OH! Kolkata

When Calcutta becomes Kolkata,  I traveled to see the change.

Since declaring its independence from the United Kingdom in 1947 after years of colonial rule, a number of India’s big cities have undergone name changes as their states underwent reorganization.

Capital of West Bengal-India, is the union of  race, moment and milieu. In Jan 2001, the name was restored back to Kolkata from Calcutta. In the alphabetical order many intelligent people remarked that it was a silly mistake. One should not swap a Capital C with K, it might push back the economic parameter of the state. Well so the people said but the decision was carried out.

So I looked into the old tales of how the name Calcutta came into use.

One story was that   three village blokes  were lazing under a tree when a  British troup arrives and they enquire, pointing at the paddy fields- "What's the name of the place?" but villager's misinterpret the question to (when was the paddy cut) and answer Kaal-ke-kata ( the paddy was cut yesterday).Thus the brits called it Cal-cutta.

The second belief, was the name Kali-kata got derived from the Hindu goddess Kali. In Hindu mythology, when Shiva became furiously depressed on finding that his wife Sati (Sati when in angry mood is Kali) has passed away. He carried her dead body and traveled the World while doing tandav. Which affected World peace! So the devtas requested supreme Lord Vishnu to find a remedy. Now the ever practical Vishnu realised confronting the transcenedent Shiva in his current state will be suicidal, so he used his surgical Chakra to cut the dead body of Sati into pieces. A part  of her body fell over Kolkata and a temple was built.
Kali got cut = Kalikata; now over a period of time dialect underwent transformation and KOLKATA was in fashion.

The other theory for the name could have also been derived from the Bengali word kilkila which means "flat area." Although there's no historic evidence that the name could have come from the words khal (natural canal) and katta (area) which would have been present in older languages.

Kolkata represents a reality which never believes in realizing itself into a settled monolith. As ceaseless innovation to achieve its own promise of New World of hope of human beings, its creative expression seeks a distinct identity and spirit. To discover this new Kolkata, I set out to find its new spirit.

My first stop was in Hoggs Market also known as “The New Market” by Kolkataites now. Its historical significance dates back to the 19^th century British Colony, who displayed their contempt to brush shoulders with the “natives” at the bazaar. As a result around 1871, the then Calcutta Corporation opened Sir Stuart-Hogg market which was the prize preserved for Calcutta’s British citizens.

Now Hoggs market more famously known as “New Market”, is Kolkata’s shopping institution. It’s crowded, chaotic but if you are after a bargain, or even just an incredible experience, it’s the right choice to be in.

After the haggle of a great bargain for a black leather handbag, I marched off to a cooler place that was to visit the grand Victoria Memorial. The foundation stone of Victoria Memorial hall was laid down in 1906, its design is called indo-saracenic style which incorporates Mughal structure, ie the dome shape similar to that of Taj Mahal, one of wonders of the world. Victoria Memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson.

The Victoria Memorial is massive in size with blooming gardens, in winter, the trees give a haunting look but it had its charm still.

On the outer side of the walls, Muriel’s describing the various battles and skirmishes fought to attain independence are inscribed.

Now any travel is no fun without good food. Kolkata and bengalees love their food, be it road side food stall or cuisines, its a food paradise. After the long day, it felt great to unwind with good food, talk (adda) with friends.

And Kolkata becomes Oh! Kolkata.