Kolkata- from Marshes to a Metropolis

Job Charnock is the person, who founded Calcutta in 24th August, 1960.

You might be surprised to know that there were three villages called Kalikata, Gobindpur and Sutanuti that gave birth to the city of Calcutta.

Kolkata in the present day

Calcutta has witnessed various changes from the day it was founded, including its name. It is known by Kolkata now. Earlier, Calcutta was the main trading centre of the East India Company in Bengal. Now it is called the “Cultural capital of India”. Here are some of the famous landmarks of Kolkata which existed also during the British era:

Howrah Bridge

The famous Howrah Bridge looks over the Hooghly River and links the cities Howrah and Kolkata. Earlier in the British era, there was a pontoon bridge in the same location. The new Howrah Bridge has replaced the pontoon bridge.

Chowringee Lane

During the British era, this place was a small hamlet that was occupied by Maidan and Esplanade. It was also a tiger infested region. With the passage of time, Chowringee Lane has emerged as a popular shopping destination, a business district and an entertainment hub.

Victoria Memorial

George Curzon suggested building this beautiful marble building in Calcutta in the fond memory of Queen Victoria. Even after years, Victoria Memorial attracts plenty of tourists because of its lush gardens and museums.

Princep Ghat

The beautiful Princep Ghat was designed and constructed by W. Fitzgerald. It was built in the fond memory of James Princep, the anglo Indian scholar.

The other famous places

The Fort William, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Dalhousie Square, Sealdah Station, Calcutta University, Calcutta Port, Eden Garden and Writer’s Building are other famous places that have been built during the British era.

It is amazing how Kolkata has converted from marshes to a metropolis and hailed as the cultural capital of our country.