portuguese founded Hooghly in 1537. Bandel Church, Debanandapur, the birthplace of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Joyrambati and Kamarpukur with its connection to the life of Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi are the places of attraction in the district that illustrates the rich heritage of Hoogly. Hoogly district is very strong with both agriculture and industrial activities.
Malda
Malda, is situated near the confluence of Mahananda and Kalindi rivers. It has witnessed the ruling of many dynasties and religions. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, and the British pressure have left its imprint in this region. Malda is a base for visiting Gaur and Pandua. While Pandua has the third largest concentration of Muslim monuments in Bengal the former still illustrates the history of serving as the capital to three dynasties of ancient Bengal.
Santiniketan
Nobel Laureate Shri Rabindra Nath founded Santiniketan in 1901. He visualised a perfect harmony of humanity with nature in Santiniketan. Rabindranath Tagore started a school at Santiniketan on 22 December,1901. At first the name of the school was Brahmacharyasrama, but later it was named Visva Bharati. The symbolic meaning of the school is "where the world makes a home in a nest", defined by Rabindranath. Shantiniketan with its art galleries, museums and prayer hall stans as an emblem of peace and harmony.
Bardhaman:
Bardhaman also called Burdwan,or Barddhaman covers an area of 4,545 sq. km. It is a major communications centre lying astride the Banka River, just north of the Damodar River. This place is a rich source of inspiration for folk art, literature, folk music and the genius of Rabindranath. A portion of the famous Burdwan Rajbati complex and heritage, is a history in itself.
Nadia:
From Murshidabad to Coochbehar to Nadia, each heritage spot in West Bengal is more fascinating than the other. And hitting the heritage trail in Bengal provides a fascinating insight into the rich history of the state. Nadia is the place for the ones with a religious mind. It is home to Nabadwip and Mayapur. Mayapue is the headquarters of ISKCON, while Nabadwip with its distinction of being the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya. Krishnanagar, at Nadia is definitely worth a visit. There are also the Chandroday Temple and Sonargouranga, the temple with the golden statue of Sri Chaitanya which reverberates the true aura of spirituality in Nadia.
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