To enjoy a week end in a calm and quiet place with a
sprinkle of history amidst abundant natural beauty, Garh Panchkot (or Gar
panchkot) should be the option.
Located in the foot hill of Panchkot (i.e., Panchet),
Garpanchkot is the boundary of Bengal (Burdwan District) and Jharkhand, can be
reached by car from Asansole (86 km), Durgapur (133 km), Kolkata (295 km). The nearest
city is Asansol.
This picturesque place, surrounded by small forest and
hills, carries the rich history of ancient Bengali architecture ruined by
Maratha ‘Bargi’.
The kingdom was probably a part of old ‘Tilakampa’ Kingdom. The ruins of Telkupi, the said capital of Tilakampa (submerged) went under water after the construction of Panchet Dam.
A Maratha cavalry was sent by Bhosle who entered Bengal through Panchet and started looting the countryside. These Maratha men came to be known as “Bargi’s”. For about 10 years they looted and plundered Bengal. It ended in the year 1751 after a settlement was reached between the Nawab of Bengal and Maratha King. During one of these encounters Garh Panckot was attacked by the “Bargi” and having defeated the King’s guards they destroyed it after looting and plundering the palace. It is believed that all the 17 wives of the king committed suicide in a nearby well during the attack. Since then this place lies in ruins.