Author:

Santu Halder
Ph.D Research Scholar
Department of History
Jadavpur University
Kolkata,West Bengal,India

Email: santuhalder2010@gmail.com

Abstract::Although sports are an integral part of human life, its inclusion in the framework of history practice is relatively new. Indian historians also joined the effort to highlight the proper importance of sport in human history, which started in Britain. During the British colonial rule, western sports spread in India as part of the colonial culture. However, these sports gradually became integrated with Indian society and culture. During the colonial and post-colonial period, sports became a reflection of issues such as nationalism, communalism, regionalism, etc. Western sports became popular in Nadia district during the late 19th century and early 20th century during colonial rule. In the early stages these sports were centered on the main towns of the district and, educational institutions including schools and colleges took a special role in promoting the sports. Since its inception, the residents of the district have excelled in western sports. This article mainly provides an objective account of the prevalence and spread of western sports in Nadia district at the first half of the 20th century. It also provides an account of the achievements of the prominent players of Nadia in the western sports at the elementary phase.

Key Words:: Culture, Krishnanagar, post-colonial period, Shantipur,Sports,Western Sports etc.