Definition
Hirbandh is a community development block (CD block) that functions as an administrative division within the Khatra subdivision of Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal.
Overview
The block occupies an area of approximately 215.60 km² (83.24 sq mi) at an elevation of 123 m (404 ft). According to the 2011 Census of India, it had a total rural population of 83,834, with a density of about 389 persons per km². The official languages are Bengali and English, while the predominant local language is Bengali, spoken by 81.3 % of residents, and Santali, spoken by 18.1 %. The block falls under the Bankura Lok Sabha constituency and the Ranibandh Vidhan Sabha constituency. Its administrative headquarters are located at the town of Hirbandh.
Etymology / Origin
The precise origin of the name “Hirbandh” is not documented in reliable sources. Accurate information on the etymology is not confirmed.
Characteristics
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Geography – Hirbandh lies in the western part of Bankura district, within a hard‑rock terrain. It is bounded by Indpur CD block to the north, Khatra CD block to the east, Ranibandh CD block to the south, and Manbazar I CD block of Purulia district to the west. The block comprises 1 panchayat samiti, 5 gram panchayats (Baharamuri, Gopalpur, Hirbandh, Malian, and Mashiara), 59 gram sansads, 121 mouzas, and 116 inhabited villages.
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Demographics – The 2011 census recorded 42,917 males (51 %) and 40,917 females (49 %). Scheduled Castes constitute 27.23 % of the population, while Scheduled Tribes account for 28.40 %. Literacy stands at 64.18 %, with a notable gender gap: male literacy is 77.80 % versus female literacy at 49.86 %.
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Religion – Hindus form the majority (80.98 %), followed by tribal religions (approximately 16.6 %) and Muslims (2.32 %).
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Economy – The workforce is primarily agrarian: 15.96 % are cultivators, 62.66 % are agricultural labourers, 2.67 % engage in household industries, and 22.8 % are employed in other sectors. As of 2007, nearly half (49.95 %) of families were classified as living below the poverty line. Seasonal migration to other Indian states, especially for construction work, is common among disadvantaged groups.
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Infrastructure – The block is served by Hirbandh police station and has the PIN code 722171. The area’s telephone/STD code is 03243, and vehicle registration plates bear WB‑67 or WB‑68.
Related Topics
- Community development block (India)
- Bankura district
- Khatra subdivision
- West Bengal (state)
- Rural development and poverty in India
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in West Bengal
All information is drawn from publicly available census data and the Wikipedia entry for “Hirbandh (community development block).”