Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sight seeing From Baranti

        Gar Panchokote - VDO         
                          
Biharinath - VDO



Panchkot was a part of an ancient East Indian kingdom known as Rajchakla Panchkot, locally known as Panchet. Damodar Sekhar, established Panchkot Raj probably during early 90 AD with the help of Sardars of Jhalda and expanded his kingdom over several other parganas. To give recognition to the main five (panch) clans (khunt) of the locals the kingdom assumed the name Panchkot.

Panchkot Giri has its references in the Puranas also. The place was then known as Sekhar bhum from which the founder king of Singh Deo Dynasty Damodar Sekhar derived his name. The kingdom was probably a part of old ‘Tilakampa’ Kingdom. The ruins of Telkupi, the said capital of Tilakampa (submerged) went under water after the construction of Panchet Dam.



Garpanchakot Engulfed by dense green woods at the foothill of Panchat mountain lies uncared relics of Panchakot State’s capital. Maharaj Kirtinath Sekher started rulling Panchokote State from Garh Pahchokote from the year 962 and at the time of Maharaj manilal the state capital was shifted to Kashipur (1770). Long 800 years Sing Deo Dynasty (32 Kings) ruled Panchokote state from here. In 1565 AD panchakot experienced the attack of Kalapahar. Sri Mahapravu Chaitanya Dev took the path of garh panchokote (near Kotaldih village) on his way to Puri.

Around 1600 AD, Garhpanchkot came under the rule of the famous king Bir Hambir of Bishnupur Malla Dynasty, but for how long that could not be ascertained. One of the two inscriptions located by J.D Beglar beside the ruined gateway of Panchkot fort mentioned of Hambir. Beglar went to Panchkot in 1862 and wrote an essay called ‘Panchet’. The great poet Michael Madusuda Dutta visited the place during 1872 for a short period as an estate manager of Singh Deo dynasty. He wrote three poems on Panchkot namely, ‘Panchkot giri’, ‘Panchkotoshyo Rajosree’ & ‘Panchkot Giri Biday Sangeet’.

The Panchkot Giri or the Panchet hill is about 2100 ft (643 mt) in altitude and 18 Sq km in stretch. The mixed Sal forest of this area is famous for its rich biodiversity. Plethora of Medicinal Plants and herbs are widespread in this area. Some easily identifiable species are Amloki, Haritoki, Bahera, Kalmegh, Satamul, Anantamul, Sarpagandha, Jastimadhu, Bel, Neem, Kurchi, Gurmar etc. Bright yellow Galgali flower & Palash, the well known ‘Flame of the Forests’ paint the landscape perhaps better than any real life illustrator.

The ruins of the Garh (Fort) of Singh Deo Dynasty located at the southern foothills and a group of temples is still standing as mute spectators of the rise & fall of the dynasty. The temples are of different architectural styles, the principal one being a ‘Pancharatna’ temple accompanied by ‘Jor-Bangla’type and more than one ‘Pirha’ type temples made of stone. The Pancharatna temple still carries some depleted but exquisite piece of presumably pre-muslim period terracotta work on its arches and pillars. 500 meters away and a bit uphill from the main ruins of the Garh Panchkot, lies ‘Dhara’ a perennial spring channeled through a ‘Cow mouth’ made of stone.

On a drive along the 7.5 km 'Jeep'-able forest road leading to the hill top the tourist may encounter groups of langur, jackal, porcupine, wild boar and yes, snakes! The rich avifauna namely the Purple Sunbird, Drongo, Indian roller, Tree pie, Oriole, Bablers, Barbets and many others are also an added attraction to the tourists. Garhpanchkot harbours a good variety of butterflies through out the years. The nature lover can easily found butterfly varieties in its natural habitat; the commonly found butterflies are Tawny Coster, Peacock Pansy, Lemon Pansy, Grey Pansy, Common Tiger, Common Leopard, Common Mormon, Common Castor, Mottled Emigrant, Viceroy, Silverline etc.

Almost covered with bushes there is a relic of a palace – dilapated, abandoned. Temples and houses around speak of those heydays when there was a King & a Queen. Along with them there were ministers, war generals, warriors- Elephants & horses in stables, cowsheds heaving with cows, colourful birds chanting tunes all around, air brimmed with happiness, charm and glory. Subjects use to come to their monarch either for justice or for His majesties pleasure. But now everything sounds like a fable in the ground of ‘Tepantor’ .

History of 800 years remain scattered hither and thither in form of destroyed palace , temple etc. in the forest at the foothill of mount Panchokot. The nature is very laissez-faire while arranging the beauty of this place. Its only 12km from Baronti.

Medicinal-Plant-Garden Panchokot:By the able patronization of the kings of panchakot , ayurvedic study in the forests of Panchakot, reached a great height . Various experiments were undertaken on Ayurvedic plants brought from across the globe. In recent times various rare species of Ayurvedic plants (more than 200) were found in this area. WWF in association with forest department of West Bengal Government has done a survey work , henceforth constructed a fantastic garden with a place to stay and its run by forest Department. One side of Panchakot mountain is Gar Panchakot and reverse side is Panchat dam. This garden is just 21km from Baronti circling Panchakot mountain via Gar panchakot. The place lures all visitors at all time. Garg Panchokote is only 12 Km far from Baranti.

Panchet Dam :Panchet Dam lies at a distance of 22 kms from Baranti. Built on Damodar river, the Panchet Dam is 22,155 ft long and 124 ft high. On the eastern side of the dam, a hydel power station has been constructed against the picturesque background of Panchet Hill.

Maithon Dam : Maithon Dam is situated at a distance of 38 kms from Baranti. Literally meaning, 'Mother's Abode', Maithon Dam is the biggest reservoir of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Specially made for flood control, this dam has been built on the Barakar river. Maithon Dam has a unique underground power station which is first of its kind in South East Asia. Just at a little distance from Maithon Dam, Kalyaneshwari houses an ancient temple. Maithon lake spread over an area of 65 sq. km and offers boating and fishing facilities. Adjacent to the dam is a Deer Park and a Bird Sanctuary.


Jaychandi Hills : The name Jaychandi beholds one in many – name of a mountain, name of a station, name of a picnic spot and of course a dream spot for rock climbers. Hundreds of young climbers try their skill out there on every year. Mount Jaychandi is a dormant volcano. Its bald and black. This mountain in Purulia has been encircled by several mountains such as mount College, mount Kali or mount Sigano, mount Jugu and mount Sita. There’s a 100 years old shrine of Chandi on Mount Jaychandi. A devotee scales 441 steps to reach eight armed Goddess Chandi for daily worship. Almighty has created a magic of exclusiveness by blending those mammoth mountains and a gigantic lake all around. One can put himself in this land of beauty by any two R’s –Road or Rail. Its all in 60’s . Mr. Ray could unfold this beauty in hardness. Mountains, small hills, local residents & obviously its natural scenario enticed the only Indian Oscar winner several times. Satyajit filmed a good portion of “Hirak Rajar Deshe” in this place. Rughunathpur town is in the foothill of Mount Jaychandi. Tasar industy is famous in Raghunathpur and of export quality.



Biharinath is situated at the extreme northwest and 15 Km. away from Baranti, thought to be an ancient center of Jainism. The height of the Biharinath hill is 1469 feet.. Biharinath is still very rich in flora and fauna. Particularly among the wild life Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, which are very few in number, are still found here. The natural beauty of the area is very attractive.There is a very old temple of Lord Siva like Tarakeswar mandir of Hoogly. Biharinath Hill is on the north of Saltora Block, tallest in the district (448 metre) stands guard on the north-western edge, a famous place of tourism and at the foot of the hill a small tank mesuring 0.50 ha. can be accommodated with a anglins facilities for recreation of the touring people near by a temple.


Shushunia an important stone age archaeological site. Susunia is the second highest altitude hill of Bankura. The hill runs almost due east and west for a length of 2 miles and rises to a height of 1442 feet. Susunia is famous for trekking and rock climbing . Its perennial spring water is good for health. Susunia Pahar - one of the important hills in the district, rising abruptly from the neighbouring plains to a height of 44 metres. Stone inscriptions of Chandravarma, a 4th century king, have been discovered here. Shushunia is well known for rock climbing and anthropology Camp. From Bankura on the Bankura-Purulia road, one has to alight at Chhatna on the 13th km. Susunia is 7 km. north of Chhatna. Shushunia is 40 Km from Baranti.

AjodhyaHills: Ajodhya Hills offers good trekking tracts for the visitors, who like adventure. Ajodhya Hills is a beautiful place surrounded by the dense forest and gurgling waterfalls. Serene green hills, Pine, shimul, saal, shirish and segun trees, which changes colour with the seasons, are beautify the landscape of the area. The 600-m. high Ajodhya Hills is a part of the Dolma Hill Range, which is situated on the Bihar-Puruliya border. There are many small and big peaks in these Hills and amongst them, the highest peak is Gorga-buru, 855 m. in height. The 34,517-acre mountain forests is the house of various wild animals like elephants, deer, wild boars, wolves and cheetahs and wildlife viewing is one of the major attractions of the visitors, while visit at Ajodhya Hills. The Mayuri Hill peak presents a charming view of the surrounding hills and forests of Ajodhya Hills. It is said that, during their banishment, Ram Chandra along with his brother and wife Sita visited the Ajodhya Hills and in this place, thirsty Sita drank water, when Ram created a fountain by piercing the ground with his arrow. On Disum Sendra, or the Hunting Festival, tribals from in and around Ajodhya Hills come to this place and drink water from the Sita Kund, the legendary fountain and after that, they go out on their hunting expeditions. Ajodhya Hill is 130 Km far from Baranti.


Baranti Wild Life and Nature Study Organization

Tel: 9874887046