View From The High Court British Era Calcutta, 1880 Photo
An 1880 photo with a panoramic view of British-era Calcutta from the High Court building. The view includes the Esplanade, Ochterlony Monument, etc. The Government House with its lion-arched eastern gateway that can be seen on the left. There is a statue of Lord William Bentinck in front. Lord Bentinck was the first Governor General of India from 1834 to 1835.
Not sure of the identity of the other buildings that lie between the Government House and the High Court. The Esplanade or Esplanade was an imperative requirement around a fort. In this case, it was Fort William that lay adjacent to the Maidan (not shown). The open space was a precautionary measure in exposing an enemy attack. Thus it is how the Calcutta Maidan inevitably came into being.
The Ochterlony Monument shown at a slight distance was erected in 1825. In memory of Major-General Sir David Ochterlony, commander of the British East India Company. To commemorate his success in defending against the Marathas in 1804 and the East India Company’s army against the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War.
In 1969, the Ochterlony Monument was renamed “Shahid Minar” by rededicating it to the Indian freedom movement. The majestic mansion of the Government House is partially viewed on the left. It was the 0fficial residence of the Governor General of British/Viceroy India until 1911. Click on the photo for better view.
See post Government House/Raj Bhavan Kolkata, 1900 Photo.
Did you know- that Fort William is surrounded by the Esplanade on three sides and at the back is the River Hooghly from where the British and other colonialists first entered the land by ships.
From the collection- Dead Monarch And The New, Glimpse of British India In 1910., Early Vintage Cars In Bombay – 4 Old Postcards
