Surul

Geography

Sriniketan now adjoins a part of Surul. It is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Santiniketan.

History

Surul is a village adjacent to Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. A major part of this central university, with the whole of its Sriniketan campus, stands within Surul mouja.

Surul consists of a large population of Bagdis, Bauris, Haris and Doms, as well as weavers. The Sarkar's who were Zamindars of this Birbhum District brought in Brahmins and other upper castes. The Sarkar family at Surul had contributed a vital role towards socio-economic development of the overall area and also towards establishment of Visva-Bharati, an Institution of National Importance

During British rule in India, this Surul used to be a very significant area, being the strategic centre of business/commerce/trade and was also the site of a commercial residency under John Cheap. After East India Company gave up its mercantile dealings in 1835, the residency was allowed to fall into decay.

Culture

Due to affluence and influence of Surul Sarkarbari, the overall area was rich in Culture apart from being economically sound. The temples at Surul are well-protected and terracotta carvings thereon are distinct. A few of the temples were built in 1830, within a few years of John Cheap’s death. Most of the temples are much older, dedicated to Shiva, one to Manasa and one pancharatna (five towered) temple to Lakshmi-Janardan. Most of the carvings are traditional depictions such as the Ramayana war but the depictions of Europeans need special mention.(See the picture alongside).

During the late 1940s Indian artist Mukul Dey extensively photo-documented the terracotta temples of Surul, which were subsequently published in an album titled Birbhum Terracottas, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, 1959.

Durga Puja, Dharmaraj Puja, Kali Puja of Surul Sarkarbari still carries the tradition of soil. The colossal buildings are still attracting visitors around the world and presently became favorite destination for film shootings. Few films: Padmi Pisir Barmi Bakso, Pratima, Hirok Jayanti, Bansiwala, Gohona Bakso, Choturanga, Sesh Sanghat, Few TV Serials: Tumi Robe Nirobe, Lalu Bhulu, Baro Theke Atharo