View source for Little Europe: Bandel, Calcutta, Chinsurah, Chandernagore, Serampore

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=A backgrounder= 
==As in 2024==
[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/revival-instinct-little-europe-clings-to-last-vestiges-of-its-heritage/articleshow/110258944.cms  Zeeshan Jawed & Sukumar Mahato, TNN, May 20, 2024: ''The Times of India'']

[[File: Little Europe in Bengal, as in 2024.jpg| Little Europe in Bengal, as in 2024 <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/revival-instinct-little-europe-clings-to-last-vestiges-of-its-heritage/articleshow/110258944.cms  Zeeshan Jawed & Sukumar Mahato, TNN, May 20, 2024: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]

KOLKATA: Much before the British founded Calcutta (now Kolkata), “Little Europe” had already started taking shape in pockets of Gangetic Bengal.

The first European colony in Bengal was established by the Portuguese in Bandel on the Ganges riverbank in the early 16th century. The Dutch followed in Chinsurah, the French in Chandannagar (formerly Chandernagore), the British in Calcutta and, finally, the Danes in Serampore.

These former colonial enclaves, which are now part of the Serampore and Hooghly parliamentary constituencies, will vote today.The approximately 20 lakh electors in these seats want their representatives and both state and central govts to revive tourism, restore the architectural relics, preserve their heritage and renew trade and commerce.

The towns, roughly 60km north of Kolkata, started flourishing in trade and commerce and witnessed an influx of capital, becoming home to some of the biggest riverine ports. The foreign rulers also brought in their cuisine, culture and architecture and constructed churches and mansions.

With Kolkata acquiring more significance under the British in the 18th century, the “Little Europe” settlements were relegated to the background as their magnificent architectural heritage began crumbling and their cuisine disappeared and trade dwindled.

“These places have been reduced to being mofussil (suburban) towns that are bursting at the seams. The state of infrastructure is abysmal, the drainage system is a mess and unplanned real estate development has affected the quality of living,” said Soumen Banerjee, a former English professor at Serampore College, which was built in 1827.

The locals feel the areas have great potential for tourism by virtue of their tangible and intangible heritage.

“These towns have been holding on to traces of their European heritage in public spaces, buildings and culture. The colonial architecture, cultural practices and memories in “Little Europe” are now at risk due to rapid urbanisation. They need urgent conservation measures and a solid revival plan,” said Susmita Mukherjee, who runs a café in Bandel.

West Bengal Tourism is promoting these areas along the Hooghly and showcasing the settlements of European traders around its banks.

To preserve and document the heritage, UK and India have jointly funded The Hugli River of Cultures Project.

A team of academic researchers, who reside in and around Chandannagar, and partner teams from the University of Liverpool and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, are collaborating on the project.

“Several monuments, including churches and public spaces, have already been restored. The number of tourists visiting these places has also risen,” said an official of the tourism department.

Restoration of The Denmark Tavern, using traditional construction techniques and materials, has not only drawn tourists and spurred public interest but also rekindled hopes for the restoration of other heritage monuments in a way that benefits the local economy. The tavern, dating back to the 1780s, served as a hangout offering drinks, books and recreational activities to European visitors.

“The restoration of the Danish tavern can be used as an example for other places of historical importance,” said Anirban Ghosh, who conducts heritage walks in various areas of “Little Europe".

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LITTLE EUROPE: BANDEL, CALCUTTA, CHINSURAH, CHANDERNAGORE, SERAMPORE]]
[[Category:India|E 
LITTLE EUROPE: BANDEL, CALCUTTA, CHINSURAH, CHANDERNAGORE, SERAMPORE]]
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