Jane’s Walk 2013, East Calcutta (Kolkata) Wetlands

Jane Jacobs

Journalist, Author, Activist and Urban Thinker

“You’ve got to get out and walk”

Jane Jacobs (Source: Wikipedia Commons)

Jane Jacobs (May 4, 1916 – April 25, 2006) was an American–Canadian journalist, author, and activist best known for her influence on urban studies. She had no formal training in architecture or urban planning yet her influential book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” (published in 1961) introduced ground breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail that now seem like common sense to generations of architects, planners, politicians and activists.

Jacobs saw cities as integrated systems that had their own logic and dynamism which would change over time according to how they were used. With a keen eye for detail, she wrote eloquently about sidewalks, parks, retail design and self-organization.

A firm believer in the importance of local residents having input on how their neighborhoods develop, Jacobs encouraged people to familiarize themselves with the places where they live, work, and play.

Started in 2007, a year after her death, Jane’s Walks are held annually during the first weekend in May, to coincide with her birthday. Jane’s Walk consists of a series of neighbourhood walking tours. The walks are led by local volunteers and offered for free.

(Sorce: Official wuebsite of Jane Jacobs Walk)

Jane’s Walk Calcutta (Kolkata) Edition

3 – 5  May. 2013

“To Calcutta much abused, much loved and always interesting”

Desmond Doig

The 2013 Calcutta (Kolkata) edition of the Jane’s Walk was organised by The Telegraph Explore Calcutta Walks, in association with Calcutta Walks and was presented by Prabha Khaitan Foundation. Nine walks (including a bicycling ride) was designed by Calcutta Walks to cover the different cultural, social and even environmental aspects of the “City of Joy.”

Jane’s Walk, Calcutta (Kolkata) Edition Schedule

Walk	Leader	Meeting	May 4 & 5
East Calcutta Wetlands	Bonani Kakkar	Paroma Police Station	7 am
Park Street	Usha Uthup	Asiatic Society	8 am
Kalighat	Santimoy Bhattacharya	Kalighat Police Station	8 am
Photowalk	Rahul Mall	Victoria Memorial Main Gate	8 am
Rabindra Sarobar	Mudar Patherya	Menoka Cinema	8 am
Calcutta Theatre Story	Shuktara Lal	Girish Park Metro Exit	8 am
Sovabazar	Akhil Sarkar	Chatubabu Latubabur Bari	8 am
Bicycling Calcutta	Gautam Sharoff	Victoria Memorial Main Gate	6 am
Chinatown – Tiretta Bazar	Joseph Percy Ling	Poddar Court Remeonds	8 am

It was a tough decision choosing the walk, and after a series of decisions and indecisions I decided to head for the East Calcutta Wetlands Walk on 5 May 2013.

East Calcutta Wetlands Walk

With Bonani Kakkar, 5 May 2013

“If the Maidan is the lungs of Calcutta, the East Calcutta Wetlands would be the kidney!”

Bonani Kakkar, Environment Activist

East Calcutta Wetland, with Salt Lake (Sec, V) skyline (File Photo)

Located on the eastern fringes of the city the East Calcutta Wetlands is an interesting mix of natural and man made water bodies interconnected by a complex network of canals. Covering an area of 125 square kilometers, the East Calcutta Wetland include salt marshes and salt meadows, as well as sewage farms and settling ponds and is the world’s largest wastewater fed aqua culture system.

Bonani Kakkar (left) unfolding the mysteries of East Calcutta Wetlands

The East Calcutta Wetlands provide a very cheap, efficient and eco-friendly system of solid waste and sewer treatment system for the city of Calcutta (Kolkata), hence

Sadly for majority of Calcuttans the East Calcutta wetlands is just a quick glance from the passing car window along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass or a glimpses from the office window of Salt Lake (Sec. V).

The Jane’s Walk of the East Calcutta Wetlands kicked of from the Bantala Dock after a 3 km drive from the Paroma Island. Walk leader Bonani Kakkar, environmentalist and activist  who rums the NGO People United for Better Living in Calcutta (PUBLiC), introduced the wetlands standing next to one of the numerous sluice gates that controls the flow of water in & out of the wetlands.

Sluice Gate, East Calcutta Wetlands

According to Bonani Kakkar Calcutta (Kolkata) slopes West to East and away from the river. The East Calcutta Wetland comes to the rescue saving to the city from flooding. Time and again unplanned planning have led to excessive water logging in some pockets of the city, Bonani cited the example of Lake Town being flooded after the construction of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.

The walk soon started and we made our way past some  ruined structure, which according to Bonani was a sewage water treatment plant set up by the British. But Calcutta had its own natural sewage treatment system and quiet likely the plant never started operation.

Bamboo Fencing, East Calcutta Wetland

As we made our way past one of these structure a slithering snake, which lived in perfect harmony with a family of pigs, welcomed us. Soon our discussion shifted to wildlife of East Calcutta Wetland and Bonani shared her experience of spotting monitor lizards and mongoose. Sadly our wildlife spotting was restricted to few water birds like kingfisher, cormorants, herons and the rare open bill stork.

Soon the discussion changed to ecology, and Bonani explained the role of water hyacinths in providing shade to small fishes and the role of algae in keeping the four feet deep water of the wetlands (locally called bheri) clean.

Fishing Net, East Calcutta Wetland (File Photo)

As we crossed a rickety bamboo bridge and ventured deep into the bheri region Bonani became nostalgic as she narrated about the epic battle against the West Bengal Government to protect the East Calcutta Wetlands. Bonani went on to narrate the story of  Justice Umesh Ch. Banerjee being welcomed to the bheri by a yellow coloured giant frog (locally called sona bang) on his official visit to the wetlands. Finally in 1992  it was victory for Bonani and PUBLiC, Justice Umesh Ch. Banerjee of High Court ruled that no development activity could take place without its prior permission. More success followed as in 2002 the East Calcutta Wetlands was declared as Wetland of International Importance by Ramsar Bureau.

Jane’s Walk through East Calcutta Wetland

We continued our walk along narrow embankments separating one bheri from the other with the Calcutta (Kolkata) skyline in the distant horizon. We walked passed boats and fishing nets left to dry and strange bamboo screens which prevented the fish from moving from one bheri to another.

Occasionally we made way for fishermen on bicycles carrying fresh stock of fish to the market. Bonani’s husband Pradeep, who was accompanying us, explained that the East Calcutta Wetlands not only provides fish to the Calcutta market but also fresh vegetables grown in the adjoining land, which is technically a part of the wetland.

East Calcutta Wetlands, a paradise (File Photo)

We finished our East Calcutta Wetland walk discussing about the threats to this fragile ecosystem. Although a protected place the land sharks are always lookout for an opportunity.  Also the toxic chemical wastes are threatening to contaminate the  fish and vegetables.

Note:

• The File Photos are not shot during Jane’s East Calcutta Wetland Walk on 5 May 2013.

Special Thanks:

• Bonani Kakkar for the wonderful introduction of the East Calcutta Wetlands
• The Telegraph for hosting the Jane’s Walk in Calcutta
• Calcutta Walks not only for its efficient management but also for supporting this blog

Armenian Good Friday, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Burial of Christ ~ Armenian Good Friday

St. Gregory, the Illuminator, Armenian Chapel, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Also see my blog post on Armenians of Calcutta (Kolkata)

The coffin bearers slowly carried the black coffin, beautifully stacked with flowers outside the small chapel adjoining to the Lower Circular Road Cemetery in Calcutta (Kolkata). Strangely it was not a funeral and nor the black coffin contained any dead body !!!!

Armenian Good Friday, St. Gregory, the Illuminator chapel, Calcutta (Kolkata)

It was the Good Friday service of the Armenian Christian community at the St. Gregory, the Illuminator Armenian Chapel at Park Circus.

St. Gregory, the Illuminator, Armenian Chapel

The Armenian history in Calcutta dates back to the mid 17^th century. The Armenians have believed to have settled in Calcutta far beyond the days of Job Charncok, the controversial founder of the city.

The Armenians also have the distinction of having the oldest Christian Church in Calcutta. The  Armenian Church, officially known as the Holy Church of Nazareth was originally constructed in 1707, but the present building dates back to 1724. The Armenian Christmas Mass, which is held on 6 Jan. instead of 25 Dec., is held at the Armenian Church.

The Good Friday service is held at the St. Gregory, the Illuminator, Armenian Chapel, which is hidden inside a narrow winding lane in the Park Circus area and is adjoining to Lower Circular Road Cemetery.

Armenian Good Friday Service

St. Gregory, the Illuminator, Armenian Chapel was constructed in 1906 by the funds raised by the Indian Armenian Community. The chapel, located on a narrow lane in the Park Circus area is extremely difficult to locate.

The complex also houses an old age home named after an eminent Calcutta Armenian Catchick Paul Chater. The complex also contain several graves of the Chater family. The complex is beautifully decorated with lawns, flowerbeds and marble statues. It can be considered as an oasis of peace in one of the chaotic locations of Calcutta (Kolkata).

Sadly the Good Friday services lacks the grandeur of the Christmas, which is normally attended by the entire Armenian community of Calcutta (Kolkata). On the other hand the Good Friday service is attended only by a handful of Armenians.

Round the chapel. with the coffin

The Good Friday Service starts at about 3 pm. Lead by Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, pastor (priest) of Armenians in India and assisted by Rev. Fr. Geghart Ghabaghyan along with a host of boys from the Calcutta Armenian School and College. It recreates the burial of Jesus Christ.

The black coffin, beautifully stacked with flower was placed before the alter. Prayers were said and songs were sung. The coffin bearers final lift the coffin, supposed to contain the body of Christ, and make their way slowly outside the chapel. They made their way round the chapel and the coffin returns to the original place.

Round the chapel. with the coffin

Further prayers follow and the services come to an end with the distribution of the flowers stacked over the coffin, which are said to bring good luck.

Special Thanks:

• To my Armenian friends Liz Chater and Max Galstaun for providing valuable information about the Good Friday Mass and also about the location of the St. Gregory, the Illuminator, Armenian Chapel.
• To Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, pastor (priest) of Armenians in India and the entire Armenian Community of Calcutta.

Second Wikipedia Kolkata Photowalk

Wikipedia Takes Kolkata II

Second Wikipedia Kolkata Photowalk, 3 March 2013

“The 29, busy professionals on weekdays and hobby photographers on weekends, were participating in the second edition of Wikipedia Takes Kolkata. The aim? Not to build impressive personal collection of photographs but to increase the number of city images available on the the number one information resource for GeNext.”

Sreyoshi Dey, The Telegraph, Kolkata , 7 March 2013

“Wikipedia Takes Kolkata II is the second edition of the event organised by the Wikipedians, encouraging the masses to contribute to the world’s largest, quickest online encyclopedia”

Suruchi Gupta, Hindustan Times, Kolkata, 3 March 2013

Second Wikipedia Kolkata Photowalk, Group Photo (Photo: Biswarup Ganguly)

Wikipedia the world largest online encyclopedia runs on entirely voluntary effort. Each major city in the world has a a Wikipedia chapter, who apart from contributing to Wikipedia carry out different activities like Wikiacademy and photowalks.

A few instructions and off goes the Wikipedians (Photos: Biswarup Ganguly)

The main objective of Wikipedia Photowalk, officially known a “Wikipedia Takes,” is to build a database of photos of landmarks of the city. The photos can later be used in the relevant articles.

Wikipedians at the Chinese Temple (Photo: Biswarup Ganguly)

The first edition of the Wikipedia Kolkata Photowalk was held on 18 Dec. 2011 and was restricted to active Wikipedia contributors only. The second edition held on 3 march 2013 was however open to all and Facebook played an active role in promoting the event. 29 person turned up but sadly there was no women participant.

The aprox. 7 km long photowalk was not only aimed at areas not covered by Wikipedia but also aimed at capturing the diversified aspect of Kolkata, formally Calcutta. Over the last three centuries Kolkata has been a melting pot of several religion and culture. The Wikipedia Takes Kolakata II aimed at documented the diversified activity of the city.

Wikipedians at the Armenian Church, Kolkata (Photo: Biswarup Ganguly)

The 4 hours scheduled route (actually it took a little over 5 hours) covered First World War Barracks to hidden Chinese Temples and from Parsi Fire Temple to Portuguese Church. The route also covered the Armenian Church, which has the distinction of being the oldest Church in Kolkata, and also a couple of Synagogues.

With the walk complete the job was only half done. The participants soon started to upload there photos in Wikimedia category  “Wikipedia Takes Kolkata 2.” and several of the photos have already been used in different articles of Wikipedia.

Places Covered in Wikipedia Takes Kolkata II:

Tea Break (Photo: Biswarup Ganguly)

• Bow Barracks
• Kaplitola Kali Temple
• Parsi Fire Temple
• Parsi Dharmasala
• Buddhist Temple
• Agha Khan Palace
• Chinese Temples
• Chinese Breakfast
• Beth El Synagogue
• Magen David Synagogue
• Portuguese Church
• Armenian Church
• Carey Baptist Church
• Lebdev’s Theatre

Press Coverage:

The Telegraph and Hindustan Times gave extensive coverage of Wikipedia Takes Kolkata II event.

Press Coverage (Left: Hindustan Times, Right: The Telegraph)

Suruchi Gupta of Hindustan Times provided a pre-coverage of the Second Wikipedia Kolkata Photowalk and it was published on the very day of Wikipedia Takes Kolkata II.

Sreyoshi Dey and photographer Anindya Shankar Roy of The Telegraph participated in the Photowalk and report was published on 7 March 2013.

Special Thanks:

• Suruchi Gupta of Hindustan Times
• Sreyoshi Dey, Anindya Shankar Roy and Kaushik Ghosh of The Telegraph
• To all the participants who made the Wikipedia Takes Kolkata II a grand success

Portuguese Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Portuguese Church (1799)

~ Catholics Cathedral of Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

Also see my compilation of Calcutta (Kolkata) Churches

Portugese Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Historical evidences indicate that the Portuguese arrived in Calcutta (Kolkata) much before Job Charnok, but their relationship with the English has never been friendly.

The first Portuguese place of worship in Calcutta (Kolkata) date backs to the late 17 th century, consisted of a mud hut. In 1700 it was converted into a brick structure.

In 1757 Lord Clive expelled the Portuguese from Calcutta (Kolkata) and the Catholic Portuguese Chapel was converted into an Anglican Protestant Chapel.

Four years later the ban was lifted and the Portuguese got back their chapel in 1796. They decided to convert the chapel into a Church and funds were raised. The well known Portuguese traders Baretto Brothers were leading contributors.

The new church, which exsists to this day, was opened to public on 27 Nov. 1799. Designed by James Driver it was constructed at a cost of Rs90,000.

Christmas Mass, Portuguese Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Dedicated to Rosary Virgin Mary, the Portuguese Church serves as a Cathedral Church for the Catholic Christian’s of Calcutta (Kolkata).

Stained Glass, Portuguese Church

Built in typical Catholic style the Portuguese Church comes in with twin towers which are shaped more like minarets, topped with crowned shaped cupolas. The extended portico is crowned with a triangular pediment decorated with beautiful relief work.

The inside is even more spectacular with long corridor leading to beautifully decorated alterflanked with intricately decorated circular stained glass windows.

The walls are lined with confession boxes and statues of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and various other Biblical character complete with fairies and angles.

But the star attraction of th Portuguese Church are the 14 Cross Station of Christ. The beautiful coloured bass relief tables are framed in polished wooden frame and are hung along the walls of the Portuguese Church.

Portuguese Church located on the Murgihata Street just off the Brabourne Road and Canning Street crossing. Although located in one of the busiest localities of Calcutta (Kolkata) it serves as a oasis of peace like most of the Calcutta (Kolkata) Churches.

Interior of Portuguese Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Reference:

• 10 Walks in Calcutta by Prosenjit Das Gupta
• Swasato Kolkata ~ Ingrej Amala er Sthapothya by Nishitranjan Roy

Lascar War Memorial, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Lascar War Memorial

~ Napier Road, Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

See also: Compilation of WWI Memorials in Calcutta (Kolkata)

Lascar War Memorial, Calcutta (Kolkata)

“He had thought that the Lascars were a tribe or nation….. he discovered now that they came  from places that were far apart, and had nothing in common, except the Indian Ocean; among them were Chinese and East Africans, Arabs and Malays, Bengalis and Goans, Tamils and Arakanese.”

Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

Sandwiched between the two buildings of the Navy House in Napier Road in Hasting region of Calcutta (Kolkata) stands a towering structure built in the honor of 896 Lascars, who died fighting for the British Navy during the Great War of 1914 – 18 (First World War).

The 100 ft memorial built in the Indo-Mughal style has prows of an ancient galley projecting from each side and is capped by four mini minarets and a large dome. Along the facade are undulating lines symbolizing waves.

Lascar War Memorial was erected by shipping and mercantile companies at the southern end of the Maidan, within 100 yards of Prinsep Ghat and in the shadows of the Second Hooghly Bridge. It was designed by William Ingram Keir, who was also the man behind the Kidderpore Bridge, buildings at Bengal Engineering and Science University in Shibpur, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and Islamia College. He also replaced the damaged spire of the St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Lascar War Memorial earned William Ingram Keir an award of Rs 500 for its design in an international contest in 1920.

The Lascar War Memorial was unveiled to public by the then governor of Bengal, Lord Lytton, on February 6, 1924. A plaque inside the Lascar War Memorial stands as a witness to the historic event. The other plaque is in the memory of the 896 Lascars, although the term “Lascar” is not used. They have been mentioned as “Seaman of Bengal, Asam and Upper India.” The third smaller plaques tells about the renovation and lighting of the Lascar War Memorial.

Lascar War Memorial Plaques

After independence the memorial has practically forgotten and lay in utter neglect. During a trip to Kolkata in the 1980s, William’s son James Keir had noted with sadness that lack of upkeep had turned the monument decrepit and surrounding grounds riddled with overgrowth.

Lascar War Memorial, Projected Gallery

In 1994, commodore B K Mohanti spotted it during his morning walk and struck by its significance, decided to get it restored. “The first challenge to restore the memorial and its precincts was to determine who owned the land. Since it’s in Army land, it had to be transferred to the Navy. Then the ground had to be fenced off after 200-odd trucks that used to be parked there were evicted. Now, the challenge is to keep it in good shape and make citizens of Kolkata aware that a splendid memorial for subalterns exists,” said Mohanti.

Renovation and lighting was complete in December 1994 but did the Indian Navy take any steps to to make the Calcutans aware of its existence? My personal experience says no. I was almost held at gunpoint while shooting the Lascar War Memorial in 2010 and was forced to delete the photographs from my memory card.

But things are on for a change as in the recent past the Lascar War Memorial has been the venue for several cultural events. The Kolkata chapter of the Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) had meet at Lascar War Memorial on 3 Nov. 2012 with James Keir as guest. The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) was also held at the Lascar War Memorial on 13 Jan. 2013 and the photographs were shot at that time as I still don’t have the courage to go and shoot the memorial on an ordinary day !!!!

Inside Lascar War Memorial

Special Thanks:

• Special Thanks to Nidhi Dugar Kundalia of Kindle Magazine for inviting me to the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF)

Reference:

• Oceans Apart by Soma Basu, The Statesman dated 20 Nov. 2011
• Forgotten War Memorial gets a place in history by Subhro Niyogi, The Times of India, 4 Nov. 2012
• Tears of Subaltern by Soumitra Das, The Telegraph, 12 July 2009

North Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta (Kolkata)

~ The Lone Surviving Tomb ~

Robertson Monument, North Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Tucked away in the South – Eastern corner of the the Assembly of God Church Tower (AG Tower) complex is a strange circular structure. Supported by six Ionic pillar and crowned with a dome. It is often used for drying clothes and even as a storage space.

The structure known as the Roberson Monument is the lone surviving grave of the demolished North Park Street Cemetery.

The Mallick Bazar entrance of the Mother Teresa Sarani (formally Park Street and even formally Burial Ground Street) once housed cemeteries on its both side.

Today the cemetery only on the southern side exists and is called the South Park Street Cemetery, but the cemeteries on the north side have been demolished decades ago to give room to the expanding city.

The North Park Street Cemetery gave room to the AG Towers while the Apeejay School was built over the French Cemetery.

Opened in 1797 the huge North Park Street Cemetery once housed the graves of several well known British citizens of Calcutta, including Richmond Thackeray, the farther of novelist William Makepeace Thackeray.

The North park Street Cemetery also housed the grave of James Achilles Kirkpatrick, who was made immortal by William Dalrymple, in his best selling book White Mughals. Although his grave didn’t survive the test of time but his memorial plaque can still be seen in St. Johns Church.

Plaques, Robertson Monument,North Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Today the almost camouflaged Robertson Monument happens to be the only remaining witness of the huge North Park Street Cemetery. It is a family grave of the Robertson Family, who have been in Calcutta for three generations and several of its male members have served the Calcutta Police in high ranks.

According to some sources it was the “Police Connection” that saved the grave from being demolished, but its locational advantage (located at one corner) definitely played a role.

Today the grave contains two plaques, although there are place for three, on the walls and one on the floor. One contains the name of Edwin Roberson, Superintendent of Calcutta Police.

Sadly the only remains of the former North Park Street Cemetery lies is utter neglect and thousand of pedestrians walk past it every day without knowing its existence.

References:

1. Robertson Monument, North Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta (Kolkata)
2. List of graves at Robertson Monument
3. Jay Walkers Guide to Calcutta, Soumitra Das

Calcutta (Kolkata) Churches

~ Compilation of Churches of Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

Kolkata (formally Calcutta) is home to several churches catering to different sects and sub – sects of Christianity. Apart from the well known Protestant and Catholic sects Calcutta (Kolkata) also houses churches belonging to the Orthodox sect including Armenian, Syrian and Greek orthodox sub – sets.

Armenian Church (1724)

~ Oldest Christian Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

Armenian Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Armenians claims to be the first Europeans to settle in Calcutta. But unlike the Portuguese their relation with the English has always been friendly. The Armenian Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) built in 1724 has the distinction of being the oldest church in Calcutta (Kolkata).

Over the years the Armenian Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) has undergone several modification and extension, including the inclusion of the clock tower. Sadly Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) oldest church is nothing much spectacular in design and beauty, but it’s compound shaded with ancient mango & jamun trees serves as an oasis of peace amoungst one of Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) bussiest locality.

The Armenian Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) is surrounded by a graveyard contain a large number of graves, among which the most interesting, or rather controversial, is the grave of Rezabeebeh Sookias who departed from this world on 11th June 1630, making it the oldest Christian grave of Calcutta (Kolkata). But historian claims that the mortal remains of Mrs Sookias were removed to the Armenian Church graveyard at a later date.

More on Armenian Christmas (6 Jan. 2012) Celebration at Armenian Church

Mission Church (1770)

~ Oldest Protestant Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

Mission Church, Calcutta (Ko;kata)

Mission Church the second oldest Christian Church of Calcutta and the oldest Protestant Church of the city was founded in 1770 by Swedish Missionary Re. John Kiernander. After the construction of the St. John’s Church the Mission Church came to be known as the Old Church. Today it is erroneously known as the Old Mission Church.

The Church was also popularly known as Lal Girja, literally meaning Red Church, for its unplastered brick red finish, but sadly the exteriors have long been plastered off. The church also constructed a towering steeple which toppled during the earthquake of 1897.

Today the church is encroached by high rises on both sides and vehicles of all sort, belonging to the Kolkata Police, are parked infron of the church, blocking its views. But the interior is still grand with long colonnaded corridors leading to the stained glass decorated alter.

St. John’s Church (1787)

~ Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) first Anglical Cathedral ~

St. John’s Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Built by architect James Agg the St. John’s church is built with a combination of brick and stone and was commonly known as the “Pathure Girja” (Stone Church). St. John’s was built in the lines of St.Martin’s in the fields, London. The St. John’s Church contains beautiful marble bass relief work. wood curving, stain glass and paintings including Zoffani’s famous Last Supper.

The land for the St. John’s Church was donated by the Maharaja Nabo Kishen Bahadur the founder of the Shovabazar Raj Family. The foundation stone was laid by the laid by Warren Hastings, the Governor General of India on 6 April 1784.

The St. John’s church compound, which was once a graveyard, contains several graves and memorials including the grave of Job Charnock, considered as the founder of the city.

More on St. John’s Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Portuguese Church (1799)

~ Cathedral Church of the Calcutta (Kolkata) Catholics ~

Portugese Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Historical evidences indicate that the Portuguese arrived in Calcutta (Kolkata) much before Job Charnok, but the present Portuguese Church at Calcutta (Kolkata) dates back only to 1799 more than a hundred years after Charnok’s arrival.

Dedicated to Rosary Virgin Mary, the Portuguese Church serves as a Cathedral Church for the Catholic Christian’s of Calcutta (Kolkata). Built in typical Catholic style the Portuguese Church comes in with a beautifully decorated triangular pediment, flanked on either side by two domed towers and an extended portico with arched entrance way.

The inside of the Portuguese Church in Calcutta (Kolkata) is equally well decorated with long corridors crowned with arches. The walls contain 14 coloured tablets depicting the cross station of Christ. The Church also contains several beautiful stained glass depicting the life of Christ. It also contains a small but elegant pipe organ.

More on Portuguese Church, Calcutta (Kolkata).

St. Andrew’s Church (1818)

~ First and Only Scottish Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

St. Andrew’s Church (Kirk), Calcutta (Kolkata)

Located at the very heart of the city of Calcutta (Kolkata) the St. Andrew’s Church (or Kirk) is one of Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) most well known landmark. Located next to the red coloured Gothic building the white coloured St. Andrew’s Church creates a striking contrast.

The handsome Grecian building of the Church of Scotland was opened for public worship on March 8, 1818. Like the St. John’s Church it was designed in the lines of St.Martin’s in the fields, London. Occupying a prominent position in Dalhousie Square, directly facing Old Court House Street, the Church with its tall massive spire formed one of the familiar features of the city. The white spire is crowned with a blck weather cock, which operates to this day. On the North and South there are elegant porticoes with lofty Doric pillars.

The Kirk Session, led by the Reverend Bryce, having decided to finish the Church in style, laid the floor with marble, completed the spire, erected a railing and improved the approaches. An organ was installed, a clock fitted in the tower in 1835 and the original organ replaced by a much finer one in 1858.

St. Paul’s Cathedral (1847)

~ Anglican Cathedral of Calcutta (Kolkata) ~

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta (Kolkata)

The building was initiated by Bishop Daniel Wilson in 1839 and was completed in 1847, in Gothic Revival style with stained glass windows and two frescoes in Florentine Renaissance style. A military engineer, Major William NairnForbes, designed the cathedral with the assistance of C. K. Robinson, modelling the tower and spire upon the Norwich Cathedral. The tower was rebuilt along the lines of Bell Harry Tower in Canterbury Cathedral following the 1934 Calcutta earthquake.

The cathedral conforms to the Neo-Gothic or the Gothic Revival style of architecture that was greatly patronized by the British during the days of the colonial era. The main cathedral hall is large, with beautifully carved wooden pews and chairs along with the stained glass window to the west, the intricate coloured artwork covering the eastern walls, the two marvelous Florentine frescoes. The church is 247 ft. in length and 81 ft. in width and the tower is 201 ft. high. The Cathedral is set within huge grounds with several ancient trees.

The interior of the church is a feast for the eyes, with excellent floral designs on the walls. Beautiful architecture and exquisite mural painting captivates the beholder. The life and work of St. Paul is vividly described in pictures. Bishop Wilson lies in his eternal slumber in a coffin inside an underground chamber. The commission plate conferred on him by Queen Victoria is still exhibited here.

St. James’ Church (1868)

~ Jora Girja – Church with the twin spire ~

St. James’ Church (Jora Girja), Calcutta (Kolkata)

The original St. James Church of Kolkata (Calcutta) dates back to 1823 and was located in the Nebotola Lane, near Amherst Street.

The present building, sandwiched between the St. James’ and Pratt Memorial School, of the St. James’ Church dates back to 1868 and was designed by the East Bengal Railway Architect Walter B Granville, who also designed the Kolkata High Court, GPO and Calcutta University Senate Hall (the last one no longer exists).

Built in Gothic style the St. James’ Church or the Jora Girja is one of Kolkata’s elegant churches, with pointed Gothic arches on both its exterior and interior. The twin spires, one of which contains a clock, is joined by a beautiful triangular pediment. The interior contains a long passageway leading to the alter.

But the star attraction of the St. James’ Church is the beautifully decorated black mahogany wood work at the ceiling. Something so durable, that even the termites of Kolkata have spared it for 146 years.

More on St. James’ Church (Jora Girja), Calcutta (Kolkata)

St. Mary’s Church (1887)

~ Bangali Cathedral ~

St. Mary’s Church (Bangla Cathedral), Kolkata (Calcutta)

St. Mary’s Church was constructed in 1889 and is popularly known as the Bangla Cathedral, as large number of its member belong to the Bengali Protestant Christan community.

The concept of the Bengali Cathedral dates back to July 1885, when  Rev. Harihar Sandel, a pioneer missionary started worshipping in the Cathedral with a few Christian employees. It was later decided to build up a separate church for their worship. He acquired the land and mobilize fund for the construction of a church for the Bengali Protestant.

Sadly Rev. Harihar Sandel (Sanyal) died on 4 Sept. 1887 when his dream church was yet to open its doors. The St. Mary’s Church (Bangali Cathedral) finally opened its door on 16 Feb. 1889, under Rev. Aghore Nath Banerjee. Rev. Aghore Nath Banerjee later became the Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  He was the first Indian to receive this distinction.

The interior of St. Mary’s Church contains beautiful stained glass and several marble memorial plaques written in flowing Bengali font. Today the St. Mary’s Church stands on the Elgin Road (Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani) opposite the Bhawanipur Education Society College.

More on St. Mary’s Church (Bangali Cathedral), Calcutta (Kolkata)

Greek Orthodox Church (1925)

~ Formally the only Greek Orthodox Church of India ~

Greek Orthodox Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

The Greek Orthodox Church located next to the Kalighat Tram Depot looks more like a Greek Temple than a Church. Oficialy known as the  Transfiguration of the Saviour Church, this is one of Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) newest church and was constructed only in 1925.

However the first Greek Orthodox Church of the city dates back to 1781 (some other source puts the date at 1752) and was replaced by the present structure in 1925.

The Greek Orthodox Church was closed down in 1960s due lack of Greek Orthodox Christan in the city but it was  reopened in 1990s with the initiative of some Greek Orthodox priest. Today the church members consists of mainly converted Bengali Greek Orthodox Christians. In the last few decades several other Greek orthodox Churches have been opened in the districts of West Bengal.

Inside the church the floors are marble and the pews are wood and the three huge chandeliers are like brazen chrysanthemums turned upside down. The altar of polished wood with painted panels is well preserved.

These paintings on canvas depict Christ after his transfiguration, Jesus and his apostles and Virgin Mary and the archangels Gabriel and Michael wielding swords. St Catherine is painted in one corner.

More on the Greek Orthodox Church, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Note:

• This is a compilation article and is not exhaustive. It would be updated from time to time.
• The Churches of Calcutta (Kolkata) are arranged in chronological order.
• The article is restricted to historic churches only.

Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Kolkata (Calcutta)

A Piece of Myanmar (Burma) in the Heart of Kolkata (Calcutta)

Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Kolkata (Calcutta)

As I climbed the dimly lit staircase of Kolkata’s (Calcutta’s) only Mayanmarese (Burmese) Buddhist Temple a few lines of Amitav Ghosh’s best selling novel The Glass Palace flashed in my mind.

“Rajkumar’s favorite haunt was a small Buddhist temple in the centre of the city…. They would make their way across town on a bus and get off at the stop for the Eden Hospital. They’d climb up the grimy marble stairs and when they reached the top, they would step into a hall that seemed to be a world away from its surroundings: full of light, perfumed with scent of fresh flowers…. “

Rajkumar, literally meaning prince, the principle character of Amitav Ghosh’s novel The Glass Palace was by no means a prince. In the first chapter of Glass Palace Amitav Ghosh descrbes Rajkumar as “His name meant prince, but he was anything but princely in appearance.”

As my memory wondered through the pages of The Glass Palace I made my way to the top floor of the building housing the small and beautiful shrine. Straight in front of me was the statue of Lord Buddha dressed in golden attire with is gleaming white face.

Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Signboard

The Maynmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple is located on 10 A Eden Hospital Road, next to the horse mounted statue of Rana Pratap, just off the Central Avenue. The two boards on the no descriptive three storied building are the only evidence of the Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple in Kolkata (Calcutta).

I have passed the building numerous time and have photographed it from the outside but never managed to get inside as it perennially remained under lock and key. Every since I read The Glass Palace by Amitabha Ghosh about a year back, the Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple has been my most sort after place in my explore Calcutta itinerary.

Inside Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Kolkata (Calcutta)

The Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple of Kolkata (Calcutta) was established in 1928 by U San Min and the building was purchased for Rs 47,000. It was called the Burma Buddhist Dharmmasala which later came to be known as the Myanmar Buddhist Temple. Today the shrine is located on the top floor of the three storied building. The ground floor is let out to raise funds for the maintenance of the temple while the first floor serves as a guest house or dharmasala for the Burmese monks visiting the city.

Recently Arnab Banerjee, a fellow Calcutta (Kolkata) enthusiast informed me that the Maynmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple remains open every day in the evening and photography is allowed inside. The very next weekend I was out to visit and shoot one of my most sort after places in Kolkata (Calcutta).

I entered the building through a entrance heavily encroached by hawkers. A winding staircase laid me to the top floor. Two Burmese monks welcomed me into the small but elegant temple, in spite of a severe language barrier it was definitely a very warm welcome.

Golden Buddha Statue, Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Kolkata (Calcutta)

The alter contains a magnificent statue of Lord Buddha with a glowing white face is covered with gold leaves. The statue is seated on a golden throne and dressed in golden attire complete with a golden crown and umbrella.The alter is also decorated with several other statues, coloured candles, incense sticks and last but not least Chinese made flashing lights.

Sadly a sheet of glass in front of the statue makes photography extremely difficult, only option is to shoot from the small openings on either side and it was all I did to capture one of the most magnificent Buddha statue of Calcutta (Kolkata).

Please seeAmitav Ghosh’s Twit on the Kolkata’s Historic Burese temple.

Reference:

• The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh
• Lone Monk preserve Temple in Kolkata
• Trespass threat to Myanmar Temple

Special Thanks:

• Special thanks to Arnab Banerjee a fellow Calcutta (Kolkata) enthusiast who provided me with valuable information on the Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Kolkata (calcutta).

This article on Myanmar (Burma) Buddhist Temple, Calcutta (Kolkata) has been twitted by Amitav Ghosh.

Photo Publication – VI

The Telegraph, Calcutta

Dated 4th November, 2012

On 26th October 2012 the t2 Suppliment of The Telegraph, Calcutta carried an article ON Photowalks. The article covered various aspects of photowalking and also highlighted on the Photowalking clubs of Calcutta (Kolkata) like the Kolkata Photograpers Club (KPC) and Kolkata Weekend Shots (KWS).

t2, The Telegraph, Calcutta, 4 November 2012

The article also offered readers to send in their photowalks photos for publication, I immediately send in one of my photographs. On 29th and 31st  October The Telegraph t2 published several of the reader’s photo but sadly my photo didn’t feature. in the list.

Bhisti (water carrier), Bow Barracks, Calcutta (Kolkata)

On 4 th November the Sunday issue of the t2 contained 4 pages of readers photographs, including my photograph of a bhisti(water carrier)  making is way through the brick red buildings of Bow Barracks, in central Calcutta (Kolkata).

The caption read “With reference to the Photowalk article in t2, I am sending a photograph. Thisphoto was shot as part of The Fifth Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk (Calcutta edition). The photo shows a bhisti (water carrier) making his way through the red buildings of Bow Barracks.”

It also said a few lines about me “I have been Photowalking in Calcutta for over 15 years. First with a point and shoot film camera, then with a SLR and presently with a DSLR.”

Metropolitan Building ~ Whiteway, Laidlaw and Co. to Big Bazar

Metropolitan Building, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Whiteway, Laidlaw and Co. to Big Bazar

On the eastern side of Esplanade stands a spectacular building in Baroque style, complete with domes, pediments, balconies & clock tower. Known as the Metropolitan Building it once housed Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) leading departmental stores run by the famous Whiteway, Laidlaw and Co.

Metropolitan Building, Calcutta (Kolkata)

Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co (nicknamed ‘Right-away & Paid-for’ because it operated on cash payments only, no credit) was ‘the’ colonial emporium or department store in India and became a household name throughout the East; it was founded in Calcutta by two eponymous Scotsmen in 1882 and also had branches in Bombay, Madras, Lahore and Simla as well as further afield in Colombo, Burma, the Straits Settlements and in Shanghai. The Whiteway, Laidlaw & Co.’s departmental stores in Calcutta was considered the poshest and classiest department store this side of the Suez.

This elaborate, ‘wedding-cake’ structure was purpose-built by Calcutta-based contractors Mackintosh Burn & Co as the headquarters of Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co; its architecture, sheer size and prominent corner position were intended to attract buyers to enter its doors. The ground floor and the first floor were occupied by the department store itself. Given the size of the building, the floor space was huge. The second and third floors accommodated offices and apartments; the offices were known as Victoria Chambers.

Metropolitan Building, Calcutta (Kolkata), with the yellow Ambassador Taxi

Catering almost exclusively to British tastes and clientele (as well as to the Bengali elite with Anglophile tastes), after Independence in 1947, most Anglo-Indians as well as British military and civilian staff left India to return ‘Home’ leaving venerable firms like Whiteaway, Laidlaw high and dry. The building was later acquired by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co which renamed it as Metropolitan Building. Victoria Chambers was also renamed as Satchindananda Chambers.

Today the Metropolitan Building is owned by the Life Insurance Corporation of India and the old department store area on the ground floor is now occupied by the Big Bazar, a popular Indian departmental stores, known for its low prices and promotional offers. The upper floors are occupied by innumerable tenants residing in box like quarters.

Since 2003 the Metropolitan Building has undergone several repairs and was given a dazzling white faced but the interior of Metropolitan Building is what was neglected. As a matter of fact, it was torn apart. The precious Italian marble had been removed from the floor even before repairs began. The fire sprinkler inside, meant to fight fires, was removed.

The stained glass roof of the atrium had collapsed quite some time ago. Now, there is a huge abyss in the floor which has been barricaded. The corridors around this floor are in a shambles, too. Yet expensive woodwork was replaced although it was not protected from the seeping water.

What’s worse, the balconies, ornamental work and urns, which were restored a few months ago, have already started chipping and cracking. The new material does not hold. Absence of the original design did make restoration a tough job. The portico on the Chowringhee side of the building is being rebuilt. Concrete pillars were erected after it collapsed, but their look is nothing approaching the original granite finish design.

Suddenly in 2010, Metropolitan Building was repainted. Without structural repairs that are urgently needed. And to grotesque effect. The building has always been a pristine white. Now it is being capped with gold — on its cupolas, the procession of urns on the terrace and the acanthus on top of each Corinthian column.

Ganesh Pyne was “aghast” at Metropolitan Building being imparted a golden glow. “We have no convention of painting the exterior of such a building in gold. People will rubbish it,” said the artist.

Reference:

• Flick Photo by DCR Finch
• Nothing saved but face – Metropolitan Building roof still unprotected by Staff Reporter The Telegraph, Calcutta Dec 04, 2006
• A Brief History of Shopping by Soumitra Das The Telegraph, Calcutta July 01, 2008
• Grotesque gold on white landmark, The Telegraph, Calcutta Sept 07, 2010

Note:

• Both the photos were shot in 2009, before the dome received the “Golden Glow.”
• The photos were shot with digital SLR Nikon D60 and converted in black & white (first photo) ans selective colouring (second photo).