Rampurhat


Rampurhat is a city in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Rampurhat, the most populous subdivision in the Birbhum district. The city is known for its religious significance, its markets, and the area's natural environment. Rampurhat, located near the West Bengal–Jharkhand border, enjoys excellent connectivity with National Highway 14 passing through the city and Rampurhat Railway Junction being one of the busiest 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 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 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 are 23.69% of the population, and Scheduled Tribes 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.
Industrial Park
An industrial park for light industries is planned at Barsal mouza, located along NH-14, within the Rampurhat Urban Node. This project is proposed under Phase I of the TRDA’s development plan.
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 a 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 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, situated on the banks of the Dwarka River, is another spiritual landmark close to the temple. The Tarapith Maha Smashan, a sacred cremation ground near the temple, is famous for its Tantric rituals. A pink-colored temple dedicated to Saint Bamakhepa stands near the Maa Tara Temple. The area is steeped in ancient legends, including the belief that the third eye of Sati fell here, adding to its spiritual significance.
  • Ekchakra Dham, situated in Birchandrapur, lies 20 km from Rampurhat Railway Station and 10 km from Tarapith, and holds great spiritual and historical importance. It is the birthplace of Nityananda Rama, a prominent figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and a devoted disciple and companion of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Born in 1474 CE, Nityananda is venerated alongside Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as Gaura-Nitai, especially at Nabadwip Dham. The Dham is also known for attractions like Mala Tala, Hantugada Tirtha, Pandava Tala, and Bankima Raya Mandira. According to Hindu tradition, Ekchakra Dham is believed to have been a resting place for the five Pandavas during their exile, adding a mythological dimension to its spiritual importance.
, situated in Rampurhat near the Circuit House, is a premier 3-star tourist lodge managed by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation under the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. It is involved in promoting tourism in the city.
Rampurhat New Town, Rangamati Park and Gandhi Park is another popular local attraction, providing a recreational area especially for children.

Civic administration

The Rampurhat Municipality is responsible for managing all the civic services in the city, ensuring smooth functioning and maintenance. It is structured into 18 distinct wards, each playing a role in organizing and addressing local needs and concerns within the city. The Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority is a government agency functioning under the Department of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in the city by introducing modern facilities and upgrading the infrastructure for the benefit of the residents.

Education

Medical Colleges

is the only and largest tertiary referral government medical institution in Birbhum district. It was upgraded from Rampurhat District Hospital in 2018. The facility features 21 departments and accommodates 626 beds. A 150-bed Mother and Child Hub is currently under construction at the hospital. The Nabarun Urban Health Centre, located at Gandhi Park, provides healthcare services to the residents of Rampurhat city.
The city has many private nursing homes and diagnostic centers, making it an important healthcare hub for the district and the Santhal Pargana region.
CategoryBlockHospital NamePost OfficeBeds
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IKastagora PHCKastagora6
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IBaidara PHCHaridaspur10
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IUdaypur PHCDekhuria6
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-INarayanpur PHCNarayanpur10
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IITarapur PHCTarapur6
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IIMargram PHCMargram10
Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IIDunigram PHCDunigram6
Block Primary Health CentreRampurhat-IChakmandala BPHCChakmandala15
Rural HospitalRampurhat-IIBaswa RHBaswa30
Urban Primary Health Centre-Nabarun UPHC Rampurhat30
Govt. Medical College & Hospital-Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital Rampurhat626
Veterinary Hospital-Rampurhat Veterinary Hospital Rampurhat-