"Exploring the Rich Heritage and History of the City of Calcutta" Step into the enchanting world of Calcutta, a city steeped in history and culture. From its early days as a bustling trading post to its role as the capital of British India, Calcutta has witnessed countless stories unfold within its vibrant streets. In an engraving by Sir Acquin Martin, we catch a glimpse of the city's architectural beauty with intricate details adorning Hindu buildings in Kolkata. This handcoloured copperplate drawing by Andrea Bernieri showcases the diverse influences that have shaped this metropolis over centuries. View of Calcutta, c. 1790, captured on canvas, transports us back to an era when grandeur and opulence defined this thriving hub. The painting depicts a scene showcasing various nationalities known in India – from Northern Indian to Mongol, Persian to Mughal – highlighting Calcutta's cosmopolitan nature even then. However, not all chapters in Calcutta's history are filled with splendor. In 1885, tragedy struck as General Charles George Gordon fell victim to Mahdists' violence in Khartoum. Similarly grim is "Terrorism in British India, " depicted vividly through colour lithography – reminding us of turbulent times faced by this city. Calamity also befell during famines that plagued Bengal; engravings like "The Famine in India" and "The Famine in Bengal" capture heart-wrenching scenes where locals struggled for survival amidst scarcity. These images serve as poignant reminders of resilience amid adversity. Yet amidst darkness emerges hope - black-and-white photographs reveal Burning Ghat at Calcutta where rituals symbolize life's cyclical nature while Aarons rod swallowing serpents signifies triumph over evil forces depicted through colourful lithography. Notable figures also left their mark on this illustrious city: Surajah Dowlah, Nawab of Bengal, is immortalized in a lithograph.