Makarampur is a village on the banks of the Brahamani river. Makarampur is a story of rural India, a living piece of history, in the heart of 'Birbhum' district in West Bengal province of India. The history of 'Birbhum' dates back to 5th century B.C. It is believed from historical manuscripts that 'Tirthankar Mahavira' and 'Gautam Budhha' traveled through this land. The spread of Jainism and Buddhism marked this land as the spread of Aryan life. Once ruled by the Mauryas and subsequently by Gupta, Pal and Sen dynasties until Bakhtiyar Khalji, the Turkic invader conquered the land. In the 13th century Birbhum was ruled by Bir Kings of Bagdi Malla dynasty, who fought back the Muslim emperors. Birbhum stands as home of Sidhu and Kanu, the martyrs Santhal rebellion, the early independence rebellious movements of India., against colonial rule in late 1800s.
Makarampur flourished in its own rights in modern independent India, owing greatly to few resident visionaries during pre and post-independence India. Late Mr. Amiya Kumar Sinha (1923-2010), was history teacher of Maharaja Nanda Kumar High School at 'Bhadrapur' in the Birbhum district, who worked relentlessly for the development of this rural village. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Suniti Sinha, three sons and three daughters and their families, who mostly live in far off cities. Their home at Makarampur is maternal home to their grand children. A cradle of memories that nourished every vacation back in their school days. This native place that supported young days of mother and maternal uncles to the new generation.
Suniti Sinha (aka Chitra), resident of Makarampur is daughter of Late Dr. Murari Mohan Sarkar (resident doctor to Jamidar of Hetampur, Birbhum) and Late Mrs. Sarala Devi (Late Mr. Pankaj Kumar Das, Jamidar of Dafarpur, Mushidabad). Being born and brought up in midst of royalties and married to prominent teacher in the district at an early age, she took up Makarampur as her new home. She is close to 90s and a mother of six. A mighty heart and keen enthusiast to embrace new edge smartphones and digital technologies.
From dirt were we born and to dirt shall we end. Determined to be reborn in the new era she lives with spirit held high. An ever enthusiastic grandmother sharing secret recipes and game for photo sessions with grand children and family. Her immediate family migrated to cities to pursue new life and opportunities, she is supported by 'Annapurna' in all her daily chores. The cook, the care giver, the care taker, more of a family member - in short All-in-All "Woman at Arms". A stroll every morning or afternoon is favorite pass-time for the duo.
Often they go for a stroll on the embankments of Brahmani river, next to their home. Apparently, the river bed is reduced to a thin line of stream most of the time. However during rainy season river water level rises more than 30 feet and threatens with massive flood every year. Release of sudden water from upstream hydroelectric dams add to the carnage.
The only way to reach the village of Makarampur is across this foot bridge crafted on bamboo poles on the Brahmani river, from Raipur village, which is connected to the district roads. The feeble foot bridge is reconstructed every autumn and gets washed away every rain. During rainy seasons, boat is the only connectivity to the nearest supply sources.
Sericulture, or silk farming is widely practiced in Makarampur. Almost every household is associated with it. Silk farming begins with mulberry cultivation which is food for silkworms. The worms are cultured inhouse and fed with mulberry leaves over months before they form silk cocoons. When the time is ripe, silk cocoons are boiled on hot water and silk is spun out using age old technique, and finally handloomed into fine 'muslin'. Silk farming provides the main economic backbone of the this region.
Life revolves around the banks of the Brahmani river. Early morning commuters reach out to their daily chores crossing the footbridge. Villagers graze their livestock on the river bed during the day. Teenagers make the most of the dry river banks for a game of cricket, while kids play at river banks in rustic freedom. At the end of the day people freshen up with a dip in the river. The footbridge brings all birds to their nests.
The opulence of nature knows no bounds in the lap of nature in Makarampur. Day breaks with birds chirping around and continues in a chaotic cacophony all through the day. The stark difference with noisy city life dawns realization of a new world existing right next door.
The rural life is simple, occupies a lot of time in nurturing the livestock, taking care of household tasks and work in the fields. Leisurely drag of the seemingly uneventful day passing by has its own charm and melody to the observant soul. One just needs to open the eyes and listen.
All geared up for a perfect family time over a weekend, cousins arrive in bands to grandma's place. As they head for the mud trails, fun-time begins immediately for the tripling, doing monkey business on the village trails with no one to hold reign. Peek and run - one can actually get younger when one teams up with youngest cousins at grandparent's place. Such fun-filled life is every Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn's envy, every Mark Twain's delight. Even running on mud trails and through cultivation fields feels fun, brings Satyajit Ray's Apu and Durga alive. Dad, alike son is found with childhood buddies on field, monkey business seems ingrained in the genomes.
As the evening comes by, everyone nestles back for a cozy evening dinner at the family home. It is time for reminiscence of old times, casual chit-chat and remembering all family members and discussing everyone's well being.
Like all good things, good time comes to an end. When it is time for children and grand children to return to their city life, the wise old mother waits for a new sunshine. She knows birds will be back to her nest again, with promise for yet another happy day and a new beginning.
