Kolikatar Rajpath 1 by Ajit Kumar Basu [Hardcover]

Just as the city of Rome did not emerge in a single day or year, Kolkata too was not built in such a short span of time. Instead, through a process of historical evolution, three obscure villages - Sutanuti, Kalikata, and Gobindapur - slowly and gradually transformed into the Kolkata we know today. This city, rich in heritage yet often unaware of its own traditions, has witnessed how its narrow lanes and wide streets, its palaces and gardens, once intertwined with the vibrant elements of society and culture. Over time, however, much of these elements have begun to fade into dust. This unfolding story is both fascinating and intriguing. It is as much known as it is unknown. The known and unknown parts of this story are what Ajit Kumar Basu has beautifully narrated in this extensive, painstakingly researched book.

The author had long-standing connections with the municipal advisory council responsible for street-naming in Kolkata. This allowed him access to many rare documents about the city, while also deeply stirring him with the realization that, amid the frequent renaming of streets and the growing dominance of modern urban civilization, much of Kolkata's history - its precious and intimate testimonies - was slowly disappearing beneath the overwhelming piles of multi-story concrete structures. 

It was largely based on these concerns that the author took the initiative to preserve this disappearing history in book form. After almost twelve years of relentless research and effort, he presented this work. The history of Kolkata’s streets, its founding and development, its society and culture, which the author presents in this book, is not just a dry collection of external details scattered across official documents. At the same time, the author sought to capture the more intimate aspects of Kolkata’s history, and for this, he reached out to the elderly residents of different parts of the city. The unique combination of information collected from these two sources gives this book a distinct authority and significance.

It is hoped that this book will be a treasured companion for those who love Kolkata and those who wish to learn more about this city.