Subhadip Mukherjee

There are two ways to reach Bawali, you can take the road from Behala that goes towards Thakurpukur/Joka or you can take the road to Budge Budge and reach Bawali. I also prefer the road via Budge Budge because in this way you can visit other interesting sites around Budge Budge and Achipur. Take the lane on right next to Radha Gopinath Jiu Temple and after around twenty meters you will reach a gate with a compound consisting of old temples and other old structures. The Mondol family used to play Holi with flowers instead of colors thus according to the locals this building was built primarily for the household members of the Zamindar family to play Holi and enjoy private time amongst family members.

This Yogini is seen mounted on top of a male figure, the male figure is seen lying on the ground on his knees holding a lotus plant. This Yogini is seen mounted on top of a dog, she is seen mounted on the left leg while the other right leg is lifted over her left thigh and her hand holding onto her right leg. On her left hand, she is seen carrying a shield and on her right hand, she is seen carrying a thunderbolt. She is having four arms out of which each left and right hand hold a lion on top of her head while the rest of the two arms hold a dagger with her right hand and a severed head with her left hand.

You will get to see some old paintings of the city, the history of the establishment of Calcutta port, foundation laying of Haldia Port, and other important information which directly or indirectly connects the river to the history of the city. One of the most interesting instrument that is on display is the original 100-foot steel measuring tape that was used by the Chief Engineering Drawing Office in charge of building the iconic Howrah Bridge. The steel tape had to be special since heat and cold can alter the length of the tape thus this tape was made from special steel that did not change in length due to temperature change and remained constant. Before joining the movie industry when Uttam Kumar was known by his original name Arun Kumar Chatterjee and apart from doing theatre he used to work here in Calcutta Port trust as a cashier at the Port Commissioners office at Kidderpore in the year 1944.

As the name suggests this summer garden house was built by the Gayen family as an extension of their house which lies another kilometer inside from the main road. While most of the family and their extended families have relocated to Kolkata this building still is used as a family home for Monjit Gayen. Unlike Gayen Bari none of the Sawoo family members reside here, they have also relocated to Kolkata and only come during Durga Pujo for their annual traditional celebrations. On the right side of the Ballav Bari, there is a building similar to that of Nazar Minar that I had seen in Gayen Bari.