It is a town in West Bengal. Once it was a French colony uptil 1950. The French took this from the Nawab some where in 1700
.
Though just next door were the British. It was like this next village just 10 min by train were another Government.
Chandanagore
Chandannagar is a beautiful town located(once French ruled) in
Hooghly,West Bengal,India and is the a scene to battles as well scenic
beauty.This is rather interesting since I have been there in my
childhood,passing through by train.The only thing what I knew about the place
was that in British times locals committing crimes escaped to the town and were
under protection.This was so because the surrounding area was under British
Jurisdiction.
Chandanagar is two
words Chandan’ meaning Moon and Nagore meaning city.Another reason as told by
the locals is that Sandalwood was found in this area.Chandan is the Bengali
name for Chandanagar.
The town was purchased from the Mughal Subedar
for amount of 40,000 coins by the French in 1688.
Fig 1.0: Chandannagar
Strand.
The Hooghly district is well known for many
reasons and history is very interesting.But locals might not think of it so
special.Until you think of the fact that going to Europe is somewhat difficult
for many in this area.But a mini Europe was in this district bout 350 years
ago!Despite having roots in this place I was surprised!Huh in this place,just
unbelievable.This area is quite peaceful and people until recently were quite
content in living their surroundings.They do not have that much high ambition
of leaving this place for their higher ambition.An incident is of a Bengali
professor who after completing his doctorate in Houston,Texas,USA. wanted to
return to Bengal.(India).This was in contrast to Bengalis in Bangladesh who
usually opted to stay in US.It is like they are home sick.The area has some
sort of peaceful,relaxed atmosphere which is missed by its citizens when they
leave this place.
In British times,people used to come to this
town for its well known hospital.
The interesting fact about Hooghly is that few
European powers were in this area.
In Bandel
were the Portuguese stationed.
In Serampore were the Dutch stationed.
In Chandanagar were the French and the
rest was British.Wonder why they dont
have much European restaurants in Hooghly :).
My English teacher (He was from England) once
said the reason for WWII was that Germany was busy in building its
infrastructure and solving its internal problems that it was left out without
cokonies.They were angry and wanted piece of the pie.Well the above towns give
you an idea why they were mad.
The above towns(now cities,at that time were
villages 1600s that is) are in Hooghly district,They all have train stations
lying in the route from Howrah to Bardhaman(Spelled Burdwan).
The distance from Howrah to Hooghly district
is 51 km.
From Serampore to Chandannagar is 18.7 Km. After that comes Chandannagar.
It is about 9.1 km from Bandel.
The distance from Bandel to Khanyan is 16.5
Km.Khanyan a small town is located 5 minutes by vehicle from Itachuna Rajbari
.This is where the Maratha warriors (dacoits by the local people) settled in
the land they came to raid.Well they became benevolent rulers and this benefit was seen from the local
people in regards to education and communication.Itachuna Rajbari is a mansion
of the Zamindars known as Kundans or Kundu.Boy I got know after the invention
of the internet and they happen to be neighbours of my uncles!.
Besides historical buildings the place has a
pleasant atmosphere for having an afternoon stroll.It might remind you of some
places in Europe.I took a person known to me professionally to this place.He
was very impressed with this place that he came back again in the evening since
in the day time it was very hot.Advice would be not to go in the summer.
War broke between the British and the French
in Europe.Well so it did here also. There was a battle between the British and
French in Hooghly. It was known as battle of Chandanagar.
The best time to visit this place or Kolkata
is around November to February .Otherwise it really gets hot and you cannot
enjoy the history behind this place.As it takes little patience having a walk
around.
Figure 1.1 :The road to Sacred Heart Church at Chandanagar,Hooghly,India.
Places to visit in Chandanagar :
●
The Chandannagar Strand.Sightseeing and having
cool breeze coming from the Hooghly river.
●
The Sacred Heart Church
●
The French Museum. Well it was
residence of the French Governor.
I had a visit to the Museum,felt like so much
history I don't know and about an area where my matrimonial roots are from.I
thought I knew this area well,boy was I
wrong.!
The locals should really study the history of
Hooghly as it rich in History as well as scenic beauty.
Here are some pictures from the Museum:
Plan of Chandanagar 1720’s.
How to
go there:
By Car
From
Airport:It will cost 500-600(less than US$9)Indian Rupees.Well
used to cost about 300 Rupees in the 1980s .The distance is about 51 Km
roughly.Well distance is by train,cant say about road.
From
Howrah (best option)
Time taken:45 minutes.
Cost :0.20US$(20
Indian Rupees)
Trains are found at a frequency 15 minutes
from Howrah to Hooghly.Howrah is the main train station located in Kolkata,West
Bengal.It is like what Heathrow Airport is to London,but it is a train
station.All trains that go out of Bengal and come in must stop in Howrah.The
Howra Bridge is also a landmark to stop by.Well if you travel by train you are
definitely coming to see the bridge any way.
Website for Indian Railways:https://www.irctc.co.in
Note:PNR is a unique identification number
used in Train tickets.Foreigners with foreign passports will get preference and
quick service in cases where tickets are scarce.This is not the case here.
Where to Eat
Well there are few restaurants but would
advise to take some lunch with you.
Water,fruits,sandwich.
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