Old Esplanade

  Old Esplanade of Calcutta: History and Visuals Overview: The Esplanade in Calcutta (now Kolkata) is a storied neighborhood at the city’s heart, bordered by the Hooghly River and adjoining the famous Maidan. Originally part of a jungle, the Esplanade stretched from Dharmatala (now Lenin Sarani) to Chandpal Ghat on the Hooghly. It has evolved from a colonial promenade into a bustling business and transport hub . Historical Significance Origins & Early Days: The Esplanade area became especially prominent after the construction of the new Fort William in 1758, post the British victory at Plassey. In Warren Hastings’s era (1772–1785), it hosted elegant walking parties and gradually began to feature significant colonial buildings and gardens . Urban Development: By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, elegant public buildings and imposing private houses lined Esplanade Row, facing the Maidan. Esplanade Row was described as a street “composed of palaces”, reflecting the city’s ne...