Esplanade, Kolkata: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by JennyOz
Last edited January 29, 2026
VisualWikitext
>JennyOz
→Gallery: wlink new article
 
Svetlsgx (talk | contribs)
19 edits
cleanup
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See Template:Infobox Settlement for additional fields that may be available-->
<!--See Template:Infobox Settlement for additional fields that may be available-->
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->| name               = Esplanade <!-- at least one of the first two fields must be filled in -->
|name                   = Esplanade <!-- at least one of the first two fields must be filled in -->
| official_name     =  
|official_name         =  
| other_name         =  
|other_name             =
| native_name       = <!-- if different from the English name -->
|native_name           = <!-- if different from the English name -->
| nickname           =  
|nickname               =  
| settlement_type   = Neighbourhood in Kolkata <!-- e.g. Town, Village, City, etc.-->
|settlement_type       = Neighbourhood in Kolkata (Calcutta) <!-- e.g. Town, Village, City, etc.-->
| total_type         = <!-- to set a non-standard label for total area and population rows -->
|total_type             = <!-- to set a non-standard label for total area and population rows -->
| motto             = <!-- images and maps  ----------->
|motto                 =
| image_skyline     = {{multiple image|
<!-- images and maps  ----------->
| border                  = infobox
|image_skyline         = Esplanade Row East.jpg
| total_width            = 250
|imagesize              =  
| image_style            =
|image_caption          = Esplanade Row (East) (now Sidhu Kanu Dahar)
| perrow                  = 1/2/1
|image_flag             =  
|image1 =Esplanade-Mansion-side-view-Kolkata.jpg
|flag_size             =
|caption1 = Esplanade mansion at the terminal of Esplanade row
|image_seal             =  
|image2 =Songrokkhon.JPG
|seal_size             =
|caption2 = Tram museum at Esplanade terminus
|image_shield           =  
|image3 =OberoiGrandHotelKolkata gobeirne.jpg
|shield_size           =
|caption3 = Oberoi Grand Hotel
|image_blank_emblem     =
|image4 =Beauty Restored Off Esplanade (14652775548).jpg
|blank_emblem_type     =
|caption4 = Metropolitan building}}
|blank_emblem_size     =
| imagesize          =
|image_map             = Kolkata Esplanade Map.jpg
| image_caption      =
|mapsize               = 220px
| image_flag         =  
|map_caption           =  
| flag_size         =  
|image_map1             =  
| image_seal         =  
|mapsize1               =  
| seal_size         =  
|map_caption1           =  
| image_shield       =  
|image_dot_map         =
| shield_size       =  
|dot_mapsize           =
| image_blank_emblem =  
|dot_map_caption       =
| blank_emblem_type =  
|dot_x = |dot_y =
| blank_emblem_size =  
|pushpin_map           =  
| image_map         = Kolkata Esplanade Map.jpg
|pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| mapsize           = 220px
|pushpin_map_caption   =
| map_caption       =  
|pushpin_mapsize       =
| image_map1         =  
<!-- Location ------------------>
| mapsize1           =  
|subdivision_type1     = Country
| map_caption1       =  
|subdivision_name1     = {{IND}}
| image_dot_map     =  
|subdivision_type2     = [[States and territories of India|State]]  
| dot_mapsize       =  
|subdivision_name2     = [[West Bengal]]
| dot_map_caption   =  
|subdivision_type3     = City
| dot_x             =  
|subdivision_name3     = [[Kolkata]]
| dot_y             =  
|subdivision_type4     = [[List of districts of West Bengal|District]]
| pushpin_map       =  
|subdivision_name4     = [[Kolkata district|Kolkata]]  
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
|subdivision_type5      = [[Kolkata Metro|Metro Station]]
| pushpin_map_caption =  
|subdivision_name5      = [[Esplanade metro station|Esplanade]] and [[Chandni Chowk metro station, Kolkata|Chandni Chowk]]
| pushpin_mapsize   = <!-- Location ------------------>
|subdivision_type6      =
| subdivision_type1 = Country
|subdivision_name6      =
| subdivision_name1 = {{IND}}
<!-- Smaller parts (e.g. boroughs of a city) and seat of government -->
| subdivision_type2 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
|seat_type             = [[Municipal Corporation]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[West Bengal]]
|seat                   = [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation]]
| subdivision_type3 = City
|parts_type             = [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation|KMC]] wards
| subdivision_name3 = [[Kolkata]]
|parts_style           = <!-- =list (for list), coll (for collapsed list), para (for paragraph format)
| subdivision_type4 = [[List of districts of West Bengal|District]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Kolkata district|Kolkata]]
| seat_type         = [[Municipal Corporation]]
| seat               = [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation]]
| parts_type         = [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation|KMC]] wards
| parts_style       = <!-- =list (for list), coll (for collapsed list), para (for paragraph format)
                               Default is list if up to 5 items, coll if more than 5-->
                               Default is list if up to 5 items, coll if more than 5-->
|parts                 = [[Ward No. 45, Kolkata Municipal Corporation|45]], [[Ward No. 46, Kolkata Municipal Corporation|46]]<!-- parts text, or header for parts list -->
| parts             = [[Ward No. 45, Kolkata Municipal Corporation|45]], [[Ward No. 46, Kolkata Municipal Corporation|46]]<!-- parts text, or header for parts list -->
|p1                     =
| p1                 =  
|p2                     = <!-- etc. up to p50: for separate parts to be listed-->  
| p2                 = <!-- etc. up to p50: for separate parts to be listed-->  
<!-- Politics ----------------->
<!-- Politics ----------------->| government_footnotes =  
|government_footnotes   =
| government_type   =  
|government_type       =
| leader_title       =  
|leader_title           =  
| leader_name       =  
|leader_name           =
| leader_title1     = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager -->
|leader_title1         = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager -->
| leader_name1       =  
|leader_name1           =
| established_title = <!-- Settled -->
|established_title     = <!-- Settled -->
| established_date   = <!-- Area    --------------------->
|established_date       =  
| area_magnitude     =  
<!-- Area    --------------------->
| unit_pref         = Imperial<!--Enter: Imperial, to display imperial  before metric-->
|area_magnitude         =  
| area_footnotes     =  
|unit_pref               =Imperial<!--Enter: Imperial, to display imperial  before metric-->
| area_total_km2     = <!-- ALL fields with measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion-->
|area_footnotes           =
| area_land_km2     = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on unit conversion-->
|area_total_km2           = <!-- ALL fields with measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion-->
| area_water_km2     =  
|area_land_km2           = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on unit conversion-->
| area_total_sq_mi   =  
|area_water_km2           =
| area_land_sq_mi   =  
|area_total_sq_mi         =
| area_water_sq_mi   =  
|area_land_sq_mi         =
| area_water_percent = <!-- Elevation -------------------------->
|area_water_sq_mi         =
| elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags-->
|area_water_percent       =
| elevation_m       =  
<!-- Elevation -------------------------->
| elevation_ft       = 36<!--From Google Earth-->
|elevation_footnotes   = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags-->
| elevation_max_m   =  
|elevation_m           =  
| elevation_max_ft   =  
|elevation_ft           =36<!--From Google Earth-->
| elevation_min_m   =  
|elevation_max_m           =  
| elevation_min_ft   = <!-- Population  ----------------------->
|elevation_max_ft           =
| population_as_of   =  
|elevation_min_m           =  
| population_footnotes =  
|elevation_min_ft           =
| population_note   =  
<!-- Population  ----------------------->
| population_total   = For population see linked KMC ward pages
|population_as_of               =
| population_density_km2 = <!--For automatic calculation, any density field may contain: auto -->
|population_footnotes           =
| population_density_sq_mi = <!-- General information  --------------->
|population_note               =
| timezone           = IST
|population_total               = For population see linked KMC ward pages
| utc_offset         = +5:30
|population_density_km2         = <!--For automatic calculation, any density field may contain: auto -->
| timezone_DST       =  
|population_density_sq_mi       =
| utc_offset_DST     =  
<!-- General information  --------------->
| coor_type         = <!-- can be used to specify what the coordinates refer to -->
|timezone               = IST
| coordinates       = {{coord|22.564955|N|88.346346|E|region:IN-{{IndAbbr|[[West Bengal]]}}|display=inline,title}}
|utc_offset             = +5:30
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->| postal_code_type   = PIN<!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
|timezone_DST           =  
| postal_code       = 700069
|utc_offset_DST         =  
| area_code         = +91 33
|coor_type             = <!-- can be used to specify what the coordinates refer to -->
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
|coordinates           = {{coord|22.564955|N|88.346346|E|region:IN-{{IndAbbr|[[West Bengal]]}}|display=inline,title}}
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[Kolkata Uttar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kolkata Uttar]]
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
|postal_code_type       = PIN<!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[Chowranghee (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Chowranghee]]
|postal_code           = 700069
| blank1_name_sec2  = [[Kolkata Metro]] station
|area_code             = +91 33
| blank1_info_sec2  = [[Esplanade metro station|Esplanade]]
| blank1_name_sec1     = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_name_sec2  = [[Trams in Kolkata|Tram]] stop
| blank1_info_sec1     = [[Kolkata Uttar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kolkata Uttar]]
| blank2_info_sec2  = Esplanade terminus
| blank2_name_sec1     = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_name_sec2  = Bus stand
| blank2_info_sec1     = [[Chowranghee (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Chowranghee]]
| blank3_info_sec2  = Dharmatala bus stand
|website               =  
| website           =  
|footnotes             =  
| footnotes         =  
}}
}}


'''Esplanade''' is a neighbourhood of Central [[Kolkata]], in [[Kolkata district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]]. This is not a conventional [[esplanade]] in the sense that the place is not exactly situated alongside a waterbody. However, the Ganga river ([[Ganges]]), also known as [[Hooghly river]], flows nearby.
'''Esplanade''' is a neighbourhood of [[Kolkata|Central Kolkata]], located at the [[City centre|heart of city]] with being the city's [[Central business district]] and major transport junction. This is a conventional [[esplanade]] because the [[Hooghly River]], the western distributary of [[Ganges]], flows nearby and it is adjacent to the large fields of [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Maidan]] extending up to [[Fort William, India|Fort William]].


==History==
==History==
The Esplanade was the name given to the northern portion of jungle, which later formed the [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Maidan]]. In olden days, it stretched from [[Dharmatala|Dhurmotollah]] (now Lenin Sarani) to Chandpal Ghat on the [[Hooghly river]]. In the days of [[Warren Hastings]], it formed a favourite promenade for 'elegant walking parties'.
The Esplanade was the name given to the northern portion of jungle, which later formed the [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Maidan]]. In olden days, it stretched from [[Dharmatala]] (now Lenin Sarani) to Chandpal Ghat on the [[Hooghly river]]. In the days of [[Warren Hastings]], it formed a favourite promenade for 'elegant walking parties'.


The first pictures of the area is at the end of eighteenth century by Daniell and [[William Baillie (artist)|William Baillie]]. The old Government House and the Council House were conspicuous objects in each drawing. He also presented an addition view in the shape of two elephants with a crowd of attendants.<ref name="Cotton">Cotton, H.E.A., ''Calcutta Old and New'', 1909/1980, p 254-261, General Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref>
The first pictures of the area is at the end of eighteenth century by Daniell and [[William Baillie (18th century artist)|William Baillie]]. The old Government House and the Council House were conspicuous objects in each drawing. He also presented an addition view in the shape of two elephants with a crowd of attendants.<ref name="Cotton">Cotton, H.E.A., ''Calcutta Old and New'', 1909/1980, pp. 254–261, General Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd. {{PD-notice}}</ref>
 
[[Bourne & Shepherd]], photographic studio was established here in 1867 by British photographers, [[Samuel Bourne]] and [[Charles Shepherd (photographer)|Charles Shepherd]].


The strengthening of British power, subsequent to their victory in the [[Battle of Plassey]] was followed by the construction of the new [[Fort William, India|Fort William]], in 1758.  The European inhabitants of [[Kalikata]] gradually forsook the narrow limits of the old palisades and moved to around the [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Maidan]].<ref>Cotton, H.E.A., p. 72.</ref>
The strengthening of British power, subsequent to their victory in the [[Battle of Plassey]] was followed by the construction of the new [[Fort William, India|Fort William]], in 1758.  The European inhabitants of [[Kalikata]] gradually forsook the narrow limits of the old palisades and moved to around the [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Maidan]].<ref>Cotton, H.E.A., p. 72.</ref>


The first recorded soccer match in Kolkata was played on the Esplanade in the second week of April 1858 between the Calcutta Club of Civilians and the 'Gentlemen of Barrakpur'. There had been matches earlier but those were not documented.<ref>Nandy, Moti, ''Calcutta Soccer'', p. 316, in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol II, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, 1990/2005, p.2, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|0-19-563697-X}}.</ref>
The first recorded football match in Kolkata was played on the Esplanade in the second week of April 1858 between the Calcutta Club of Civilians and the 'Gentlemen of Barrakpur'. There had been matches earlier but those were not documented.<ref>Nandy, Moti, ''Calcutta Soccer'', p. 316, in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol II, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, 1990/2005, p. 2, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|0-19-563697-X}}.</ref>


==The locality==
== Road Network and Landmarks of the Esplanade ==
A number of roads and streets form part of or have been linked integrally with the Esplanade for many years.
A number of roads and streets form part of or have been linked integrally with the Esplanade for many years.


Line 136: Line 139:


[[File:Kolkata Esplanade.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Esplanade Row (East) in the 19th century – a painting by Allom, T.]]
[[File:Kolkata Esplanade.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Esplanade Row (East) in the 19th century – a painting by Allom, T.]]
As a result of the movement of Europeans from the old palisades in the eighteenth century, Esplanade Row took on a new look. The most important public buildings and imposing private houses lined the northern side of the Esplanade, facing the Maidan on the south. “Esplanade Row,” wrote Mrs. Fay, “seems to be composed of palaces.”<ref name = "Lahiri">Lahiri Choudhury, Dhriti Kanta, ''Trends in Calcutta Architecture'', in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol I, pp. 156–160, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|0-19-563696-1}}.</ref>
As a result of the movement of Europeans from the old palisades in the eighteenth century, Esplanade Row took on a new look. The most important public buildings and imposing private houses lined the northern side of the Esplanade, facing the Maidan on the south. "Esplanade Row", wrote Mrs. Fay, "seems to be composed of palaces".<ref name = "Lahiri">Lahiri Choudhury, Dhriti Kanta, ''Trends in Calcutta Architecture'', in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol I, pp. 156–160, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|0-19-563696-1}}.</ref>


The [[Tipu Sultan Mosque]] is at the junction of Esplanade Row (East) and Dhurmotollah Street (Lenin Sarani). A number of statues adorn the area.
The [[Tipu Sultan Mosque]] is at the junction of Esplanade Row (East) and Dhurmotollah Street (Lenin Sarani). A number of statues adorn the area.
Line 144: Line 147:


===Council House Street===
===Council House Street===
Council House Street connects the western part of B.B.D. Bagh with Esplanade Row. It acquires its name from the old council house, which stood on the western portion of Government House. It was pulled down in 1800.  The southern part of the street was subsequently called Government Place West.<ref name = "Cotton"/>[[Fort William College]] was located at the corner of Council House Street.<ref>Cotton, H.E.A., p. 271.</ref>
Council House Street connects the western part of B.B.D. Bagh with Esplanade Row. It acquires its name from the old council house, which stood on the western portion of Government House. It was pulled down in 1800.  The southern part of the street was subsequently called Government Place West.<ref name = "Cotton"/> [[Fort William College]] was located at the corner of Council House Street.<ref>Cotton, H.E.A., p. 271.</ref>


==Traffic hub==
== Transport and Connectivity ==
Esplanade has always been a major traffic hub. In 1902, the first electric tram car (route no. 36) ran from Esplanade to [[Kidderpore]]. In 1984, the first underground railway ([[Kolkata Metro Line 1]]) in India, started from [[Tollygunge]] to Esplanade.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.calcuttaweb.com/history.shtml| title =Kolkata (Calcutta) History| access-date =2007-07-25| publisher =calcuttaweb.com| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070510193408/http://www.calcuttaweb.com/history.shtml| archive-date =10 May 2007| df =dmy-all}}</ref> Today, Esplanade is the busiest bus terminus of [[West Bengal]]. [[Trams in Kolkata|Kolkata trams]] route no. 5, 25 and 36 also start their journey from Esplanade.<ref>Google maps</ref>
Esplanade has always been a major traffic hub. In 1902, the first electric tram car (route no. 36) ran from Esplanade to [[Kidderpore]]. In 1984, the first underground metro railway ([[Kolkata Metro Blue Line]]) in India, started from [[Tollygunge]] to Esplanade and in a similar way East–West metro ([[Kolkata Metro Green Line 2]]) was opened on a truncated section from Esplanade to [[Howrah Maidan metro station|Howrah Maidan]].<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.calcuttaweb.com/history.shtml| title =Kolkata (Calcutta) History| access-date =2007-07-25| publisher =calcuttaweb.com| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070510193408/http://www.calcuttaweb.com/history.shtml| archive-date =10 May 2007}}</ref> Today, Esplanade is the busiest bus terminus and largest metro interchange of [[West Bengal]]. [[Trams in Kolkata|Kolkata trams]] route no. 5, 25 and 36 also start their journey from Esplanade. [[Kolkata Metro Purple Line]], which is under construction, will also pass through Esplanade.


In 2002, it was estimated that during rush hours some 200,000 to 300,000 vehicles passed through Esplanade. Experts say 50–60 percent of [[Environmental issues in Kolkata|air pollution in Kolkata]] is due to vehicle emission. Increase in number of vehicles may have added to the problem.<ref>{{cite web
In 2002, it was estimated that during rush hours some 200,000 to 300,000 vehicles passed through Esplanade.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=6&id=29113&usrsess=1  
|url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=6&id=29113&usrsess=1  
|title=Better Kolkata Campaign.  
|title=Better Kolkata Campaign.  
|access-date=2007-07-25  
|access-date=2007-07-25  
|publisher=The Statesman, 17 June 2002  
|publisher=The Statesman, 17 June 2002  
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103131/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=6&id=29113&usrsess=1  
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103131/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=6&id=29113&usrsess=1  
|archive-date=29 September 2007  
|archive-date=29 September 2007  
|url-status=dead  
|url-status=dead  
|df=dmy
}}</ref>
}}</ref> In the Esplanade area, the noise levels are 75–84&nbsp;dB.<ref>Chakraborti, Dipankar, ''Calcutta's Environment'', p.185,  in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol II</ref>


According to transport department officials, over 2,000 long-distance buses operate from the city. Most of the state and private buses originate from the Esplanade and [[Babughat]], nearby.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030818/asp/calcutta/story_2272211.asp
According to transport department officials, over 2,000 long-distance buses operate from the city. Most of the state and private buses originate from the Esplanade and [[Babughat]], nearby.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030818/asp/calcutta/story_2272211.asp
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130204101000/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030818/asp/calcutta/story_2272211.asp
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 4 February 2013
|title = Bypass, Setu sites for twin central bus terminals | access-date = 2007-07-25 | last = Mukherjee | first =  Shankar  | publisher = The Telegraph, 18 August 2003 | location=Calcutta, India | date=18 August 2003
|title = Bypass, Setu sites for twin central bus terminals | access-date = 2007-07-25 | last = Mukherjee | first =  Shankar  | publisher = The Telegraph, 18 August 2003 | location=Calcutta, India | date=18 August 2003
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/calcutta-times/breather-for-choking-esplanade/articleshow/35302852.cms  | title = Breather for choking esplanade? | access-date = 2007-07-25 | last = Konar | first =  Debashis  | publisher = Times of India, 24 January 2003 | date=24 January 2003}}</ref>
|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/calcutta-times/breather-for-choking-esplanade/articleshow/35302852.cms  | title = Breather for choking esplanade? | access-date = 2007-07-25 | last = Konar | first =  Debashis  | publisher = Times of India, 24 January 2003 | date=24 January 2003}}</ref>
 
[[Kolkata Metro Line 2]] and [[Kolkata Metro Line 3]], which are under construction, will pass through Esplanade also. Esplanade will become the biggest junction of [[Kolkata Metro]] soon.


[[Eden Gardens railway station]] on [[Kolkata Circular Railway]] line is the nearest railway station. [[Sealdah Station]], one of the five major railway-terminals of [[Kolkata Metropolitan Area]], is also located nearby.
[[Eden Gardens railway station]] on [[Kolkata Circular Railway]] line is the nearest railway station. [[Sealdah Station]], one of the five major railway-terminals of [[Kolkata Metropolitan Area]], is also located nearby.


==Rallies==
== Political Protests and Mass Mobilization ==
The growing influence of the left-wing, particularly the [[Communist Party of India]] in organising urban protest was strongly felt from around 1957. The old institutions of mass mobilisation were strengthened to suit the agitation-oriented strategy of various political parties. A particularly significant expression of this agitation-oriented form of opposition to government policies was the way in which massive demonstrations of tens of thousands of people were organised in the heart of the city. Esplanade East, and [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Brigade Parade ground]], lying just outside the citadels of power, were the new rallying points of mass protest.<ref>Chaterjee, Partha, ''The Political Culture of Calcutta'', p. 30, in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol II</ref>
The growing influence of the left-wing, particularly the [[Communist Party of India]] in organising urban protest was strongly felt from around 1957. The old institutions of mass mobilisation were strengthened to suit the agitation-oriented strategy of various political parties. A particularly significant expression of this agitation-oriented form of opposition to government policies was the way in which massive demonstrations of tens of thousands of people were organised in the heart of the city. Esplanade East, and [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Brigade Parade ground]], lying just outside the citadels of power, were the new rallying points of mass protest.<ref>Chaterjee, Partha, ''The Political Culture of Calcutta'', p. 30, in ''Calcutta, the Living City'', Vol II</ref>


Line 177: Line 180:
File:Esplanade Bus Station.jpg|Esplanade Bus Station with [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata|Shaheed Minar]] in the background
File:Esplanade Bus Station.jpg|Esplanade Bus Station with [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata|Shaheed Minar]] in the background
File:Songrokkhon.JPG|Tram Museum (Smaranika) in Esplanade Tram Terminus
File:Songrokkhon.JPG|Tram Museum (Smaranika) in Esplanade Tram Terminus
File:Kolkata Military Secretariat.jpg|[[Ordnance Factory Board]]'s Office <ref>http://dgaeroqa.gov.in/rd-kolkata.htm</ref>
File:Kolkata Military Secretariat.jpg|[[Ordnance Factory Board]]'s Office<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dgaeroqa.gov.in/rd-kolkata.htm |title = Office of the Regional Director, AQA, DGAQA, KOLKATA}}</ref>
File:Victoria House - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-09-11 00541.jpg|Victoria House
File:Victoria House - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-09-11 00541.jpg|Victoria House
File:Metropolitan Building - Esplanade - Kolkata 2012-09-19 0013.jpg|[[Metropolitan Building (Kolkata)|Metropolitan Building]]
File:Metropolitan Building - Esplanade - Kolkata 2012-09-19 0013.jpg|[[Metropolitan Building (Kolkata)|Metropolitan Building]]
File:Metro Cinema - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-12-18 0024.JPG|[[Metro Cinema (Kolkata)|Metro Cinema]]
File:Metro Cinema - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-12-18 0024.JPG|[[Metro Cinema (Kolkata)|Metro Cinema]]
File:Kolkata Tipu Sultan's Mosque3.jpg|[[Tipu Sultan Mosque]]
File:Tipu Sultan Mosque Dharmatala at Night.jpg|[[Tipu Sultan Mosque]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 188: Line 191:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 19:25, 29 January 2026

Esplanade
Neighbourhood in Kolkata
Esplanade mansion at the terminal of Esplanade row
Tram museum at Esplanade terminus
Oberoi Grand Hotel
Metropolitan building
Coordinates: 22°33′54″N 88°20′47″E / 22.564955°N 88.346346°E / 22.564955; 88.346346
Country India
StateWest Bengal
CityKolkata
DistrictKolkata
Municipal CorporationKolkata Municipal Corporation
KMC wards45, 46
Elevation
36 ft (11 m)
Population
 • TotalFor population see linked KMC ward pages
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
700069
Area code+91 33
Lok Sabha constituencyKolkata Uttar
Vidhan Sabha constituencyChowranghee
Kolkata Metro stationEsplanade
Tram stopEsplanade terminus
Bus standDharmatala bus stand

Esplanade is a neighbourhood of Central Kolkata, located at the heart of city with being the city's Central business district and major transport junction. This is a conventional esplanade because the Hooghly River, the western distributary of Ganges, flows nearby and it is adjacent to the large fields of Maidan extending up to Fort William.

History[edit | edit source]

The Esplanade was the name given to the northern portion of jungle, which later formed the Maidan. In olden days, it stretched from Dharmatala (now Lenin Sarani) to Chandpal Ghat on the Hooghly river. In the days of Warren Hastings, it formed a favourite promenade for 'elegant walking parties'.

The first pictures of the area is at the end of eighteenth century by Daniell and William Baillie. The old Government House and the Council House were conspicuous objects in each drawing. He also presented an addition view in the shape of two elephants with a crowd of attendants.[1]

The strengthening of British power, subsequent to their victory in the Battle of Plassey was followed by the construction of the new Fort William, in 1758. The European inhabitants of Kalikata gradually forsook the narrow limits of the old palisades and moved to around the Maidan.[2]

The first recorded football match in Kolkata was played on the Esplanade in the second week of April 1858 between the Calcutta Club of Civilians and the 'Gentlemen of Barrakpur'. There had been matches earlier but those were not documented.[3]

Road Network and Landmarks of the Esplanade[edit | edit source]

A number of roads and streets form part of or have been linked integrally with the Esplanade for many years.

Esplanade Row[edit | edit source]

The street named Esplanade Row, finds a mention in the map of 1784, running from Dhurmotollah right on to the banks of the river at Chandpal Ghat, passing on its way Government House and Council House, both facing south. Subsequently, it was divided by the gardens of Government House into two parts, Esplanade Row (East) and Esplanade Row (West).[1] Esplanade Row (West) now runs between Government Place (West) and Strand Road, through the Kolkata High Court. Esplanade Row (East) has been renamed Sidhu Kanu Dahar and occupies the northern end of the Maidan.[4]

Esplanade Row (East) in the 19th century – a painting by Allom, T.

As a result of the movement of Europeans from the old palisades in the eighteenth century, Esplanade Row took on a new look. The most important public buildings and imposing private houses lined the northern side of the Esplanade, facing the Maidan on the south. "Esplanade Row", wrote Mrs. Fay, "seems to be composed of palaces".[5]

The Tipu Sultan Mosque is at the junction of Esplanade Row (East) and Dhurmotollah Street (Lenin Sarani). A number of statues adorn the area.

Old Court House Street[edit | edit source]

Old Court House Street connects Esplanade Row (East) (or presently Sidhu Kanu Dahar) with B.B.D. Bagh, earlier known as Dalhousie Square. It acquired its name from the Old Court house, that was located where St. Andrew's Church now stands. It served originally as the Supreme Court, until it was demolished in 1792. The northern part of the stretch is known as B.B.D. Bagh (East). It was constructed around 1781, when the finishing touches were put to the new Fort William. It is linked with the name of Col. Henry Watson, who brought about many improvements in Calcutta, including the laying out of surrounding Esplanade. The Red Road is an extension of this street.[1] The stretch of Old Court House Street from the crossing with Ganesh Avenue or the south-eastern corner of B.B.D. Bagh to the crossing with Waterloo Street has been renamed Hemanta Basu Sarani. The stretch from the crossing with Waterloo Street to the crossing with Rani Rashmoni Avenue has been renamed Marx Engels Beethi Road.[6]

Council House Street[edit | edit source]

Council House Street connects the western part of B.B.D. Bagh with Esplanade Row. It acquires its name from the old council house, which stood on the western portion of Government House. It was pulled down in 1800. The southern part of the street was subsequently called Government Place West.[1] Fort William College was located at the corner of Council House Street.[7]

Transport and Connectivity[edit | edit source]

Esplanade has always been a major traffic hub. In 1902, the first electric tram car (route no. 36) ran from Esplanade to Kidderpore. In 1984, the first underground metro railway (Kolkata Metro Blue Line) in India, started from Tollygunge to Esplanade and in a similar way East–West metro (Kolkata Metro Green Line 2) was opened on a truncated section from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan.[8] Today, Esplanade is the busiest bus terminus and largest metro interchange of West Bengal. Kolkata trams route no. 5, 25 and 36 also start their journey from Esplanade. Kolkata Metro Purple Line, which is under construction, will also pass through Esplanade.

In 2002, it was estimated that during rush hours some 200,000 to 300,000 vehicles passed through Esplanade.[9]

According to transport department officials, over 2,000 long-distance buses operate from the city. Most of the state and private buses originate from the Esplanade and Babughat, nearby.[10][11]

Eden Gardens railway station on Kolkata Circular Railway line is the nearest railway station. Sealdah Station, one of the five major railway-terminals of Kolkata Metropolitan Area, is also located nearby.

Political Protests and Mass Mobilization[edit | edit source]

The growing influence of the left-wing, particularly the Communist Party of India in organising urban protest was strongly felt from around 1957. The old institutions of mass mobilisation were strengthened to suit the agitation-oriented strategy of various political parties. A particularly significant expression of this agitation-oriented form of opposition to government policies was the way in which massive demonstrations of tens of thousands of people were organised in the heart of the city. Esplanade East, and Brigade Parade ground, lying just outside the citadels of power, were the new rallying points of mass protest.[12]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cotton, H.E.A., Calcutta Old and New, 1909/1980, pp. 254–261, General Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ↑ Cotton, H.E.A., p. 72.
  3. ↑ Nandy, Moti, Calcutta Soccer, p. 316, in Calcutta, the Living City, Vol II, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, 1990/2005, p. 2, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-563697-X.
  4. ↑ Map nos. 28, 29, Detail Maps of 141 Wards of Kolkata, D.R.Publication and Sales Concern, 66 College Street, Kolkata – 700073
  5. ↑ Lahiri Choudhury, Dhriti Kanta, Trends in Calcutta Architecture, in Calcutta, the Living City, Vol I, pp. 156–160, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-563696-1.
  6. ↑ Map no. 29, Detail Maps of 141 Wards of Kolkata.
  7. ↑ Cotton, H.E.A., p. 271.
  8. ↑ "Kolkata (Calcutta) History". calcuttaweb.com. Archived from the original on 10 May 2007. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  9. ↑ "Better Kolkata Campaign". The Statesman, 17 June 2002. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  10. ↑ Mukherjee, Shankar (18 August 2003). "Bypass, Setu sites for twin central bus terminals". Calcutta, India: The Telegraph, 18 August 2003. Retrieved 25 July 2007.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ↑ Konar, Debashis (24 January 2003). "Breather for choking esplanade?". Times of India, 24 January 2003. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  12. ↑ Chaterjee, Partha, The Political Culture of Calcutta, p. 30, in Calcutta, the Living City, Vol II
  13. ↑ "Office of the Regional Director, AQA, DGAQA, KOLKATA".

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Esplanade,_Kolkata&oldid=445922"
Discover more