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| The Bible House, Kolkata .tutorialathome.i |
Standing as a testament to Kolkata's rich colonial and religious history, the Bible House on Chowringhee Road is one of the city's most significant Grade I heritage structures. As the home of the world’s second-oldest Bible Society, the building has served as a center for scriptural translation and distribution for over two centuries, narrowly escaping demolition to witness a meticulous restoration in recent years.
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| Colonial structure The Bible House Kolkata indiatimes.com |
The Calcutta Auxiliary, the oldest branch of the Bible Society of India, was founded on February 21, 1811, at the College of Fort William. Established as an extension of the British and Foreign Bible Societies in London, its initial mission was to circulate Holy Scripture among Christians in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The society eventually moved to its present location on Chowringhee Road, which became a vital hub for linguistic scholarship. Today, it remains active in translating and publishing the Bible in Bengali and Sikkimese, operating under the Bible Society of India headquartered in Bangalore
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| The Bible House Kolkata indiatimes.com |
Architectural Splendor
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| The Bible House Kolkata |
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| The Bible House Kolkata tutorialathome.in |
The Bible House is a stately example of Romanesque architecture. Its design is characterized by:
A grand portico and porch that define its imposing street presence.
Wrought iron balustrades on the balconies, showcasing intricate 19th-century craftsmanship.
Classic wooden "kadi barga" (beam and burgah) ceilings and a majestic wooden staircase that reflects the interior elegance of the colonial era.
Explore: The 2014–2018 Restoration
The Bible House: A Landmark of Faith and Heritage on Chowringhee
Fist established within Ft. William, Kolkata in 1811,later the Bible Society moved over to the present site..The heritage engineers followed old traditional methods, using chun-surki (lime mortar) in various parts of the building for restoration.Special care was taken in repairing porch, outer walls, roofing, rusted door frames, hanging balconies., etc with a view to maintaining ''heritage integrity and authenticity''
By 2011, the building had fallen into a "deplorable state." After surviving a demolition threat that year due to public outcry from historians and the Christian community, a massive restoration project was initiated. Sanctioned in 2016, the work was guided by architect Manish Chakraborti and Mascon.
The restoration was a feat of "heritage integrity," costing approximately ₹2.3 crore. To maintain authenticity, engineers avoided modern cement in favor of chun-surki (a traditional lime-and-brick-dust mortar). Key efforts included:
Structural Strengthening: Repairing termite-ridden wooden beams and rusted iron supports.
Facade Preservation: Scraping and repainting the iconic balconies and repairing the lopsided wooden logo.
Modern Integration: While maintaining the facade, the interior was updated to include a 120-seat auditorium, ensuring the building remains functional for the modern era.
Completed in August 2018, the restoration saved a vital piece of Kolkata’s skyline, proving that with "chun-surki" and community will, even the most imperiled monuments can be reborn.
https://lbb.in/kolkata/bible-society-heritage-kolkata
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65347455.cms?
https://www.tutorialathome.in/history/bible-society-captivating-calcutta
https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/repairs-at-heritage-building/cid/1396556
