Rooted in history
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden has a rich history dating back to 1787. It owes its inception to Colonel Robert Kyd, an enterprising officer of the East India Company.
Kyd’s vision extended beyond mere curiosity about rare plants; he aimed to create a stock of valuable botanical specimens that could benefit both the inhabitants of India and the British Empire. The garden was established primarily for identifying new plants with commercial potential, such as teak, and for cultivating spices for trade. In a proposal to Governor-General John Macpherson, Kyd emphasized the economic benefits of this endeavour, aiming to alleviate mass famine and promote growth in 18th-century India.
Encompassing nature’s bounty
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is renowned for several reasons: