A City in the Making: Aspects of Calcutta's Early Growth

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Ranabir Ray Choudhury

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789385285288

• Pages: 564

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches

About the Book

“A City in the Making: Aspects of Calcutta's Early Growth” by Ranabir Ray Choudhury offers a meticulously researched and engaging account of the fascinating evolution of Calcutta (now Kolkata) from a humble Bengal village to the second city of the British Empire. Beginning with the arrival of Job Charnock at Sutanati in 1690, this book delves deep into the history of the three villages—Sutanati, Kalikata, and Gobindapur—that would eventually form the vibrant metropolis of Calcutta.

Structured into three distinct periods, the first section of the book covers the unplanned growth of the town up until its capture by Nawab Shiraj-ud-Daula in 1756, focusing on the establishment of essential facilities like hospitals, jails, and courts. The second period examines the city's rapid southward and eastward expansion by the end of the 18th century, where key developments such as the formation of the Maidan, the construction of Circular Road, and improvements in infrastructure, including drainage systems, took place. The final section of the book explores the dawn of the town-planning era under Lord Wellesley, culminating in the formation of the Lottery Committee in 1817.

With the aid of archival records, Choudhury paints a vivid picture of how Calcutta’s growth was shaped by complex social, political, and economic forces, making this book a crucial read for anyone interested in the history of Kolkata and the development of urban India. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a researcher, or a resident of the city, A City in the Making offers invaluable insights into the urban landscape that continues to thrive today.