Bagbazar

Hello friends. Have you ever wondered why the names of some places in this city of joy are unique? Well, I have a belief that name doesn't come at random. Do you know the story behind the name 'BagBazar'? When I was a child  I thought that maybe the people of that area sell tigers or 'Bagh'[ in bengalli]. But it is BagBazar, not BaghBazar. So, are you ready to hear the story?

Well, the main character of this story was Captain Charles Perin. He was a businessman and was a very wealthy person. In 1707, he established a huge BaganBari near the river Ganges. One side of that was Haralal Mitra St, and on the other side was Chitpur Road, today's Rabindra Sarani. But sadly he died in 1708. After his death, his BaganBari was sold in an auction. After some time it was bought by British East India Company and they built an Ordnance factory there. They also built a small fort in the North-Western corner of the house, Which was called 'Perin's Readout'. It was more likely a military base camp to prevent any kind of attack from this side. So, when Siraj attacked in 1756, the army suffered a great resistance from Perin's Readout. After sometime when the army of the Nawab noticed there is no way out they crossed a ditch to enter Kolkata. British lost the battle. But after that nobody attacked Kolkata in that fashion. So, the use of Perin's readout became less. Everyone forget about it. But, up to then, the BaganBari was surrounded by a big market. Perin Sahab Ka Bagicha[ Bagan] or 'Bag' and a market or 'Bazar' in the surrounding. So, the name must be 'BagBazar'. Interesting isn't it? But, Have you noticed I have told you that the army of the Nawab had to cross a 'Ditch'? Do you know the story of that? No, well, I believe you have also crossed the ditch several times. I will tell you the story but not today. Goodbye and love Kolkata.