Darjeeling district
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| Darjeeling district | |
|---|---|
| Name | Darjeeling district |
| Settlement type | District |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | India |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | West Bengal |
| Subdivision type2 | Division |
| Subdivision name2 | Jalpaiguri division |
| Established title | Established |
| Established date | 1947 |
| Seat type | Headquarters |
| Seat | Darjeeling |
| Leader title | District Magistrate |
| Unit pref | Metric |
| Area total km2 | 3149 |
| Population total | 1,846,823 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Languages |
| Demographics1 title1 | Official |
| Demographics1 info1 | Bengali, English |
| Demographics1 title2 | Additional Official |
| Demographics1 info2 | Nepali |
| Timezone1 | IST |
| Utc offset1 | +5:30 |
| Postal code type | PIN |
| Postal code | 734101 |
| Area code type | Telephone code |
| Area code | 0354 |
| Registration plate | WB-73, WB-74 |
Darjeeling district is a northern administrative unit of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas and is internationally renowned for its scenic beauty, Darjeeling tea, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district shares international borders with Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east, while to the north lies the Indian state of Sikkim.
Geography
The district's terrain is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, ranging from the low-lying Terai plains around Siliguri to the high peaks of the Himalayas, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. Major rivers such as the Teesta, Rangeet, and Mahananda drain the region, carving deep valleys. The climate varies from subtropical in the southern foothills to alpine in the northern highlands, supporting diverse ecosystems within protected areas like the Singalila National Park and Neora Valley National Park.
History
Historically part of the kingdom of Sikkim, the area was later contested by Bhutan and Nepal. In 1817, following the Anglo-Nepalese War, the territory was ceded to the British East India Company via the Treaty of Sugauli. The modern district was formally established after Indian independence in 1947. The region has been a focal point for the Gorkhaland movement, seeking a separate state, leading to significant political agitations including the Gorkhaland agitation of 1986-1988 and the formation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, the district had a population of over 1.8 million. A plurality of the population are speakers of the Nepali language, with significant communities speaking Bengali, Hindi, and tribal languages like Lepcha and Tamang. Major religious groups include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. The urban centers, primarily Darjeeling and Siliguri, contrast with numerous rural villages inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Lepchas, Bhutia, and various Nepali ethnic groups.
Economy
The economy is dominated by the production of the world-famous Darjeeling tea, grown on historic estates like Makaibari and Castleton. Tourism is a major industry, centered on the hill stations of Darjeeling and Kurseong, and aided by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Siliguri acts as a crucial commercial and transport hub for northeastern India, with significant trade passing through the Siliguri Corridor. Other economic activities include horticulture, floriculture, and the cultivation of cardamom.
Culture
The district exhibits a rich cultural synthesis of Nepali, Tibetan, Lepcha, and Bengali traditions. Festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Losar, and Durga Puja are widely celebrated. The region is known for its distinctive music, including Nepali music and folk dances. Architectural landmarks include Buddhist gompas like Bhutia Busty Monastery and colonial-era structures such as the Windamere Hotel and Raj Bhavan.
Administration
The district is administratively divided into four subdivisions: Darjeeling Sadar subdivision, Kurseong subdivision, Siliguri subdivision, and Mirik subdivision. These are further partitioned into blocks like Phansidewa and Kharibari. Law and order are maintained by the West Bengal Police, with the district headquarters located in the town of Darjeeling. The region is represented in the Parliament of India by the Darjeeling (Lok Sabha constituency) and in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly by constituencies including Kalimpong and Kurseong.
Category:Districts of West Bengal Category:Himalayas