Berachampa


Berachampa is a village in Deganga CD Block in Barasat Sadar subdivision of North 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Near Berachampa, there is the ancient archaeological site of Chandraketugarh, circa 300 BC. Deulia and Deganga are located nearby.

History

Near Berachampa, there is the archeological site of Chandraketugarh, thought to be a part of the ancient kingdom Gangaridai that was first described by Ptolemy. The history of Chandraketugarh dates back to almost the 3rd century BC, during the pre-Mauryan era. Artefacts suggest that the site was continuously inhabited and flourished through the Shunga-Kushana period, onwards through the Gupta period and finally into the Pala-Sena period. Archaeological studies suggest that Chandraketugarh was an important town and a port city. It had a high encircling wall complete with a rampart and moat. The residents were involved in various crafts and mercantile activities. Although the religious inclinations of the people are unclear, hints of the beginning of some future cults can be seen in the artefacts. Some of the potteries carry inscriptions in Kharoshthi and Brahmi scripts.
PeriodDynastyYear
Period IMaurya300–200 BC
Period IIIShunga200 BC – 50 AD
Period IVKushan50–300 AD
Period VGupta300–500 AD
Period VIPost-Gupta500–750 AD
Period VIIPala-Chandra-Sena750–1250 AD

After these periods, there was no such example of any other civilization on the ruin of Chandraketugarh. Anyway, the history of Berachampa was same as the History of Bengal. The Deva dynasty, Ilyas Shahi dynasty, Ganesha dynasty and Hussain Shahi dynasty ruled this region finally before Mughal period started.
Chandraketugarh features many examples of terracotta art, displaying an unusual degree of precision and craftsmanship. These plaques are comparable to those found at other better-known sites such as Kaushambi and Ahichhatra. The terracotta plaques from these sites often carry similar motifs executed in nearly identical fashion. This similarity suggests an established communication link and common cultural heritage among these sites.
A large number of silver punch-marked coins and a few gold coins have been unearthed from Chandraketugarh, including a gold coin of Chandragupta-Kumardevi. A large number of semi-precious stone beads were also found here, along with items made of ivory and bone. Even a few wooden objects have survived.

Geography

Berachampa is located at 22°43'N 88°29'E. Berachampa is located in the Ganges Brahmaputra delta region in the district of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal state in eastern India. The village is roughly half-way between the towns of Barasat and Basirhat, approximately 34 kilometres from Kolkata.

Climate

The climate is tropical, like the rest of West Bengal. A notable weather feature is the Monsoon season, which runs from early June to mid-September. The weather remains dry during the winter and humid during summer. Typical temperature variations would be from in May, to in January. Relative humidity fluctuates between an average of 50% in March up to 96% in July.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India, Berachanpa had a total population of 2,957, of which 1,506 were males and 1,451 were females. Population below 6 years was 279. The total number of literates in Berachanpa was 2,453.

Economy

Cotton weaving is the major industry in Berachampa; it is also an important trade center for goods such as rice, legumes, jute, sugar cane, potatoes and coconuts. Many small industries can be found in and around the town, especially metalworking factories. Retail is a major source of income for the town, with the main market located near Taki Road.
Farming is a vital occupation in Berachampa. The presence of many leading banks and Life Insurance Corporation of India offices also provide employment.

Politics

Berachampa is a part of the Barasat and the Deganga.

Transport

Roads

Berachampa can be reached from Kolkata via V.I.P Road, Jessore Road and Taki Road.
Berachampa contains a major road junction, connecting the following roads:
;Private Buses
;DN Series
;MM Series
;Bus Routes without Numbers
;STA Bus
;WBTC Bus
The nearest station is Harua Road railway station, which is attached to the Sealdah-Hasnabad Section of Eastern Railway. The Barasat-Basirhat Railway line was originally run by Martin's Light Railways, but is now run as a section of Sealdah division of Eastern Railways.

Air

Dumdum Airport is 20 kilometres from Berachampa.

Transport within the city

Most public transport within the city relies on cycle-rickshaws, and three-wheeled man-driven "cycle-vans". Auto rickshaws operate between Berachampa and nearby areas like Barasat, Kalitala, and Haroa.

Culture

The culture of Berachampa is similar to other small towns in Bengal.Basanti puja is very famous in Berachampa. Debalaya Bhatri Sangha is the oldest club of Berachampa who organised Basanti Puja first. Deganga Book Fair is one of the most important book fairs of North 24 Parganas.

Education

Schools

The media in Berachampa tends to be dominated by that of Kolkata. The state-owned television broadcaster Doordarshan provides two free terrestrial channels, while MSO provides a mix of Bengali, Hindi, English and other regional channels via cable.

Sports

is the main sport in the town, though cricket is also popular. Traditional Indian sports like Kabbadi and kho-kho are also played.
Some players, such as Hachibuddin Mondal, Mohidul Islam and Monirul Mondal, play for the Mohameddan sporting club.

Healthcare

Berachampa is one of the areas where ground water is affected by arsenic contamination.
The North 24 Parganas District Hospital is located in Barasat. Berachampa also has several privately operated nursing homes and hospitals, such as the United Nursing Home, Janoseva Nursing Home, and Sundarban Nursing Home etc.

Notable people