![]() Pilgrimage Tourism of Bardhaman District was the abode of the Muslim rulers and the British Empire in India. Hence the historical importance of the place is quite considerable. Several tombs and dargas enumerate the spirit of Muslim Culture side by side with the Hindu culture prevalent in the region. Pirbaharam Shikiha (tomb of Sher Afgan, subject of Akbar the great and Subedar of Bengal Municipality), Khwaja Anwar Berh (tomb of Khwaja Anwar, famous Mughal Warrior), Shah Alam's Darga (a building of archaeological interest built by Subedar Murshid Quli Jafar Khan in 18th century)etc are the religious and cultural site of the Muslim civilization once inhabited the region. The temples of the Bardhaman District evidently signify the spirit of the prevalent Hindu Civilization and also famous for their rare artistry. Babladihi is a temple of lord Shiva, whose principal attraction is the architectural trappings over the walls, which are believed to be of the Pala age. The idol itself is the lively representation of the art and architecture of Pala Dynasty. Siddheswari Temple is known for its Terracotta carvings. One of the major attractions here is the pattern of the temple. The Shiva temple here surrounds the temple of presiding goddess, Siddheswari Ambika. Baikunthanath Siva temple, established by Brajakishori, is renowned for its terracotta art. Shyamarupa Temple, owes importance chiefly for its antiquity. Here the 10-armed idol of Shyamarupa echoes the Hindu religious belief that goddess Durga is 10-armed. Temple of Icchai Ghosh and Rarheswar temple is essentially important for their architectural works. Unlike the temples of Birbhum, which attracts only the pilgrims, the temples in Bardhaman, well known for their artistry fetch a mass of tourist other than the pilgrims. Churulia, the birthplace of Kazi Nazrul Islam is presently famous for its stone carvings. As Bardhaman is an industrially flourishing district the chief attraction provided by the urbanized set up of the district. The dams and bridges developed for the industries of the have great potential in the Tourism Scenario. The Maithon dam and the DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) project encircle not only the district of Bardhaman but also some parts of Bankura District. The area encompassing those dams offers a beautiful sight. The temples and palaces of the region are the cipher of those kings once dominated the land, which adds a charismatic charm to the dignity of the place. The Rajbati Complex of the University was originally the place of Maharaja Burdwan. Kanchannagar is believed to be the headquarter of Sasanka, where he established the temple of Kankleswari designed after the structure of human skeleton. Deulia is famous for the beautiful temples, constructed, following the "Rekh" temples of Orissa. Udharanpur(famous for its old and religious fair) and Kogram ( at the confluence of the Ajay River and Kunur River, is believed as one of the Satipitas) add some religious importance to the place. Temples of different gods in the interior section of Kalna Rajbari is undoubtedly of profound historical worth. The occurrence of a number of tourist spot in the region helped the expansion of tourism industry greatly. Hence a substantial part o the district's economy is supplied by the tourism industry. |