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Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) Towers
Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) Towers
A compilation of GTS Towers of West Bengal
The Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS), which surveyed the Indian sub continent from 1800 -1854, is often hailed as one of the most stupendous work in the history of science. The Great Arc (780 E Longitude) was the backbone of the survey and the 1600 miles of inch perfect survey was the longest measurement of earth surface ever to have been attempted.
Willam Lambton, an endearing genius, conceived the idea; George Everest, an impossible martinet, took it forward. The half a century long project involved equations more complex than any in the pre – computer age. It was also the most perilous project of its time, killing more men than any contemporary wars. Malaria wiped out whole survey parties, tiger and scorpions took their toll.
Historical Sites of Purulia District
Historical sites of Purulia District
A compilation of historical sites of Purulia District
Puruila District, lying on the western end of West Bengal is known fro its breathtaking natural beauty, consisting of lush green rolling hills along with rock outcrops and majestic water falls and lakes.
Historical records suggest that during the 10th – 13th century a Jain settlement flourished in the western part of West Bengal covering the present districts of Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram. During this period they have built numerous brick and stone temples, following the Oriya Duel style architecture.
Kurumbera, Moghalmari, Gangani and Pathra, Weekend Family Tour
Kurumbera, Moghalmari, Gangani and Pathra
Weekend Family Tour from Salboni, West Midnapore
Also see: Weekend Family tour of West Midnapore
A fortified temple complex, an excavated Buddhist Vihar, a canyon not as grand as the Grand Canyon and finally a village of brick built temples and all this in a single weekend tour from Kolkata

Weekend tour of West Midnapore. Clockwise from top left: Kurumbera (fortified temple complex), Moghalmari (an excavated Buddhist Vihar), Gangani (canyon) and Pathra (temple village)
Dol and Holi 9 March (Monday) and 10 March (Tuesday) 2020 provided a extended weekend and an excellent opportunity for a weekend tour to explore the hidden natural and historical treasures of West Midnapore.
Temple of Dakshin Rai, Dhapdhapi
Temple of Dakshin Rai
Dhapdhapi, 24 Parganas (South)
Dakshin Rai or Dakshin Ray, literally meaning the King of the South, is the local deity of Sundarban and rules over beast and daemons. He is worshiped by all those who enter the Sunderban forest, for subsistence, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.

Idol of Dakshin Rai, Dakshineswar Temple, Dhapdhapi
There are lot of controversies regarding Dakshin Rai, although considered and worshiped as god by many but many other considered him as a demon with a uncanny curving for human flesh.
Jadu Ghosh er Rath (Chariot of Jadu Ghosh), Chandannagar
Jadu Ghosh er Rath (Chariot of Jadu Ghosh)
Chandannagar
See also: Rath Yatras of West Bengal
When it comes to Rath (or Ratha) Yatra (Chariot Festival) the first thing that comes into mind is Puri, Orissa (Odissa). The towering raths (chariots) of Puri have almost become synonymous with Ratha Yatra.

Jadu Ghosh er Rath (Chariot of Jadu Ghosh), Chandannagar
But West Bengal, the neighbouring state of Orissa, also houses several Rath Yatra festivals, complete with towering raths. Some of this rath yatras dates back a couple of centuries and attracts devotees from far and wide.
Jora Deul, Baidyapur, Kalna, Bardhaman
Jora Deul, Baidyapur
Kalna, Bardhaman
Stone has always been in short supply in the vast flood plains of Bengal. Hence the architects had to restore to other substitute. As clay was easily available the burnt clay bricks soon became a good substitute of stone.

Jore Deul (or two adjacent temple), Baidyapur
This gave rise to a new form of temple architecture and lead to the construction of elaborately decorated terracotta temples. Terracotta literally means baked earth in Italian but West Bengal has the distinction of housing some of the finest terracotta art in the world.