Ingrāj Bāzār, India
Region: West Bengal
Geographic Coordinates: 25.004400, 88.145800
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 205521
Language: Hindi
Ingrāj Bāzār, Also known as English Bazaar, Is a bustling city located in the Malda district of West Bengal, India. It is situated on the banks of the Mahananda River and serves as an important commercial hub for the entire region. The city was named after the British East India Company who established a trading post here during colonial times. One of the main attractions in Ingrāj Bāzār is its vibrant marketplaces. The city’s bazaars are famous for their variety of goods ranging from textiles and handicrafts to spices and food items.
The most popular market in Ingrāj Bāzār is Gole Market which attracts visitors from all over West Bengal with its colorful stalls selling everything from clothes to electronics. Another interesting feature of Ingraj Bazar is its rich cultural heritage. The city has been home to various communities over time including Bengalis, Muslims, Marwaris and Punjabis who have all contributed towards making it a melting pot of different cultures. Visitors can explore numerous historic sites such as Firoz Minar, Adina Mosque and Lattan Mosque that stand testament to this diverse history.
In addition to its cultural significance, Ingraj Bazar also boasts several natural attractions that are worth exploring. One such attraction is Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary which houses rare species like one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants along with other animals like leopards and deer. For those interested in spirituality or religion, There are several temples located within Ingraj Bazar that offer solace and peace amidst the hustle-bustle of daily life.
Some noteworthy temples include Kali Temple at Adina Village which dates back to 1375 AD, Chika Masjid – an ancient mosque built by Sultan Sikandar Shah in 1358 AD -and Jagannath Temple known for its annual Rath Yatra festival. Ingraj Bazar is also known for its delicious cuisine. The city’s food is a blend of Bengali, Muslim and Marwari influences which results in a unique culinary experience.
Some must-try dishes include Malpua – a sweet dish made of flour and jaggery syrup, Mughlai Paratha – a flaky bread stuffed with minced meat and spices and Rasgulla – a famous Bengali dessert made of chenna (cottage cheese) soaked in sugar syrup. Ingraj Bazar is an interesting destination that offers visitors an opportunity to explore diverse cultures, Natural attractions, Historic sites as well as indulge in delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking to shop at vibrant bazaars or immerse yourself in spirituality or simply relax amidst nature’s beauty, This city has something for everyone!
- Victoria Memorial Hall
- Howrah Bridge
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Indian Museum Kolkata
- Belur Math Shrine
- Marble Palace
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Birla Planetarium
- Nicco Park
Major Industries and Businesses in Ingrāj Bāzār, India
- Agriculture
- Paddy
- Jute
- Wheat
- Mustard
- Vegetables
- Textiles
- Cotton fabrics
- Sarees
- Handicrafts
- Terracotta pottery
- Bamboo crafts
- Handloom products
- Tea production
- Darjeeling tea
- Tourism
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kurseong hill station
- Transport services
- Roadways
- Railways
- Education
- Schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- Courses in various fields like engineering and medicine
- The Battle of Plassey: In 1757, the British East India Company defeated Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal in a battle that took place near Ingrāj Bāzār. This victory paved the way for British colonial rule in India.
- Rabindranath Tagore: The Nobel laureate poet and writer Rabindranath Tagore was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) but spent much of his childhood at his family’s estate in Shelaidaha near Ingraj Bazar.
- Malda riots: In 2016, communal riots broke out between Hindus and Muslims in Malda district over an alleged incident of blasphemy against Islam. Several people were injured and property was damaged during the violence.
- Gour-Banga Kingdom: The ancient kingdom of Gour-Banga encompassed much of present-day West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh. Its capital was located near modern-day Ingraj Bazar.
- Adina Mosque: The Adina Mosque is one of the largest mosques in India and was built by Sultan Sikandar Shah during the 14th century when he ruled over Bengal from Pandua (near present-day Ingraj Bazar).
- Nawab Alivardi Khan: Nawab Alivardi Khan was a prominent ruler during the early years of British colonialism in India who successfully repelled several attempts by foreign powers to invade Bengal.
- Fazlul Haque: Fazlul Haque was a Bengali politician who served as Chief Minister of undivided Bengal from 1937 to 1943. He was a strong advocate for the rights of Muslims and played a key role in the formation of Pakistan.
- Mango cultivation: Malda district is known for its production of high-quality mangoes, particularly the famous Dussehri variety, which is exported all over the world.
- Victoria Memorial
- Indian Museum
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Marble Palace
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- Tagore House Museum (Jorasanko Thakur Bari)
- Science City Kolkata
- Birla Planetarium
- Nehru Children’s Museum
- Durga Puja: It is a major festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, who represents power and strength.
- Holi: A colorful festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. People play with colors and water during this festival.
- Eid-ul-Fitr: An important Muslim festival celebrated in Ingrāj Bāzār marking the end of Ramadan month.
- Christmas: Christians celebrate it with great fervor and joy.
- Diwali: Signifying the triumph of light over darkness, it is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Ingraj Bazar.
- Saraswati Puja: A major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati who represents knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning.
- Basant Panchami: Marks the arrival of spring season in India falling on the fifth day (Panchami) of Magha month (January-February).
- Ingrāj Bāzār is a small town in West Bengal, India.
- The local cuisine is a blend of Bengali and Indian flavors.
- Popular dishes include fish curry, luchi-aloo dum, cholar dal, and mishti doi.
- There are several popular restaurants in Ingrāj Bāzār that serve authentic Bengali cuisine and other dishes.
- Hotel Sagarika specializes in seafood dishes.
- Rangoli Restaurant offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like biryani, kebabs, and curries.
- New Annapurna Restaurant is known for its delicious thalis.
- Mangalam Sweet House & Restaurant serves sweets like rasgulla, chamcham, sandesh along with savory snacks like samosas and kachoris along with tea or coffee.
- Kali Bari Park is a popular destination for picnics and outdoor activities located in the heart of Ingrāj Bāzār.
- Gorumara National Park is situated just outside of Ingrāj Bāzār and provides visitors with an opportunity to see various wildlife species such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers.
- Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is another well-known wildlife sanctuary near Ingrāj Bāzār that allows visitors to observe different animals in their natural habitat.
- Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary houses one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards, and other wildlife species.
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Ingraj Bazar town and features several trekking trails suitable for adventure enthusiasts.
- Teesta River Rafting offers an exciting experience as visitors can raft on the waters of Teesta River that runs through Ingraj bazar.
- Lataguri Forest Range provides bird watching opportunities where visitors can spot migratory birds like Oriental Pied Hornbill or Indian Roller among others.
- Trekking enthusiasts can explore Lava-Neora Valley National Park which has several trekking routes offering stunning views amidst nature’s bounty.
