The present-day Birbhum district was divided into Rarh in the east and Vajjabhumi in the west. Jain traditions suggest that Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, traveled through these regions in the 5th century B.C. The fertile plains of Rarh supported agriculture and early settlements, while the rugged terrain of Vajjabhumi remained less developed.
Ancient and Medieval Rule
Several powerful dynasties ruled Rarh over the centuries. The Mauryas, including Emperor Ashoka, controlled the region and promoted Buddhism. Later, the Guptas governed Birbhum, fostering advancements in arts, literature, and administration. Shashanka, the first independent king of Bengal, took control next, followed by Harshavardhana.
In the 8th century, the Pala dynasty took over and encouraged Buddhism, establishing learning centers like Nalanda. The Sena dynasty later replaced the Palas in the 12th century, reinforcing Hindu influence. However, in the 13th century, Muslim rulers conquered the area and established Lakhanor as an important frontier post. Despite this, Hindu Bir Rajas continued to govern much of western Birbhum.
Mughal and British Period
During the Mughal era, the Subah of Bengal administered Birbhum, expanding trade and agriculture. As Mughal power declined, independent rulers and zamindars gained authority.
After the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764), the East India Company took control of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, including Birbhum, in 1765. Initially, British officials administered Birbhum from Murshidabad, but in 1787, they established it as a separate district, including Vishnupur. In 1793, the British merged Vishnupur with Burdwan, reorganizing Birbhum’s administration.
In 1809, the British abolished Birbhum’s collectorship, making it a sub-division under Murshidabad. However, in 1820, they restored Birbhum as a separate district with minor territorial adjustments.
Santhal Rebellion and Later Changes
During the Santhal Rebellion (1855-56), tribal leaders led an uprising against British oppression, using western Birbhum as a stronghold. To weaken future resistance, British officials transferred four parganas—Sarath, Deoghar, Pabbia, and Kundahit—to the newly created Santhal Parganas.
By 1872, Birbhum had eight thanas (police districts): Suri, Rajnagar, Dubrajpur, Kasba (now Bolpur), Sakulipur, Labpur, Barwan, and Mayureswar. In 1879, British authorities transferred Barwan to Murshidabad and merged Rampurhat and Nalhati into Birbhum from Lalgunj subdivision.
Today, Birbhum thrives as a cultural hub, famous for Baul music and Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, which Rabindranath Tagore founded.