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Buxa Detention Camp: Fortress of Forgotten Resistance and Freedom

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In the Heart of the Jungle, Behind the Walls of Silence—A Prison Without the Bars of Justice Buxa Fort, perched at an altitude of 867 meters (2,844 ft) in the heart of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, lies 30 km from Alipurduar town in West Bengal. Originally built by the Bhutanese King to guard a vital stretch of the ancient Silk Route connecting Tibet with India via Bhutan, the fort holds deep historical and strategic importance. In the late 18th century, during the Second Dooars War, the British army—supported by the King of Cooch Behar—seized control of the fort from the Bhutanese. By the 1930s, the British had transformed this remote and rugged outpost into a high-security prison and detention camp. Isolated and nearly unreachable, Buxa Fort earned a grim reputation as one of the most feared prisons in colonial India—second only to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. It became a crucible of psychological endurance, spiritual introspection, and nationalist determination. The fort ...
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Hijli Detention Camp: Forgotten Jail That Shaped India's Freedom and Became IIT Kharagpur

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  Hijli Detention Camp
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Location: West Bengal, India
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Colonial Jails and Detention Camps of British India: Untold Stories of Resistance

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India’s quest for independence was not fought only on the streets or in public rallies. A silent but powerful part of this movement unfolded behind the locked doors of colonial jails and British detention camps. Here Freedom fighters endured cramped,dingy,and horrific conditions,along with immense hardship. Instead of breaking their spirit, these jails became places where resistance grew stronger. The darkened confined spaces of these prisons and detention camps witnessed their courage, suffering, and sacrifice-proof of their refusal to bow down to British rule. From the isolated Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands to the high-security compounds of Hijli and Buxa Detention Camps , every prison cell became a symbol of resistance. But the story doesn’t end there. Alipore Central Jail , Midnapore Central Jail , Presidency Jail , Rajshahi Central Jail , Chittagong Central Jail , and even faraway jails like Mandalay and Insein in Burma also played a powerful role in India’s fight fo...
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Location: West Bengal, India
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What If Mosquitoes Went Extinct? Life on a Buzz-Free Planet

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Imagine a world where the familiar buzz of mosquitoes is gone and itchy bites are a distant memory. That might sound like a dream—no more malaria, dengue or Zika! But nature is a delicate web, and even tiny mosquitoes have roles in it. Scientists have actually studied this question: if all mosquitoes disappeared, would ecosystems collapse or simply shrug it off? The surprising answers mix good news for humans with some ecological caveats. In this fun Q&A, we’ll tackle questions like: What roles do mosquitoes play in nature? Who eats them? Could plants miss their pollinators? Would we really be better off without them? Along the way we'll share some science-backed facts and even a few analogies (think “nobody eats only rice, but losing rice still leaves us very hungry” to keep things light. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the curious case of a mosquito-free world!
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Behind the Bars: The Untold Story of India’s Revolutionaries in British Jails

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  After the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the British imperialists took every step to crush any future uprising. To tighten their repressive control, they built prisons and detention camps across India. After the Partition of Bengal in 1905, these facilities became tools to suppress the growing spirit of freedom among Indians. Gallows were set up inside jails, and brutal punishments awaited those who dared to rise. One of the earliest and youngest martyrs, Khudiram Bose , was executed inside Muzaffarpur Jail on 11 August 1908. He was just 19 years old. In 1910 alone, four more brave revolutionaries from Bengal were hanged at Presidency Jail. Arrests followed across Bengal, with many revolutionaries deported to the dreaded Cellular Jail in Andaman , known for its torturous conditions.
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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The Iron Pen of Justice: How Ambedkar Wrote a New India

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Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is more than just a name in Indian history—he stands for resistance, equality, and justice. He was born during British rule in a poor Mahar family, which was seen as "untouchable" in the caste system. People from the Mahar community were treated badly and kept away from basic rights. Because of this, Ambedkar faced discrimination from a young age. These painful experiences gave him the strength and reason to fight against the unfair caste system for the rest of his life. He proved that with education, self-respect, and courage, anything is possible. At a time when caste and inequality ruled society, Ambedkar became the voice of hope for millions of oppressed people. His work was not just about politics—he helped rebuild India on the ideas of justice and fairness for all.
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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"বিষণ্ণতা"(Sadness) by PRONAY PAL

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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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"অন্তরের বিদ্রোহ" (Rebellion Within) by PRONAY PAL

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আমি বিদ্রোহী নই, তবু অন্তরে গর্জে উঠি। I am not a rebel, yet my heart roars within. লেবু চিপে ভাত দিয়ে খাই, সকালবেলায় ব্যাগটা নিয়ে অফিসে ছুটি। I squeeze lemons over rice and leave for work in the morning.   দেয়ালে টাঙানো পাড়ার মোড়ে খবরের কাগজ পড়ে শুরু করি দিন। At the corner of the lane, reading the newspaper, I start my day anew. আমি বিদ্রোহী নই, তবু অন্তরে গর্জে উঠি। I am not a rebel, yet my heart roars within.
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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The Birth of Durga Puja: A Short Tale of War, Wealth, and Celebration.

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  Every autumn, Bengal comes alive with the vibrant energy of Durga Puja, the most important festival for Bengali Hindus. It's not just a religious event; it's a lively celebration of Bengali culture, bringing people together in joy and marking the victory of good over evil. The tradition of autumnal worship, or 'Akal Bodhan' (about Akal bodhan) , was popularized by Lord Rama, who invoked the goddess before his battle with Ravana(demon king). Over centuries, this practice evolved and became an integral part of Bengali culture, particularly flourishing during the British colonial period when affluent zamindars (landlords) initiated elaborate community pujas. Durga Puja, a vibrant festival celebrated in Bengal, India, boasts a rich history intertwined with power, wealth, and a touch of controversy. Let's delve into the fascinating story of how this iconic celebration came to be.
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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"The Maurya Empire: Chandragupta's Rise, Conquests, and Legacy"

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Imagine a vast kingdom stretching from snowy mountains to sunny coastal lands, bringing together a divided land under one great ruler. This was the Maurya Empire—one of the most powerful empires in ancient India. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, a leader surrounded by both mystery and greatness. Was he a warrior prince, a clever strategist from a humble background, or a descendant of a tribe that worshipped peacocks? Even today, historians debate his true origins, searching for answers in old scrolls, stone carvings, and ancient stories. From fierce battles against Greek invaders to royal marriages that secured alliances, Chandragupta’s journey changed India’s history forever. His empire was built on strength, faith, and intelligence. It was a time when history and legends came together, creating stories that still fascinate people today. Who Were the Maurya? The Maurya Empire was a significant ancient Indian empire, established by Chandragupta Maurya. There are various the...
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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