Rampurhat

Rampurhat is an important city and a municipality in Birbhum district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Rampurhat subdivision. According to the 2011 census, Rampurhat is the third most populous city in Birbhum district and 82nd most populous city in West Bengal.Rampurhat is a rapidly growing township It is near the West Bengal / Jharkhand border. Rampuhat has dynamic connectivity with the other places of West Bengal and neighboring states via state highways, national highway and rail route. Rampurhat Junction is the seventh busiest railway stations in eastern India.

Geography

Location

Rampurhat is located at 24.17 North and 87.78 East.

Police station

Rampurhat police station has jurisdiction over Rampurhat municipality and Rampurhat I CD Block.

CD block HQ

The headquarters of Rampurhat I CD block are located at Rampurhat.

Overview

The northern portion of Rampurhat subdivision (shown in the map alongside) is part of the Nalhati Plains, a sub-micro physiographic region, and the southern portion is part of the Brahmani-Mayurakshi Basin, another sub-micro physiographic region occupying the area between the Brahmani in the north and the Mayurakshi in the south. There is an occasional intrusion of Rajmahal Hills, from adjoining Santhal Parganas, towards the north-western part of the subdivision. On the western side is Santhal Parganas and the border between West Bengal and Jharkhand can be seen in the map. Murshidabad district is on the eastern side. A small portion of the Padma River and the border with Bangladesh (thick line) can be seen in the north-eastern corner of the map. 96.62% of the population of Rampurhat subdivision live in the rural areas and 3.38% live in the urban areas.

Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the area. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

Demographics

As of the 2011 census Rampurhat had a total population of 57,833, of whom 29,611 were male and 28,222 were female. The literacy rate in Rampurhat city stands at 85.71%, surpassing the state average of 76.26%. Among its residents, the male literacy rate is approximately 90.36%, while the female literacy rate is 80.86%. Scheduled Castes (SC) are 23.69% of the population, and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are 1.95%.

Economics

Rampurhat, with "hat" signifying a marketplace, serves as a central hub for local trade and commerce in the region. The principal economic activities are outlined as follows:

Stone quarries and crushing industries

The city is known for its stone quarries and crushing industries, which are vital to the local economy by supplying construction materials and providing jobs, especially for workers in the unorganized sector. This industrial belt employs people from Birbhum District and Santhal Pargana, with around 350 crushers operating in the area. It plays a key role in supplying stone chips throughout West Bengal. Despite its economic benefits, these industries pose environmental concerns, including air pollution and health risks such as Silicosis for workers. On a positive note, the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner in Rampurhat plays a key role in protecting the legal rights of workers, particularly those in the unorganized sector in stone quarries and crushing industries.

Agriculture and livestock

Agriculture drives the local economy, with rice, wheat, mustard, and vegetables as the primary crops. Seasonal farming and livestock activities play a significant role in supporting the livelihoods of the rural community. Livestock farming, including the rearing of cattle, goats, and poultry, contributes to both income and the overall economy of the area.

Banking

The city has several nationalized and private banks to support economic growth, including State Bank of India, Union Bank, and Central Bank of India. The Birbhum District Cooperative Bank Ltd. is the oldest bank and plays an important role in the success story of the city.

The healthcare sector and tourism also represent key economic drivers in the region.

Tourism

Rampurhat is mainly known for its historical significance, being a major center of several ancient temples, making it a popular destination for tourists and history.Hundreds of hotels were established there for people with religious interest.

Tarapith is a renowned tourist and pilgrimage destination in West Bengal, attracting a steady stream of devotees throughout the year. Visitors come not only from the state but also from neighboring regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. Located 9 km from Rampurhat Railway Station, Tarapith is home to the Maa Tara Temple, a prominent Tantric shrine dedicated to the goddess Tara. This temple holds special significance as one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India.Tarapith is also closely associated with the revered Tantric saint Bamakhepa, who worshipped at the temple and spent much of his time in the nearby cremation grounds. His ashram

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