Did you know Beniapukur’s name holds a secret? It’s a blend of ‘benia’ and ‘pukur’. Benias were influential merchants. Particularly gandhabaniks perfume and spice traders. They settled here digging a tank or pukur. This is Beniapukur in Kolkata a neighbourhood brimming with history.
Beniapukur is older than you might think. In 1717 the East India Company gained rights to rent villages. Beniapukur was among those villages. Following Siraj-ud-daulah’s defeat they bought these villages in 1758. They reorganized them. The area was then known as Dihi Panchannagram.
The Maratha Ditch altered Beniapukur’s landscape. Dug in 1742 it was partially filled in 1799. This created the Circular Road now Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Imagine the transformation.
Beniapukur’s growth continued. In 1888 areas including parts of Beniapukur joined Kolkata’s Municipal Corporation. A police station was established. It’s been around since the mid-18th century though the thana dates from the early 19th century.
Beniapukur boasts a rich educational heritage. Pratt Memorial School stands as a testament. It’s an English-medium girls’ school founded in 1876. It prepares students for ICSE and ISC exams. The Frank Anthony Public School is another significant institution.
Healthcare in Beniapukur is notable too. Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital is there. It’s a prominent state government hospital. It offers MBBS and postgraduate courses. It boasts 1470 beds. The hospital’s history is interesting. It’s a merger of several institutions. It eventually moved to Beniapukur in 1964.
Transport links are excellent. Buses and trams serve Beniapukur. The Nonapukur tram depot is in this area. The depot handles tram manufacturing modernization and refurbishing. Park Circus railway station is nearby. Sealdah station is also easily accessible.
Beniapukur’s story is a captivating blend of trade history and cultural richness. From its origins as a settlement of merchants to its current status as a bustling neighborhood. Beniapukur’s legacy remains vibrant. Its past is intertwined with the broader history of Kolkata itself. So much history in one place.