Shantipur

:"for the towns in Nepal see Shantipur, Nepal" Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Shantipur | type = city | latd = 23.25 | longd = 88.43
locator_position = right | state_name = West Bengal
district = Nadia
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 15
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 138,195| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 03472
postal_code = 741404
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Shantipur ( _bn. শান্তিপুর) is a city and a municipality in Nadia district in the Indian state of West Bengal. This small town has been declared a city recently. The fort area of this city, also known as Daak-Gharh (calling or gathering room ) was thought to have been built by Raja Krishnachandra of Nodia.

Geography

Shantipur is located at coord|23.25|N|88.43|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/28/Santipur.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Santipur] ] . It has an average elevation of 15 metres (49 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Shantipur had a population of 138,195. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Shantipur has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 69%, and female literacy is 58%. In Santipur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

After partition of India, many skilled weavers of Dhaka came and settled in West Bengal around Shantipur and Ambika Kalna of Bardhaman district, both traditionally renowned centres for hand-woven fabrics. With government encouragement and support, the talented weavers soon revived their ancestral occupation and the art of exquisite weaving once again flourished. Today, finely woven feather-touch textiles and saris in exotic designs and colours are being produced in the vast weaving belt of Shantipur, Phulia, Samudragarh, Dhatrigram and Ambika Kalnandash each centre producing superb fabrics in its own unique weaving style. Santipur is known for superfine dhotis and jacquards. The produce is marketed through co-operatives and various undertakings. [cite web | url = http://www.indiaprofile.com/art-crafts/bengal-art.htm | title = A Traditional Panorama - Bengal Art|accessdate = 2007-09-08 | last = | first = | work = Arts and Crafts in India| publisher = India Profile]

Culture

Shantipur is famous for "Rasutsav" and "Dolutsav".

Transport

Shantipur is well connected by rail by EMU services running from Sealdah North section.Shantipur is well connected to the district Burdawan(Kalna)& the district Hoogly(Guptipara)through the river Ganges(Bhagirathi)

Politics

Ajoy Dey of INC has won the Shantipur seat of the state assembly in 2006, 2001, 1996 and 1991, defeating his nearest rivals Sanatanu Chakrabarti of CPI (M), Badal Basak (Indepenedent), Bimalananda Mukherjee of RCPI (R), and Asim Ghosh of RCPI in respective years. In 1987, 1982 and 1977, Bimalananda Mukherjee, RCPI/Independent candidate defeated Ajay Dey, Asamanja De and Jnanendra Nath Pramanik in respective years. [ [http://archive.eci.gov.in/May2006/pollupd/ac/states/S25/..%5C..%5C..%5C..%5C..%5CElectionAnalysis%5CAE%5CS25%5CPartycomp78.htm Election Commission] Assembly election results 1977 – 2006 ]

Shantipur is part of the Nabadwip (Lok Sabha constituency). [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S25/WB_ACPC.pdf
title = General election to the Legislative Assembly, 2001 – List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies | accessdate = 2007-02-21 | last = | first =
work = West Bengal | publisher = Election Commission of India]

References

ee also

*Advaita Acharya