Barddhaman, city in eastern India, in Bangla State. The city is situated at the western end of Kolkata's urban corridor in the lower plain of the Ganges River. Barddhaman is 97 km (60 mi) from the center of Kolkata. Industries in Barddhaman include toolmaking and rice and oilseed milling. Barddhaman has a four-way railroad junction. The Grand Trunk road, a national highway, also passes through the city. The University of Burdwan (founded in 1960) is located in Barddhaman. Attractions in the city include the former palace of the maharaja (now a museum) and more than 100 temples devoted to the Hindu god Shiva.
Barddhaman was called Burdwan after the area came under British control, beginning about 1700. It was recognized as a city in 1865. Population (1991) 245,079.
