Nanoor Block Santiniketan: Discover Its History, Culture & More Nanoor Block, located in Birbhum district of West Bengal, is a rural area with a rich past and lively present! Just 18 km from Bolpur-Santiniketan, Nanoor Block Santiniketan is known for its history, myths, and farming life. It has 11 gram panchayats: Bara-Saota, Chandidas-Nanoor, Charkalgram, Daskalgram-Kareya I, Daskalgram-Kareya II, Jalundi, Kirnahar I, Kirnahar II, Nowanagar Kodda, Thupsar, and Uchkaran. The headquarters is in Nanoor town, and it’s under Nanoor police station. Want to know about its geology, culture, farming, people, and more? Let’s explore! Where Nanoor Block Is Nanoor Block is about 18 km east of Bolpur-Santiniketan, part of the Bolpur subdivision. It covers 311.83 sq. km., with Nanoor town as its centre. It’s near rivers like Mayurakshi and Ajay, making it a mix of flat lands and gentle slopes. Geological Features The land of Nanoor Block Santiniketan is mostly reddish lateritic soil—typical of the Rarh region near the Chota Nagpur Plateau. This soil isn’t very fertile, but the eastern parts get soft alluvial soil from river flood plains. Only 3.5% of the area has forests, so you’ll see open fields everywhere. The Ajay River borders it to the south, and sometimes floods come when water is released from nearby dams. Cultural Richness Nanoor is full of culture! It’s famous as the birthplace of Chandidas, a 14th-century poet who wrote beautiful Vaishnava Padavali songs. People call it “Chandidas Nanoor” because of him. You’ll hear Baul music in villages, and local fairs bring lots of fun. The block also has a growing craft scene, with NGOs helping artisans make lovely things. Art and Heritage Art shines in Nanoor! Chandidas’s poems are a treasure, and his love story with a washerwoman is still told here. Villagers make clay items and woven crafts too. Being close to Santiniketan, Tagore’s art influence touches Nanoor as well. Old temples and archaeological finds add to its heritage. Agriculture – The Main Life Farming keeps Nanoor Block Santiniketan going! Most people grow paddy, wheat, and jute. The reddish soil makes it tough, but alluvial patches near rivers help. Over 38% of farms are tiny (less than 1 acre), and 45.9% of workers are farm labourers—the highest in West Bengal. Farmers work hard despite floods and dry spells. Demographic Details As per the 2011 Census, Nanoor Block has 218,654 people—112,185 males (51%) and 106,469 females (49%). Kids under 6 are 26,040. The literacy rate is 69.45%—males at 74.87% and females at 63.72%. Scheduled Castes are 32.54%, and Scheduled Tribes are 2.39%. Most speak Bengali, and Hindus (64.71%) and Muslims (34.97%) live together peacefully. Historical and Mythological Importance Nanoor has a big history! It’s the birthplace of Chandidas, who lived 500 years ago and wrote about Lord Krishna. Myths say he loved a washerwoman named Rami, and their story is famous here. The Basuli Temple in Nanoor, dedicated to Goddess Bisalakhi (or Basuli), is where Chandidas prayed. People believe this spot, called Chandibhita, has old ruins from the Gupta era—over 1,500 years old! Archaeologists found coins and signs of Buddhist and tantric times too. Sadly, Nanoor also saw the 2000 Nanoor massacre, when 11 farmers were killed, making it a place of modern history. Nearest Places to See Nanoor Block Santiniketan is near some nice spots: Basuli Temple: In Nanoor town, a peaceful temple with Chandidas’s legacy. Santiniketan: 18 km west, home to Visva Bharati and Tagore’s history. Labhpur: 15 km southwest, famous for Fullara Shakti Peetha. Kirnahar: 7 km away, a small town with a railway station. Jaydev Kenduli: 35 km south, birthplace of poet Jaydeva. Schools and Colleges Education is growing in Nanoor! In Nanoor town and nearby: Nanoor Chandidas Memorial High School: Started in 1937, for classes V to XII. Chandidas Mahavidyalaya: In Khujutipara, opened in 1972 for college studies. Primary and Middle Schools: Many in villages like Kirnahar and Uchkaran. For bigger colleges, people go to Bolpur (18 km) or Suri (47 km). How to Reach Nanoor Nanoor is simple to reach! It’s 47 km from Suri and 18 km from Bolpur-Santiniketan. No railway station is right in Nanoor, but Kirnahar (7 km) and Bolpur Shantiniketan (19 km) stations connect via the Ahmedpur-Katwa line. Buses run from Bolpur, Suri, and Ahmedpur. The nearest airport is in Durgapur (75 km). Why Nanoor Block Matters Nanoor Block Santiniketan is a special place with old stories, green fields, and a poet’s touch. Its history, myths, and rural charm make it worth knowing. Whether you love culture, history, or just want a quiet trip near Bolpur-Santiniketan, Nanoor has something for you!