Kolkata by Shripantha [Hardcover]

Kolkata—a magical, vibrant city. This book is about that beloved city. However, it is not a continuous history; rather, it feels like a tale written with the brush of a magician, weaving stories of today, yesterday, or the distant past. Thus, the perspective of this book is deeply personal, and perhaps not always historically accurate. Yet, this "random narrative" about Kolkata intricately binds the city's past. It draws from various chapters of history, even footnotes, and brings alive the procession of familiar and unfamiliar, local and foreign people, events unfolding like dreams, one after another.

The search for why Kolkata is called Kolkata starts with this book and culminates in a contemporary exploration of the city’s very essence. In the 75 essays woven together, the delightful tales narrated by ShriPanth could only be captured by a curious writer like him. Without compromising on facts, yet blending them with theory, ShriPanth arrives at some conclusions that are both surprising and fresh. This book reinforces why the author’s role in the study of Kolkata’s history is that of a pioneer. To Kolkata enthusiasts, Kolkata is a grand treasure.

The literary grace and language of this book are filled with literary beauty. Along with that, there are pictures on every page. Beautiful illustrations and embellishments based on old photos, drawn by contemporary artist Krishnaendu Chakri, add an exceptional visual charm to this work.