Bankura district

Bankura (: বাঁকুড়া) is a  of,. It is popular for its  and terracotta horses, known as Bankura horses. The latter has now become a symbol of Indian handicrafts. Amongst other  are dokra and baluchari saris.

Bankura is  located  in  the  western part  of the  state  of West Bengal. It is a part of Bardhaman Division and included in  the area known as "Rarh" in Bengal. It ranks 4th according to population and literacy rate of 2001 Census in the state. The district is bounded by latitude 22038’ N and longitude 86036’ E to 87047’ E. The flows along the northern boundary of the district. The  adjacent districts are  in the north,  in the  west  and    in the south. The Survey of India (SOI)  toposheets  covering  the districts  are 73I, 73J, 73M and 73N.

Politically, for past few years it has been a stronghold of CPI(M). However, maoists have gained strength in the jungles of southwest Bankura. The Bankura and Bishnupur towns are considered anti-CPI(M).

Divisions
The district comprises 3 sub-divisions, which are further divided into 22 blocks. Bankura sub-division comprises 8 blocks, Bankura I, Bankura II, Onda, Barjora, Chhatna, Saltora, Gangajal Ghati and Mejhia.Bishnupur sub-division comprises 6 blocks, Bishnupur, Jaypur, Kotalpur, Indus, Patrasayar and Indpur. Khatra sub-division comprises 8 blocks, Indpur, Khatra, Hirbundh. Raipur, Sarenga, Ranibundh, Taldangra and Simlapal. The district has 22 police stations, 190 gram Panchayats and 5187 villages.