British Era Calcutta (Kolkata) Views, 5 Photos 1940

There are 5 small-sized old photos with views of British-era Calcutta, now Kolkata. These old photos show mostly street views and views of historic buildings. It includes the Esplanade (Maidan) area, Esplanade Mansion, Chowringee street, Chowringhee Esplanade Crossing, etc.

Calcutta was a mere village when, in 1690, Job Charnock founded a settlement there, and six years later built Fort William. Under the British, it went on to become the emporium for the vast produce of Bengal. Notably jute, tea, rice, coal, indigo, etc. The banks of the Hooghly were lined with mills and great warehouses.

Calcutta progressed into a great and one of the finest cities in the world. One that was equal to any city in Europe at one time. Its orientation as per a 1940 record states that in the center of the city known as the Esplanade (Maidan), in which Fort William stands. By the River Hooghly is the Victoria Memorial, in the east is Chowringhee, a two-mile stretch of clubs, shops, and hotels. North is the Government House (now Raj Bhavan), and north-west the lovely Eden Gardens. Click on the photo for better view.

See post Great City of Kolkata, Old Postcard 1918.

Did you know- the founder of Calcutta Job Charnock’s mausoleum is in the compound of St. John’s Church in Kolkata.

From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#8)., Cochin Port Trust Office Building – Old Postcard 1950., View of Poona or Pune – Old Print 1855., City of Cowlang or Kollam In South India – Antique Map 1750