Guided Tour South: From the Southern End of Chowringhee to Tollygunge

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Introduction

This tour leads us straight south through to the very edges of the expanding city.

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Ashutosh Mukerjee Road

_____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

Homes and apartments along South Chowringee Road

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

(source: Glenn S. Hensley: Ship-like homes, HB006, "Homes and apartments along South Chowringee Road. Note the building at right resembles a ship with ventilators, simulated deck railings and smoke stack." seen at University of Chicago Hensley Photo Library at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/images/hensley as well as a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12^th June 2001 and 28^th August 2001)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley and under a Creative Commons license)

Apartment building along South Chowringee Road

Glenn Hensley, Photography Technician with US Army Airforce, Summer 1944

(source: Glenn S. Hensley: South Chowringee Road, Hb001, Apartment building along South Chowringee Road near what is now R. Mitra Road. seen at University of Chicago Hensley Photo Library at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/images/hensley as well as a series of E-Mail interviews with Glenn Hensley between 12^th June 2001 and 28^th August 2001)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced by permission of Glenn Hensley and under a Creative Commons license)

_____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

Ashutosh Mukerjee Road

We start our tour towards the south at the point where Chowringhee Road ends and Ashutosh Mukerjee Road begins, with Elgin Road on the left and Sambhu Nath Pandit Street on the right.

Entering Ashutosh Mukerjee Road, we note odd numbers on the left, even numbers on the right. At No. 1A is the Davidian Girls' Day School. […]

At No. 3 is the United Missionary Girls' High School, originally established by the London Missionary Society […]

Higher up is Justice Chunder Madhab Road leading to Justice Dwarkanath Road, and opposite is Beni Nandan Street, at the entrance of which, on the right, is the Calcutta Police Hospital. Farther on is Nandan Road leading to Harish Mukerjee Road, and on the left are Sambhu Nath Pandit Hospital Lane, D. N. Mitter Square and Doctor Rajendra Road leading to Justice Dwarkanath Road. Passing Chandra Nath Chatterjee Street leading across Harish Mukerjee Road to Kansaripara Road (right), Ananda Banerjee Lane and then Mohini Mohan Road (left), we reach Paddapukur Road leading across Lansdowne Road to Ballygunge Circular Road.

Continuing our way, we have on the right Debender Ghose Road leading across Harish Mukerjee Road to Sankaripara Road, and on the left the Rupali Cinema and the Bhowanipore Banking Corporation, Ltd., by the side of which runs Mohesh Choudhury Lane. A few steps farther on is Chakrabere Road (South) leading to Paddapukur Road. At the corner of Chakrabere and Ashutosh Mukerjee Roads is the confectionery shop of Indu Bhusan Das & Sons, established in 1850. Facing Chakrabere Road is Suburban School Road leading across Harish Mukerjee Road to Harish Chatterjee Street, and a little lower down is Kalighat Road leading past Kalighat Bridge, Kali Temple and Nepal Bhattacharyya Street, to Tollygunge Road. Directly opposite Kalighat Road is Ramesh Mitter Road leading to Lansdowne Road.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 163-164 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

Davidian Girls' Day School

Entering Ashutosh Mukerjee Road, we note odd numbers on the left, even numbers on the right. At No. 1A is the Davidian Girls' Day School.

This Institution was founded in 1922, by the late Mr. David Aviet David, an Armenian philanthropist, where for some time children of all denominations were admitted and educated free of charge. Recently, however, the name was changed to the Davidian Girls' Day School and its pupils restricted to those of the Armenian community. At present a large number of Armenian girls and young boys are being educated, in English and Armenian, entirely free of charge. It is understood that the Institution will be made into the Davidian Girls' Boarding School from 1940.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 163 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

United Missionary Girls' High School

At No. 3 is the United Missionary Girls' High School, originally established by the London Missionary Society; the Baptist Missionary Society and the Methodist Missionary Society co-operate in classes VII to X. The School exists to provide, from the Kindergarten to the Matriculation, a good all-round education for the daughters of Indian gentlemen.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 163 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

_____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

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Russa Road

_____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

_____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

Russa Road

Proceeding along the main thoroughfare, which has now become Russa Road, we have on the right the Puma Theatre, and on the left Kali Mohan Bannerjee Lane and the Imperial Bank of India (Bhowanipore Branch), alongside which is Indra Roy Road leading to Girish Mukerjee Road. A little way along (right) are the Bijoli Cinema, Rupchand Mukerjee Lane and the Bhowanipore Police Station, and on the left, Bakul Bagan Road leading to Paddapukur Road, and Beltala Road leading to Lansdowne Road. At 38 Beltala Road is the Calcutta Police Public Vehicles Department, where vehicles are registered and licenses issued.

Pursuing our way along Russa Road, we pass on the left, the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan Hospital and Charitable Dispensary for women and children. On the opposite side of the road is the Central Bank of India (Bhowanipore Branch), Basanta Bose Road and the newly-erected Ashutosh College bounded on the south by Hazra Square.

Crossing Hazra Road, running from Kalighat Bridge to Ballygunge, we note on the right Kalidas Patitandi Lane, and on the left Manaharpukur Road leading across Lansdowne Road Extension, Rash Behari Avenue and Hindustan Park, to Bharat Chandra Road. Passing Mohim Haldar Street leading to Kalighat Road, Amrita Banerjee Road and Haldapara Road (left), we come to Kali Temple Road leading past the Kali Temple to Kalighat Road ; facing Kali Temple Road is Library Road leading to Satish Mukerjee Road. At the corner of Library Road and Russa Road stands the Greek Church, by the side of which runs Greek Church Row.

We have now reached the Calcutta Tramways' Kalighat Tram Depot, bounded on the south by Kalighat Park. On the opposite side of the thoroughfare are Darik Ganguly Street, Iswar Ganguly Lane and Apurba Mitter Road. Crossing Rash Behari Avenue, we have on the right, Sahanagar Road running westwards and joining Tollygunge Road at the foot of Koiratolla or Sahanagar Burning Ghat. Farther on ( left) is Sardar Sankar Road and higher up, Southern Avenue leading to the Dhakuria Lakes. Continuing our way, we pass on the right, in succession, Iswar Gupta Road, Haji Mohsin Road, the Presidency Medical School and Charitable Dispensary, Satyabhama Institution for Boys, Rani Bhawani Road, Bhawali Mondal Road and Pratab Aditwar Road, leading to Rash Behari Avenue; and on the left, Kabir Road, Deshabandhu Girls' High School, Modiali Road, Mohani Mansions, Rajini Sen Road and Abdul Rasul Road leading to Southern Avenue, and reach Tollygunge Railway Bridge.

Passing under it and proceeding, we have on the right, Charu Chandra Avenue leading to Tollygunge Road, and some distance higher up, Tollygunge Circular Road leading to Alipore Road. […]

Returning to Russa Road and pursuing our way, we have on the left the well-known Shahi Mosque, built in 1843 by the same Prince Golam Mohammed; by the side of the mosque runs Prince Anwar Shah Road leading to Gariahat Road. In Prince Anwar Shah Road are the two famous palaces, built by the sons of Tippu Sultan, namely, the "Khas Mahal", now converted into the Shree Bharat Lakshmi Film Studio and the "Nautch Koti", now occupied by the Tollygunge High English School. A little way along Russa Road we come to Prince Golam Mohammed Charitable Dispensary, founded in 1873, alongside which is the approach road of the newly-constructed Christian Cemetery. This cemetery will, from 1940, replace the present Christian Burial Grounds in Lower Circular Road, which have been in use since 1840.

Farther up Russa Road we pass Golf Club Road, where the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is located, and reach the Calcutta Tramways' Tollygunge Tram Depot. On the opposite side of the thoroughfare is the Tollygunge Race Course and the Tollygunge Club, established in 1895 and incorporated in 1909 […]

The southern portion of Russa Road, from Prince Anwar Shah Road (Tollygunge area), is generally referred to as Tollywood (the Calcutta Hollywood), and not without reason, for it is here that almost all the film studios of the city are established. Baburam Ghose Road, running southwards, and Jodhpur Gariahat Road, leading past Regent Park and Tollygunge Home to Gariahat Road, bring us to the end of our southern tour.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 164-66 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

ASHUTOSH COLLEGE

Trams :—Kalighat, Ballygunge, Tollygunge.

Buses :—2, 2A, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 5A.

On the London Missionary Society's Institution and the Bishop's College abolishing their college classes (Arts and Science Departments), the General Committee of the South Suburban School, at the instance of its President, the late Sir Ashutosh Mukerjee, started this College in 1916 at 26 Lansdowne Road with a view to affording facilities for a college education in south Calcutta. A year later it was removed to 147 Russa Road and recently to new premises at 9 Russa Road. The Institution was first named South Suburban College and, though starting as a second grade Arts College, very soon developed into a first grade one with Honours affiliation in a number of Arts and Science subjects. On the death of Sir Ashutosh Mukerjee, the Institution was renamed Ashutosh College, after its illustrious founder.

In June 1924, at a public meeting presided over by the late Mr. C. R. Das, then Mayor of Calcutta, it was decided that a memorial in the shape of a Public Hall and Library be erected to perpetuate the memory of Sir Ashutosh Mukerjee. Incidentally, the library which was founded in 1895 by the citizens of south Calcutta, under the name of the Cottage Library, was at that time in need of expansion ; its members, therefore, associated themselves whole-heartedly with the new project, and all books, furniture and funds were handed over to form the nucleus of the proposed Memorial and Library. Happily the Corporation of Calcutta supported the project, and made a gift of ten cottahs of land in Hazra Park for the erection of the Memorial building. Later, the governing body of the College and the Memorial Committee held joint deliberations, and the decision arrived at was that the Memorial should take the form of a sufficiently large building to accommodate both the College and the proposed Hall and Library. The Corporation of Calcutta was approached, and it very generously granted an additional 24 cottahs of land.

The College, since its affiliation with the Calcutta University in 1916, has grown steadily and has now more than 1,500 students of both sexes; a Women's Department with a Lady Professor in charge being added in 1932. Several scholarships, prizes and some free studentships are awarded, including special awards to lady students. The College possesses well-equipped laboratories, a library, a gymnasium and a large Common Room. It publishes a monthly magazine and has an Athletic Club, a College Union, a Debating Club, and provides a platoon for the University Training Corps. The College holds a unique reputation for physical training, and its Bratachari Class was the first of its kind to be instituted in a College.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 168-169 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

_____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

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Kalighat

_____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

Greek Orthodox Church

Richard Beard, US Army Lieutenant Psychologist with 142 US military hospital. Calcutta,

(Source: Elaine Pinkerton / Reproduced by courtesy of Elaine Pinkerton)

Kalighat Gurdwara

Richard Beard, US Army Lieutenant Psychologist with 142 US military hospital. Calcutta,

(Source: Elaine Pinkerton / Reproduced by courtesy of Elaine Pinkerton)

Kalighat temple

A strong contrast to the splendor of the Jain temple is the Kalighat temple, built in the 1600's, worship place of Hindus. It is famous for the practice of sacrificing goats, as many as 1500 having been slaughtered in one day. On the bank of a canal cut from the original Ganges bed, it is the temple of the Goddess Kali.

Clyde Waddell, US military man, personal press photographer of Lord Louis Mountbatten, and news photographer on Phoenix magazine. Calcutta, mid 1940s

(source: webpage http://oldsite.library.upenn.edu/etext/sasia/calcutta1947/? Monday, 16-Jun-2003 / Reproduced by courtesy of David N. Nelson, South Asia Bibliographer, Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania)

Hindu wife praying

Hindu wife prays to the God Siva for blessing of fertility. Phallic symbol is obscured by iron grating at base of a type cactus tree which is believed to have power to endow worshipper with productive powers. Woman whose face barely shows behind tree has prayed in vain for days and has been seen there day after day by Red Cross girls who take GI tours to the temple.

Clyde Waddell, US military man, personal press photographer of Lord Louis Mountbatten, and news photographer on Phoenix magazine. Calcutta, mid 1940s

(source: webpage http://oldsite.library.upenn.edu/etext/sasia/calcutta1947/? Monday, 16-Jun-2003 / Reproduced by courtesy of David N. Nelson, South Asia Bibliographer, Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania)

Brahmins at worship

Brahmins worships in the Kalighat Temple. Spoon-shaped brass container holds Ganges water. Brahmins are the highest caste of Hindus, their mark of distinction being the piece of string seen in hand of grey-haired senior Brahmin.

Clyde Waddell, US military man, personal press photographer of Lord Louis Mountbatten, and news photographer on Phoenix magazine. Calcutta, mid 1940s

(source: webpage http://oldsite.library.upenn.edu/etext/sasia/calcutta1947/? Monday, 16-Jun-2003 / Reproduced by courtesy of David N. Nelson, South Asia Bibliographer, Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania)

Hindus bathing

Hindus bathe in the holy water of a canal which was cut from the original bed of the Ganges. Steps lead down from the grounds of the Kalighat temple. Water is still considered holy, even though from the Hooghly.

Clyde Waddell, US military man, personal press photographer of Lord Louis Mountbatten, and news photographer on Phoenix magazine. Calcutta, mid 1940s

(source: webpage http://oldsite.library.upenn.edu/etext/sasia/calcutta1947/? Monday, 16-Jun-2003 / Reproduced by courtesy of David N. Nelson, South Asia Bibliographer, Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania)

_____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

THE TEMPLE OF KALI

Location :—Kali Temple Road (Kalighat).

Admission :—Open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Trams :—Kalighat, Tollygunge, Ballygunge.

Buses :—2, 2A, 4, 4A, 5, 5A.

Kali, the Consort of Siva the Destroyer, who with Brahmo as the Creator and Vishnu as the Preserver, forms the Trimurti, is the patron goddess of Calcutta Hindus. The Temple, built on the relics severed from the body of Kali, and adorned with all the magnificence of religious profusion, with dim windows, fretted pillars, and dark ceilings, is a great centre of pilgrimage and is held in extraordinary veneration by Hindus of all castes. There is a constant stream of worshippers at all times, and on Puja days, particularly during the Durga and Kali Puja festivals, devotees from far and wide throng the road to and from the Temple.

The present Temple was built in 1809. It rises to a height of about 90 feet and stands on a base 70 feet square, on land where the Ganges once flowed. It is a single building, constructed in grey masonry embellished with green mosaic, with a double canopy-shaped roof in the curvilinear style of architecture. A raised verandah surrounds the sanctuary, wherein reigns the goddess Kali, a black figure with four arms, red eyes and a protruding scarlet tongue, garlanded with a chain of human heads and richly-perfumed flowers, while prostrate at her feet is her consort Siva.

In the compound to the north-east of the Temple is a champa tree, known as the barren tree, with its branches covered with stones hanging by sacred threads and its roots entwined with hair and other offerings, made by women desirous of sons. To the south are two wooden blocks where goats, on an average of fifty a day, are sacrificed to the goddess. Close by, on the west, are the temples of Siva, Radha Krishna, and Ganesh the elephant-headed god.

To the west of the Temple is the Ramchunder Goenka Dharamsala, erected in 1929 in memory of the late Babu Ramchunder Goenka by his sons, Sir Hariram Goenka Bahadur, Babu Ghanshamdass Goenka Bahadur and Sir Badridass Goenka Bahadur. This Dharamsala is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Across the road is a hospital, donated by the same benefactors, and maintained by the Calcutta Corporation. It is a two-storeyed building and has a charitable dispensary and seven beds for pilgrim patients. Farther west is the bathing ghat and the Debidutt Dooduawalla Rest House, where pilgrims are allowed to remain for three days.

Emerging from the Temple and proceeding along Kalighat Road in a southerly direction, we cross Nepal Bhattarcharjiya Street and arrive at Tollygunge Road, where, just on the right, lies the Koiratollah Burning Ghat. At the entrance to the ghat stands an impressive monument, erected to the memory ofC. R. Dass, the first Mayor of Calcutta. This monument is 55 haths*[* A hath is an Indian measure equivalent to 18 inches.] in height, and represents his age at the time of his death. Close at hand is a memorial to J. M. Sen-Gupta.

The approach to the burning ghat on the south is marked by a lofty pink temple, crowned with a picturesque dome, a Memorial to the Rajah of Mymensingh. A few yards down Tollygunge Road rises a triple archway of carved stone, the iron gates of which are emblazoned with the Mysore Coat of Arms, and surmounted with an image of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Good Fortune, seated between two elephants. A covered passage beneath leads to a beautiful flower-garden, where stands a hand some carved temple and pavilion, erected to the memory of the late Maharajah of Mysore.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 169-171 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

KALI TEMPLE

KALI TEMPLE : The famous temple of Kali at Kalighat is one of the 52 Hindu holy places of India. According to legend, Kali, consort of Siva, the "Destroyer" of the Hindu Trinity, killed herself hearing her husband reviled by her father; and Siva, carrying her body over his shoulder, went mourning throughout the universe. Finally, Vishnu, the "Protector" of the Hindu Trinity, following Siva, cut Kali's body into bits so that Siva would be relieved of his burden. The bits fell into 52 spots in different parts of India. Kalighat, says Hindu mythology, received a toe from Kali's right foot. The temple is said to have been built about three centuries ago and is held in great sanctity by the Hindus who gather there daily by the hundreds offering sacrifices.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]: at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

_____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

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Dhakuria lakes

_____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

142^nd US Military Hospital (near Dhakuria Lakes)

Richard Beard, US Army Lieutenant Psychologist with 142 US military hospital. Calcutta,

(Source: Elaine Pinkerton / Reproduced by courtesy of Elaine Pinkerton)

Aerial View of Dhakuria Lakes and Huts of the 142^nd US Military Hospital

Richard Beard, US Army Lieutenant Psychologist with 142 US military hospital. Calcutta,

(Source: Elaine Pinkerton / Reproduced by courtesy of Elaine Pinkerton)

_____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

THE DHAKURIA LAKES

Location :—Southern Avenue.

Trams :—Ballygunge.

Buses :—8A, 16, and those of 2 and 2A marked "To the Lakes".

The Dhakuria Lakes in southern Calcutta, reached conveniently by way of Lansdowne Road and Southern Avenue (Russa Road), is one of the most popular resorts of the citizens of Calcutta. In the dusk of the evening, the widening roads bordering the lakes and curving over the parkland, are thronged with people, glad to be away from the bustle and noise of the city.

The original lake covered 76 acres: to this was recently connected the extension lake, which was excavated to a depth of 25 feet below the surface of the original one. The lakes now completed, have a frontage of a mile and are in idyllic settings. Tall swaying palm trees border the curving shores and cast magnified shadows across the transparent waters, while little whirls and eddies indicate the presence of fish. The surrounding parkland, covering several acres, is well laid out, and at night is transformed into an enchanted realm gleaming with fairy lights.

The lakes have gained wide popularity among wielders of the oar; rowing clubs dot their shores and regattas and rowing championships are held on their waters at frequent intervals.

In the southern half of the original lake, a tiny island, joined by a suspension bridge to the mainland, looks for all the world like that intriguing design we see on willow-pattern ware; while another island, planked in the middle of the extension lake, adds greatly to its beauty.

Only a few years ago the lakes and the country around were swampy marshland, shrouded with miasmatic mists, while today, due to the perseverance and whole-hearted efforts of the Improvement Trust, the lakes and the park have developed into a sphere of importance.

Both lakes and park are maintained, and are still being embellished, by the Improvement Trust at considerable expense.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source page 167 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

DHAKURIA LAKES

DHAKURIA LAKES : These artificial lakes on the extreme south of Calcutta, reached conveniently by way of Lansdowne Road and Southern Avenue, form one of the most popular resorts of the citizens of Calcutta.

(source: “A Guide Book to Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, Karachi and Bombay” The American Red Cross and the China-Burma-India-Command. [1943]: at: http://cbi-theater-2.home.comcast.net/redcross/red-cross-india.html#INDIA)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with the original submitter/author)

Fishing in the Dhakuria Lakes

We did take some time out at noon to watch the Indians who were fishing, using nets and bamboo traps, in the pond adjacent to our headquarters. The water is low enough that they can wade through all of it, and word got around that one had caught a fish 15 inches long. In a few moments, 56 (by actual count) Indians, little and big, were there.

Richard Beard, US Army Lieutenant Psychologist with 142 US military hospital. Calcutta, January 1, 1945.

(Source: p.115 of Elaine Pinkerton (ed.): “From Calcutta With Love: The World War II Letters of Richard and Reva Beard” Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press, 2002 / Reproduced by courtesy of Texas Tech University Press)

_____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

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Tollygunge

_____Pictures of 1940s Calcutta________________________

Indian movie actresses

Indian movie actresses. Dressed in Sarees, 19-year old Binota Bose, left, and Mrs. Rekha Mullick, right, are right at home before the camera and lights. Miss Bose earns $360.00 per month and Mrs. Mullick $210.00. Both are well educated and prefer American books, and pictures.

Clyde Waddell, US military man, personal press photographer of Lord Louis Mountbatten, and news photographer on Phoenix magazine. Calcutta, mid 1940s

(source: webpage http://oldsite.library.upenn.edu/etext/sasia/calcutta1947/? Monday, 16-Jun-2003 / Reproduced by courtesy of David N. Nelson, South Asia Bibliographer, Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania)

_____Contemporary Records of or about 1940s Calcutta___

Tollygunge Circular Road

Passing under it and proceeding, we have on the right, Charu Chandra Avenue leading to Tollygunge Road, and some distance higher up, Tollygunge Circular Road leading to Alipore Road. At No. 1 Tollygunge Circular Road is the Calcutta Police Tollygunge Outpost, at No. 2, the Tollygunge Post and Telegraph Office, […]

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 166 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

Mysore House

and across Tollygunge Bridge, on the right, is "Mysore House", the historical palace built by Prince Golam Mohammed, son of Tippu Sultan : on the upper floor are a number of old portraits, paintings and manuscripts; conspicuous among them is a painting entitled "The Departure of the Sons of Tippu Sultan from the Zenana".

Returning to Russa Road and pursuing our way, we have on the left the well-known Shahi Mosque, built in 1843 by the same Prince Golam Mohammed; by the side of the mosque runs Prince Anwar Shah Road leading to Gariahat Road. In Prince Anwar Shah Road are the two famous palaces, built by the sons of Tippu Sultan, namely, the "Khas Mahal", now converted into the Shree Bharat Lakshmi Film Studio and the "Nautch Koti", now occupied by the Tollygunge High English School. A little way along Russa Road we come to Prince Golam Mohammed Charitable Dispensary, founded in 1873, alongside which is the approach road of the newly-constructed Christian Cemetery. This cemetery will, from 1940, replace the present Christian Burial Grounds in Lower Circular Road, which have been in use since 1840.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 166 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

Tollygunge Club

Farther up Russa Road we pass Golf Club Road, where the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is located, and reach the Calcutta Tramways' Tollygunge Tram Depot. On the opposite side of the thoroughfare is the Tollygunge Race Course and the Tollygunge Club, established in 1895 and incorporated in 1909 : membership, which is by ballot, is limited to 500 Resident Permanent Members, 50 Resident Gymkhana Members, 75 Resident Temporary Members and 50 Service Members. The Committee also admit, as honorary members, distinguished residents and visitors to Calcutta. The amenities of the Club include racing, golf, swimming, tennis and dancing.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 166 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

Tollywood

The southern portion of Russa Road, from Prince Anwar Shah Road (Tollygunge area), is generally referred to as Tollywood (the Calcutta Hollywood), and not without reason, for it is here that almost all the film studios of the city are established.

John Barry, journalist, Calcutta, 1939/40

(source pages 166 of John Barry: “Calcutta 1940” Calcutta: Central Press, 1940.)

(COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Reproduced under 'fair dealing' terms as part of a non commercial educational research project. The copyright remains with John Barry 1940)

_____Memories of 1940s Calcutta_______________________

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Home ● Sitemap ● Reference ● Last updated: 03-October-2009

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If there are any technical problems, factual inaccuracies or things you have to add,

then please contact the group under info@calcutta1940s.org