Pakhi Pahar
Pakhi Pahar (translated as "Bird Hill") is a hill located near the Ajodhya Hills in the Purulia district of West Bengal, India. The hill is known for its large-scale outdoor rock murals, sometimes described as an "open-air art gallery" set against a natural backdrop.[1]
Etymology
The name Pakhi Pahar comes from the Bengali words pakhi (meaning "bird") and pahar (meaning "hill"). The name reflects the rock art carved by artist Chitta Dey, which features numerous bird figures sculpted directly into the hillside, symbolizing the connection between local wildlife and community art.[2]
Location and geography
Pakhi Pahar is situated near the tribal village of Charida, which lies at the foothills of the Ajodhya Hills, part of the eastern Chota Nagpur Plateau. The surrounding region includes undulating terrain, forests, and rocky outcrops. The nearest town, Baghmundi, is about 10 km away, while Purulia town is roughly 50 km from the site. The area is accessible by road and is a stop for tourists exploring nearby sites such as the Ajodhya Hills, Upper Dam, Lower Dam, Marble Lake, and Bamni Falls.[3]
Origins and artistic project
The development of Pakhi Pahar as an art site began in the early 2000s when artist Chitta Dey and a group of local and visiting artists started creating large-scale rock murals of birds.[1] The project was intended to raise awareness about the conservation of local bird species, promote art in natural spaces, and generate sustainable tourism opportunities for local communities.[1] Over time, more than 60 species of birds have been depicted on the hill's rock surfaces, many of which are native to the forests of West Bengal and Jharkhand.[1]
Cultural and social impact
Pakhi Pahar is considered an example of how community-driven art projects can support conservation and rural development.[1] Local residents, including young people from nearby villages, participate in guiding visitors and maintaining the murals to protect them from weathering. Charida village, located nearby, is also known for producing traditional Chhau masks used in the Purulia Chhau dance, which is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.[4] Together, Pakhi Pahar and Charida represent a blend of traditional and contemporary art linked to local culture.
Tourism and activities
Pakhi Pahar attracts nature enthusiasts, trekkers, artists, photographers, and researchers interested in community-led conservation and art. The trekking route to the site offers views of the forests and hills of the Ajodhya range. Popular activities include trekking, rock climbing, birdwatching in the surrounding forests, photography, and visits to Charida village to see mask-making and purchase traditional Chhau masks.
Conservation and challenges
Although Pakhi Pahar is a symbol of community-based art conservation, it faces challenges such as weather-related damage to the rock murals, the need for ongoing maintenance, and balancing tourism growth with environmental protection. Local NGOs, artists, and village councils continue to advocate for sustainable tourism and responsible visitor behaviour.[1]
Access
Pakhi Pahar is accessible by road from Purulia, Jamshedpur, and Ranchi. The nearest railway station is Purulia, which is connected to major cities in West Bengal and Jharkhand. From Purulia town, visitors can hire local transport to reach Baghmundi or Charida village.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Meet Chitta Dey, the artist behind Purulia’s Pakhi Pahar – The Telegraph India
- ↑ Singh, Gurvinder (20 April 2018). "The 'Crazy' Sculptor of Purulia Transforms a Hill into a Piece of Art and Tourists Love it". The Weekend Leader. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 West Bengal Tourism – Purulia District
- ↑ UNESCO – Purulia Chhau Dance
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