 |
| Metcalfe Hall,Kolkata. indiamike.com |
 |
| Metcalfe Hall,Kolkata cholpalaiblog.wordpress.com |
Kolkata, was once the capital of British India and has the unique distinction of having innumerable magnificent colonial buildings from the 18th to 20th Century that adorn this metropolis, which was once famous as a city of Palaces. Unfortunately, many of the historical buildings are not properly being maintained by the ASI under whose jurisdictions, the monuments come under.The central government in association with the state governments should preserve such historical buildings not only in West Bengal, but also in other parts of India so that the future generation of Indians will appreciate our past history. Some of these impressive edifices face neglect and lack of care, perhaps, it shows the lethargic attitude of the authorities concerned. The Government of Kerala, in the last few years, has taken right steps to preserve the historical buildings and houses (ex. Agraharam houses near Palakkad city , Tamil Nadu Ex. Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran's early childhood house near Palakkad, etc.) in that state without affecting their heritage values. As for the monuments of Kolkata, they just form part of the British legacy and they are mute sentinels of glorious colonial era of bygone years.
 |
| Metcalfe Hall,Kolkata. tripadvisor.com |
Metcalfe Hall, named after Lord Metcalfe, who initiated for the freedom of press in colonial India, was built in Greek architecture and this building had been a library from 1903, but before i
t, was the hall of conferences during the time of Reformation of Bengal. In all respects this historical building in Kolkata has close similarity with the ancient buildings of Greece.
Metcalfe Hall is declared a heritage building situated in Kolkata, at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street in the heart of the city's business district. The architecture also has close bearing with the British imperial architecture at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Built between 1840-1844, as designed by the city magistrate, C.K. Robinson, and named after Sir. Charles
T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India, in honor of his efforts towards a free press, the building stands majestically, facing the Hooghly river on the West. The notable Greek order of the architecture was modeled from the Tower of the Winds in Athens. It was once considered one of the time tested designs of durability and lightness. As in the Greek buildings, Metcalfe Hall is raised on a solid basement and thirty huge Corinthian pillars that support a massive structure. The main entrance from the West comprising a giant flight of stairs has been closed. The building is now accessed through the portico on the East.
This two-story building is made of five halls. It housed the Calcutta Public Library collection, formed by Lord Metcalfe, then the Governor General, who transferred 4,675 volumes from the library of the College of Fort William. Most of these volumes and donations of books were from individuals that formed the core of the library. The library was under the private management. Dwarkanath Tagore was the first proprietor of Calcutta Public Library.
Metcalfe Hall is declared a heritage building situated in Kolkata, at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street in the heart of the city's business district. The architecture also has close bearing with the British imperial architecture at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Built between 1840-1844, as designed by the city magistrate, C.K. Robinson, and named after Sir. Charles
T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India, in honor of his efforts towards a free press, the building stands majestically, facing the Hooghly river on the West. The notable Greek order of the architecture was modeled from the Tower of the Winds in Athens. It was once considered one of the time tested designs of durability and lightness. As in the Greek buildings, Metcalfe Hall is raised on a solid basement and thirty huge Corinthian pillars that support a massive structure. The main entrance from the West comprising a giant flight of stairs has been closed. The building is now accessed through the portico on the East.
This two-story building is made of five halls. It housed the Calcutta Public Library collection, formed by Lord Metcalfe, then the Governor General, who transferred 4,675 volumes from the library of the College of Fort William. Most of these volumes and donations of books were from individuals that formed the core of the library. The library was under the private management. Dwarkanath Tagore was the first proprietor of Calcutta Public Library.
 |
| Metcalfe Hall,Kolkata. heritagestructurewb.blogspot.in |
K. N. Jayaraman Ph. D (1977) - univ. of Washington, Seattle.
Retd Earth Scientist. Vocational Interest: Indian Colonial history, heritage structures,temples, etc.
(Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
(Revised Sept. 2026)
