Ilambazar Block Santiniketan: Know Its History, Culture & More Ilambazar Block, a rural treasure in Birbhum district, West Bengal, sits close to Bolpur-Santiniketan, just 18 km away! This Community Development (CD) Block in the Bolpur subdivision covers 261.54 sq. km. and has 9 gram panchayats: Batikar, Belati, Dharampur, Ghurisha, Ilambazar, Joydev-Kenduli, Mongaldihi, Nanasole, and Sirsha. The headquarters is in Ilambazar town, served by Ilambazar police station. Curious about Ilambazar Block Santiniketan? Let’s explore its geology, culture, farming, history, and more! Where Ilambazar Block Is Ilambazar Block is about 18 km west of Bolpur-Santiniketan, near the Ajay River’s northern bank. It’s part of the Suri-Bolpur Plain, with Suri (30 km north) and Durgapur (40 km south) nearby. The block connects to Bolpur via the Bolpur-Kavi Jaydev Road, making it easy to reach. Geological Features The land in Ilambazar Block Santiniketan is mostly reddish lateritic soil, typical of the Rarh region near the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It’s not very fertile, but some areas near the Ajay River have alluvial soil from floods. Forests cover just 3.5% of the block, with sal trees in Choupahari standing out. The land slopes gently from northwest to southeast, dotted with fields and villages. Cultural Richness Ilambazar is full of life! The Joydev-Kenduli fair, held every Makar Sankranti, draws over 50,000 people with Baul songs and devotion. Villages like Ghurisha and Moukhira keep old traditions alive with temple festivals. Being near Santiniketan, Ilambazar Block Santiniketan enjoys Tagore’s cultural touch too! Art and Heritage Art shines here! Ilambazar’s terracotta temples—like the hexagonal temple at Hattala and the Pancharatna Narayan temple—show stunning designs, some with British figures from old trade days. Local weavers and potters add to the craft scene, making it a creative hub near Santiniketan. Agriculture – The Heartbeat Farming rules in Ilambazar Block Santiniketan! Most people grow paddy, wheat, and jute. Over 38% of farms are small (less than 1 acre), and 45.9% of workers are farm labourers—the highest in West Bengal. The tough red soil needs hard work, but river soil helps some crops thrive. Demographic Details As per the 2011 Census, Ilambazar Block has 168,709 people—86,688 males (51%) and 82,021 females (49%). Kids under 6 are 19,073. The literacy rate is 74.27%—males at 80.40% and females at 67.78%. Scheduled Castes are 33.9%, and Scheduled Tribes are 11.7%. Most speak Bengali, with Hindus and Muslims living together. Historical and Mythological Importance Ilambazar has a big past! It was a busy trade centre in the 1700s, with British and French East India Companies setting up factories here. The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 hit hard, wiping out many villages, but Ilambazar bounced back after a peasant uprising in 1789. Myth says Khustigiri’s Sufi saint, Hazrat Syed Shah Abdullah Kermani, linked to Ajmer Sharif, blessed the land with peace. Joydev-Kenduli ties to poet Jaydev’s 800-year-old legacy too! Nearest Places to See Ilambazar Block Santiniketan is near some lovely spots: Joydev-Kenduli: 10 km away, famous for its fair and Radhabinode Temple. Santiniketan: 18 km east, with Visva-Bharati and Tagore’s legacy. Ghurisha: 7 km west, home to old terracotta temples. Bolpur: 18 km east, a busy town with markets. Khustigiri: In the block, a Sufi saint’s tomb. Schools and Colleges Education is growing in Ilambazar! In Ilambazar town and nearby: Ilambazar High School: A top secondary school. Joydev-Kenduli High School: For classes up to XII. Primary Schools: Many in villages like Batikar and Sirsha. For colleges, people go to Bolpur (18 km) for Visva-Bharati or Suri (30 km). How to Reach Ilambazar Ilambazar is simple to reach! It’s on the Panagarh-Morgram Highway (SH 14), 40 km from Durgapur and 30 km from Suri. No railway station is in the block, but Bolpur Shantiniketan (18 km) connects via the Howrah-Bardhaman line. Buses run from Bolpur, Suri, and Durgapur. The nearest airport is in Durgapur (50 km). Why Ilambazar Block Matters Ilambazar Block Santiniketan blends old history, rich culture, and rural charm. From terracotta art to Sufi tales, it’s a special place near Bolpur-Santiniketan. Whether you love history, crafts, or just a quiet visit, Ilambazar has something for everyone!