Kolkata Amaar : Episode 3 - Chowringhee.

Kolkata Amaar : Episode 3.

When I sit back and look into the past, Kolkata appears in the canvas of my mind and presents itself in a way that can not be possibly found today. During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Kolkata had much lesser number of high-rise buildings,  less crowded streets and clean & clear pavements devoid of the ‘jungle of hawkers’ selling their merchandise on the pavements. Even the number of vehicles on Kolkata roads was lesser and traffic jams were virtually unheard of.  During those days, Billboards did not obstruct the views of the heritage buildings and even the political scenario was different. ‘Change’ is the only constant in life and Kolkata too has undergone sea of changes over these years.

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Kolkata Amaar : Episode 2 - Ferrywallah.

Kolkata Amaar : Episode 2.

The history of modern Calcutta began with job Charnock's decision to set up a factory at the village, Sutanuti, where he landed on 24th August 1690. The earliest reference to 'Kalikata' is found in Todarmall's Rent Rolls and is quoted in Abul Fazal's'Ain-i-Akbari'.  Being one of India's comparatively young cities, Calcutta's (now Kolkata) life span is a little over three centuries.

Over this period, the movements and activities of the hawkers and vendors of Calcutta selling their merchandise to households in different localities have also changed. In this episode, I have tried to highlight some of the unique features prevalent about half a century ago. Some of them have almost blasted into oblivion, though some may be found even today. The pictures of the hawkers featured here have been shot by me during recent times, as they can still be found in some localities in Kolkata.

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Kolkata Amaar : Episode 1 - Upokromonika (Bengali).

Kolkata Amaar : Episode 1.

This Blog "Kolkata Amaar"  is primarily my reminiscences on Kolkata (in Bengali). It is the city where I was born and brought up, the place of my alma mater and the metropolis I have been watching closely since my childhood. The span of this memoirs is a little over 50 years and it is based exclusively on my memories that I could still recollect with ease.

The postings will be essentially in Bengali and most of the pictures featuring here and elsewhere in this Blog have been collected from Internet/Google.The picture at the end of this episode is of yours truly - most probably taken by my father.

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