Kumartuli: The Home of Bengal’s Clay Artisans

Kumartuli, a bustling neighborhood located in the northern part of Kolkata, is renowned for its rich heritage of clay artistry. This small locality, which derives its name from the Bengali word “kumor,” meaning potter, is home to a community of skilled artisans who have been creating idols and sculptures for generations.

Kumartuli is an integral part of Kolkata’s cultural fabric and is a hub for the production of clay idols, especially during the Durga Puja festival. The artisans of Kumartuli are famous for their intricate and exquisite craftsmanship, which is passed down from generation to generation.

The Process of Clay Artistry in Kumartuli

The process of clay artistry begins with the preparation of the clay mixture. The artisans mix clay with straw, sand, and water to create a homogenous paste. This mixture is then used to create the basic structure of the idol.

The artisans use their hands and simple tools to mold the clay into various shapes and sizes. The intricate details of the idol are then carved by hand using chisels and knives.

Once the idol is complete, it is left to dry in the sun. Once the idol is completely dry, it is painted and decorated with vibrant colors and adorned with ornaments.

The idols created in Kumartuli are not just limited to Hindu gods and goddesses but also include various other characters from folklore, mythology, and popular culture.

Durga Puja Festival in Kumartuli

Durga Puja, the biggest festival in Bengal, is celebrated with great pomp and show in Kumartuli. The artisans of Kumartuli create magnificent idols of Goddess Durga and her entourage of gods and goddesses.

The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and the idols created in Kumartuli play a significant role in the festivities. The idols are paraded through the streets of Kolkata during the festival, and people from all over the city come to witness the grandeur of the celebrations.

Importance of Kumartuli in Bengal’s Culture

Kumartuli is not just a neighborhood in Kolkata; it is a symbol of Bengal’s rich cultural heritage. The artisans of Kumartuli have been instrumental in preserving and promoting Bengal’s traditional art forms.

The clay idols created in Kumartuli are not just objects of worship but also works of art. The intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship of the idols have earned the artisans of Kumartuli international recognition.

Future of Clay Artistry in Kumartuli

While the art of clay idol-making in Kumartuli has been passed down from generation to generation, the future of this art form is uncertain. With the rise of modern technology and the decline of traditional craftsmanship, the artisans of Kumartuli are facing new challenges.

However, initiatives have been taken to preserve and promote this traditional art form. The government and various organizations have taken steps to provide training and support to the artisans of Kumartuli.

Conclusion

Kumartuli is a place where tradition meets creativity. It is a place where the art of clay idol-making has been perfected over generations. The artisans of Kumartuli are not just skilled craftsmen but also custodians of Bengal’s rich cultural heritage. Their passion for their craft and dedication to preserving their traditions are an inspiration to all of us.

History

The Writers’ Building was established in the year 1777 by Thomas Lyon for the English East India Company, and currently, its location is at BBD Bagh Kolkata. In the year 1821, a verandah of 128 ft and Ionic columns each consists of 32 ft high were added in the first and second floors. From the year 1889 to 1906, making two new blocks along with iron staircases which are still in use was undertaken.

William Fredrick Willington himself sculpted some statues, that line the terrace of the building. The addition of these statues was done in the year 1883. Writer’s building acquired its total Greeco- Roman look with a portico in the central Bay and red exposed bricks. Besides, people still believe it to be the first three-storied building in the city and earlier at that sight was St. Anne’s Church, which was demolished.

Pre and Post-Independence

Moreover, the Writer’s Building has many connections to significant events. The building had a connection with all the ruling entities the City of Joy had. First of all, it housed the clerks of the English East India Company. Later it became a place for the writers of the British Raj.
Next, in the 19th century, when the British declared Kolkata as the capital of India, since then, the Writer’s started to serve as the Secretariat of the Government. Thirdly, the building witnessed the fire of protest for freedom struggle when the assassination of a British Official too place under its roof. Since then it has continued to serve the administration.
Besides, Writer’s building provides an ideal view of the city, and as it is now more than 263 years old, and hence, it has the essence of a monument.

Structure

When the writers of the English East India Company resided in this place, it more resembled a poor man’s house. However, after its governance changed and its conversion into Fort William College occurred, it became grand. Addition of new halls and libraries took place during this conversion of the center.

Moreover, people step into the building through a giant entrance. Statues of Binoy, Badal and Dinesh, the three heroes, stand near the entrance. It is also accompanied by the unique statue of Minerva – The Virgin Goddess. Besides, the building holds a few other statues and sculptures which find a place on the terrace. Among those, some figures are of really notable personalities like Zeus, Athena, Hermes and Demeter.

Besides, these changes done by the British Government took place during Queen Victoria’s rule. The building seemed like an ideal place for expansion and hence received an edifying makeover in French Renaissance style. The results were these statues. Furthermore, these statues contain within themselves the inscriptions of Justice, commerce, science and agriculture.

Changing Times

Writer’s building experienced changes in almost all the spheres. Also, the physical grandeur of the building kept changing with its changing rulers. Even the name of the locality changed from Tank square to Dalhousie square and currently, the name of the place is BBD Bagh. Besides, all of these changes what remained constant was the building’s heritage and the name – The Writer’s Building, which is often shortened to the Writer’s. Besides, the building also went under renovation in the year 2013.

Trivia

• Fort William College trained the junior writers in Oriental Language.
• Also, the building remains closed on Sundays.
• In 1930, Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh entered the building dressed as Europeans to assassinate the Inspector General of Police Colonel N.S Simpson who brutally tortured the Indians in Jail.
• Unwilling to surrender, Binoy, Badal and Dinesh tried to kill themselves. Only Dinesh survived but only to be hanged on 7th of July 1932.
• Besides, the building served as the house of office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Victoria Memorial in Kolkata – let’s get to know the facts !

The City of Joy, Kolkata, is surrounded by beauty, culture, and art. It also holds immense emotion, which beautifully reflects the charm and elegance of this spectacular city. Besides, the place has several hidden treasures for travelers to explore. One of the most iconic places in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial Hall.

It was built in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India. Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, had proposed the idea of its construction. It also served as a tribute to the success of the British empire in India.

History & Location

In 1906, Prince of Wales laid the foundation of the Victoria Memorial. Afterwards, it was built partly by Lord Curzon, the British Government and some of the Indian princes too. William Emerson had designed the outlay of the monument, and Martin & Co. of Calcutta did the construction work.

The Victoria Memorial is enormous; the building is 338 feet (103m) by 228 feet (69m) and rises to the height of 184 feet (56m). Besides, the houses and garden are spread over an area of 64 acres. Moreover, the beautiful garden will amaze you by its greenery and the trees. The place was unlocked for the public on December 1921. It is in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal.

Architecture & Few Possessions

This magnificent structure is made of Makrana marble. Furthermore, the famous hall has a design of Indo-Saracenic style, which is a blend of British and Mughal architectural style. It is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata and has many things to showcase including paintings from British rule and other artifacts. One can also find maps, textiles, sculpture, old weapons, stamps and coins. Besides, portraits of Queen and Prince Albert, are there to explore. Several paintings which depict the life of Queen Victoria are also available in the gallery. It is helpful for researchers and students who intend to know about preserved ancient things.

In addition, the house contains few possessions of the Queen, such as her writing desk, chair, and scrapbook. Also, a bit of a rare collection of books is there to showcase. Like the Masterpiece of William Shakespeare and Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam. Besides, a statue of Queen Victoria with bronze is present on the marble staircase at the entrance. Few more statues are there like Dalhousie, Hasting, Curzon, and Edward VII.

Angel of Victory –

In addition, an eye-catching attraction of the Victoria Memorial is the Angel of Victory, which rotates when the winds blow strongly. Several sculptures are also there in and around the dome. It includes architecture, motherhood, justice, charity, art, learning and prudence. Still, the place reflects a beautiful British aura.

Visiting Timings –

People can visit the place and explore it. From adults to teens, families to friends, Victoria Memorial holds a special place for everyone in society. Besides, it is one of the best tourist destinations in Kolkata. It remained a favorite spot for family and friends as well. The look at night makes it more beautiful because of the lighting.

• Timing – Morning 5:30 am to 6:30 pm evening.

Other essential information-

Victoria Memorial remains closed on Independence Day, Id-IL-fitr, Holi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, and Christmas.

Entry fee-
• For foreigners is Rs 500 per head.
• For Indians is Rs 30 per head.
• Besides, Entry is Free for the students uniformed up to 12 years of age, and also for uniformed army officers

Trivia-

• Lord Curzon had built Victoria Memorial between 1906 to 1921 in the memory of Queen Victoria.
• It contains museums and a beautiful garden.
• Besides, the house contains Queen Victoria chair, scrapbook, and a writing desk.
• Moreover, the museum itself contains coins, manuscripts, textiles, old weapons, and stamps.
• The portrait of Queen and Prince Albert are also on display.
• Few rare collections of books as there. Like Masterpiece of William Shakespeare and Rubaiyat by Omar.
• Furthermore, the museums display statues and beautiful gardens.
• It is beneficial for the students to research the ancient time.

The Majestic Town Hall

The Town Hall is the place where Kolkata introduces panorama of its heritage and stands majestically since the year 1814, after its completion. Besides, the great architect and engineer Major John Garstin designed it in a Roman Doric style with a fund of RS 700000 raised from a lottery to provide the Europeans with a place to gather and meet.

Access to the Building

Initially local public could not enter the Hall, or they only could for different purposes like if they followed the policies of the Government. Besides, the public could visit the ground floor halls where they could amuse themselves by watching the fine art pieces- the astounding statues and sculptures in the garden but could not have indiscriminate access to the upper story.

The Events of The Past

Justices of Peace – the municipal authority took over the control of the Town Hall in the year 1867 for its improvement. Later in the 1870s, when the High Court came into existence, the Town Hall was used for various judicial purposes, under the guidance of the then Chief Justice Richard Couch. Town Hall also witnessed the assassination of one of the Puisne Judges, Sir John Paxton by a Wahabi Sect’s fanatic Muslim.

The work of the renovation of the Town Hall finally came to an end in the year 1897, which cost a large amount of Rupees 1.126 million. In the year 1898, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose created another history at the place by showing his experiment of wireless communications to the public at the Town Hall.

By the year 1914, the place richly laden with statues became empty, due to the shifting of the statues to the Victoria Memorial. In the year 1919 Dyarchy came to the forefront. Introduction of Dyarchy gave way for the Town Hall to use it as the Council chamber of the Bengal Legislative Council. Hence, the interiors of the building were remodeled to suit the Legislative Council and also changed the ambiance. Even the chamber of the President of the Council was present in the Town Hall itself. The Government also opened a rationing office there, during the time of second world war.

Post-Independence Era

After the Independence, the standing structure was neglected and was converted to Municipal Magistrate’s office. Later West Bengal Service Commission also made its way to the building, and by 1975, they shifted the whole of marble busts along with portraits and paintings to the Victoria Memorial. During this period, one can observe so much interference with the building.

From Shabbiness to Glory

The mission to restore the building to its former glory started in the 1990s when some eminent people started demanding its renovation. In the year 1998, the Archaeological Survey of India and Calcutta High Courts intervention saved the building from deteriorating more, and the building was saved.
By 2004, the ground floor turned into a library, and currently, it has more than 12000 books and many scholars from all around the world.

Moreover, the building stands tall in Esplanade and has become a significant landmark of Kolkata, and now many important functions take place mostly Government’s function.

Trivia

• Initially, the building consumed an amount of RS 700000 to build.
• Renovation of the building required an amount of RS 1.126 million.
• Besides, the building is of Roman Doric style.
• Moreover, the Town Hall was even featured on the 6th Leg of The Amazing Race 18.
• The Hall also hosted some memorable events like the 50th and 70th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in his presence.
• Also, many important personalities, like Amartya Sen and Gordimer, delivered lectures here.
• Moreover, the standing structure reflects the true heritage of the city.

The Past

The St. Paul’s Cathedral church was built with a purpose to replace the St John’s Church, which slowly became too small for the growing European community in Kolkata. Construction of the St Paul’s Cathedral began in the year 1839, and the construction was completed in the year 1847. Furthermore, Bishop Wilson patronized construction, and people say that his body still lies buried in a vault under the Cathedral’s altar.

The church had to be reconstructed in the year 1897 after the earthquake in the same year damaged it. In the following earthquake of the year 1934, Kolkata became devastated, and the church had to be reconstructed in a revised design as the Cathedral’s steeple tower collapsed.

Location

St Paul’s Cathedral today lies towards the east of the Victoria Memorial, and on the southern edge of maidan. Besides, Rabindra Sadan is the closest metro station from where it is at a walking distance of 5 minutes. The Cathedral is also easily accessible because of the easy transportation system and daily witnesses thousands of visitors. It is also close to Rabindra Sadan theater complex and very near to the Birla Planetarium.

The Splendid Architecture

Besides, being a religious site, St Paul’s Cathedral is also famous for its splendid architecture. The church stands tall with 247 feet in length, 114 feet at the transept and 81 feet width. The church then took the design of the Gothic-Renaissance style, and people believe that an amount of Rs 5 lakhs was spent on its construction. The Flagstaff roses for about 175 feet above the ground level.

Moreover, The Cathedral has three Gothic style stained glass windows and two frescoes in Renaissance style. There is a library above the Western Porch containing a modest collection of Bishop Wilson and also a marble bust of the Bishop.

A number of sculptures and memorials are present in the structure like the Episcopal Throne and an ornamented wall in which lie carvings of the incidents of the lives of St Paul – the Reredo. The main hall of the Cathedral contains beautifully carved wooden chairs and desk along with decorated walls with colorful artwork depicting the life and works of St Paul.

Designing

The beautiful designing of the Cathedral was under a military engineer Major William Narin Forbes, and CK Robinson came for his assistance. The church has vertical piers and pointed arches. The building gets a majestic altar and the glorious look because of the white edifice and towering spire.

Reasons to Visit

Therefore, it is a must-visit place for travelers who want to soak in the historical and architectural pleasure. Besides, many visitors keep this place on the top of their bucket-list of the places they want to visit. During Christmas, the Cathedral looks the most beautiful as the gardens, the structure as well as the lights are full of lights. The Cathedral is a visual splendor and reflects peace. The Cathedral adorns huge grounds blessed with several ancient trees.

Trivia

• People acknowledge St Paul’s church as the first Episcopal Church of the Eastern World.
• Besides, it took 8 years and a whopping amount of Rs 5 lakhs to build.
• Also, the Cathedral’s tower models the ‘Bell Harry’ of Canterbury Cathedral.
• It is a part of the Anglican communion of Kolkata also.
• Besides, the St Paul’s Cathedral preserves many memorials. One such is the glass window that is stained and designed by Sir Edward Brine Jones in 1880.
• Though Bishop Wilson lies buried in a vault under the Cathedral, there is no evidence of any vault.
• St Paul’s Cathedral offers a visual splendor to its visitors also.
• Besides, The Cathedral witnesses about thousands of visitors every day.
• Moreover, the Cathedral celebrates Christmas every year and it looks beautiful due to the lightings and the sight is genuinely eye-pleasing.