Chandraketugarh — Attraction in West Bengal

Chandraketugarh, located in the Ganges Delta, is actually consists of a cluster of villages in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) north-east of Kolkata. The name Chandraketugarh comes from a local legend of a mediaeval king of this name. This civilization can perhaps be identified with the Gangaridai of Graeco-Roman accounts. In early historic times, Chandraketugarh was connected to the Ganga by the Bidyadhari River and must have been an important centre of trade and possibly also a political centre Asutosh Museum of Indian Art conducted excavation between 1957 and 1968, which revealed relics of several historical periods, although the chronological classification of the relics remains incomplete. Many of the Chandraketugarh items and terracottas are now in collections of museums in India and abroad; and many of them are a part of private collections.

According to the List of Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal (serial no. N-WB-1), Chandraketu's Fort is an ASI listed monument.

The name of this site is derived from the mythical Hindu king of the medieval period, Chandraketu. A mound at the Berachampa village (Deuliya), off the Barasat-Basirhat Road, used to be called Chandraketur Garh (fort of Chandraketu), which was later compounded as Chandraketugarh. The legend of Khana (A medieval Bengali language poet and legendary astrologer between the ninth and 12th centuries AD, also named Lilavati elsewhere) centers around her association with Chandraketugarh (here, a mound has been discovered amongst ruins with the names of Khana and Mihir associated with it) and that she was the daughter-in-law of the famous astronomer and mathematician, Varāhamihira (505 – 587), also called Varaha or Mihira, a jewel among Chandragupta II Vikramaditya's famed Navaratna sabha.

It is widely believed that Khana was Varahamihira's daughter-in-law, and an accomplished astrologer, becoming thereby a potential threat to Varahamihira's scientific career. However, she exceeded him in the accuracy of her predictions, and at some point, either her husband (or father-in-law) or a hired hand (or possibly Khana herself under great duress) cut off her tongue to silence her prodigious talent.

There is another heritage mosque in the name of Pir Gorachand (an Arab missionary of 14th century named Syed Abbas Ali).

Chandraketugarh is thought to be a part of the ancient kingdom Gangaridai that was first described by Ptolemy in his famous work Geographica (150 CE). A recent archaeological study being conducted by a team from IIT Kharagpur, believes that King Sandrocottus (mentioned by Greek explorer Megasthenes) was Chandraketu, whose fort Chandraketugarh is. Megasthenes visited India in the third century BCE, after Alexander's invasion of India, and gives a detailed account of what he saw in Indica. He mentions king Sandrocottus as one of the most powerful kings of Gangaridai, the Gangetic delta that spread over the five mouths of the river and was a continuum of a landmass comprising Anga, Banga and Kalinga. The history of Chandraketugarh dates back to almost the 3rd century BCE, 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...

Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site located beside the Bidyadhari river, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) north-east of Kolkata, India, in the district of North 24 parganas, near the township of Berachampa and the Harua Road railhead.

Chandraketugarh is a city that never existed. The name, like so much else about this site and its 2,500-year-old history, is borrowed from local myths in the absence of actual research. Discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1907, it was relegated to be of “no interest” for years. Now, a century later, a museum is being set up by the West Bengal government to showcase Bengal’s “forgotten history”, its maritime links to ancient Greece and Rome, and the incredible array of terracotta pottery found here.

Chandraketugarh first came to ASI’s notice in 1907 when local resident Tarak Nath Ghosh urged the government to investigate the area. Digging of canals would routinely lead to the discovery of tanks and more canals. An ASI official, AH Longhurst, arrived at the spot in 1907 and reported “the ruins are of little or no interest”. It wasn’t until historian Rakhaldas Banerji — the man who discovered the ruins of Mohenjodaro and Harappa — arrived in 1909 and published his impressions in the Bengal monthly, Basumati, in 1920. The Indian government would then announce a few mounds at the site to be protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1956-1967. Extensive excavation work was then carried out at Khana Miherer Dhibi, a five-metre high mound at the northeast corner of Berachampa — leading to the discovery of a massive post-Gupta temple complex.

Maps with the survey of India reveal no village by the name of Chandraketugarh. The name is derived from the mythical Hindu king of the medieval period, Chandraketu, who had a conflict with saint Syed Abbas Alias or Pir Gorachand. A mound at the Berachampa village (Deuliya), off the Barasat-Basirhat Road, is called Chandraketur Garh (fort of Chandraketu), which was later compounded as Chandraketugarh.

Another recent archaeological study being conducted by a team from IIT Kharagpur, believes that King Sandrocottus (mentioned by Greek explorer Megasthenes) was not Chandragupta Maurya, but Chandraketu, whose fort Chandraketugarh is in present-day North 24-Parganas — about 35km from Kolkata. Megasthenes visited India in the third century BC, after Alexandar’s invasion of India, and gives a detailed account of what he saw in Indica. He mentions king Sandrocottus as one of the most powerful kings of Gangahriday, the Gangetic delta that spread over the five mouths of the river and was a continuum of a landmass comprising Anga, Banga and Kalinga.

Note :- Legendary Back gorund story

The legend of Khana (A medieval Bengali language poet and legendary astrologer between the ninth and 12th centuries AD, also named Lilavati elsewhere) centers around her association with Chandraketugarh (here, a mound has been discovered amongst ruins with the names of Khana and Mihir associated with it) and that she was the daughter-in-law of the famous astronomer and mathematician, Varāhamihira (505 – 587), also called Varaha or Mihira, a jewel among Chandragupta II Vikramaditya's famed Navaratna sabha.

It is widely believed that Khana was Varahamihira's daughter-in-law, and an accomplished astrologer, becoming thereby a potential threat to Varahamihira's scientific career. However, she exceeded him in the accuracy of her predictions, and at some point, either her husband (or father-in-law) or a hired hand (or possibly Khana herself under great duress) cut off her tongue to silence her prodigious talent.

Site Address: Nurjahan - Hachhibuddin Rd, Berachampa, West Bengal 743424 Founded: 400 BC to 800 BC

Source : Indian...

Chandraketu Garh, also known as Chandraketugarh, holds a significant place in the historical landscape of ancient India. Located near present-day Berachampa in West Bengal, India, Chandraketu Garh is an archaeological site that has revealed insights into the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the region. The origins of Chandraketu Garh can be traced back to the 4th century BCE during the Mauryan Empire, when it served as an important trade center. It was strategically located on the ancient trade route connecting the Gangetic plains with the coastal regions of Bengal. The site's name is believed to be derived from the legendary king Chandraketu, who was associated with the area. Archaeological excavations conducted at Chandraketu Garh have unearthed numerous relics and artifacts, shedding light on its ancient past. The ruins at the site include the remains of a fortified city, with evidence of several structures such as houses, temples, water reservoirs, and streets. The city's fortification was constructed using bricks and stones, indicating the architectural prowess of its builders. One of the most remarkable discoveries at Chandraketu Garh is the presence of a large number of terracotta plaques. These plaques depict various mythological scenes, religious deities, and daily life activities of the ancient inhabitants. They provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and religious practices of the time. The terracotta plaques found at Chandraketu Garh are known for their artistic finesse and intricate detailing, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artisans of that era. Chandraketu Garh's strategic location made it a melting pot of various cultural influences. The excavation findings indicate the coexistence of multiple cultural and religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This suggests that the region was a cosmopolitan center where different religious communities thrived and interacted with each other. The decline of Chandraketu Garh remains shrouded in mystery. The city appears to have experienced multiple phases of prosperity and decline over the centuries. The reasons for its eventual abandonment are still debated among historians. Some theories suggest that the changing course of the rivers, which altered the trade routes, and the emergence of new urban centers in the region might have contributed to its decline. Chandraketu Garh stands as a testament to the vibrant history of ancient India, showcasing the economic, social, and cultural interactions of the time. Its archaeological remains and artifacts provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who once inhabited the region. The site continues to be a subject of ongoing research and exploration, further enriching our understanding of India's ancient past. Visiting Chandraketu Garh today allows one to witness the remnants of a bygone era and appreciate the historical legacy that it represents. The site's preservation and conservation efforts are crucial in ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and learn from this remarkable...