Bonedi Kolkatar Gharbari by Debashis Bandyopadhyay [Hardcover]

The history of Kolkata is intertwined with the stories of its nobility, landlords, wealthy merchants, and traders, as well as the dedication, labor, perseverance, and intellect of many distinguished families. These families not only flourished but also beautifully shaped their beloved city. Some became self-reliant and well-established by competing with foreign rulers rather than merely being favored by them.

Many notable intellectuals, artists, poets, writers, educators, and politicians emerged from these noble families, illuminating the city with the radiant light of the Renaissance, which soon spread across Bengal and the entire country. The histories of these families are inseparable from Kolkata's history.

Despite losing much of its past prosperity, Kolkata has never ceased to exist. Instead, it has continuously reinvented itself every day, every moment. While old traditions might have faded due to neglect, their remnants persist in the city's vibrant flow, invigorating people anew. Therefore, Kolkata remains both traditional and modern, with its history constantly evolving.

Debashis Bandopadhyay and photographer Alok Mitra have resurrected the nearly lost histories of these noble families, whose contributions to Kolkata's history are immeasurable. This book is an exceptional and valuable contribution to the study of Kolkata's history, featuring rare photographs printed on art plates. These images are the book's greatest treasure, capturing the endangered or completely vanished aristocratic houses as memories.