Tollygunge

In 1774, Colonel William Tolly achieved a remarkable feat. He made the Adi Ganga channel navigable, forever changing the landscape of Tollygunge. This area, once known as Rasa Pagla, was a dense jungle dotted with the garden houses of Europeans seeking respite from the bustling city of Calcutta. Tollygunge, as we know it today, stands as a testament to this transformation. Tollygunge is a vibrant neighborhood in South Kolkata. Its significance in the world of Indian Bengali-language cinema is undeniable, serving as a prominent filming location for numerous regional films. Tollygunge is bordered by the Eastern Railway south suburban line to the north, Lake Gardens and Golf Green to the east, Pashchim Putiari and Purba Putiari to the south, and Behala to the west. The metro stations Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Netaji make Tollygunge easily accessible. Interestingly, after the Vellore Mutiny of 1806, Tipu Sultan’s sons found refuge in Tollygunge. The British, during the 19th century, extended their patronage to the prestigious Tollygunge Club and Tollygunge Golf Club. These establishments became social hubs, further shaping the area’s identity. The partition of Bengal brought a wave of refugees from East Pakistan, leading to the establishment of numerous refugee colonies in Tollygunge. These colonies left an indelible mark on the demographic and cultural fabric of the region. Tollygunge is not just a historical landmark but also a cultural center. It’s the heart of the Bengali film industry, affectionately nicknamed “Tollywood.” Studios like Indrapuri Studio and Technician Studio are located here, and have attracted renowned directors. Tollygunge also boasts historical temples and mosques, including the atchala temples of the Ghosh family and the mosque built by Prince Ghulam Mohammad in 1830. The vibrant Lake Market provides a bustling center of commerce. Tollygunge has transformed from a quiet jungle retreat to a vibrant hub of culture, history, and cinema. Its story is one of adaptation and evolution, a testament to the enduring spirit of Kolkata.