The Municipality of Burdwan was established in the year 1865. At that time the municipal area was 12.8 sq. km. with a population of 39,818. As per 2001 census, the population and the area of Burdwan Municipality are 2,85,602 and 26.30 sq. km. respectively. At present, the municipality has 35 wards. Burdwan is the principal town and civil station of the district.