Burdwan

Burdwan, also spelled Bardhaman, is a city in the state of West Bengal, India. It serves as the headquarters of the Bardhaman district and is situated along the Bhagirathi–Himal river, about 250 kilometres north of the state capital Kolkata. The city lies on the East-West National Highway 19 (part of the historic Grand Trunk Road) and is connected to major cities by rail and road networks.

Historically, Burdwan was a prominent administrative and commercial centre during the British colonial era. It was the site of the 1813 European trading town of Burdwan, and later the British established the Burdwan Collectorate in 1798. The area became known for its fertile rice cultivation, contributing significantly to Bengal’s food supply. The town was also a site for early textile production, especially the manufacture of muslin and cotton cloth during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In modern times, Burdwan remains an important educational hub, hosting institutions such as the University of Burdwan, Jadavpur University–Burdwan campus, and a number of college-level schools. It is also a locus for agro-based industries, including rice mills, fertilizer plants, and a growing IT sector. Cultural life includes festivals associated with Bengal, such as Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja, and the city is known for its local cuisine featuring fish and traditional sweets. The city continues to balance its agrarian heritage with emerging industrial and educational developments.