No Escape Until You Are Winning...

If you are a person who is constantly facing failures then you know how it feels like to make the people who matter to you disappointed. It will always bother you thinking that the people who cherish your littlest achievements will definitely be disheartened at your huge failures. Sometime, the failures are uncalled for, unforeseen and you don't even know what went wrong. In my experience, some failures occur at the situations that needed to be on your favour. The failure that occurred to be a disappointment could change your life if it wasn't a failure after all. 

I always ponder over how disappointed my close-ones are because I repeatedly let them down yet they put up with me. They smile and show confidence in me and that kills me from inside daily. Every time I know I need to take a decision or prove myself, I fear I wouldn't be able to. The disappointment is not personal. The funniest part is that it is always of the people I care for. I wonder sometimes, if I had no one to care for, no one to care for me, life would have been far easier. I would take risks, shun everything I am compelled to do and live freely. There would be no eyes looking up to me with expectations, no face frowning at my downfall and most importantly no heartache for the ones who expected something out of me.

This whole expectation game is so so bitter that you can't even quit fighting. You can't yell and say ENOUGH! You can't say I QUIT! You can't say I AM LOSING! Because come on girl, you are strong and you have responsibilities. You were meant to be a fighter. And you know what? This fighter never wanted to fight, never wanted to put herself in this battle. 

The easiest thing one could do in my situation was to give up on life. All black, all gone, lost into the mysterious blackness of afterlife. But you know what compelled me to refrain from it? The same disappointed faces of the people who care and I care for. There is no escape from disappointment. No running away from it unless you are winning. 

Ambika Kalna

Ambika Kalna is a historic town in the Bardhaman District. This town is known for its beautiful terracotta structures which is comparable to those of Bishnupur. Though, surprisingly this place is not very popular. Kalna or Ambika Kalna is situated on the banks of the River Bhagirathi Hooghly. A number of temples with beautiful terracotta works are found here. Let us explore the wonderful world of terracotta.

Terracotta work on Pratapeshwar Temple

History of Ambika Kalna

According to sources, the history of Bardhaman’s Kalna and Bankura’s Bishnupur are linked. The King of Bardhaman took over Bishnupur royal estate and settled in Kalna. After which both the places were enriched with the beautiful terracotta work. Later Aurangazeb appointed Raja Jagatram as the administrator of Kalna. Under the administration of Raja Jagatram & his Son, Kalna was further beautified by the art of terracotta. Several temples were built during this period.

In 1757, nineteen temples were built under the administration of Raja Tilakchand. Raja Tejh Chandra Bahadur also contributed to the beautification of the town by building magnificent temples. No place in Bengal other than Bishnupur has so many temples with beautiful terracotta in carved like Kalna.

The Terracotta Temples in Kalna

The region of Bengal (modern Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal) saw a remarkable surge in patronage and experimentation in art and architecture from the mid- 17th to the mid-19th century. Hundreds of brick temples were built in this period in innumerable villages across the land, all built in a new architectural style. There were several reasons behind this burst of creativity and patronage. Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a reformist religious movement was started by the mystic Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 15th century. Many landlords and merchants throughout the land converted to Vaishnavism, and announced their conversion by sponsoring temples and temple complexes that allowed the congregational worship favoured in this new religion. Religious revival coincided with economic prosperity in Bengal, initially through changes brought about by the Mughal administration, and later through trade with Europe and Southeast Asia. Some temples were sponsored by merchants enriched by trade, others by zamindars or landlords who became wealthy through changes in the political order.

The merchants and small landholders mostly built individual "household" temples, while the large zamindars embellished their capitals at Bishnupur, Kalna, Puthia, Nadia, Kantanagar, and Baronagar with dozens of monumental temples.

Terracotta work on Temples in Kalna

Rajbari Complex

Most of the beautiful structures in Kalna are enclosed in this particular complex. A unique and variant architectural style is found in the monuments and temples. The most common architectural styles are Bengali chala, the multi tower designs, ridges Duel of Bardhaman-Bishnupur style, Flat-roofed, Rashmancha etc. Some of them are described below.

Rajbari Complex garden

Pratapeswar Temple- This beautiful temple is located to the left hand-side at the entrance to the Rajbari Complex. The temple consists of beautiful terracotta works on its walls. It is considered to be one of the finest arts of terracotta in the complex. It was built in the memory of Prince Pratapaditya by his first wife Priya Kumari in 1849. There are figures of Lord Krishna, Goddess Durga & the demon Ravana on the walls of this temple. The roof is made in the style of ridged rekha duel style, which is popularly known as Bishnupur-Bardhaman style. This temple was built by Ramhori Mistry and is a fabulous example of finest terracotta works in Bengal.

Pratapeshwar Temple (left); Terracotta work on the Pratapeshwar Templa (right)

Rashmanch- As one move forward from the entrance, the first structure that catches the eyes is this roofless brick building. This is also made from burnt clay. Its pillars are magnificent. A few Holi or Doljatra rituals are held in this Rashmanch.

Rashmanch

Pancharatna Temples- These temples are raised on low-platforms and are brick-built aatchala temples of varying sizes. These temples in a row were built in the 19^th century. There are Shiva lingas inside these temples.

Pancharatna Temple

The Lalji Temple- It is the oldest temple in the Rajbari complex. It was built in 1739 AD. This temple is brick-built with 25 ratnas (tower). The walls of the temple have beautiful terracotta plaques which depicts the royal hunting scenes. Though it is situated in the Rajbari , complex but in a separate enclosed compound. There is a Radha-Krishna idol in this Temple.

Lalji Temple

Krishnachandraji Temple- This 60 feet tall building was built by Raja Tilokchand during 1751-1755 AD. This temple is also built in the style of 25 Ratnas (towers) and aatchala. The terracotta work depicts various scenes from Ramayana & Mahabharata, of childbirth, hunting etc.

Other structures present in this Complex are- Giri Govardhan Temple, Ananta Basudeva temple, Vijay Vaidanath Temple & Mahis Mardini institution.

Krishnachandraji Temple

Siddesheswari Temple

It is the oldest temple in Ambika Kalna. The place also derives its name from the goddess Ambika Siddesheswari.  This temple was established by Rishi Amburish in 688 AD. Human sacrifices were practiced in this temple. This temple is built in the ekchala style. This is a protected monument now. There are 14 steps leading to the temple, the first five signifying the Tanrik Cult and the nine indicating the Nabagraha or the nine planets. Besides there are two Shiva temples.

Siddesheswari Temple

108 Shiva Temples

This is located just opposite to the Rajbari complex. As one enters the gate, only temples of the same kind are noticed. There is absolute no similarities among the temples except for the Shiva ling inside. Some have white Shiva ling and some black. Maharaja Tej Chandra had sponsored the construction of these temples. This construction was a project to celebrate the transfer of the royal estate. The architecture is interesting as the orientation of the temples is in two concentric circles. The first circle consists of 74 temples with alternate white and black shiva lings. The inner set of temples has all white shiva lings. These temples are also in the form of aatchala style. Women visit these temples during Shivratri. The view of temples aligned one after the other is really beautiful.

A part of 109 Shiva Temples

Jagganathbari

The queen of Burdwan established a few temples in the Jagganathbari in the year 1754. Among them two are of special architecture. Both are of 15-ft and 5-ft high foundation respectively. Beautiful Alpanas, scenes from Mahabharata are clearly depicted in the terracotta work on the temple wall. This place is not under maintenance but the temples are still in good conditions. There is also a huge well inside this Jagganathbari. It is located in the Jagganath para.

Jagganath Bari

  Mahaprabhubari

This was the residence of Gauridas Pandit where Lord Sree Chaitnya took shelter during his visit to Ambika Kalna thrice. The tree under which Lord Sree Chaitanya rested still exists. It is popularly known as ‘Tentultala’ in Mahaprabhu para. World’s first idol of Lord Chaitnya is present here. The foot impression of Mahaprabhu can be seen here.

Handloom in Kalna

There are almost 300-400 handlooms in Kalna. Across the River Bhagirathi is Nadia, Shantipur. Launch services are provided to cross the river. Here at Shantipur, silk and handloom sarees are very popular. This contributes almost 30% to the economic growth of this town. These sarees are brought to Kalna from where export is done to the other parts of the country at much higher prices. It is interesting to watch the skilled workers work in the handlooms. A saree that costs around Rs 2000 in Kolkata can be purchased at much lower price in Kalna.

Tant saree laid to dry (left); Rolls of Tant sarees kept outside the loom (right)

Festivals of Kalna

The main festival of Ambika Kalna is the Saraswati Puja. This festival is celebrated just like Durga Puja in Kolkata. Theme pujas are also organized. Fairs are held, Schools and colleges also organize pujas in their institutions. Band processions begin from the morning, which move around the whole town.

River Bhagirathi

River Bhagirathi is one of the two headstreams of the River Ganges. Kalna is situated on the banks of this river. Water transport is widely popular. The scenery at the Ghats is really beautiful & one can spend hours sitting by the Ghats watching the boats and ferries sailing up & down. The mid-river is extremely shallow due to heavy slit deposition.

River Bhagirathi

Kalna is enriched with the beauty of its terracotta temples. But it is still unknown to many people that a part of history also lies in the shadow of this magnificent place. Under the various rulers, the artistic structures were built that enriched the beauty of Bengal. Many of the temples and monuments are maintained by the state government. The effort made by the ASI is really appreciable as it has led to the preservation of these valuable historical structures.

TRAVEL TIPS

Getting there: Howrah – Katwa local ; Sealdah – Katwa local.

Getting around: Rickshaws are the only alternative. It takes 2 ½ to 3 hours for the entire trip. Charges are about Rs75 per rickshaw for the entire trip, but it is subject to heavy bargain.

Places to eat: The temples and pilgrimages of Kalna can be covered in a day. There are several places to eat. Hotel Priyadarshini, near the bus stand offers good food at reasonable prices.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many budget hotels and dharmashalas in the town. One can also opt to stay at the PWD guest house. It is advisable to book rooms in advance.

-Jaismita Alexander

The same article was published by The Telegraph in Schools (TTIS)

Deulti- Abode of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

“Shongshare jara sudhu dile, kintu pele na kichui jara durbol, utpirito, manush hoye o manush jader chokher joler kokhon o hishab nilen na, nirupay dukkho moy jibon e jara konodin bhebei pelen na. Shomostho thekei o keno tader kichu tei odhikar nei, tader bedonai dilo. Amar mukh khule tarai pathalo manusher kache manusher nalish janate. “

― Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay

River Rupnarayan

With this quote written on the left side of the gate still stands proud the beautiful house of the great Bengali novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay known as Sarat Chandra Kuthi. Sarat Kuthi is located in Samta in Deulti, Howrah about 50 km drive from Kolkata. Deulti is a small village located towards the west part of Bagnan. One can visit the land of Sarat Chandra in one day. It takes only one and a half hour to reach from Kolkata. The bank of River Rupnarayan is a famous picnic spot.

About the Author 

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was born on 15^th September, 1876 in Debanandapur, Hoogly. He started his career as an Author with the story ‘Mandir’. He received the Kuntolin award for his first masterpiece- Mandir.  He also gained popularity with his pseudonym Anila Devi, the real name of his elder sister. He Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s first wife was Shanti Devi who died in Burma due to Plague. His boy child from the first wife also died from the same sickness. 

After the death of his first wife, he got married to Hironmoyee Devi who was previously known as 

Mokkhoda. He was also a homeopath and was therefore known as Dr. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The author composed popular novels like Palli Samajh, Parineeti, Mahesh, Shubodha, Srikanto, Devdas etc. Sarat Chandra died on 16^th January, 1938 at the age of 61.

About the house

Sarat Smriti Mandir is written in Bengali on the right side of the gate and followed by this there is a quote from the popular novel Mahesh written below. The house is two storied and has been built in Burmese-style. Sarat Kuthi was built on the bank of River Rupnarayan, which still flows by but the river has moved far away in the due course of time due to excessive silting. It is said that the author has penned down some of his famous novels and stories in the study of this house. It is known that the author spent the last twelve years of his life in this house. The study and other rooms along with its furniture are still preserved with great care for more than a century now. This house was once the home of Sarat Chandra’s brother Swami Vivekananda also. There are many things of interest still preserved in the house which, according to the sources, draws the tourist from abroad. The building is now a museum containing various articles used by the author in his daily life. Let’s together explore the abode of the great Bengali Novelist.

The Garden

As one enters the compound of Sarat Chandra Kuthi, one can see the huge house standing in front

among the beautiful garden. Towards the left of the garden a statue of the author stands. One can also spot the Guava tree mention in the novel Palli Samajh. The samadhis of Sarat Chandra

Chattopadhyay, his wife Hironmoyee Devi and brother Bedananda lie in the end of the garden. The puja mandap is also in the same garden.

The Bust
The marble bust of the author is situated at the left side of the garden, among some beautiful plantations. The statue was erected by Dr. Ashim Dasgupta, former Finance Minister of West Bengal in 2010.

The Guava Tree

The author during his stay in this compound planted various trees in the garden. Among them were some bamboo trees and Galoncho with guava trees. One guava tree has grown up exactly in front of the main house. According to the sources, it is said that this tree is more than 90 years old. The same tree is said to be mentioned in the author’s masterpiece Ramer Sumati. The trees are still an attraction to the tourists.

The Samadhis

In the memorial of the great novelist, Sarat Chandra and his beloved wife and brother three stones have been laid in the compound of the Sarat Chandra Kuthi. Initially, the three samadhis used to be on the road outside the compound. Later it was brought under the same compound by extending the boundary walls of the garden.

Samadhi of Sarat Chandra's second wife Hironmoyee (left); The samadhi of brother Debananda (left) & Sarat Chandra Bose (right)

The Ground Floor

The ground floor has a front veranda with three rooms. The first one is the study of Sarat Chandra. Beside it is a bedroom and then is the homeopathy chamber. After the chamber, there is a small corridor leading to the stairwell of the first floor. On the front right-side of the house, there is a huge cage. It is said that the author loved animals so he kept peacocks. The kitchen and dining hall is also down but is under construction.

The Study Room

1- Bookshelf; 2- Arm chair; 3- Chappal worn by Sarat Chandra, 4- Study table

The study room is quite small. It has a writing desk, an arm chair and a bookshelf. Some shelves are made on the walls. They still have some books and old pictures. In the same room one can see Sarat Chandra’s walking stick & chappals preserved in a box. The arm chair has his framed photo and a picture of his dead body adorned with flowers and garlands. The guide will narrate to you stories of the past. According to him, Sarat Chandra used the room as the study because the huge window used to give him the view of the river. The river was very near to the house that time. The author composed great stories like Abhagir Swargo, Bamuner Meye, Mahesh, Ramer Shumoti, Palli Shomaj, Srikanta fourth part and last he wrote Bipradas in this room.

The Bedroom

Just next to the study room is a bedroom. It is quite spacious. The bed is kept on the left side of the room. A white bedcover is laid white two pillows. There is a huge cupboard with some medical books in it. There is a star shaped hanger on the wall. The same room has a door that leads to the next room. At the end of the room, an old radio system and a hookah is kept. The walls of the room have some old framed pictures. There is also a made in Japan wall clock that draws attention of the visitors. The care taker says that he, for the past 40 years did not allow it to stop. There is a key that needs to be turned every week for it to keep working.

1- Star shaped Hanger, 2- Wall clock, 3- Old radio system and Hookah, 4- Caretaker of the house

The Homeopathy Chamber

The bedroom connects to the homeopathy chamber. The room is quite big and has a big arm chair at the side of the door that connects to the bedroom. There is a cupboard that has glass frames on door. One can spot some old glass vials still kept intact inside. Just opposite to the cupboard there is a single bed kept at the side with a chair at its head. Both are kept near a huge door that opens to the front entrance. According to the guide, Dr. Sarat Chandra used to visit patients here and treated them for free. At the end of the room there is a small altar. The altar has two stone idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to the sources they were gifted by C.R. Das to the author. A small red bulb is fitted in, that is kept on 24 hours. There are two different kinds of Charkkha miniatures kept for show. The guide says that they were gifted by Gandhiji.

1- Old homeopathy vials, 2- Patients' bed in the chamber, 3- Charkha said to be gifted by Gandhiji, 4- Statue of Radha Krishna

The First Floor

The first floor is under construction. It has two rooms. The guide says that Sarat Chandra used to stay down in the daytime and only came up in the night to sleep. The bedrooms have beds, chairs, some side tables and cupboards. There is a small open latrine is the corridor. The corridor is spacious and is in good condition. Though a side is being renovated and access to the part is not allowed for the timing.  There are a few cages kept upstairs that had rabbits in them. A few pigeons were also kept. The cages are empty now.

The Courtyard

The courtyard is big and it has a small storehouse for grains. There is a rusted hand pump. The courtyard is half cemented yet well maintained.

The Pond

There is a pond just opposite to the house. The guide says that the pond had two pet fishes in them. One Rohu and another was Katla. Sarat Chandra’s wife had named them Kartik and Ganesh. This pond and the fishes were mentioned in the author’s masterpiece Ramer Sumati.

The house and its compound are well-maintained by the care-taker. He has been employed by the author’s Grandson. The best time to visit Deulti, Sarat Chandra Kuthi is during the winter and spring. National Holidays should be avoided. The heritage house is open all throughout the year. It is suggested that one must visit Deulti during the Sarat fair that is held during September-October. 

Good to Know

• Samta, Deulti is approximately 50 km from Kolkata. It takes one and a half hour to reach.
• There are a few temples that can be visited too.
• The Sarat Mela is very famous. Every year many food stalls are set up in this fair.
• Nirala Resorts & SonarBangla are two very good hotels.
• There are quite a few eating outlets, dhabas and restaurants on the Highway.

Jaismita Alexander

The same was published by TTIS- The Telegraph In Schools

Snack and Munch with Snacking

South Kolkata has got a great addition to it's chain of Cafes. Planning a reunion of friends over some great food and games? Then Snacking should be your next destination. There is live music in the evening with board games. The decor is going to enthral you. I visited this cafe after seeing a lot of Facebook post recommendations and the gang I was supposed to meet were quite determined to visit this place.

At a first glance from outside it might seem to be a pretty ordinary food joint but as it is said, 'Never judge the book by its cover'. The interior is very pretty and cosy. As we were a group of five young ladies, we got a huge table to us and the manager himself attended to us for petty little things.

Here are the items we tried on the menu:

1. Oreo Shake: Very common in every cafe but kid me not, this place probably serves it in the tallest glass with a beautiful topping. And it tastes heavenly.

2. Fried Chicken Strips- Served with fries and salad, this is the juiciest chicken strips I ever had. Only one disappointment is that there were very few pieces for the price charged but then you get the fries with it.

3. Barbecue Delight Pizza- Many cafes fail to serve good pizzas but Snacking did not disappoint me. The pizza was really good with lot of toppings.

4. Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Herbed rice, sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes- This is a treat for spicy food lovers. Refrain from ordering this if you can't tolerate spice.

5. Chicken steak with sautéed vegetables, mashed potato and rice- Another main course you will surely enjoy. Perfectly juicy tender chicken leg and cheesy mashed potatoes treat your taste buds right.

I would love to visit the place again to try some desserts and snacks. Overall it was worth our time and money. Some people have complained about the quantity of food which I think is a personal opinion because what we were served were just perfect in quantity. It is absolutely reasonable and student friendly. To avoid long queues it is better if you go on weekdays or before 5 pm on weekends and holidays.