Lal Dighi- The underrated gem of Kolkata
Lal Dighi is one of the underrated places of Kolkata. It is a quite charming place that will soothe your eyes. Besides, the history of this place is also pretty fascinating. However, not many people know about this place because all the other famous sites in Kolkata overshadowed it. But, if you ever visit that place, it will blow your mind. It will establish peace in your account. Therefore, we are about to have a conversation about this beautiful place. After knowing this place, you feel attracted to Lal Dighi. So, here is entirety that you should know about Lal Dighi
The fascinating history of Lal Dighi
Apart from its serene beauty, Lal Dighi also has an attractive history. Earlier, Lal Dighi was known as Tank Square or Dalhousie Square. Well, there are numerous stories when it comes to the history of Lal Dighi. However, there are no such documents that prove the factuality of any of these stories. Here, we are about to discuss those stories that craft enthralling history of this place.
The time of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury
Some of the stories narrate the existence of this place during the time of Sabarna Roy Choudhury. Well, Sabarna Roy Choudhury was one of the aristocrats who reigned that place. Also, he built a kutchery (Court House), and a temple in that region. The temple was dedicated to his family deity named Shyam Rai. During the time of Holi or Dol Jatra, they used to celebrate the festival with utmost enthusiasm. So, one of those Holi events gave birth to the name of the place Lal Dighi.
Also, the water of the tank was the red colour as they sprinkled red color or ‘Red Abir’ in the water of that tank. The time was before Job Charnock’s visit to the city of Kolkata. Also, at that time, that place was under a village named Kalikata. At first, the British East India Company took the court at rent, and after that, they bought it.
The story of Lalchand Basak
Another story conveys a different history of that place. Many people believe that this place got its name from Lalchand Basak. Now, who is Lalchand Basak? Well, he was the person who was r responsible for digging this large pond. Hence, the place got its name Lal Dighi from the first name of the Lalchand Basak.
The history from the side of the British
Dutch Admiral Stavorinus visited this place in the year of 1770, during the time of the settlement. According to his accounts, the tank witnessed a deepening and lengthening in the year 1709. The British government was responsible for this conversion. Besides, they converted this tank into a sweet water reservoir. However, later on, they made this tank as the reservoir of freshwater. Moreover, the purpose of this tank was to provide clean and fresh water to the people of Calcutta.
Trivia
• Battle of Lal Dighi was fought in this place in 1756.
• The pond serves the purpose of the water reservoir for the water pumps residing in the reservoirs of BBD Bag.
• Also, the government of West Bengal is scheduling to construct an underground car parking at the Northern end.