Guided Tour No.4:  Esplanade Row West to Kalighat Bridge

 

 

 

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Introduction

 

This tour promises a stroll along the river, then on through the unique community of Hastings to the port district of Kiddepore, and then on through wealthy Alipore and the banks of the Addi Ganga.

 

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Esplanade Row West

 

 

 

          _____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

 

 

 

 

 

          _____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

 

 

THE TOWN HALL

The Town Hall, situated in Esplanade Row West and overlooking the Bengal Legislative Council House, is a two-storeyed structure in the Grecian style of architecture. Designed by Colonel John Garstin (Engineer), it was completed in 1813 at a cost of Rs. 7 ½ lakhs, met by public subscription and funds raised  by lotteries. The southern entrance is by way of a wide flight of steps, leading to a spacious portico supported by lofty pillars. These steps are used on ceremonial occasions, and the recent proclamation of the accession of King George VI was read from here by the Sheriff of Calcutta. The rooms at both ends of the southern vestibule are used as Courts of the Municipal Magistrates.

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 Calcutta), Sir Henry Ricketts and Rai Kristo Das Pal Bahadur.

A full-length portrait of the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, C. I., by J. J. Shannon adorns the staircase on the left.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 80-81 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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

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 India. It has a two-storied structure, with a teak-wood floor upper hall (172 ft. long and 65 ft. breadth) used for public meetings and other functions.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(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 HIGH COURT

Location :—Esplanade Row (West).

Trams:—Park Circus to High Court via Harrison and Strand Roads:Sealdah to High Court via Bow Bazar Street and Dalhousie :Dalhousie to High Court (on weekdays only), 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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 Town Hall of Ypres, Belgium. The foundation stone was laid in 1864 and the building, erected on the site of the old Supreme Court, successor to the old Court House in Dalhousie Square, was completed in 1872.

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 Raipur, and farther down the corridor, one of Sir R. C. Mitter. On the left is a bust of Sir Rash Behari Ghose, and, let into the wall, a tablet to the memory of Syed Amir Ali. The various Courts, the Judges' and Bar Libraries, and the offices of the Registrar are on the first floor. The walls of the different Courts and offices are lined with portraits of members of the legal professions; particularly noteworthy among these is one of Sir Elijah Impey, (first Judge of the Supreme Court) by Zoffany. In the Meeting Room of the Judges' Library are two finely executed oil paintings of their Majesties King Edward VII and King George V. The Administrator-General and the Legal Remembrancer have their offices on the top floor.

From the lofty tower over the main entrance, a splendid view of Calcutta and the river Hooghly can be obtained.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 81-82 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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

THE HIGH COURT : Built in 1872 in Gothic style of architecture after the Town Hall at Ypres in Belgium, here is located the highest court of law in Bengal, presided over by a Chief Justice assisted by several puisne judges. There are some excellent portraits and statues inside, and from the lofty tower over the main entrance, 180 ft. high, can be obtained a splendid view of Calcutta and the River Hooghly.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

 

 

BENGAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOUSE

Location :—Esplanade Row (West).

Trains :—Park Circus to High Court via Harrison and Strand Roads:Sealdah to High Court via Bow Bazar Street and Dalhousie:Dalhousie to High Court (on week days only), 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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, London, and constructed by Messrs. Martin & Co., Calcutta, at a cost of Rs. 21,34,000. The foundation stone was laid by Sir Stanley Jackson, then Governor of Bengal, on the 9th July 1928, and the building formally opened by him on the 9th February 1931.

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 Auckland Road. Entering and crossing the grounds we arrive at the southern porch, and, ascending a short flight of steps, find ourselves in the Entrance Hall, the flooring of which, as that of the vestibule adjoining, is of beautifully-designed coloured marble.

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 Bengal Legislature consists of an Upper House of 63 members with the President in the Chair, and a Lower House of 250 members with the Speaker in the Chair.

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 Bengal (1908-1911). In the north corridor are retiring rooms for the President, the Speaker, the Premier and Cabinet Ministers.

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.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 83-85 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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

THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY HOUSE : Built in 1931 with a copper-plated dome, the building accomodates the two Houses of Bengal Legislature and stands on well laid out grounds adorned with statues, including one of Lord William Bentinck, who suppressed the Suttee, or the self-immolation of Hindu widows on the funeral pyre of their dead husbands.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(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 EDEN GARDENS

The Eden Gardens are situated at the north-west extremity of the Maid an, bounded on the north by Auckland Road and on the west by Strand Road. They were laid out in about 1840, around an avenue of trees known as "Respondentia Walk", then the fashionableb promenade of Calcutta society, and named after Lord Auckland's sisters, the Misses Eden, who designed and directed their general lay-out.

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 Cawnpore on the 27th February 1858 at the age of 34.

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 India to International status in cricket, its importance has been greatly enhanced. It has been the scene of many provincial cricket matches, and of International matches between India and England and India and Australia. In addition, these grounds are used for the Bengal Lawn Tennis  Championships and the Annual Dog Shows of the Kennel Club of India. The Presidency Sports, now called the Bengal Olympic Athletic Sports, were formerly also held here.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 85-86 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

THE EDEN GARDENS

THE EDEN GARDENS : A charming public garden laid out on the Strand (the river bank) by two sisters of a former Viceroy of India (Lord Auckland) in 1840, it stands at the north-west extremity of the Maidan. With its cool pools and green foliage and the quaint Burmese pagoda, it is a favorite retreat during the heat of the day or late afternoon. The Calcutta Cricket Club ground, used also for the All-India Lawn Tennis Tournament, is included in the Eden gardens.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

 

 

 

 

          _____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fort William

 

 

 

          _____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

 

 

 

 

 

          _____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

 

FORT WILLIAM

FORT WILLIAM : The present Fort William built by Clive in 1781, at an approximate cost of L2,000,000, on the southwest corner of the Maidan facing the River Hooghly, has never fired a gun except the salvoes in honor of Viceroys and rulers of Indian States. Built in the form of a rectangular hectagon, with five sides to the land and three to the river, it is surrounded by a moat which can be flooded in times of emergency. It can accomodate 10,000 men and has inside its walls, its own church, swimming bath, cinemas, firing range, parade and football grounds, boxing stadium, post and telegraph office and bazaar (market).

 

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

 

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

 

 

 

 

          _____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Strand Road South

 

 

 

          _____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

 

 

 

 

 

          _____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

 

 

Strand Road South

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 Calcutta Swimming Club, founded in 1887 ; alongside is the Headquarters of the Calcutta and Presidency Battalion Auxiliary Force (entrances from Auckland Road).

Proceeding we pass, on the left, the Eden Gardens, (Page 85) and on the right a Dharamsala (resthouse) erected in 1921 by Mukram Luchminarin Bunsidhar Dhu, for passengers of Asiatic steamers. Next is the old boathouse of the Calcutta Rowing Club. […]

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 Burma Mails. Directly opposite Outram Ghat, at the junction of Eden Garden Road and Strand Road, stands the impressive memorial statue of King George V.

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 India, to the memory of Officers and men who fell during the Gwalior Campaign of 1843.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 149- of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

Calcutta Rowing Club

Next is the old boathouse of the Calcutta Rowing Club. This Club was founded in 1858 and after a number of changes finally removed to the Dhakuria Lake in 1928. The annual Regatta of the Amateur Rowing Association of the East is held on the Calcutta Rowing Club's water every third year.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 149 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

 

 

 

          _____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hastings

 

 

 

          _____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

 

 

 

 

 

          _____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

 

Napier Road

Pursuing our way, we have, on the left, Napier Road leading to Hastings Bridge. Down Napier Road, on the left, is St. George's Gate Road, leading to the foot of Kidderpore Bridge, and in the centre of the road stands the equestrian statue of Lord Napier of Magdala. Directly facing the statue is Prinsep Ghat.

We have now reached the foot of Hastings Bridge, with Clyde Row (left) leading across Commissariat Road to St. George's Gate Road, and Canal Road (right) semicircling Hastings and joining St. George's Gate Road at the foot of Kidderpore Bridge.

Crossing Hastings Bridge we come to Garden Reach Road […]

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 150 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

St. George's Gate Road

Retracing our steps to Napier Road and turning left, we enter St. George's Gate Road. Proceeding we have, on the right, Commissariat Road leading past Middle Road, Bakery Road and Shah Rajab Road to Canal Road : farther on is Clyde Row leading across Commissariat Road to Hastings Bridge. At the corner of St. George's Gate Road and Clyde Row stands Hastings Chapel. In Clyde Row, on the left, is Chapel Road leading past Love Lane and Tank Place to Leonard Road; lower down, at No. 6 Clyde Row, is the Indian Seamen's Clinic ( Seamen's Welfare Association) and directly facing it is the Ordnance Club.

Pursuing our way along St. George's Gate Road and passing May Road, we come to Bakery Road leading past Khalasitola Road and Shewprasad Road to Commissariat Road. At No. 2 Bakery Road are the stables of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, and at No. 8, the Hastings Post and Telegraph Office. Farther down St. George's Gate Road is Parsonage Road, leading across Khalasitola Road to Canal Road, and at the corner of St. George's Gate Road and Parsonage Road are the offices of the Public Work's Department (Maidan Sub-Division).

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 150-151 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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

Trams :—Kidderpore, Alipore, Behala.

Buses :—Nos. 3A, 12, 12B.

The Calcutta Race Course, said to be the finest in the world, was constructed in 1819, and is now under the control of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, a public body which came into being in 1861. It is situated at the southern end of the Maidan, and is bounded on the east by the Victoria Memorial, on the south by Lower Circular Road, and on the west by Kidderpore Road. A remarkable feature of this course is that an uninterrupted view of the racing can be obtained from any point; other attractions include the Serpentine tank, the beautiful undulating lawns, and the band that plays on every race day.

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 Calcutta Turf Club is by the Kidderpore Road Gate.

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 Calcutta, as the races for the Viceroy's Cup—the Blue Riband of the Indian Turf—and the King Emperor's Cup, each carrying stakes or Rs. 50,000 and a cup valued at £ 100, are run here. In addition to these, there are several other Cup events with attractive stakes, which induce owners from all over India to enter horses, when the best blood stock in the country compete.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 161-163 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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 RACE COURSE : The Calcutta Race Course, situated at the southern end of the Maidan, said to be one of the finest in the world, was constructed in 1819. An uninterrupted view of the racing can be obtained from any point of the Race Course with its three enclosures. The King-Emperor's and the Viceroy's Cups are the two famous trophies of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(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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Kidderpore

 

 

 

          _____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

 

 

 

 

 

          _____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

 

 

Garden Reach Road

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 Watgunge Street, leading to Circular Garden Reach Road, then Puddapuker West Lane, and immediately after Sastitala Road, leading past the Dock Superintendent's Office to the Kidderpore Tram Depot.

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 Nimakmahal Road (left) are the Roman Catholic Stella Maris Church, the Anglican St. Nicholas Church and the Marine Club (The Seamen's Welfare Association). The Club amenities include tennis, swimming and billiards.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 150 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

Circular Garden Reach Road

A turn to the right from this point brings us to the foot of Kidderpore Bridge, crossing which we find ourselves in Circular Garden Reach Road. Here, immediately on the right, we have Munshiganj Road and then Watgunge Street leading to Garden Reach Road, and on the left, Kali Bazar Road leading to the Kidderpore Gate of the Zoological Gardens by way of Orphangunge Road. Passing Diamond Harbour Road, Ganesh Sirkar, Hari Sabha and Mansatala Lanes, Dent Mission Road leading to Ekbalpore Road, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (Seamen's Club), Koylasarak Road, and Pipe Road leading to Diamond Harbour Road (left); and Chitrapuri Cinema, Ashu Babu Lane, Ramkamal Street, Ranga Lal Street and Pitamba Sarkar Lane (right), we reach the point where Ramanath Pal Road leading across Ramkamal Street to Hem Chandra Street, and Bhukailash Road leading across Ekbalpore Road and Mourbhanj Road to Remount Road, stand facing each other, A little way along, on the right, is the Kidderpore Post and Telegraph Office, and a few steps farther on is Sastitala Road leading to Garden Reach Road.

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.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 151 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

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:Howrah to Sibpore.

Buses :—From Howrah Station, No. 55.

The Royal Botanical Gardens, on the right bank of the river Hooghly, was the first of its kind in India. It was laid out in 1787, under the auspices of the Hon'ble East India Company by Colonel Robert Kyd of the Bengal Engineers, who became its first Superintendent.

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 Calcutta as a welcome retreat from the noise and bustle of the city.

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 Calcutta".

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 Collett Avenue, which leads to the Howrah Gate and the Sibpore College Gate, are the Royal Restaurant and the Wallich Memorial.

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 Hooghly.

Turning into Kurz Avenue and proceeding, we come to the Roxburgh Monument, erected to commemorate Superintendent Roxburgh, the successor of Colonel Kyd. The epitaph on the pedestal, in Latin, is from the pen of Bishop Heber. Farther on is the Small Banyan Tree and the Lotus Bowl, and on the left the Carriage Stand and the Gentlemen's Cloak Room.

The end of Kurz Avenue brings us to Anderson Avenue: here, on the right, is the Small Palm House, where various species of plants flourish in ideal surroundings. Beyond, in Griffith Avenue, is the Palm Conservatory, and to the left of the Small Palm House, stands a memorial to William Griffith, Civil Assistant Surgeon of the East India Company, who bequeathed large collections of plants and manuscripts to the Court of Directors. Farther down lies Rottler Avenue, adorned with the Kurz Monument, and on the left are the Jack Monument, a beautiful miniature lake, the Orchid House, and the Ladies' Cloak Room.

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 Coredoxa Avenue, which is lined with white columnarstem Cuban palms.

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 Milton's idea of Paradise, except that it is on a dead flat instead of on a hill, than anything I ever saw."

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 158-160 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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

BOTANICAL GARDENS : Located at Sibpur on the Howrah sode of the river, the Royal Botanical Gardens was founded in 1787 under the auspices of the East India Company. The area of the garden is 273 acres with a river frontage of a mile. The great Banyan tree is found here covering an area of 1,000 feet in circumference and 88 feet in height. The central column had to be cut off in 1925 to preserve the radial parts. There is a Herbarium and also a fine Botanic Library. Close by its side is the Bengal Engineering College.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

 

 

 

 

          _____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

 

I remember a laundry wallah…

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.

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

(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)

 

Kidderpore bridge

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 Diamond Harbor Road. At that location, there was an area of small shops which were always interesting to watch. People living near the bridge were friendly, would smile back when greeted that way. We didn't do much conversation due to language difficulties, but that didn't seem to matter to either of us.

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

(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)

 

Life around Kidderpore bridge

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 Diamond Harbor Road. At that location, there was an area of small shops which were always interesting to watch. People living near the bridge were friendly, would smile back when greeted that way. We didn't do much conversation due to language difficulties, but that didn't seem to matter to either of us.

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 India for -- well, for a heck of a long time.

And not far away was a boatyard where woodworking craftsmen built the huge, oar and sail-powered river craft, craft often seen in the Hooghly and in water near Kalighat. I enjoyed watching the builders push and pull their saw, cutting, one by one, manually, the long planks use for hull construction. I also would watch men caulking seams between planks. I spent quite a few hours there at that boatyard. I wish I had thought to ask, but I probably couldn't have understood the answer, what kind of wood they were using for the planks.

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

(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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Alipore

 

 

 

          _____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

 

This is a view of the Kidderpore Bridge as seen from downstream. "Barrage balloons" appear as blobs in the air beyond the bridge

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

 

 (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)

 

 

Scene from bridge in what we knew as Kidderpore

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

 

 (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)

 

 

Boats in tidal tributary of Hooghly River from Kidderpur bridge, 1944

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

 

 (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)

 

 

Scene from bridge along Diamond Harbor Road, Kidderpore area

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

 

 (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)

 

 

 

 

 

          _____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

 

 

Diamond Harbour Road

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 Diamond Harbour Road is Pipe Road leading across Dent Mission Road to Circular Garden Reach Road. At No. 72 Diamond Harbour Road is St. Teresa's High School for Girls, under the management of the Daughters of the Cross, and higher up, at No. 68, is St. Vincent's Home, St. Paul's Nursery for Little Boys, St. Catherine's Hospital and Convalescent Home, and the Convent of the Daughters of the Cross. Then comes Ekbalpore Road leading to Dent Mission Road, and opposite it is Sterndale Road leading to Alipore Road. In Sterndale Road is the Indian Military Hospital, by the side of which runs Duel Avenue, where is located the Alipore Meteorological Office and Observatory. Pursuing our way along the main thoroughfare and passing Ekbalpore Lane, Mourbhanj Road (formerly Budge-Budge Road), Mehar Ali Mondal Street leading to Mominpore Road, Braunfeld Road and Remount Road (right); and Judge's Court Road leading across Alipore Road to Kalighat Bridge, and Raja Santosh Road leading to Alipore Road (left), we reach Majarhat Bridge.

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 Majarhat Bridge and Behala, is the Greyhound Racing Stadium, and at the farther end of Behala, are the Oxford Mission School, the Salvation Army Women's Industrial Home and the Behala Blind School.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 151-152 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

Mary Cooper Home

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 Bengal and the home was formally opened by the Hon. Lady Jackson on the 17th March 1931. The home provides accommodation for 32 inmates, both men and women, who must be over sixty years of age. There are four sets of married quarters, two sick wards and a resident nurse.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 152 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

Judge's Court Road

Retracing our steps along Diamond Harbour Road, we enter Judge's Court Road and note odd numbers on the left, even numbers on the right. Immediately on the right, at No. 2, is Bejay Manzil, the Calcutta residence of the Maharajah ofBurdwan; alongside is New Road, leading to Burdwan Road. At the corner of New Road and Judge's Court Road is the South Telephone Exchange, and a few yards farther on, the crossing of Alipore Road.

[…]

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 Hastings House is Hastings Park Road, leading to Belvedere Road.

At No. 13 Judge's Court Road is the Government Test House and lower down, Baker Road. In Baker Road, on the right, is the Alipore Post and Telegraph Office; adjoining it is the Alipore Police Court and directly opposite Baker Road is Gopalnagar Road. The lofty, handsome building at the corner of Gopalnagar Road and Judge's Court Road is that of the Bengal Survey Office. Bridge Road on the right, and the Alipore Jail on the left, mark the end of Judge's Court Road.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 153 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

Alipore Road

Assuming we enter Alipore Road at its junction with Belvedere Road, in front of the Main Gate of the Zoo logical Gardens and proceed, we will then have Belvedere (Viceroy's House) on our left, and Sterndale Road leading to Diamond Harbour Road on our right. At the corner of Alipore Road and Sterndale Road is the palace of the Maharajah of Cooch Behar and a little higher up (left), the Royal Agri-Horticultural Gardens; then come Belvedere Road and Penn Road, Crossing Judge's Court Road we pass, on the right, Burdwan Road and immediately after Alipore Park Road, leading to Raja Santosh Road. Farther along the main thoroughfare we pass Chetla Hat Road, leading to the junction of Chetia and Gopalnagar Roads, and reach the point where Chetla Central Road and Raja Santosh Road stand facing each other.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 153 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

BELVEDERE

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 Bengal from 1854 to 1912. On the transfer of the Imperial capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1912, Government House at Esplanade, hitherto the residence of the Viceroys, became the residence of the Governors of Bengal, Belvedere being reserved for the use of Viceroys on their visits to Calcutta.

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.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages  49-51 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(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

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 Calcutta. The large grounds, open to visitors when the Viceroy is not in residence, once formed part of Mirzafar's estates when he resided in Calcutta.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

 

 

HASTINGS HOUSE

HASTINGS HOUSE : Farther south to Belvedere House, off Judge's Court Road, stands Warren Hasting's private residence, which was sold with its fine old furniture at a public auction after his departure for England. A writing bureau containing some of his private papers was also auctioned off among the furniture sold. In vain Hastings advertised in the Calcutta Gazette for the desk which he needed for the lost papers. Legend has it that the house is periodically haunted by Warren Hasting's ghost searching for the missing documents, and his coach and pair race over the driveway!

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

 

 

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

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 Zeerut Bridge, reached by way of Belvedere Road and Sterndale Road, the other at Kidderpore, reached by way of Orphanganj Road.

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 Calcutta appears to have originated with Dr. Fayrer, C. S. I., in 1867 ; the subject was again raised in 1873 by Mr. C. L. Schwendler, who strongly stressed the necessity of a Zoological garden. Sir Richard Temple, Lieutenant-Governor, (1874-1877), supported the scheme and on the representation of the Asiatic and Agri-Horticultural Societies, the Government granted a site, and in January 1876 the gardens were inaugurated by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward VII, and opened to the public in May of the same year, with Mr. Schwendler as its first Superintendent.

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 Zoo Hospital and Dispensary.

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 Stanley and Crowned Cranes. We have now reached the centre of the gardens; here, in the middle of the road, stands an obelisk, erected by public subscription, to the memory of Carl Louis Schwendler, by whose indefatigable zeal and untiring energy the Zoological Gardens were established in 1876 : he died on the 6th January 1882. This monument was further adorned with a bronze medallion of Carl Louis Schwendler by his countrymen in Calcutta.

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.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 51-54 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

ZOO GARDENS

ZOO GARDENS : Situated at Alipore, opposite Belvedere House, the Gardens were opened in 1876. It comprises an area of 45 acres and contains quadrupeds, bipeds and reptiles of almost every species.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]:  at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(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 No. 1 Alipore Road, is

THE ROYAL AGRI-HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF INDIA

Affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society, The Royal Agricultural Society, The National Rose Society and The National Dahlia Society, London.

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 Alipore Road, is a miniature lake bordered with tall shady trees, and encircled by a cinder pathway. Wide roads swing past both sides of the lake in symmetrical curves and, criss-crossing the grounds, lead to various nurseries, hot-houses and ferneries.

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 India, many of which are now functioning on their own.

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 India a free Enquiry Bureau, and a valuable library on all matters agricultural and horticultural, while its competitions and Annual Shows with their attractive awards, do much towards encouraging the promotion and improvement of plants in India.

The long list of plants which the Society has introduced from abroad or "made in India" by cross breeding, would occupy too much space here. Cannas, for instance, owe their improvements to the Society, and a large number of these beautiful flowers first saw light in these gardens.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages54-56  of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

ALlPORE METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE AND OBSERVATORY

Location :-At Duel Avenue, reached from Sterndale Road or Diamond Harbour Road.

Trams :—Alipore, Behala

Buses :—Nos. 3, 3A.

Although attempts to classify weather conditions in order to predict impending climatic phenomena in India were in evidence from the earliest times of British interest in this country, it must be admitted that these observations were very desultory, mainly owing to insufficient data. In Calcutta, it was not until 1840 that systematic observations commenced with an observatory at the Survey Office in Park Street, and to this, in 1854, facilities for a time-signal service to Port shipping were added.

Interest in meteorology received an impetus after the great cyclone of 1864 which swept over Calcutta, and in which over 80,000 people perished and a considerable amount of shipping damaged. Weather phenomena became thereafter a subject of greater interest, and as a result, five provincial systems of observation came into existence during the period 1865-1874, the one for Bengal starting in 1867. Later, as the outcome of a Government scheme for an all-India service, which was launched in 1875, the Alipore Observatory was founded, where the work included the recording of observations of various meteorological elements. A very important project in this scheme, was the inauguration of daily weather reports: the first to begin in Calcutta was in 1877. Observational data were at that time collected by post and charts prepared at the Central Office. The droughts and famines of 1876 and 1877, made Government anxious for quicker weather information, and in 1878 observations began to be telegraphed in code to Weather Report Centres. Improvements were introduced from time to time, until finally the advent of wireless telegraphy ushered in an era of increasing usefulness to the shipping world.

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 India;

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 Burma routes. Time-signals are yet another sphere of this Office's activities;

these are supplied by time-ball to Fort William, by wireless to shipping at sea, and by telegraph to all stations throughout the Indian telegraph and railway systems.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40
(source pages 56-57 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

 

 

 

          _____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

 

I had always thought Alipore was just another, somewhat crowded suburb of Cal

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 Calcutta, I was based in Alipore. I had always thought Alipore was just another, somewhat crowded suburb of Cal. But, then, I really never saw any more of it than what could be glimpsed from a bouncing tram rumbling along Diamond Harbor Road and Kidderpore Road.

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 Bengal Mint builings. I guess poor residents were clustered along the streets the tram used.

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.

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

(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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