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If there are any technical
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This tour promises a stroll along the river, then on
through the unique community of
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The Town
Hall, situated in Esplanade Row West and overlooking the
The
ordinary entrance to the building is from the north. Ascending a short flight
of steps, we pass into the vestibule, which is adorned with the busts of
Charles Beckett Greenlaw, John Palmer, son of Lieutenant-General Palmer, Peary
Chand Mitra (1814-1883) and Ram Gopal Ghose
(1814-1868).
At the
entrance to the lower marble hall (162ft. by 65ft.) invariably used for
recording votes during municipal elections, is a statue of Maharajah Ramanath
Tagore Bahadur C. S. I (1801-1877), and at the western wing of the Hall the
offices of the Calcutta Corporation Mosquito Control Department.
Staircases
on either side lead to the upper floor ascending by the one on the right, we
pass several busts and portraits of notabilities, including a full-length
portrait of the Marchioness of Lansdowne.
In the
mosaic-paved lobby, are the busts of Raja Binaya Krishna Deb Bahadur of
Sobhabazar, Major-General W. Casemen, Raja Sir Radha Kanta Deb, the Hon'ble
Prosunno Coomar Tagore, Sir P. Thomas Cautley and Sir H. J. Stedman Cotton; while
on the walls hang portraits of Victor Alexander, the Rev. Bishop Wilson, D. D.,
Raja Sir Kanta Deb Bahadur, the Countess of Minto, Lord Elgin, Viceroy from
1894 to 1898, Nawab Bahadur Abdul Lateef and Raja Sir Manmatha Roy Choudhury of Santosh, President of the
Bengal Legislative Council for several years.
The
upper hall, with a teakwood floor and of the same dimension as the lower, is
used for public functions.It is divided into aisles by a double row of
colonnades which are linked together by fretted stonework. At each end is a
platform, and a musicians' gallery. Among the many portraits that line the
walls are those of the Rev.
Krishna
Mohan Banerjee, Lieutenant-General Hewitt, Warren Hastings, Mannackji Rustomji
(the first Indian Sheriff of
A
full-length portrait of the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, C. I., by J. J. Shannon adorns the
staircase on the left.
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
THE TOWN
HALL : Built in 1813 in Doric style, its costs (Rs. 7 lakhs) were met by a
public lottery held in 1804 when Lord Wellesly was the Governor-General of
(source: “A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
Location :—Esplanade Row (West).
Trams:—Park Circus to High Court via
Harrison and
Buses .—Nil.
This splendid edifice of Gothic
architecture, with a handsome tower 180 feet high, was designed by Walter
Granville, who is said to have been inspired by the
The structure takes the shape of a
rectangle built on the four sides of a quadrangle, the interior having arcaded
cloisters which give access to various Courts and Legal Apartments.
Ascending the main staircase we
reach the first landing, adorned with a bust of Sir C. M. Ghose, while right
above in the southern corridor is a statue of Sir Edward Hyde East, (Chief
Justice, 1813-1822) by Chantrey.
On the first floor, on the right,
is a bust of Baron Sinha of
From the lofty tower over the main
entrance, a splendid view of
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
THE HIGH COURT : Built in
1872 in Gothic style of architecture after the Town Hall at Ypres in
(source: “A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
Location :—Esplanade Row (West).
Trains :—Park Circus to High Court via
Harrison and
Buses :—Nil.
The Bengal Legislative Council
House, facing the Eden Gardens on the south, with the Town Hall overlooking it
on the north, stands in well-laid out grounds, adorned with the statues of the
Earl of Ronaldshay, Governor of Bengal (1917-1922) and now Secretary of State for
India ; Edwin Samuel Montagu, Secretary of State for India (1917-1922) and Lord
William Bentinck, the first Governor-General of India, whose administration
from 1828 to 1835 was marked by a number of outstanding events, particularly
noteworthy among which were the drawing up of the Indian Penal Code, the
suppression of Thuggee, and, in 1829, the abolition of Suttee. A bas-relief on
the pedestal of the statue, depicting the performance of Suttee (widow-burning)
commemorates the event. The inscription is from the pen of Lord Macaulay, Law
Member of the Supreme Council (1834-1838).
The building, of modern
architecture, was designed by J. Greaves,
Both externally and internally the
Council building is a magnificent structure, worthy of its name and high office:
it is fitted throughout with an air-conditioning plant, and the electric
installation within is entirely concealed. Access to the Chamber is gained from
the south, east and north, the entrance to the Gallery being on the west. There
are 38 electric clocks in the building, controlled by the one in the Enquiry
Office. When the house is sitting a Union Jack flies from the southern porch by
day, and a blue light burns from the top of the flagstaff by night.
The usual entrance for members is
by the south-east gate at
On the left of the Entrance Hall
is the Enquiry Office;
on the right, the lift. Wide
marble staircases on either side lead to the upper floors. Eight marble pillars
support the roof of the vestibule and from the dome above hangs a sea-green electrolier
with concealed lighting. Oil paintings of King Edward VII and King George V
adorn the walls.
The
The Council Chamber, a beautiful
circular hall, is 64 feet in height and 304 feet in circumference, and is
illuminated by concealed lighting from the dome overhead. The benches, of solid
teakwood, polished to a light-oak shade, are covered with striped material of
rich texture and pleasing design. On the north, under a handsomely carved
canopy, is the Presidential Chair of mahogany, bearing the Royal Coat of Arms.
In front of the Presidential Chair is the Secretary's table, on which, upon a
cushion, lies the Silver Mace, the symbol of the House's dignity and
privileges; next is a table for the clerks of the Administrative and Council
staff and, in the well of the Chamber, one for the Council reporters.
On the right of the Presidential
Chair sit the Premier and his Cabinet Ministers; next are the Moslems who, with
the Scheduled Cast Hindus, other Hindu supporters of the Government and the
Nationalists, form the Coalition; then come the Europeans, occupying the
benches directly opposite the Presidential Chair, with the Anglo-Indians and
the Indian Christians in the rear.
On the left of the Chair are the
Opposition groups, consisting of the Congress, Krishak Proja, Independent,
Independent Proja, the Scheduled Castes, etc.
The benches behind the Cabinet Ministers are occupied by the Government
officials; those behind the Coalition by the Press reporters.
On State occasions, the Governor
takes the chair under the canopy, with the President on his right and the
Speaker on his left; but on informal visits, the Governor occupies his box in
the Gallery overlooking the Presidential Chair. On these occasions the Governor's suite sits on his right and the
President's and Speaker's guests on his left. To the left is the Ladies'
Gallery, and on the right the
Public Gallery. The distinguished visitor
occupy the Gallery above the Presidential Chair.
Along the south corridor, on the
left, are the Part Leaders' retiring rooms, and elaborate up-to-date service
rooms; on the right is the Library, the walls of which are of a pale-green
colour with buff facings. Over the mantle piece hangs an oil painting of Sir E.
N. Baker, Lieutenant Governor of
Returning to the Entrance Hall and
ascending the staircase on the left, lined with a marble bust of Sir I. C.
Mitter, and oil paintings of Nawab Sir Shamsul Huds, Sir Manmatha Nath Roy
Choudhury of Santosh, S. William Prentice and the Maharajah of Nadia, we gain
the Members' Writing Room, comfortably fitted with upholstered easy chairs and
adorned with the portraits of Lord Carmichael, the Earl of Ronaldshay, Lord
Lytton and Sir Stanley Jackson, former Governors of Bengal.
To the right along the corridor is
the Refreshment Room, a spacious and pleasant apartment, on the walls of which
hang twelve photographs of former Lieutenant Governors of Bengal. In the
northern corridor are the Committee Room, the Secretaries' Rooms, the Record
Rooms and retiring rooms for Cabinet Ministers.
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
THE
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY HOUSE : Built in 1931 with a copper-plated dome, the
building accomodates the two Houses of
(source: “A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
The
There
are several gates to the Gardens, but by whichever one the visitor enters, he
is led to sylvan surroundings far removed from the noise and bustle of the
city. Wide undulating lawns, in a blaze of colour, stretch away on every side,
and streams of rippling water, canopied here and there by overhanging branches,
seem to give life and buoyancy to the flowers as they nod to every passing
ripple. Pathways wind past multi-coloured flower-beds, tropical palms and
murmuring fountains, adorned with dolphins and cherubs that add to the beauty
of the scene; while rustic benches in shady arbours by the water-side, welcome
those who seek rest in this haven of loveliness.
Among
these surroundings serenely stands the famous Burmese Pagoda, quaint in its
carving and design. Brought en bloc
from Prome in 1 854, it was erected on its present site two years later. Since
then, however, it has suffered the ravages of the elements and many of its
parts have had to be replaced or renovated; though still unaffected are the
Burmese monsters that guard its four corners.
About a
hundred yards to the south of the Pagoda is the white marble statue of Sir William Peel, Commander of the Naval
Brigade during the Indian Munity of 1857; he died at
In the
lake alongside the Pagoda are two rowing boats, very appropriately named Adam and Eve. These can be hired at the rate of four annas per head per
hour, and it is indeed a picturesque sight to see them take the water crowded
with happy holiday-makers.
To the
east of the Pagoda lies the cricket-ground, encircled by the riding-track. It
has been described as the finest ground out East, and with the rise of
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
THE
(source: “A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
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(source:
“A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
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Taking
the junction of Esplanade Row West and Strand Road, in front of the Imperial
Bank, as the starting point of our tour, we have on the right, Chandpal Ghat
(Ferry stage) and a few steps farther south Babu Rajchunder Doss Bathing Ghat,
built in 1830. On the left is the
Proceeding
we pass, on the left, the
A short
distance lower down is Outram Ghat, on the upper floor of which are waiting and
refreshment rooms : the ghat was erected in 1911 as a landing stage for the
Continuing
our way, we note on the right the river Hooghly, crowded with a wide variety of
ships and picturesque country craft and on the left the Water Gate of the Fort,
opposite which is the Gwalior Monument, an octagonal cenotaph about 60
feet high, crowned with a bronze dome cast from guns captured from the enemy.
It was erected in 1847 by Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General of
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Next is the old boathouse
of the
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
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Pursuing
our way, we have, on the left,
We have
now reached the foot of
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Retracing
our steps to
Pursuing
our way along
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Trams :—Kidderpore, Alipore, Behala.
Buses :—Nos. 3A, 12, 12B.
The
The course is almost triangular in
shape and consists of the Winter, the Training, and the Monsoon Tracks, the
first-named measuring about 1 mile, 5 furlongs and 58 yards.
The Racing Season in Calcutta
consists of four meetings of twenty-two days, known as Autumn, Winter, Spring
and Summer, held from November to March, and the Monsoon Meeting, consisting of
eight days, held from July to September. The first three days of the Autumn
Meeting are run on the Barrackpore Race Course.
There are three enclosures,
namely, the Grand, the Monsoon and the Eastern. Entrance to the Grand Enclosure
is by C Gate, admission to which is Rs. 6 in the Winter and Rs. 5 during the
Monsoon Meeting. Season-ticket holders enter by B Gate. The entrance to the
Monsoon Enclosure is by D Gate, admission Rs. 2/8/-; and the entrance to the
Eastern Enclosure is by F Gate, admission Rs. 1/8/-. On the King Emperor's and
the Viceroy's Cup Days, admission to the Grand, Monsoon and Eastern enclosures
is Rs. 10, Rs. 3, and Rs. 2, respectively. The entrance for members of the
Royal
In the Grand Enclosure, the Club
Stand, including the Box space and lawn in front, and the first floor of the
Reserved Stand, is set apart for members of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club and
guests introduced by them ; the ground and top floors may be used by Paddock
ticket-holders. In this enclosure the unit of betting on the electric
totalisator is Rs. 10, the minimum bet with the bookmakers being Rs. 30. In the
Monsoon and Eastern Enclosures, the unit of betting on the totalisators is Rs.
5 and Rs. 3 respectively. Every enclosure is provided with refreshment rooms,
service rooms and other amenities.
Great interest is attached to
racing in
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
THE RACE
COURSE : The
(source: “A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
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Crossing Hastings Bridge we come to Garden Reach
Road ; proceeding we have, on the left, Munshiganj Road, leading to Circular
Garden Reach Road, and lower down, in Watgunge Square, the South Calcutta
Swimming Association. Next we pass
Crossing the Swing Bridge, we have on the left,
Dumayne Avenue, leading to Circular Garden Reach Road, and on the right, the
Head Offices of the Bengal Nagpur Railway; farther down is Bracebridge Road,
and opposite it Nimakmahal Road leading to Circular Garden Reach Road. In
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
A turn to the right from this point brings us to
the foot of
Continuing our way, we pass on the left Dock
Eastern Boundary Road, and crossing the Leaf Bridge which links Dock No. 1 with
Dock No. 2, we have on the left, Fairweather House, the Port Commissioners
Officers' and Engineers' Club, Barracks and School, and on the right, Dumayne
Avenue leading to Garden Reach Road. Next, on the left, are Dock West Road,
Hide Road, and farther on, Carreras Cigarette Factory, and facing it (right) is
Nimakmahal Road leading to Garden Reach Road.
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Admission :—Free. Open from sunrise to
sunset.
Ferry Services to the Gardens :—Weekdays—6,
7, 9-5, 10-10, 11-40 a.m., 12-30, 2-30, 3-20 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, additional services at—11-25 a.m.,
1-30, 3-30, 4-45 p.m.
Ferry Services from the Gardens:—Weekdays—7-55, 9, 10-57 a.m. 12-15,1-25, 2-35, 4-30, 5-20 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, additional service at 5-50 p.m.
Fare :—Return Ticket: 1st class, 12
annas, 2nd class, 4 annas.
Trams:—
Buses :—From
The Royal Botanical Gardens, on the right bank of the river Hooghly,
was the first of its kind in
The premier object in laying out these gardens was to promote the
study of Indian trees and plants for economic and medicinal purposes. In
addition, however, to serving the main purpose for which it was established,
the Gardens with its shady avenues, picturesque scenery and delightfully cool
river breeze, is today a great attraction to the citizens of
Covering an area of 273 acres and with a river frontage of a mile, the
Botanical Gardens has rightly been described as the "Pride of
Landing from the river ferry the visitor is greeted by beautiful
avenues. On the left lies the
Herbarium, particularly interesting to Botanists; farther on are the Gardens'
offices and the Superintendent's quarters, built in 1795 by Dr. Roxburgh on the
site of the old fort of Muckwah Thanna, which was erected by the Moghuls to
protect the villages upsteam from the depredations of the » pirates from Arrakan. On the right
along
Directly facing the landing stage is Banyan Avenue, lined with trees
of the species Bischofia Javanica,
Calophyllum Spectabile, Bursera Serrata and the like, leading past
Jaquemont Path and Hooker Avenue to the Great Banyan Tree ( Ficus Bengalensis
). This tree is about 140 years old, the circumference of its trunk, since
decayed, was 51 feet, that of its crown is about 1140 feet and the maximum
height attained by one of its branches, 90 feet. It has over 600 aerial roots,
planted in the ground, and is by far the largest tree in the Gardens ; with
regard to age. however, it does not stand alone, as there are many grand old
veterans in the Gardens that knew the city across the water when it was in its
infancy, and when sailing vessels, before the introduction of steam, made the
dangerous passage up the
Turning into
The end of
We have now reached the memorial to Colonel Kyd, the founder and first
Superintendent of the Gardens. It is a marble obelisk of Grecian design,
crowned with an urn, and commands an uninterrupted vista to the river through
The popularity of the Gardens with the general public, however, lies
in its appeal to the eye. No words are better adapted to describe its beauties
than those expressed by the poet Bishop Heber, when he saw it over a century
ago.
"It is," he wrote, "not only a curious but picturesque
and most beautiful scene, and most perfectly answers
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
BOTANICAL GARDENS : Located at Sibpur on the
(source:
“A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
I
remember a laundry wallah splashing clothes against a board on a tank's muddy
bank, some small stalls along the streets, one a meat market where fly-covered
animal carcasses hung in the open, but nothing else stands out or flashes back
in my mind. I must have been engrossed in my personal thoughts as we bounced
along the track, because I can't recall much about the ride from the Maidan to
our base.
(source: a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley)
Sometimes,
too, when riding the tram from the Esplanade out to our base in Alipore, I took
the time to get off at the Kidderpore bridge on
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley)
Sometimes,
too, when riding the tram from the Esplanade out to our base in Alipore, I took
the time to get off at the Kidderpore bridge on
There
was usually a bamboo log-hauling cart there and even though the cart owner (I
guess he was) and pusher showed me the cart's construction. I appreciated him
showing me such cart construction techniques that had been used in
And not
far away was a boatyard where woodworking craftsmen built the huge, oar and
sail-powered river craft, craft often seen in the
(source: a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley)
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(source: Glenn S. Hensley: Kidderpore Bridge view, G050, "This is a view of the Kidderpore Bridge as seen from downstream. ""Barrage balloons"" appear as blobs in the air beyond the bridge. This is another Calcutta negative I found. It was shot in 1944." seen at University of Chicago Hensley Photo Library at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/images/hensley as well as a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley and under a Creative Commons license)
(source: Glenn S. Hensley: Kidderpore, KA001, Scene from bridge in what we knew as Kidderpore enroute from downtown Calcutta to air base at Alipore. 1944 (Kidderpore and Canal Road) seen at University of Chicago Hensley Photo Library at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/images/hensley as well as a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley and under a Creative Commons license)
(source: Glenn S. Hensley: Boats, KA004, "Boats in tidal tributary of Hooghly River from Kidderpur bridge, 1944. (Near bridge at Kidderpore and Munshiganj)" seen at University of Chicago Hensley Photo Library at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/images/hensley as well as a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley and under a Creative Commons license)
(source: Glenn S. Hensley: Scene from bridge, KA010, "Scene from bridge along Diamond Harbor Road, Kidderpore area" seen at University of Chicago Hensley Photo Library at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/images/hensley as well as a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley and under a Creative Commons license)
Returning to the point where Diamond Harbour Road
branches off Circular Garden Reach Road, and proceeding along Diamond Harbour
Road, we have on the left, St. Stephen's Church and the Kidderpore House
(Calcutta Free School for Girls); lower down, at No. 4/2 Diamond Harbour Road,
is Mary Cooper Home.
[…]
On the opposite side of
Across the Bridge, on the right, stretches what was
once the Alipore Landing Ground, which came into being early in 1935, when for
a time it was used by the Indian National Airways for local services. Occupying
half-way position between
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
at No. 4/2 Diamond Harbour Road, is Mary Cooper
Home.This Institution owes its existence to the generosity of the late Mrs.
Mary Cooper, who gave Rs. 1,00,000 towards founding a home for aged European
and Anglo-Indians who had been unable to make any provision for their old age.
A suitable building was erected on land donated by the Government of
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Retracing our steps along
[…]
Resuming our way along Judge's Court Road we have,
on the left, the Alipore Judges' Civil Court, adjoining which is Hastings
House, once the private residence of Warren Hastings, now Government property
occupied by the Agent to the Governor-General's Eastern States. The building,
commodious and of classical architecture, is set in extensive grounds,
beautifully laid out with flower beds, shady trees and a miniature lake. Facing
At No. 13 Judge's Court Road is the Government Test
House and lower down,
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Assuming we enter
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Admission to the grounds only :—Free; open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Trams :—Kidderpore, Alipore, Behala.
Buses .—Nos. 3, 3A, 12, 12B.
This palatial building, in the Italian Renaissance style of architecture,
set in an extensive park at Alipore, was the official residence of the
Lieutenant-Governors of
The main entrance to Belvedere is on the north, from under a lofty
gateway surmounted by a carved figure of a vigilant tiger. The drive sweeps
round smooth lawns to a flight of steps guarded by two brass cannons, which
were cast at Cossipore and bear the arms of the East India Company. The facade
is adorned with the Royal Coat of Arms and supported by a double row of Ionic
pillars crowned by Doric capitals.
On ceremonial occasions, when the gorgeously uniformed Viceroy's
Bodyguard line the drive and the steps, and when Indian ladies in richly
brocaded saris, and Indian gentlemen in their gay national costumes, mingle
with the European guests, Belvedere and its surrounding lawns are a magnificent
setting to a distinguished gathering.
Curiously enough, the origin and early owners of this magnificent
building are lost in antiquity, Prince Azim-us-Khan being generally accepted as
having built it in 1700. In 1780 however, Warren Hastings is recorded as having
sold Belvedere to Major Tolly, constructor of Tolly's Nullah : Tolly, after
residing there for some years, leased it to W. A. Brooke and on Tolly's death
in 1802, it was put up for auction and passed through several hands before it
was finally purchased in 1854, for the residence of the Lieutenant-Governors of
Bengal, on the recommendation of Lord Dalhousie.
Since then it has been enlarged and improved upon by successive
Lieutenant-Governors. Sir W. Gray, Lieutenant-Governor, 1867-1871, added the
verandah on the east side and reconstructed the west wing. Sir A. Eden,
Lieutenant-Governor, 1877-1882, built the whole of the centre main facade and
added a wooden flooring to the central ballroom. Sir S. Bayley, Lieutenant-Governor, 1887-1890, constructed the
glazed dining room on the north-east side, while Sir C. Elliot,
Lieutenant-Governor, 1891-1895, had the rooms on the upper storey of the west
wing built, and substituted an archway for the door leading from the main
staircase to the drawing room. Further improvements, including the construction
of a racket court and swimming pools, were made by Lord Willingdon, Viceroy,
1930-1935.
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
BELVEDERE HOUSE : Formerly the residence of the
Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, Belvedere House at Alipore is now only used by
the Viceroy when he visits
(source:
“A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
(source:
“A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
Admission :—Open daily from sunrise to sunset
throughout the year.
Entrance fee one anna, children below the age of four admitted free,
Vehicles—One rupee plus the entrance feS for each person in the vehicle, except the driver.
Entrances :—The main one is at Alipore at the
foot of the
Feeding Time :—Carnivorous animals at 4-30 p.m.
daily, others morning and evening.
Plantains, peanuts, gram, &c., for distribution to the animals are
on sale at the Alipore entrance.
Motor Parking :—Opposite Alipore entrance.
Trams :—Kidderpore, Alipore, Behala.
Buses :—Nos. 3, 3A, 12, 12B.
The idea of establishing a Zoo in
The grounds, covering nearly 45 acres, are tastefully laid out with
gorgeous flower-beds, rustic benches in shady bowers, and stretches of water
abounding with swans.
The Zoo is a popular resort for picnickers, it has a great fascination
for juveniles and until 1936 was the venue of an annual fancy fair.
In 1937-1938, nearly a million people visited the Zoo, yielding an
income of about Rs. 60,000/-, comparing favourably with the season 1934-35,
when there were over a million visitors with receipts amounting to Rs. 65,0551-. The number of visitors on
ordinary days averages 2,000 and on festival days about 11,000.
The enclosures and houses are plainly labelled, but in order to obtain
an accurate knowledge of the exhibits and the lay-out of the grounds, visitors
are advised to purchase a plan of the gardens, on sale for only one anna at the
Alipore Gate. The exhibits can be viewed by entering from either the Alipore or
the Kidderpore Gates.
Assuming we enter by the former and strike left, we will then have on
the right "Dumraon House," containing a wide variety of
monkeys—Arabian Baboons, Dusky Langurs, Chacma Baboons, Hanumans, Bonnet
Monkeys, Rhesus Monkeys, Macaque Monkeys, etc., and on an island nearby, other
specimens of monkeys. Higher up, on the left, we see the Patagonian Cavy and
Porcupines and on the right, varieties of Peafowl and Indian Hare; a few steps
farther (left), are the Marsupials, Gazelles, Uryals and Barbary Sheep and in
"Bolaram House" Nepal Kalij, Pheasants, Sand Grouse, Cavies and Javan
Mouse Deer. In the enclosure behind, are Spotted Deer, Antelopes, Kangaroos,
Bennett's Wallaby and the Great Walaroo and to the left, more Deer and Nilgai,
while across the bridge in a separate enclosure, are Markhor.
Pursuing our way along the main road, we see Gayal Deer, Bison, Blue
and Brindled Gnu on the left, and on the right, a variety of
monkeys—Lion-tailed monkeys, Dusky Langurs, Sooty Mangabeys, Macaque Monkeys,
Mandrills, Vervets, Green Monkeys, Mona Monkeys, Samangos and Weeper
Capauchins. Farther (left) are New Zealand Deer and on the right, Brow Antlered
Deer, Llamas, Land Tortoises and Fallow Deer, and immediately after on the
left, Blesbok, Barking Deer, Bara Singha Deer, Camels, Sambhur Deer, Hog Deer,
Alligator and Nilgai.
Passing the Hoolock Gibbons and the Elephants, we come to
"Gubbay House," housing specimens of Monkeys, Baboons, African and
Striped-face Mandrills, and crossing the roadway leading to the Wild Boars and
the Andaman Pigs, we reach the enclosure of the Great One Horned Rhinoceros.
Next, on the left, are the Red Jungle Fowl, Flamingo, Two-wattled Cassowary and
Cranes; farther on is the
Returning to the enclosure of the Great One Horned Rhinoceros and
proceeding, we have on the left the Zoo Library and then the Balearic, Paradise
To the east of the obelisk is the enclosure of Egyptian Geese and
varieties of Doves, Pigeons, Pheasants, Grey Lemurs, and adjoining it an
enclosure containing Teals, Thrushes, Bulbuls, Parrots, Mynas and Cockatoos.
Turning westwards and proceeding, we pass "Mullick House,"
accommodating Otters, small animals and a variety of birds—Black Headed Sibia,
Black Partridge, Bunting, Orange Headed Ground Thrush, Java Sparrows, Silver
Pheasants, White Jungle Babblers, Koels and Black Throated Hill Partridges, and
enter the "Reptile House," in the centre of which are two pools, one
containing Crocodiles and Alligators and the other Otters, while round the hall
in glass cases are exhibited specimens of snakes and other reptiles. Behind the
"Reptile House" are the enclosures for Zebras and Antelopes, and
farther down an enclosure for Tiger Cubs, while separated from it by a roadway,
are the enclosures for Leopards, Wild Dogs, Indian Wolves, Striped Hyaenas,
Pumas, Spotted Hyaenas, Jaguars, Shaded Leopards, etc. Passing the Pigmy
Hippopotamus (right), Antelopes, Emus, Ostriches, Rheas and varieties of birds
of prey, and the Refreshment Room (left), we reach the Kidderpore Gate.
Continuing our way along the main road, which flanks the lake on the
right, we pass Hyaenas, a variety of Indian and American Bears, Hippopotami,
Tapirs, specimens of Pheasants and come to the strong cages of the Lions and
Tigers: here is the Maimensingh Arena, where the wild beasts are released for
the purpose of exercise. To the east of the arena are the enclosures for
Drills, Baboons, Squirrels and Hornbills.
Proceeding southwards, we pass more American Bears and a Civet Cat,
then Uryal, Thomson's Gazelle and Giraffes. Crossing the bridge we see
specimens of Coots, Pigeons, Thrushes, Flamingoes, Teals, Water Rails, Doves,
Spotted Crakes, etc., and farther up, a collection of Duck and Water Fowl,
Scarlet Ibis and Pochard. Passing the enclosure exhibiting varieties of Silver
Pheasants, Teals, Woodpeckers, March Tern, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Egrets,
Plovers, Blue Herons, Black Bitterns, etc., and then the cage of the
Orang-Outang, we cross the Green and reach the Restaurant and thus complete our
round.
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
(source:
“A Guide Book to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)
A furlong to the south, at
Affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society, The Royal Agricultural
Society, The National Rose Society and The National Dahlia Society,
Admission :—Free to the public on weekdays
from 6-30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sundays, from 6-30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reserved for members on Sunday afternoons.
Trams:—Alipore.
Buses :—No. 3.
The Agri-Horticultural Society's Gardens, covering about thirty acres,
well planted and laid out, are the only one of their kind in the East and are
situated at the junction of Belvedere and Alipore Roads, with gateways on both.
Just inside the gate on
In the centre of the gardens is the Society's office, housing the
library and the meeting room, the walls of which are adorned with portraits of
former Presidents and Secretaries, including three of the founder, William
Carey, D.D., who is also commemorated by a marble bust mounted on a carved
pedestal, in front of the office.
The Society offers its members, for a small annual subscription, very
generous free gifts of plants and seed and many other privileges.
The Royal Agri-Horticultural Society traces its inception to that
renowned Baptist Missionary, the Rev. William Carey, who in 1820, under adverse
conditions and extreme sacrifice, founded the Society which has acquired its
present usefulness through perseverance, and whose promoters have always kept
in view its importance as a means of improving agriculture and horticulture in
this country.
The Society's gardens, during the early years of its growth, had to be
frequently moved from place to place; notwithstanding this handicap, its
progress remained uninterrupted. It was not until 1879 that the present site at
Alipore was acquired.
The Society imports plants and seed, both of vegetable and commercial
categories, from the United States of America, Europe, Australia, Africa,
Mauritius, China, Manila and other foreign countries and distributes them to
cultivator members in India, and, with a view to arouse enthusiasm among the
public, competitions and Flower Shows are held and awards made for the best
productions. The Society has been successful in the formation of several
branches in various parts of
In its early years, the Society did the work of the Agricultural
Department of the Government and, in consideration, was allowed an annual
grant. In 1900 however, on the transfer of all agricultural work to the
Government, the annual grant that had been made since 1866 was discontinued:
inspite of this, it was not long before the Society, stimulated by the
patronage of Viceroys and Governors, became a self-supporting body, with an
ever increasing membership.
Today the Society offers the people of
The long list of plants which the Society has introduced from abroad
or "made in
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
Location :-At
Trams :—Alipore, Behala
Buses :—Nos. 3, 3A.
Although attempts to classify weather conditions in order to predict
impending climatic phenomena in
Interest in meteorology received an impetus after the great cyclone of
1864 which swept over
As time went on, the meteorological work in Calcutta gradually grew in
importance, and on the transfer of the Storm Warning Service from Simla to
Calcutta, in 1926, the Alipore Meteorological Office and Observatory had
developed into a firstclass weather observatory, pilot balloon observatory and
seismological station.
Its activities today include: the maintenance of a series of
observations by eye-reading and by autographic instruments registering
pressure, temperature, wind, humidity, etc;
the forecasting of weather phenomena, for north-east
the publication of a daily weather bulletin and a report of storms in
the Bay of Bengal; and the issuing of weather reports to airmen on the
trans-India and
these are supplied by time-ball to
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)
I wish I
had known then what I know now about Alipore. I have often wondered at the
expressions I see on Indian nationals' faces now when I tell them that when I
was in
Now, I
realize it was an elite headquarters.
No, I
sure didn't notice any rich neighbors from the tram. They must have lived a
considerable distance away from the tram tracks -- and away from our base
location there in the
I
remember a laundry wallah splashing clothes against a board on a tank's muddy
bank, some small stalls along the streets, one a meat market where fly-covered
animal carcasses hung in the open, but nothing else stands out or flashes back
in my mind. I must have been engrossed in my personal thoughts as we bounced
along the track, because I can't recall much about the ride from the Maidan to
our base. I do remember passing an unused, fighter plane air strip by the fort
in the Maidan, then the race course and after that, it's a blank until we came
to the bridge in Kidderpore. After that, nothing until we came to our base.
(source: a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12th June 2001 and 28th August 2001)
(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley)
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