It's been a while since the last post here. Much has happened since then. For starters the Bong has now set up camp in the National capital Region. New, job, new city and new faces. Much to explore and experience. For those of you unaware, the National Capital Region is made of New Delhi and a number of satellite towns/cities like Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar), Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad etc. The prime attraction is of course Delhi (or New Delhi), with landmark architectures of artistic and historic importance, like the Red Fort (Qila-i-Mubarak), Purana Qila (Old Fort), Jama Masjid, Hauz Khas, Humayun's Tomb and numerous such structures strewn across the city.
Life in Calcutta presents a myriad of options for an urban explorer. While history will be the common thread, the point of view will be different. One could explore based on architecture, transport, historical acts, arts etc. A recent event in the city “Explore Calcutta” chalked out several such exploration routes for the enthusiast. The event was in memory of Jane Jacobs, known internationally as Jane’s Walk. One such route took explorers along the history of theatre in Calcutta. Starting with the Jorasanko Thakurbari and ending at the Shovabazar Rajbari, the walk presented the history of theatre in 19th century Kolkata.
The walk started from Jorasanko Thakurbari, just off Chitpur Road (nearest metro station: Girish Park). The erstwhile residence of Rabindranath Tagore, houses the Rabindra Bharati University and Museum. Theatre here started in 1869 and was mostly a private affair. The “Thakurdalan” has been the stage of many a landmark plays of Bengal Renaissance Era.
… Without trying what I have to tell you. I know this is another list, and perhaps one that could incite a few moans and groans at the onset. However, this is different. I honestly do not wish to tell you what just about every guidebook has already screamed aloud, or what every most travel bloggers have already told you. Honestly, read enough of them and the “lists” could start chasing each other in your head and leave you all confused. Oddly enough, it was while compiling a “list” for my sister, who is going to visit London in a few weeks, that I came upon this little set of things, which I believe, should feature on a visitor’s list.
So, without wasting much time I’ll plough ahead. |
Sumit Dey
Next door lad, scribbler, happy snapper. Archives
January 2014
Categories
All
|