History of Calcutta

History of Calcutta pertains to the 200 year British rule. The British who came to trade took away 200 years of freedom from the people of India. It took years of slavery and oppression, betrayals and treachery to the way to liberty. The residue of years of continuous British dominance contributed tremendously to remove the ignorance of our people since education and communication brought enlightenment and freedom.

Tracing the history of Calcutta you can study the emergence of the city of Calcutta, the first settlements, the Battle of Plassey that triggered the 200 year British rule, the urbanization of Calcutta, 19th century Bengal Renaissance which brought in reform and education and the ensuing religious reformation by Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

The city of Calcutta that has its roots in British imperialism has evolved into a city with myriads of colors blending the past with the present and effusing warmth that touches you the moment you step into it. Its strong cultural identity bestows it an individuality that is different from the other cities. The History of Calcutta offers you an interesting study of the emergence of the city of Calcutta.

Eden Garden

Eden garden of Kolkata, India is one of the major tourist attraction places of the city of joy. Eden gardens is basically a cricket stadium, where people have witnessed the history of Indian cricket. It is the oldest cricket playground in the country and also the finest one.

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Saheed Minar

Saheed Minar, situated near Esplanade on the Kolkata Maidan, was initially known as Octerloney Monument. It was named after its founder, Sir David Ochterlony. This magnificent monument was established in the year 1848 so as to mark the founder’s victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816). The construction of Calcutta Saheed Minar follows an architectural variety. Its foundation is based on the Egyptian style, whereas the main Shahid Minar in Calcutta and its dome follow Syrian and Turkish designs respectively.

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Howrah Bridge

This is the busiest Cantilever Bridge in the World, which sees a daily traffic of about 60,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians similar to Sydney Harbor Bridge. It got its name owing to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah to Calcutta. Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the name ‘Rabindra Setu’, was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270 feet high pillars. Calcutta Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that was constructed without using any nuts and bolts.

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Belur Math

Though Belur Math is not within Kolkata’s periphery, but it must be visited by those who come to Kolkata. It is only 10 Kms. away from the city, situated at the bank of river Ganga. It is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission which controls over 100 centres in India and abroad. Opens from 6:30 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 7:30 pm.

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Parsee

The Parsee place for worship and offering prayers. The Parsees are the followers of Zorathrushtra.

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Fort William

Fort William is a must visit tourist attraction place of Calcutta. Fort William the most impressive edifice in calcutta of the military power of the British Raj in the East. It still continues to serve as a citadel of the Indian army in Eastern India. There were actually two Fort Williams, the old and the new. The old fort goes back to the early days of the east india company. Sir Charles Eyre started the construction of the southeast bastion and the adjacent walls. His successor John Beard added the northeast bastion around 1701. He began the Factory or the Government House in 1702 in the middle of the fort and on completion in 1706, it was named after King William of England. Situated at the banks of river Hooghly, it was named after King William III of England.

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