Bhagalpur celebrates 252nd foundation day with pride
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Established on May 4, 1773 by the British East India Company, Bhagalpur gained administrative prominence when James Barton was appointed supervisor. The historic Tilha Kothi, later known as Cleveland House, became the region's administrative hub under Fort William, Kolkata.
Due to its strategic location along the Ganga and proximity to Kolkata, Bhagalpur was declared a collectorate district in 1779. Augustus Cleveland was appointed its first collector.
The city later welcomed Warren Hastings, then de facto Governor General of India and Lady Hastings on July 16, 1780.
Now a divisional headquarters, Bhagalpur comprises three sub-divisions – Naugachia, Bhagalpur Sadar, and Kahalgaon. It has 16 blocks, 1,515 villages and a population exceeding 3 million.
Speaking at the event, DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary lauded Bhagalpur's cultural richness and reputation as '
Silk City
'.
He highlighted its GI-tagged produce –
Jardalu mango
, Katarni rice, Manjusha art – and key landmarks such as Vikramshila Mahavihara, Burhanath Temple, Khanqah-e-Shahbazia and the Dolphin Sanctuary.
He urged citizens to join hands in transforming Bhagalpur into a leading centre for education, business, tourism and urban development under the Smart City Mission.
Speakers included MP Ajay Kumar Mandal, SSP Hriday Kant, DDC Pradeep Singh, BMC commissioner Preeti, mayor Vasundhara Lal and city SP Shubhank Mishra.
Cultural programmes marked the daylong celebrations.
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Time of India
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New Indian Express
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The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. 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Through training programmes, market development, design innovation and economic support, the organisation has transformed traditional footwear-making into a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and grassroots economy. Kolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight, blending heritage with modern relevance. More than just the traditional footwear, they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous pride. Since 1974, LIDCOM, also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal, has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft, as per the statement. The corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training, encouraging innovation, expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, it said. On the organisation's vision, Deshbhratar, said, "Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items. They embody stories of self-reliance, national pride and a living cultural tradition. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to come." Apart from economic uplift, the corporation is also committed to cultural conservation. It continues to implement a wide range of initiatives -- from developing training centres and empowering self-help groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets -- to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape, the statement said.
