Bhabani Pathak's Tilla

A small but fascinating hillock about 20 metres high in the heart of the city, reputedly used as a lookout and hideout by the 18th-century dacoit chieftain Bhabani Pathak and his band. Pathak, often romanticized as a Bengali Robin Hood, is famous for robbing the wealthy British East India Company and distributing the spoils to local villagers. His legendary acts were immortalized by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his 1884 novel, Devi Chaudhurani. The tilla also features a tunnel, historically said to lead to the banks of the Damodar River, though the government has closed access for safety reasons. The hillock is surrounded by a small park and is a popular evening gathering place for locals. It closes at night. The views over the surrounding city from the top are modest but pleasant.