Purulia, city, west-central West Bengal state, northeastern India. It lies 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 Jain temple ruins. Purulia was constituted a municipality in 1876. It has some colleges affiliated with the University of Burdwan. Pop. (2001) 113,806; (2011) 121,067.