Interesting Views Of British Era Calcutta (Kolkata), 5 Photos 1940

These five vintage photographs from the 1940s showcase British-era Calcutta (now Kolkata) in its colonial glory. The collection offers fascinating street views and architectural landmarks from the time, including the Esplanade (Maidan) area, Esplanade Mansion, Chowringhee Street, and the Chowringhee, Esplanade Crossing. Each image captures the essence of the bustling metropolis that was once the capital of British India.

Calcutta, which began as a small village, was transformed when Job Charnock founded a trading settlement in 1690. Six years later, he built Fort William, marking the city’s rise as the commercial hub of Bengal. Under British rule, Calcutta became the emporium of Bengal’s rich produce, exporting jute, tea, rice, coal, and indigo. The banks of the Hooghly River soon were lined with the East India Company’s mills, factories, and large colonial warehouses, making it one of the busiest ports in Asia.

By the 1940s, Calcutta had evolved into one of the finest cities in the world, often compared to major European capitals for its urban planning and grandeur. Historical records from that era describe the Esplanade (Maidan) as the heart of the city, dominated by Fort William. Nearby stood the majestic Victoria Memorial by the Hooghly River, while Chowringhee stretched eastward with its clubs, hotels, and elegant shops. To the north lay the Government House (now Raj Bhavan) and to the northwest, the serene Eden Gardens. Click image to enlarge.