city, southeastern West Bengal state, northeastern India. Connected by road and rail with Kolkata (Calcutta) and Haora (Howrah), it is an important trade centre for rice, legumes, sugarcane, potatoes, and coconuts; cotton weaving is the major industry. An annual fair held in honour of a Muslim saint is attended by both Muslims and Hindus. Barasat was constituted a municipality in 1869. Pop. (2001) 231,521.