Shantipur is a city and a municipality in Nadia district in the Indian state of West Bengal. This small town has been declared a city recently. Shantipur is the fort area of Nadia District, also known as Daak-Gharh (calling or gathering room) is thought to have been built by Raja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar, Nadia. It was also the ancient seat of learning in Sanaskrit and Vedic texts. It maintained its glory till medieval age.
History of Shantipur
Shantipur is popular for its "Dolutsav" and "Rasutsav" which is though to have been started by Mathuresh Goswami, the great grandson of Advaita Acharya who was one of the main associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The main deity of the town is Radharaman in the family of Baro Gosai, descendent of Mathuresh Goswami. Originally, the deity was installed as a solo statue of Lord Krishna in Odisha by Indradyumma. When the king of Yessore attacked Orissa he brought this deity along with him to his capital. Later, during the Mughal rule in India, Akbar laid a siege on Jessore. The temple priest gave away the deity to his guru Mathuresh Goswami to save it during the time of emergency. Realizing the situation well, Mathuresh brought the deity to his ancestral home, Shantipur. Later, of course the deity of Radha was also installed beside Dolgovinda and both were renamed as Radharaman. Advaita Acharya worshipped a deity himself and named it as Madan Gopal, which was worshipped under the lineage of Krishna Mishra, the second son of Advaita Acharya. Besides them, there are various other idols and old temples which are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. On the auspicious day of Ratha Yatra, all of them are taken out around the city for grand procession, accompanied with kirtans and drums. This gives Rashotsav a very ancient and historical look.
Geography of Shantipur
Shantipur is located at 23.25 degree north to 88.43 degree east. It has an average elevation of 15 metres (49 feet).
Economy of Shantipur
The place is very popular for handicrafts and handloom saris. The saris are popularly known as Shantipuri Saree. The districts of Nadia and Bardhaman are known for hand-woven fabrics. The Shantipuri style of weaving is very popular among the people, and is known for jacquards and dhotis. Shantipuri Sarees are also popular in the markets of Kolkata and Indian textile market. Not only that, it has a huge demand in Russia, USA, Bangladesh and Canada.
Attractions in Shantipur
The house of Sudhamoy Pramanick who was a regional freedom fighter and the terracotta temples of medieval and early modern eras are the main attractions in Shantipur. Not only that the famous Shantipur Sarees are popular here.
Visiting Information
Shantipur is very well connected by rail by EMU services running from Sealdah Railway Station, North section. Shantipur is well connected to the Bardhaman District (Kalna) and the Hoogly District (Guptipara) through the river Ganges (Bhagirathi River).
Related Articles:
West Bengal, Indian State
Tribes of West Bengal
Culture of West Bengal
Tourism In West Bengal
Crafts of West Bengal
Cities of West Bengal
Costumes of West Bengal
Medieval History of Bengal
Tribes of West Bengal
History of West Bengal
Districts of West Bengal
Nadia District
Festivals of West Bengal
Folk Dances of West Bengal
Indian Sarees
Fabric of Indian Sarees
Designs in Indian Sarees
Jamdani Sarees
