Birati is a place steeped in a rich and bustling history that spans centuries. From its early settlements to its role as a prominent Janapada, Birati has witnessed significant events and transformations over the years. In this section, we will explore the various phases of Birati's history, highlighting its cultural, political, and social evolution.

Historical Background & Origin edit

Birati, formerly known as "Biroti", derives its name from the Bengali word, meaning "taking a break." The area has a rich historical legacy dating back to ancient times. The Nimta-Birati region was a prominent Janapada during the era of Laksmikanta Roy Choudhury. After his demise in 1649, Birati became the capital of Laksmikanta's jagir and served as the administrative headquarters until 1716, when the capital was relocated to Barisha.

Today, Birati still retains its historical significance as the ancestral home of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family, one of the oldest zamindar families in Bengal. In ancient India, Birati used to be a part of Greater 24 parganas which were then under the Satgaon (ancient Saptagram, now in Hoogly district) administration during the Mughal era and later it was included in Hoogly chakla (district under post-Mughal Nawabi rule) during the rule of Murshid Quli Khan. In 1757, after the Battle of Plassey, Nawab Mir Jafar confer the Zamindari of 24 parganas and janglimahals (small administrative units) to the British East India Company. These were Amirpur, Akbarpur, Balia, Birati, Azimabad, Basandhari, Baridhati, Bagjola, Kalikata, Garh, Hatiagarh, Islampur, Dakshin Sagar, Kharijuri, Khaspur, Ikhtiarpur, Madhyamgram, Magura, Medanmalla, Maida, Manpur, Muragachha, Pechakuli, Paikan, Rajarhat, Shahpur, Shahnagar, Satal and Uttar Pargana. Since then, this entire territory is known as Twenty four Parganas.^[2]

British Colonial Rule edit

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India. It was fought between the forces of the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the British East India Company emerged victorious due to political intrigue and betrayal, rather than military prowess.

The aftermath of the Battle of Plassey saw significant changes in the political landscape of India. The British East India Company was granted the zamindari rights of the 24 Parganas, including Birati, by Nawab Mir Jafar. This marked the formal beginning of British colonial rule in the region, with the British East India Company assuming control over governance, administration, and economic activities.

Under British colonial rule, India underwent profound transformations and extreme exploitation. The British introduced a new administrative framework, replacing traditional governance structures with bureaucratic systems. They implemented economic policies that prioritized British interests, leading to the exploitation of India's resources and wealth. Socially, the British colonial rule brought about cultural changes, education reforms, and the introduction of English as the administrative and educational language.

The Battle of Plassey and the subsequent grant of zamindari rights to the British East India Company laid the foundation for over two centuries of British colonial rule in India, shaping the country's history, economy, and society in profound ways.

Modern Development edit

Over the years, Birati has evolved from a rural settlement into a bustling neighborhood, reflecting the dynamic growth and development of Kolkata's outskirts. Birati has a very became very densely populated for the past few years, and has many urban residential Complexes and Apartments like Panchsheel Vatika, Parvati Garden, Delux Complex,

This concise history of Birati encapsulates its rich heritage and evolution over the centuries, from its ancient roots to its modern-day prominence.

In this section, you will explore the neighboring areas and climate of Birati.

Neighbouring Areas edit

Birati is located in the outskirts of Kolkata, and is often considered as a part of it by the locals. In Birati's north, New Barrackpore and Chandpur is situated. In the south, it is bound by Belghoria Expressway(NH 12), with Durganagar being situated in the south. In the east, it is bound by Jessore Road(NH 34), with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport being in the east. In the west of Birati, it is bound by Kalyani Expressway, and has Nimta situated in the west. Here's the same thing in more simplified way:

North of Birati edit

• Neighbouring Areas: New Barrackpore, Chandpur
• Road Boundary: None

South of Birati edit

• Neighbouring Areas: Durganagar
• Road Boundary: Belghoria Expressway

East of Birati edit

• Neighbouring Areas: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
• Road Boundary: Jessore Road

West of Birati edit

• Neighbouring Areas: Nimta
• Road Boundary(Partial): Kalyani Expressway

Weather & Climate edit

The climate of Birati is tropical, characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and a distinct monsoon season. Birati experiences a typical tropical climate, with distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. Overall, Birati's climate is influenced by its geographical location in the Gangetic plains and its proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

Since 2020, Birati and other parts of West Bengal and even India are experiencing a rise in temperature. Due to this the climate might not have changed but the temperatures are rising year-by-year due to Global Warming.

The Historical Daily High Temperature of Kolkata(because there is no difference between the temperatures of Kolkata & Birati) is 36°C & the Historical Daily Low of Birati is 26°C. These can be considered as an example of Birati's climate, but the temperatures have changed a lot. To study the weather of Kolkata's Historical Weather in detail, use Microsoft Weather.

Summer edit

• Condition: The summer season in Birati, stretches from the end of March to July. During the summer months, Birati sees high temperatures with temperatures daily exceeding 40°C. And the lowest being only around 30°C. Humidity levels are high, making the weather feel even hotter. During the summer season (from 2022) Heatwaves have become very common.

Monsoon edit

• Condition: The monsoon or rainy season in Birati, stretches from the August to October. The monsoon season in Birati brings heavy rainfall, providing relief from the scorching heat of summer. The area receives significant rainfall during these months, which helps maintain the lush greenery of the region. However, occasional flooding and waterlogging can occur due to the heavy downpours.

Winter edit

• Condition: The winter season in Birati, stretches from the November to February. Winter in Birati is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The weather is relatively dry and comfortable, making it an ideal time to visit or engage in outdoor activities.

STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT

STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Birati has many educational institutions, coaching centers and schools. Even though, many people prefer to make their children read in schools that are located outside of Birati, due to the quality of education and very less distances.

Schools in Birati edit

STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Here are some of the schools situated in or in the outskirts of Birati and Nimta:

• Mrinalini Dutta Mahavidyapith

• Birati High School(Boys)
• Birati Mahajati Vidyamandir(Boys)
• Birati Mahajati Balika Vidyamandir (H.S)
• Birati Vidyalay for Girls' (H.S)
• Uttar Dum Dum Vidyapith for Boys'
• Uttar Dum Dum Vidyapith for Girls'
• Rajanikanta Shiksha Sadan (Primary School)
• Uttarayan Sishu Vidyatan (Primary school)
• Vidya Bharathi Global School(Primary School)
• St. Stephen's School, Birati

•Literacy : 92%^{[citation needed]}

STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT edit

Transportation is a vital aspect of urban life, in Birati, connecting residents to various parts of the city and beyond. With a well-developed public transit system, including buses and trains, commuting within and outside Birati is convenient and efficient. Additionally, the presence of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport helps a lot. Whether it's by bus, train, car, or bike, Birati offers a range of transportation options to suit the diverse needs of its residents.

Road Transportation edit

Road transportation in Birati is anchored by major highways like NH 12, providing crucial links to neighboring areas. Local roads are well-maintained to cater to both residential and commercial traffic. Traffic regulations ensure safe and orderly movement, with public transportation options like buses and taxis offering convenient connectivity. Dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians also enhance road safety and promote eco-friendly commuting.

Public Transit edit

Public transit in Birati includes buses and trains, offering convenient routes and schedules for residents and visitors. The bus network provides local connectivity, while auto and Rickshaw offer faster travel to neighbourhoods and landmarks within Birati. Affordable ticketing options and complementing taxi services make public transit a popular choice for commuting in Birati.

Buses edit

Even though bus travel exists within Birati, but it is better to use Auto Rickshaws & E-Rickshaws. But the But travel offers better experience while travelling from Birati to other places that are out of Birati. In this cases, Bus travel is the best.

• Routes: For the routes, the only way and the best way is to physically contact with the Bus Conductors or the locals for the route.
• Bus Stands: Birati has several Bus Stops like, 237 Bus Stand, B.B.D. Bag, Mini Bus Stand, etcetera.
• Ticketing Information: For the ticketing information, the only way it to ask the Bus Conductor physically.

Taxis edit

Even though Taxi travel exists in Birati but it is rarely used and is rare. Additionally, they are mainly used for travelling outside Birati. If somebody wants to travel outside of Birati, they can book Taxi online through apps like, Uber, OLA, etcetera.

• Availability: Birati has no specific Taxi service, but people can book Taxi online and make them available based on their needs.
• Taxi stands: There's no specific Taxi stand in Birati, but people can avail the service anytime by booking Taxi online.
• Fare: The fare completely depends on the Taxi driver, distance driven and other factors. Simply, there's no specific fare structure.

Rickshaws edit

Rickshaws include Totos, Autos and e-rickshaws. These are one of the most popular modes of transport within Birati.

• E-rickshaw Stand: Anyone can avail the service anywhere in Birati, as it is located almost everywhere.
• Auto Stand: This service is mostly, specifically located under the Manik Bandopadhyay Setu near the BiratI Railway Station.
• Toto Stand: This service is a little rare in Birati. But this service is similar to E-rickshaw service in Birati.
• Fare: The fare depends on the distance travelled and is said by the Rickshaw rider.

Road Connectivity edit

Railway Transportation edit

Air Transportation edit

• • Local railway stations
  • Regional and commuter train services

• Road Network
  • Major Highways
    • NH 12
    • Access to other major cities
  • Local Roads
    • Residential streets
    • Commercial areas
• Cycling and Pedestrian Paths
  • Bike Lanes
    • Dedicated cycling routes
    • Bike-sharing services
  • Walking Paths
    • Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks
    • Park and trail connections
• Air Travel
  • Airports
    • Nearby domestic and international airports
    • Airport facilities and services

By air edit

Birati is close to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.^[3]

By road edit

Kolkata-Siliguri highway passes through Birati. Birati also has the 237 Bus Stand and Birati Mini Bus services which go to Babughat and B.B.D Bag respectively. ^[3] It is also connected to Kalyani Expressway, which is accessible through the M.B. Road. It is also surrounded by Jessore Road(NH 34) and Belghoria Expressway(NH 12).

It also features a railway station. Its closeness to Dum Dum also adds the Kolkata Metro as a way of conveyance. Madhusudan Banerjee Road (commonly known as M.B. Road) connects Birati with Belgharia. Birati is adjacent to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. North Dumdum Municipality headquarters is situated near Birati Railway Station.

By rail edit

Birati railway station on the Sealdah–Bangaon line serves the area. Birati will soon be connected with the Noapara-Barasat Line (Line 4) of Kolkata Metro. The metro station will be underneath Jessore Road at Birati More (the point where M.B. Road meets Jessore Road).

STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT edit

Residential Complexes & Apartments edit

Restaurants edit

Markets edit

Take a minute looking at the people who brought this page to you.

Notable Residents edit

• Mihir Sen: Writer(Edited at 2014)
• Ujjal Mukherjee: Bengali Journalist(Edited at 2014)

Edited & Updated by edit

• Sunrit Hazra: Student(Edited at April, 2024)

•   Kolkata/Northern fringes travel guide from Wikivoyage