Hatibagan
Hatibagan (Bengali: হাতিবাগান) is a neighbourhood in north Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). The area is under Shyampukur [1] & Burtalla police stations. It is next to Shyambazar. The place is popular for its shops, markets, cinema halls and old theatres. No other places in Kolkata cover as many cinema & theatre halls as Hatibagan. One of the most popular and famous cinema halls here is the Star Theatre, with many people in north Kolkata choosing to watch films there instead of multiplexes because of its low ticket prices. Hatibagan is one of the oldest traditional markets in Kolkata city, 97 years old in 2009. One can buy typical Bengal silk and cotton saris here. Two major roads those cross through Hatibagan are Bidhan Sarani & Aurobinda Sarani (formerly Grey Street). Hatibagan-Shyambazar broadly cover Ward Nos. 11 and 12 of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.[2]
The Japanese had dropped a bomb at Hatibagan market during World War II but it did not explode.[3] The major portion of the market was gutted in a fire on 22 March 2012.[4]
Etymology
There are two main views on the etymology of the name Hatibagan. Hati means elephant, bagan means garden. According to one view, the elephants of the Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah were posted here when he attacked Kolkata in 1756. Another view suggests someone with the surname Hati had a villa with garden in this area, leading to the name. The villa was bought by Mehtab Chand Mullick who initiated the market.[4]
References
- ↑ "Shyapukur Police Station". Kolkata Police. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ↑ Map no. 7, Detail Maps of 141 Wards of Kolkata, D.R.Publication and Sales Concern, 66 College Street, Kolkata – 700073
- ↑ "Hatibagan Market: Too strong for WW II, too weak for fire". Bengal. The Statesman, 17 May 2002. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
- 1 2 "দশ ঘণ্টার যুদ্ধে হেরে নিঃস্ব হাতিবাগান" [Hatibagan loses in ten-hours long fight]. Anandabazar Patrika. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2012.