Amrargar

Amarargar is a village in Ausgram II CD block in the Bardhaman Sadar North subdivision of the Purba Bardhaman district in the state of West Bengal, India.

History

Around the 11th century, King Mahindranath ruled from his fort at Amrargar. One can see the elementary remains of the foundation of a fort.
According to Binoy Ghosh, it is said that a rishi named Bhallupada established a kingdom at Bhalki around 10th-11th century. He extended his kingdom over a large area. His son was Gopal and his grandson/ great-grandson was Mahendranath. Mahendranath's kingdom is believed to have extended from Katwa to Panchakot, in what is now mostly a part of Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman districts. King Mahendranath's fort was named after his queen Amaravati. The entire area was known as Gopbhum or the territory of the Sadgops. It is said that the possible defeat of Ichhai Ghosh, who held sway over large parts of Gopbhum, at the hands of Lau Sen, helped Mahendranath to extend his territories. In the course of time, the Amrargar family branched out to Dignagar, Bhalki and Kanksa. According to the poets of that area in that period, the rulers of Amrargar were great warriors who could hold on against powerful invaders for 6-7 centuries. They held sway till around the 17th century, when they were defeated by the Rajas of Bardhaman.
See also - Gourangapur for information on Ichhai Ghosh

Geography

CD block HQ

The headquarters of Ausgram II CD block are located at Amrargar.

Urbanisation

73.58% of the population of Bardhaman Sadar North subdivision live in the rural areas. Only 26.42% of the population live in the urban areas, and that is the highest proportion of urban population amongst the four subdivisions in Purba Bardhaman district. The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India Amrargar had a total population of 4,937, of which 2,459 were males and 2,478 were females. Population below 6 years was 601. The total number of literates in Amrargar was 2,439.

Transport

, running from Dubrajpur to Betai, passes through Amrargarh.

Culture

Mahendranath, the ruler of Amrargar, had forcibly carried away an idol of ten-armed Singhabahini from the house of Jagat Singh, an Ugra Kshatriya – it was established as Shibakhya Devi, the ruling deity of Amrargar's princely family. At Amrargar, Dugdheswar Shiva resides in a simple brick temple. The pancha ratna Narayana temple has wonderful carvings. The Durga temple is an attractive cottage built in the Rarh region village style.