Cities and towns in Arambagh subdivision in Hooghly district M: municipal city/ town, R: rural/ urban centre, H: historical/ religious centre Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly
The Arambagh subdivision, presented in the map alongside, is divided into two physiographic parts – the Dwarakeswar River being the dividing line. The western part is upland and rocky – it is extension of the terrain of neighbouring Bankura district. The eastern part is flat alluvial plain area. The railways, the roads and flood-control measures have had an impact on the area.[1] The area is overwhelmingly rural with 94.77% of the population living in rural areas and 5.23% in urban areas.[2]
Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full-screen map.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Bhalia had a total population of 2,452 of which 1,241 (51%) were males and 1,211 (49%) were females. Population in the age range 0–6 years was 265. The total number of literate persons in Bhalia was 1,690 (77.27% of the population over 6 years).[3]
Culture
David J. McCutchion mentions the Raghunatha temple of Sarkar family as an at chala with porch on triple archway, built in 1772 and measuring 24’ x 23’.[4]
Bhalia picture gallery
Raghunatha temple of Sarkar family, at chala, built in 1772
^McCutchion, David J., Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal, first published 1972, reprinted 2017, page 35. The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, ISBN978-93-81574-65-2