has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 69%, and female literacy is 58%. In Shantipur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Religion Hinduism is majority religion in Santipur city with 79.15% followers. Islam is second most popular religion in city of Santipur with approximately 20.25% following it. In Santipur city, Christianity is followed by 0.04%, Jainism by 0.01%, Sikhism by 0.02% and Buddhism by 0.01%. Around 0.42% stated Other Religion, approximately 0.11% stated No Particular Religion. Police station Santipur police station has jurisdiction over Santipur municipality and Santipur CD Block. The total area covered by the police station is 111.945 km2 and the population covered is 493,717 (2001 census). Economy Since ancient times, Santipur and the surrounding region has been famous for handloom saris (saree). The handloom weaving style unique to this region are famously known as Santipuri Sari (tant). After the partition of India, Bengal was split into two major regions. West Bengal became a part of India and East Bengal became East Pakistan (Bangladesh). Many skilled weavers from Dhaka, in current day Bangladesh, migrated into West Bengal and settled around the cities of Santipur and Kalna (Ambika Kalna) of Bardhaman district. Both are traditionally renowned centers for producing hand-woven fabrics sold throughout the country. Through government support for Indian handicrafts and arts, the weaving community slowly grew and thrived. Saris and finely woven feather-touch textiles are still being produced in the same traditional method today. One can find the patterns and colors found in ancient times still reflected in the garments produced in the vast textile belt of Shantipur, Phulia, Samudragarh, Dhatrigram and Ambika Kalna. Each center produces superb fabrics in its own variation of the Shantipuri style of weaving. Santipur is especially known for super-fine-weave dhotis and jacquards. These textiles are marketed through co-operatives and various commercial undertakings. Most of the people in the Sutragarh area of Santipur are engaged in textile trade. There is a weaving cloth market's here. This market's is held two days a week on Sunday and Thursday from 4 am to 2 pm. People from nearby villages come to this market's to do business. From here the weaving cloth goes to different parts of the country and is also exported abroad. Weaving sari is also available at Station clothes market, Bara Bazar, various clothing stores in Santipur and