Sukhamaya Swain

Chronicling Calcutta Sukhamaya Swain

Did you know that Kolkata has the country's largest library? The city gave India its first printing press. The first foreign-recognised educational institution was also in Kolkata. The first lift (a squirrel cage one) was inaugurated in the city of joy. A large number of Nobel-nominated people and institutions are also from Kolkata.

It's not just the Oriental connection which people link with Kolkata, it has stories of many religions, cultures, stalwarts, freedom struggle, education, architecture, nationalism, literature, sports, science, revolts and languages. This has attracted many, insiders as well as outsiders, to the city.

As an outsider to the city, the history bug caught the author as soon as he landed in Kolkata. The weekend habit of discovering the city has resulted in this novel where the author cherry-picks 21 places in and around Kolkata. He expects incremental awareness and eagerness towards these facets of history in particular and a sense of respect for all-historical elements of this great city in general.