Tales From Epitaph

History sometimes speaks and it often lies down on yellowish pages. But some of it remains untouched and undigged for ever. We come to know only the focused chapters of it. According to relevant data’s, Kolkata has a glorious history and we get the account of it from mythological as well as historical books such as “Manasha Mangal” and “Ain-i-Akbari”. It unfolded the history of villages like Gobindapur and Sutanuti.

After Kolkata became the capital, it was necessary to manage its administration. Thus the doors of employment for faithful servants were opened. Anglo-Indians came in Kolkata and took shelter in Bowbarrack.

Bakery shop

Many other job seekers from foreign countries stepped in here such as people from Jews and Chinese community. They started to stitch tragic as well as nostalgic stories. In 1978, a group of Jews came from Baghdad under the leadership of Shalon Kohen. Joseph Ezra, a member of this group started real estate business and very soon he became successful. Ezra Street was named after him. David Ezra, the only son of Joseph Ezra was a social reformer. He had an immense interest for girl’s education. It is quite unbelievable that standing in such orthodox era he founded Jews Girls School.

Jews were lonesome from the very first day. They did not like main stream, they did not believe in colourful festivals like Durga Puja. 6000 Jews of Kolkata were only dedicated to mass prayer of Friday.

Birth of Liberal Israel, a dream of living peacefully in own country motivated a crowd of Jews to go back home. Thus, a large number of pals bid goodbye to us. Still there were few who could not leave “The City of Joy” due to affection.

Cakes and Pastries

A famous Jews of Kolkata was Mr.Nahoum. He founded a confectionery in Hogg Market in1902. Cheese, breads, pastries, cakes of Nahoum are too titillating even today. Suchitra Sen to Aparna Sen, Manna Dey to Anjan Dutta, Nahoum is standing with a prolonged glamorous fan list.

Mr. David Nahoum, grandson of Nahoum left us last April. He was an awesome, enthusiastic old man, the leader of microscopic Jews community of Kolkata. Marriages, mass prayers all these were guided by him. There are not more than ten Jews households left today in Kolkata. This saturation will finally come to an end with a destiny of destruction. It is quite depressing that there are no relevant hard copy to let them live forever. After so many bloody colons sweaty commas and fearful semicolons; a tragic full stop is not far away.

Just like the Muslim flute player played sweet tunes during Durga Pujas, these Jews distributed Pastries to the Calcattans for years. We should remain grateful to him.

Facts:

•  British merchant Job Charnock was the founder of Kolkata which then was the capital of India.

•  “Kaneho Muddahh” which means a tale of Kolkata was written by Mojes Duek Kohen. He was very popular among the Jewish.

Ananya Nanda

PGPMC

2nd sem

                                                                                                                      

Victoria- Memories encaged in a monument.

There are certain places that you cannot afford to miss when you are in the city. And some that are always worth visiting second and third time as well. Victoria Memorial is one of them. People from all around the world come to check out the large and beautiful colonial structure that stands at a landmark location.

Victora Memorial

Even for people who love photography, the building, the gardens and the fountains are a delight to click a snap. A good place to stroll but the grounds and structure need to be better maintained to restore the splendour of this heritage building.

Let's throw some light on history and architectural background of Victoria Memorial, Lord Curzon was one who envisaged the main idea of the erection which was to serve as the architectural culmination of the Kolkata city and now it has become the main attraction of the city. Architecturally, the building draws both the Indian and English aesthetics and it looks like a cross between the Taj Mahal and the White House or the Capitol building.

Victoria view

The place is such that anyone can end up having a peaceful time, surrounded by the tranquillity of the nature. The sight is so poetic that you are bound to get mesmerized. You can even end up getting the best ideas out there. At times all you need is the right place to inspire you and Victoria Memorial in that matter will never disappoint you. Try it sometime! In the end I would like to emphasize that no matter how little time you have in Kolkata, just try and visit this gem in an otherwise chaotic place.

Interesting facts:

• The memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson using Indo-Saracenic style, incorporating Mughal elements in the structure.

• The design of the structure represents a fusion of British and Mughal architecture.

• The massive hall is 338 feet (103 m) by 228 feet (69 m) and rises to a height of 184 feet (56 m).

• British government money was not used in its construction at all. Rather, the British Indian states, along with the individuals who wanted some favours from the British government, were the main contributors towards the cost of building the Victoria Memorial Hall.

• It houses a museum containing a large collection of memorabilia relating to Queen Victoria and the British presence in India as well as other exhibits.

Aakriti Prasad

PGPMC

2nd sem