Balurghat

Balurghat is a city and municipality in the Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India, and serves as the district headquarters. Located along National Highway 512 and the Atrai River, it is an important center for trade, education, and administration. The local economy is mainly based on agriculture, especially rice cultivation, along with small-scale industries. Its proximity to the Bangladesh border also gives it strategic importance. ==History==

===Ancient period=== Balurghat and its surrounding regions have a history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was part of the Pundravardhana kingdom, which flourished between the 4th century BCE and the 6th century CE. Inscriptions and artefacts from the Gupta period found near the Balurghat region indicate its historical significance as a center of trade and culture. The presence of ancient terracotta and pottery artefacts further underscores its cultural and commercial connections during this era.