View Of Calcutta From The Esplanade, Old Print 1860.
An old 1860 copper engraving of the view of Calcutta from the Esplanade. Visible are the Holwell’s Monument, British-era buildings, etc. Presumably, the tower of St Andrews Church is also seen. It appears the area of Calcutta (Kolkata) was limited to slightly larger than shown in the engraving. Since it did not grow as massively then as it did in the later years.
It would later be called the ‘City of Palaces’. The view is from the famed Esplanade (Maidan). A portion of it can be seen on the right. The Hughli River is shown on the left teeming with country boats. Two sailing ships are visible near Holwell’s Monument. Local Indians are seen on the Esplanade and near the river bank. Fort William should be in the foreground (not visible). It is near the first British trading post that began in 1690 by Job Charnock.
After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, British trade in India expanded rapidly. A large military garrison was placed at the new Fort William in 1757. The Esplanade and Chowringhee Road became the seat of private agencies. Which managed the finances of East India Company servants and traders. Magnificent mansions were built for the rich European merchants and traders. In 1772 government offices moved to the Writer’s Building. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know – that Warren Hastings was the first governor-general of British-India.
From the collection – Pensive Lady British India Watercolour Sketch, 1837., Crawford Market & Tram Tracks Mumbai, Old Photo 1910., British Girls Cycling In Commercial Street – Old Postcard 1904., First Motor Car Rally In British India, Old Print 1904.
The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.