The palaces of old Kolkata are one of the sadder stories of our times. Once grand and opulent, many of them are a state of ruin as often there has been a decline in family fortunes and no one, including the state is bothered.
I feel there should a trust, with or without the support of the state, that can take care of these really magnificent buildings. Part of our recent heritage, any part of them lost is a slice of history that is gone forever.
These palaces are largely in north Kolkata, in the older part of the city, built largely during British times. There are still some families that have managed to maintain them, but most seem to be in terminal decline. For a state that is looking for funds, this could easily turn into a huge heritage complex if someone did take the initiative.
This pic is taken in the evening from a cruise ship on the Hugli.
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