Kharagpur History

Ancient and Medieval History:

• Kharagpur, located in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, has a rich history dating back to ancient and medieval times.
• The region was part of various ancient Indian kingdoms, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Palas, and later became part of the Mughal Empire.
• During the medieval period, it was under the control of various local chieftains and rulers.

British Colonial Era:

• The modern history of Kharagpur began during the British colonial era.
• In the late 19th century, the British recognized the strategic importance of Kharagpur due to its location and potential for railway connectivity.
• The establishment of the Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) played a pivotal role in the development of Kharagpur as a significant railway town.

Establishment of Kharagpur Junction:

• Kharagpur Junction was established in 1898-99.
• On January 1, 1899, the Kharagpur-Cuttack line of the Bengal Nagpur Railway was inaugurated, connecting Kharagpur with Cuttack.
• On April 19, 1900, the bridge over the Rupnarayan River at Kolaghat was opened, connecting Howrah with Kharagpur.
• In the same year, Kharagpur was connected with Sinari, and the Kharagpur-Midnapore branch line was opened in 1901.

Development of Railway Infrastructure:

• Kharagpur Junction became a major railway hub due to its strategic location and extensive railway network.
• The station’s platform, once the longest in the world, further underscored its importance. Kharagpur Junction held the title of having the world’s longest railway platform for many years until the remodeling of Gorakhpur Railway Station in 2013.

Post-Independence Era:

• After India’s independence in 1947, Kharagpur continued to grow as a major railway town.
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur was established in 1951, adding to the town’s prominence as an educational and technological hub.
• IIT Kharagpur is the first IIT in India and has since become one of the country’s premier engineering institutions.

Modern Kharagpur:

• Today, Kharagpur is known for its educational institutions, railway infrastructure, and vibrant community.
• The town has a diverse population, with people from various parts of India and the world residing there.
• Kharagpur continues to play a significant role in the Indian Railways network, with its extensive railway yard and workshops.

Kharagpur’s history is marked by its transformation from a small town in colonial India to a significant railway junction and educational hub, contributing to the region’s development and India’s technological advancements.