The throne that controlled the city

In one of the busiest streets of Kolkata known popularly as B.B.D. Bag lies a red stone structure known as the Writers’ Building. If you ask around, you’ll know that this building is bubbling with historical significance as it was the main office of the East India Company. Its grand design and delicate architectural elements are inspired by the Indo-Saracenic Revival architectural style. Many say that the building has witnessed key events during the independence movement. It has been associated with prominent figures and movements that shaped the course of Indian politics and society, adding to its cultural significance. And finally, it is a link to the city’s glorious past. Today, this structure is 150 meters long with a built-up area of 55,000 square feet and as many as 6,000 employees work under various departments and offices belonging to the government services.

So, if you’re touring Kolkata, you should visit this monument and soak in the air that hangs in the seat of power. It feels like travelling through time and experiencing the business of an administrative office during the times of yore. 

The rising and shining of a great symbol

Not many people are aware that the Writers’ Building was the first 3 storey building that Kolkata saw. It followed the neo-classical style with magnificent Corinthian columns. It was constructed by a self-styled builder named Thomas Lyon on behalf of Richard Barwell. Legends say that the structure was initially a boarding place for the junior-level servants called ‘Writers’. This is why the building was also known as the Writers’ Building. However later, Warren Hastings changed it to an administrative office. 

A long time ago, the land on which the Writers’ Building stands belonged to St. Anne’s Church. The church was eventually demolished and the land was donated to Thomas Lyon along with a small additional plot beside the Writers’ Building plot. After the building was instated, the East Indian Company which was operating under the Mughal Empire in Bengal began using this place as their headquarters. 

As time went by the need to train the writers in other languages like Persian and Hindi grew. It was then that the Fort William College was set up inside the premises. Many other renovations were also made within the building to accommodate a hostel, a lecture hall, four libraries, and an examination room for the students.  A 128-foot-long veranda was also built on the first and the second floors with majestic columns so that the extended structure could be supported well. 

A few years later as India was colonized and the Britishers took over the administrative seat, it became the office of the secretariat of Bengal. More blocks were built and slowly the humble-looking structure became a mansion. 

The place was then decorated with Greek Gods and Goddesses as a symbol of Justice, Commerce, Science, and Agriculture along with statues of a European and Indian practitioner of their respective subjects.

Timings

Opening time - 10:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

In the honour of Independence 

The Writers’ Building has many stories that linger in its hallowed halls. But one that never goes out of the spotlight is the murder of Lt. Colonel Simpson by the Bengal freedom fighter revolutionaries, Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta. The Britisher was known for his extreme brutality to Indian prisoners most of whom were freedom fighters and it made the Indians furious. So one day Bimal, Binay, and Dinesh walked into the Writer’s Building dressed up in European attire and shot Simpson dead. They killed themselves before getting caught. The Dalhousie Square was then re-named BBD Bagh, as it is known today.

Surrounding the seat of power

Near the iconic Writers' Building in Kolkata lie several tourist attractions that will offer you a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Just a stone's throw away is the majestic Victoria Memorial, an architectural marvel dedicated to Queen Victoria that houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing India's colonial past. A stroll down College Street, dubbed "Boi Para" (Book Market), leads to a treasure trove of bookstores, offering everything from rare manuscripts to contemporary literature. Further south, the bustling New Market entices with its eclectic array of shops, selling everything from handcrafted souvenirs to traditional Bengali sweets. Additionally, the serene grounds of Maidan, Kolkata's sprawling urban park, offer respite from the city's hustle and bustle, with lush greenery and historic monuments dotting its landscape. Together, these attractions complement the historic charm of the Writers' Building, inviting tourists to immerse themselves in Kolkata's dynamic blend of history, culture, and commerce.

As tourists explore the area surrounding the Writers' Building, they find themselves enveloped in Kolkata's timeless allure—a captivating fusion of history, culture, and commerce. With its towering presence and storied past, the Writers' Building stands as a poignant reminder of the city's colonial legacy and enduring spirit. Its surroundings, bustling with life and dotted with landmarks, offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Kolkata, leaving visitors with memories of an unforgettable journey through time and tradition.