city, west-central West Bengal state, northeastern India. Just north of the Kasai River, the city is a major road and rail junction and the region's major agricultural distribution centre. Oilseed milling, silk and cotton weaving, cane work, and shellac manufacture are the major industries. A dam across the Kasai near Purulia provides a reservoir, flood control, and irrigation for the area. Nearby are several 7th-century Jaina temple ruins. Purulia was constituted a municipality in 1876. It has some colleges affiliated with the University of Burdwan. Pop. (2001) 113,806.