Shyamsundar College, named after Basanti Devi, was the first Government sponsored college for women in Burdwan to be founded by the Government of West Bengal in 1959. An eminent freedom fighter, Basanti Devi, wife of Sri
Chittaranjan Das, was the first Indian lady to be imprisoned under British Rule for her involvement in the Indian freedom struggle.
Located at the junction of the urban and rural conglomerate, this premier college caters to the needs of girl students from both these areas. A large group of them are also from backward classes, minority communities and from below poverty line. The college offers scope for higher education for women with special needs.
Along with the Calcutta University stipulated academic curriculum, the college also offers scope for the empowerment of girl students by helping them to develop their self-help skills, self-reliance and independence.