Can you hear the echoes of “Sheffield of the East”? That’s what they used to call Haora. This city stands opposite Kolkata on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Haora is more than just a twin city. It is a vital hub with its own rich history.
The name Haora may come from the Bengali word “haor” for a swampy lake. Imagine this area long ago. It was a landscape of wetlands and waterways. The history of Haora stretches back over 500 years. This area was once part of the ancient Bengali kingdom of Bhurshut.
Consider Cesare Federici. He was a Venetian explorer. He traveled here in the late 16th century. Federici mentioned a place called Buttor in his journal. Buttor was likely a commercial port where large ships could travel. We believe Buttor is the modern-day neighborhood of Bator. Bator even appears in a Bengali poem from 1495.
In 1713, the British East India Company wanted to settle five villages on the Hooghly River’s west bank. These villages included Salica, Harirah meaning Haora, Cassundeah, Ramkrishnopoor and Battar. However they were initially unsuccessful. By 1728, most of modern Haora was part of two zamindaris Burdwan and Muhammand Aminpur.
After the Battle of Plassey in 1760, the East India Company gained control of the Haora area. In 1843, Haora became a separate district. Haora is the second most populated city in West Bengal after Kolkata. Think about the rapid growth of Haora in the late 19th century. Job opportunities attracted many people. The male population nearly doubled.
Haora has a tropical climate. Summers are hot and wet. Winters are mild with little rain. The average temperature is about 26 degrees Celsius. Haora Municipality was established in 1862. In 1984, Haora became a municipal corporation.
Haora is known as the “Sheffield of the East”. It is an engineering hub. Bishop Reginald Heber described Haora in 1823 as a place full of shipbuilders. The engineering industry is declining.
Haora railway station is a major transportation hub. It opened in 1854. It connects Haora to coalfields and major Indian cities. Howrah Station is one of India’s busiest railway stations.
Four bridges connect Haora and Kolkata across the Hooghly River. These bridges are the Howrah Bridge also known as Rabindra Setu, Vidyasagar Setu, Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu.
Haora has many neighborhoods. Consider Shibpur. It is home to the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden and the Great Banyan tree. Belur has Belur Math the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission.
Haora has a rich culture. It appreciates art and literature. The district is home to people of many religions and languages.
Remember the name “City of Joy”? It comes from a slum in Haora. Haora is working to improve its infrastructure and urban facilities. The goal is to match its neighbor Kolkata. As you explore Haora, remember its history. Think of its industrial past. Consider its vibrant present. Haora is a city of resilience and transformation.