The Legacy of Kansabati River Art and Architecture

 

The Legacy of Kansabati River Art and Architecture

River Kansabati has been flowing from the unknown past of prehistoric times till today. Flowers, fruits, grains and vegetables flourish across the fertile lands of the vast riverbanks. The picturesque villages make Kansabati even more enchanting. Kansabati has not only influenced the present civilization but has also embodied the past civilization. Art architecture embedded in the womb of that civilization flows from the dawn of civilization to today.

Kapisha to Kansabati

Kansabati is called by various names including Karva, Kansbas, Kalindiganga, Kaliganga, Ganga, and Kangshanadi. Before changing its course, the last part of the stream was called Behula, Gangurya, and Gauri etc. However, the river known as Kapisha in the long past history is known as Kansabati now.

Historical and Epic Reference

There is no doubt about the antiquity of the Kapisha or Kansabati River. Professor Paresh Chandra Dasgupta, former Director of Archaeology, West Bengal wrote in his book 'Subarnarekha Prangane Aranyakanya Kansabati' that different phases of the Stone Age have passed in the valley of the river Kansabati. In the light of successive discoveries, it can be confirmed that the valley attracted the food-seeking 'hominids' in an extensive chapter during the latter half of the Pleistocene period. Naturally, the history of this river's contribution dates back to the earliest stages of civilization in the distant past.

       The Kapisha River is known from the epic 'Raghuvansam' by Mahakabi Kalidas, written between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. Here the King Raghu triumphantly conquered Sumbhadesh (Tamralipta) and other kingdoms in the east and crossed the 'elephant bridges' which were lined up over the Kapisha River and marched towards Kalinga.

     Again, it is known from the Madla Panji of Utkal that King Anangabhimadev (reigned 1211-1238 AD) extended his kingdom up to the Kansbas River (Kansabati) in the north.

     The Kansai River is mentioned in the 16th century poet Dwij Madhav's poem 'Chandimangal'. There Devi Chandi instructed Vishwakarma to build a monastery on the banks of the 'Kangshanadi' or Kansai River.

Nomenclature

The colour of the water of the river flowing through the plateau is like ‘Kansa’ or brass. Hence the name of the river is supposed to be Kansai. Later the river came to be known as Kansabati and others.

Flow path

Jabar Hills in Jhalda Block of Purulia District of West Bengal is the source of Kansai or Kansabati River. It then flows through Purulia and Bankura districts of West Bengal. At Bankura the Kansabati joins its main tributary the Kumari River. The Kansabati dam is built at the confluence of the Kansabati and Kumari rivers in Mukutmanipur. Then Kansabati entered Paschim Medinipur district. The river splits into two branches at Kapastikari in Debra of Paschim Medinipur. Then the main branch in the name of Kansabati flows through Purba Medinipur and joins into the Keleghai River.

Extinct Behula River and Kansabati

Once the lower reaches of the Kansabati was the extinct Behula River. The Kansabati River changes its old course from Panskura of Purba Medinipur district and now flows southwards. Kansabati River is actually a cut canal from here. The previous flow of the lower reaches of the Kansabati from Panskura to Rupnarayana River was known as Behula River. This river was also called Gauri or Gangur or Gangura River. The river is now extinct.

Kansabati River in the light of Archeology

Scattered excavations in the vast river basin at various times have yielded rich artefacts. Pre-medieval pottery, inscriptions, stone carvings etc. have been found. Artefacts of Pala-Sena period, masts of large vessels, fragments of boats recall the rich history of the region. Many artefacts like ancient Vishnu idols, Buddha idols, Sanchistupa replicas, various handicrafts recall the rich cultural heritage influenced by the river. Ancient terracotta temples, the Garbari of the Kings and other ancient construction in the river basin are the wonderful example of architecture influence by the river.

Development of Buddhist Culture

The extensive spread of Buddhist culture in Tamralipta is historically proved. We know it from Hiuen Tsang, Fahien's description. Ancient Buddhist statues and related artefacts are still found in the river basin. The development of riverine Buddhist culture is acknowledged.

The legend

Once the lower reaches of the Kansabati was the extinct Behula River. According to folklore, the extinct Behula River is the 'Gangur River' as mentioned the epic 'Mansamangal'. Behula, the epic heroine was floating on a raft in the river 'Gangur' with her husband who died in a snake bite. As per the geographical location of the river, the culture of the surrounding peoples, folklore etc. the extinct Behula river can be identified as the 'Gangur river' of 'Mansamangal'.

Historical Background of the Flower Valley

Field after field along the Kansabati Basin is a kingdom of flowers. There are so many collection of flowers like Marigold, Chrysanthemum, Dopati, Rajni, Karan, Axter, Cherry, Jhupsi, Bell, Rose, Gladiolus, Murgai etc. Hiuen Tsang was a famous Chinese Buddhist, scholar, traveler and translator. He arrived in India in 629 AD. He came to Tamralipti (Tamluk). It was the river basin of the then Kansabati. According to his description, the land here is flat and watery. The climate is warm. Flowers and fruits are plentiful. Due to the low-lying land and abundant rainfall, the land here is naturally waterlogged most of the time. All these areas were flooded with river water almost every year. As a result the lands were very fertile as they were rich in silt. Therefore, there was abundant production of flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains. About one and a half thousand years ago, Hiuen Tsang saw such an abundance of flowers and fruits when he arrived in the region. Naturally, the history of abundance of flowers of the river basin is about one and a half thousand years old.

River influenced Regional Folk Culture

From the beginning of the 16th century, kirtan songs were widely practiced when Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu passed through the Kansabati basin several times during his journey to Nilachal. He imbued the region with Vaishnavism. Since then, widespread kirtan music has become popular in the basin area.

     Pot's songs of this region are basically Kansabai based legend. Besides various mythological stories are depicted in colors on cloth or paper canvas and sung. The artists depict the stories of Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Manasamangal, Chandimangal etc. in the Pot-canvas.

     Baul songs were created and spread around the river Kansabati. Hence the Baul song of this region has a unique flavor.

     Kabigan influenced by the Kansabati River is usually performed in two groups. It is a kind of competitive song. The leader of the party is called 'Kabiyal'. Kabial's companions are called 'Dohar'.

     People of Tribal community perform dances and songs with traditional musical instruments dressed in tribal genre.

     Folk songs are one of the genres of music. The daily life of the people, the happiness and sorrow, the struggle of life in the Kansabati river basin emerge in this music. This song is mostly spread orally in the society.

River influenced Regional Handicraft

Kansabati River has greatly influence the everyday life of the basin area. They made various handicrafts for daily needs. Grass-leaf wrap, Pottery, clay idol, Metal tools, fireworks, wooden furniture, materials of bamboo, regionalfoods like ‘gahana bori’, ‘alur chop’, ‘batasa’ etc. are the fine example of river influenced handicraft.