Writers' Building

Overview

Writers' Building is a grand colonial edifice in BBD Bagh that served as the administrative headquarters of British Bengal and later the West Bengal state government. Its striking 150-meter-long red-brick Greco-Roman façade dominates Dalhousie Square.

Highlights

• Façade: The ornate frontage features Corinthian columns, arched windows, and classical statuary — one of Kolkata's finest colonial compositions.
• Historical Significance: The building witnessed the assassination of a British official in 1930 by Indian freedom fighters, a pivotal moment in the independence movement.
• Restoration: A massive multi-year restoration project beginning in 2017 is returning the structure to its original grandeur.

History

Originally built in 1777 to house junior clerks (or "writers") of the East India Company, the building was extensively remodeled in the 1880s in its current Italianate style. It housed the Bengal government for over two centuries.

Visitor Tips

• Exterior Only: The building is currently under restoration and closed to visitors; the exterior is still impressive.
• Photography: Best photographed from across the Dalhousie Square lawn.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.