The Forgotten Palaces of Calcutta

Book excerpt: The Forgotten Palaces of Calcutta scans the old areas of Calcutta, where heritage houses and history fill every crowded lane and secret courtyard. Languishing in another time and place, at the end of narrow lanes and behind untidy shop-fronts, Calcutta’s rich heritage waits to be rediscovered. The ‘Great Houses’ of Calcutta are an important but forgotten part of Calcutta’s architectural history. While British colonial architecture and lifestyle has been extensively photographed and written about, very little has been done on the indigenous equivalent. Focussing on Calcutta’s heritage mansions and palaces, The Forgotten Palaces of Calcutta, makes an important contribution to the architectural history of both Calcutta and India. The Forgotten Palaces of Calcutta received the Best Book Award, 2007, in Book Cover Category from the Federation of Indian Publishers.