Calcutta’s Raj Bhavan During The British Era, 1900 Photo
A 1900 photograph of the majestic Raj Bhavan of Calcutta (then Government House). One of the most iconic structures of the British era in India. Completed in 1803, this grand palace occupied nearly five acres and served as the official residence of the Governor-General of India. Lord Wellesley was the Governor-General at the time.
Inside, Government House was a treasure trove of art, history, and opulence. Its rooms were lined with portraits, sculptures, and ornate décor. Among its most prized possessions were the chandeliers of the vast ballroom, exquisite pieces said to have been designed during the reign of French monarch Louis XV. These chandeliers, along with several other valuable items, originally had a very different destination.
The story goes that the French were shipping luxury gifts for Tipu Sultan, who was then allied with France in his opposition to the British. However, the vessel transporting the treasures was intercepted by the British. The confiscated cargo was subsequently transported to Calcutta and installed in the grand halls of Government House.
The ballroom, illuminated by these glittering French chandeliers, soon became the venue for some of the most memorable evenings in the colonial capital. It regularly hosted lavish gatherings, grand durbars, ceremonial investitures, and numerous state functions that showcased the pomp and protocol of British India.
After India’s independence in 1947, the building was renamed Raj Bhavan and became the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. While much has changed around it, the structure remains one of Kolkata’s most historically significant landmarks. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know- the mansion was among the first buildings in Calcutta to install a lift (hand-operated), used mainly to transport food and guests. This was long before elevators became common in the city.
