Halisahar, human settlement in India
Halisahar is a large city functioning as a municipality in the Barrackpore subdivision, covering about eight square kilometers near the Hooghly River. The urban landscape consists of residential areas, small shops lining the streets, local markets, and various religious sites, with a railway station connecting to Kolkata.
Halisahar traces back to the early Middle Ages when it was known as Kumarhatta, and in the 13th century under Baktiyar Khilji it was called Haveli Shahar, a name meaning City of Palaces. The historian Abul Fazal documented it as Halisahar in the 16th century, establishing the name that persists today.
Halisahar reflects Bengali traditions in its markets, temples, and riverside practices that shape daily life. The city is home to people speaking multiple languages including Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and Odia, whose presence is visible in the religious sites and community spaces scattered throughout.
The city is accessible by train via the Sealdah-Ranaghat line with multiple daily connections to Kolkata, making it convenient for day trips or commuting. State Highway 1 connects the area, and visitors can easily navigate on foot through neighborhoods with markets, parks, and local amenities.
The city has connections to notable figures such as poet Ramprasad Sen and Rani Rashmoni, founder of the Dakshineswar temple, revealing deeper cultural significance than initial appearances suggest. These historical personalities left lasting marks on Bengal's spiritual and literary traditions.
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