27-05-2025
Unmapped Alleys In Kolkata City That Reveal The City's Oldest Stories
Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is an enigma wrapped in culture, history, and nostalgia. Although Kolkata's stunning landmarks, such as the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial, are appreciated, what truly makes the city special is tucked away in the fringes. These fringes hide Kolkata's most poignant secrets that rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Allow us to dive into these hidden mysteries and discover the stories waiting to be told.
Chitpur Road; Untold Stories of the Old Bazaar
Chitpur Road is one of the oldest streets in Kolkata, going as far back as the city's origin. The street was a segment of the ancient trade route which facilitated trade between Northern India and Bengal, making it rich in culture and artistry. If you take a walk around Chitpur, you can still spot a few traditional kathputli (puppet-making) workshops and even a few remaining letterpress printing shops.
Chitpur roads' bazaars are quite rejuvenating. The wide variety of products available for sale, such as brass pots and antique books offer a look back in time. Certain stores have been around for more than a decade and have been handed down from family generation to family generation. Additionally, folk-musicians, known as kirtaniya singers, who sing epic tales and myths also reside in this alley.
Bow Barracks: A Chunk of Anglo-Indian Legacy
Bow Barracks, a nondescript lane in Kolkata, is home to a rich community. Constructed as a housing unit for soldiers from the First World War, it later became populated by Anglo-Indian families over the years. Nowadays, the red-brick structures can be seen with flowering balconies and narrow corridors alongside them, giving them an old world charm.
Come Christmas, and the spirit of this community will tell you about the old Kolkata that used to flourish with multicultural harmony. For those that visit, Bow Barracks transforms during the holiday season, featuring fairy lights, traditional plum cakes, and heartfelt carol singing.
Kumartuli: The Potter's Village
Kumartuli is a network of streets lying beside the Hooghly River known for idol making. This is the famous alley where the grand figurines of Goddess Durga are sculpted. The potters or kumars here expertly sculpt the clay into stunning idols that are exported to various countries around the globe, not just India.
Modernism and tradition come together seamlessly here. While the core of Kumartuli remains focused on crafting the idol using old techniques, many workshops have begun to use modern designs and eco-friendly materials.
Shobhabazar Rajbari: Recalling the Glory
In North Kolkata, Shobhabazar Rajbari is a majestic mansion which dates back to the 18th century. Although the building is in ruins and covered with moss due to its age, it is a telltale of Bengal's Rajbari aristocracy. Raja Nabakrishna Deb built this mansion, along with the rest of the city, during the colonial period, and it now serves as a piece of history.
During the British colonial rule, British officers would often visit India to celebrate the Durga Puja festivities at Rajbari, which makes the building much more glorious than it already is. Shobhabazar Rajbari is renowned for housing extensive collections of ancient glory as well as the powerful pieces of devotion.
College Street Lanes: Where Knowledge Breathes
Surprisingly enough, the primary reason West Bengal is famous around the globe is because of the exquisite and jaw dropping collections of second hand books available at the College Street. Side lanes and alleyways of the street have some astonishing hidden secrets due to the presence of checkered stands selling antique books.
In the alleyway, there is a branch of the legendary Indian Coffee House, a popular spot for students eager to indulge in sprawling debates over essays and pieces of literature. Great artists and intellectuals such as Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, or even Subhas Chandra Bose once roamed the streets, ultimately helping shape the future of Kolkata.
Pathuriaghata: A Hidden Gem
Pathuriaghata feels like an alleyway that hasn't had much recent history. This region of North Kolkata is filled with decaying grand mansions that were owned by wealthy Bengali families during the 19th century. Every house shows the tale of extravagance, artistry, and their gradual decline into obscurity.
As you stroll through Pathuriaghata, you begin to feel as though you are piecing together a long lost piece of Kalikata's history. The area is also home to stunning marble temples and exquisitely designed wooden gates that showcase its architectural splendor.
The Importance of This Area
These forgotten alleys in Kolkata are not only a geographical boundary, but a walking museum, encapsulating the city's past. From idol sculpting to Anglo-Indian culture, these lanes keep alive tales that the modern city often drowns.
Next time you are in Kolkata, I highly recommend spending time wandering through these alleyways, instead of following the crowded tourist paths. Trust me, if you explore these hidden paths, you will come across a Kolkata unlike anything you've seen before, a Kolkata standing still in time.
