Calcutta had seen a huge influx of British entrepreneurs, like trade agents engaged in commercial transactions, traders, shopkeepers, and labourers looking for earning opportunities in the middle of the city’s expansion. From only eight brick-built (described as ‘pucca’ in contemporary records) houses in 1706, the
The discernible past of the world portrays a long line of women who have broken out of the mould and have fought for their place, cementing their invaluable position in the annals of history. From Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Marie Curie to Ritu Karidhal to Lila
The first page of Suhasini’s Gitanjali Prison Diary (left),The place where Suhasini was interned as a Prisoner of war (right) Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali, the immortal book that fetched him a Nobel Prize, have helped many of us survive during harrowing times. Interestingly, it had once upon
"What’s in a name?" comes from Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," where Juliet argues that a name is artificial and meaningless. The bard was always more interested in human nature. During the British Raj, Bonedi Bengalis often opted to anglicize their surnames, influenced by their European
Somenath Hore Ramkinkar was one of those rare geniuses whose excellent works have made him immortal. The youthfulness and senility of the twentieth century can be said to define him. His teacher Nandalal Bose was surprised at the dexterity of Ramkinkar and had once said, “Seeing
The sound of the McLeod’s Light Railways (MLR) train’s whistle pierced the surrounding. A sudden flurry of activities signaled the majestic train chugging and entering the platform. ‘Master! Please hurry up and pass me a ticket to Goddess Kali…’ Railway operations commenced in West Bengal in
Jorasanko Thakurbari had laid the path for several events and ideologies that were part of Bengal Renaissance. Surprisingly, there is mention of a ‘Glutton Club’ in Thakurbari where regular elections were held and getting votes depended upon how well the members were treated with good
Was it eternal love? Was it romance, passion or pathos? The on-screen chemistry between two of the most iconic matinee idols of all times – Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen, is still shrouded in mystery. In real life, they were best of friends, often calling each
Uttam Kumar in Deya Neya (1963) Uttam Kumar — the ‘mahanayak’ who defined Bengali cinema for three decades, was an extremely charming and intelligent man, who lived life on his own terms. He passed away 40 years ago but he is the ultimate hero, whose aura
Ifirst fell in love with R.D. Burman’s songs and music when I was in school. Little did I know then that a day will come when I shall develop a personal relationship with this stalwart and one of the greatest musicians of India. That I