History of Bagree-Rajya: Garhbeta

The present volume is a thoroughly revised edition of the “ History of Bagree-Rajya” originally published in 1976. Only after that publication, actual location of “Bagri” (as one of the fivek Provinces of the Kingdom of Vallalasens) was authentically proved before the scholars who had always iffered amongst themselves about its location or even existence. With thehelp of some most authentic ancient records, Photostat copies of the original deeds, inscriptions, temples, maps and images, the author has definitely established in the book that present “Garhbeta Region” was actually the the “Old Bagdi” of “Bagree”. Now it occupies a unique place, at present, in analyzing (through an additional Chapter in the Second Edition) the modernism at the “Garhbeta Region” in the background of the history of modern Midnapore, – which gives a survey on its “Land and People” viz; situation of the land-geology and soil condition: general condition of the people and their problems: agriculture, Industry and trade, language, religion and village customs: advent of the middle class and growth of political cons-clousness of the people, popular movements as also struggle for freedom – In the region of garhbeta. Thus, the present volume actually covers the complete history of a “so-called Insignificant” but historically important locality in North Midnapore. Above all, this book deals with two-fold major significance of the place-first, herein the British had to face strong resistance (for the first time in India) at the foundation of their hold since Seventeen Sixtties from the peace-loving tribal peasants and their chieftains due to encroachments into their landed interests, and, secondly at the start of the first Freedom-Struggle also (during the Swadeshi/revolutionary Era) the active participation was felt from the common people and the “landed gentry” (then turned into Anti-British from Pro-British) of this region as they had become enlightened enough by the “ideals of Nationalism” preached by different leaders during last three decades of 19th Century, and it continued throughout the whole course of India’s Freedom Struggle.