The Issues of Heritage Conservation and Hybrid European-Bengali Identity in Kolkata City

Abstract

Kolkata used to be one of the world’s major cosmopolitan cities, and its architectural legacy proves that. Nowadays it is deeply intertwined with the desire for a dynamic urbanism and the protection of its historical identity. The city’s architectural heritage includes important administrative and commercial buildings at the heart, as well as Indian middle and upper-class homes in rich suburbs. The palaces exude colonial influence in architecture, show the life of the revolutionaries and enrich the cultural identity of the settlement. However, the city was a late bloomer in the post-independence era and thus did not have a distinct post-colonial architecture. In the context of rapid urban development, current discussion focuses on the local meaning of colonial heritage buildings, the history of people and cultural identity. The study highlighted the problems associated with the adaptation, evolution and continuity of traditional residential types that formed the basis for the formulation of policies for future development and intervention in the traditional city fabric and for the broader protection of traditional heritage houses. It investigated the different priorities of conservation organizations, their ideological and practical conflicts and the impact of social, political and cultural changes on Kolkata. The conducted work included exploration of photographs, documented cultural phenomena, and archive readings. The paper illuminates the unique fabric of the city represented by its residential heritage. The old houses add personal character and charm to the area. However, their existence is largely neglected in a comprehensive manner and the needs of stakeholders are often ignored. Internal and external factors identified in the paper should encourage governments, the public, stakeholders and other related parties to understand the need for the situation and to plan the future.