Guskara

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Guskara | type = city | latd = 23.50 | longd = 87.75
state_name = West Bengal
district = Barddhaman
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 38
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 31,863| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =bardhaman.gov.in/
footnotes =

Guskara ( _bn. গুস্‌করা) is a city and a municipality under Ausgram police station [ [http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm District-wise list of stautory towns] ] of Sadar subdivision in Barddhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Geography

Guskara is located at coord|23.50|N|87.75|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/28/Guskhara.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Guskara] ] . It has an average elevation of 38 metres (125 feet). Guskara is located in the alluvial flood plains of several rivers. [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, "Bardhaman Jelar Itihas O Lok Sanskriti" (History and Folk lore of Bardhaman District.), Bn icon, Vol I, p18, Radical Impression. ISBN 81-85459-36-3 ] Kunur flows past it. [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p35 ]

History

The area between the Damodar and Ajay was known as Gopbhum, where the Sadgope kings ruled for many centuries, prior to the advent of the Muslims. The Sur kings also occupy a somewhat mythical position in the region. Adi Sur of this dynasty is credited with having brought the five Brahmins and Kayasthas (two important upper castes in Bengal) from Kannauj in what is now Uttar Pradesh. [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp 150-151 ]

Damage to embankments of the Ajay and consequent flooding was a regular problem in the Ausgram and Mangalkot area. The devastating flood of 1943 caused immense suffering and lead to a mass movement for restoration/ repair of the embankments. A massive meeting was organised at Guskara in 1944, with Udaychand Mahtab, Maharaja of Bardhaman. However, the government did not take any action,. Ultimately, the Communist Party, which had been at the forefront of agitations for some years, provided a huge work force for the purpose and completed the repair work. That laid the foundation for the party’s popularity in the area. [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p482 ]

Economy

Guskara has a wholesale market. . [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p673 ] The area thrives on brick kilns, wood craft and cloth sales. [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, pp664-666 ]

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Guskara had a population of 31,863. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Guskara has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 72%, and female literacy is 59%. In Guskara, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Steady flow of refugees from East Pakistan swelled the population of the area in the fifties. [ Chattopadhyay, Akkori, p57 ]

Education

Guskara has sixteen primary, one upper primary, one secondary and three higher secondary schools. Bodhogaya is one of the model schools for the talented kids competing district and state-level competitions. The prime objective of Bodhodaya School is to prepare pupils in a way that can enable them to become successful in different prevalent systems of education in their future. The syllabi of the school keep objective control over subjective learning and the learning process of the school enhances the strength of mind and expanses the intellect of the pupil in such a manner that facilitates in rousing self-belief and understanding ability among the taught. [ [http://bardhaman.gov.in/education/schudir.asp 7th All-India School Education Survey 2003] ]

Art

The area is renowned for its dokra art castings. [ [http://www.infobanc.com/dokra.htm Dokra Art] ] In particular, Dariapur village in the area is famous for its dokra metal craft. [cite web | url = http://www.bharatheritage.in/west-bengal/traditional_crafts.htm
title = West Bengal – Traditional Crafts | accessdate = 2007-09-09 | last = | first = | work = Dokra| publisher = Bharat Heritage] This is the first and foremost non-formal private school at Guskara which is indirectly serving the Sarba Sikkha Abhijan in its own way. During the years of its existence, many alumni of this school excel in their educational pursuit. The school bears the toddling footprints of all the students and is proud of imparting education to those who excel in their career.

References

ee also