Government House Throne Room British Calcutta, 1890 Postcard

An 1890 postcard of the British Government House Throne Room in Calcutta (Kolkata). The vast hall, adorned with massive chandeliers and imposing pillars, was known as the Throne Room. It housed replicas of the thrones of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Tipu Sultan, along with other spoils of war.

The original thrones had been shipped to England, but even the replicas were displayed as war trophies—perhaps to symbolize British military dominance. Numerous other valuable artifacts seized during various campaigns were also kept in the Throne Room, unless they, too, had been sent to England.

The Government House, completed in 1803, served as the official residence of the Governor-General of India. Designed by British architect Charles Wyatt, this grand building became a symbol of British authority in colonial India. Following the 1857 rebellion and the dissolution of the British East India Company, the post of Governor-General was replaced by the Viceroy.

From 1858 onward, the Government House became the residence of the Viceroy of British India. However, when Delhi was declared the new capital in 1911, the building’s political significance declined. After India gained independence in 1947, it was designated as the official residence of the Governor of Bengal.

Did you know- one of the most beautiful British-era buildings are based in Kolkatta. Unfortunately, these are slowly decaying because of a lack of maintenance.

From the collection- Vintage Postcard Of Balamani Raja Ravi Varma., Calcutta Horse-Drawn Tram – Old Photo 1880., Bombay Backbay View From Malabar Hill – Old Print 1900., San Thome Fort Madras – Antique Map 1757