West Bengal
West Bengal, relatively a small and narrow
state, was created on August 15, 1947, following the partition
of undivided pre-Independence Province of Bengal into West Bengal
and East Pakistan, now Bangla Desh. Calcutta is its capital,
area about 88,752 sq.km., population around 8,02,21,171. Its
principal language is Bengali and the best season to visit is
October to March. Being the Capital of the erstwhile British
Raj and the second largest city of the British Crown, Calcutta
dominates the entire region. Naturally Calcutta has most of
the centers of tourist interest. The prominent tourist spots
of the region are described below.
Calcutta: The Pearl
of the Crown
Believed to have been founded by Job Charnok
by late 17th century, it shot into prominence during the British
Raj Calcutta is the kernel of the whole region is a city of
rich and poor simultaneously. Although each section of this
vast metropolis has some history to relate, some outstanding
monuments are being described in brief.
The Maidan
The lush green sprawling stretch, 3 sq.km.
in area is one of the three lungs of this city. The other being
Rabindra Sarovar and the river Hooghly. The maidan in and about,
abounds in the major landmark of the British Raj. It remains
a centre of many zestful activities, both political and social
and it is a treat to watch in the morning and evening when a
sea of humanity waves in its vast confines.
Chowringhee
Now renamed as Jawahar Lal Nehru Road,
Chowringhee is Calcutta’s famous promenade. Here can be
seen palatial buildings and garden houses. pillard verandahas
built during the British Raj along with modern sky scrappers,
hotels, restaurants, shopping arcades, night clubs and cinem
theatres. East to the Maiden, Chowringhee, the city’s
main thoroughfare truly reflects the cosmopolitan flavor of
Calcutta.
Fort William
Named after William of Orange, king of
Britain, For William was completed in 1712 for the protection
of East India Company’s trading post. But in 1756 Calcutta
was captured by the Nawab of Murshidabad Sirj-ud-Daula. It was
in 1757 that Calcutta was recaptured by Clive. Then the British
desiring to replace the original Fort William with a massive
and impregnable fort laid its foundation in 1758 and completed
in 1781, after spending two million pounds. Around the fort
the dense jungle was cleared to provide field of fire for the
Fort William and to prevent the possibility of a surprise attack.
This for can be visited with special permission.
Saleid Minar
At the northern end of the Maidan, stands
this grand monument of 48 meter high column built originally
in the honor of General David Ochterlony who is credited with
bringing the Nepal war (1814-16) to successful conclusion. Built
in 1841, the Minar combines in itself the Turkish, Syrian and
Egyptian style of architecture. It has an Egyptian base, Syrian
column and a Turkish done. Now it is know as Sahid or Shaheed
Minar. It offers a fine view from its top hut special permission
is to be obtained to ascend it.
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