Have you ever wondered about Kolkata’s oldest building? Right here in Dum Dum stands Clive House a structure shrouded in mystery and steeped in history. It is also known as Burra Kothi. The early history of Clive House is veiled. Authentic records about the building’s original owner or construction year are unavailable.
Clive House likely predates Robert Clive himself. However it earned its name from Lord Clive’s residence here. A desolate plaque at the entrance indicates that Lord Clive used to reside here. This suggests the building existed before 1756. Some scholars believe it was constructed during the late Mughal period. It may have become the property of Nawab Alivardi Khan. Others think it was a Portuguese or Dutch factory or a godown for cotton and saltpeter. Salt Pete is also known as Potassium Nitrate. It is a salty white powder used to preserve meat and produce explosives and fertilizers.
After the Battle of Plassey, Lord Clive renovated the huge building. He transformed it into his country house. Clive introduced architectural changes. He added the upper story. Lush green gardens and walks were laid. But the actual reason for this fort like building’s construction remains a mystery. Strangely, Clive House stands on a mound. It is like a fort on a hill. Local gossip says the mound was built in a single night. The reason for the mound’s construction and how it was completed so quickly is unknown. Locals also believe that the mound and the house are haunted.
Robert Orme mentioned the building in his book “History of the War in Bengal”. In 1757, Clive marched from Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah’s camp. He crossed Dum Dum Road and noticed an old building on a high mound. Lewis O’Malley commented on the building’s elevated position and strong structure. It appeared capable of defense against anything but artillery. O’Malley wrote it was originally a one storied block house. It had underground chambers for flank fire positions. The walls were thick. O’Malley also noted that Dum Dum originates from Damdama meaning heaped mound or battery.
After Clive, Clive House changed hands. Officers of the Bengal Artillery lived here for field practice. Later, the building was rebuilt and maintained. Bishop Reginald Heber visited in the 1820s. He praised the gardens’ beauty. During this period, the building served as a private residence for notable Englishmen. In 1891, it became the headquarters of the Presidency Volunteer Reserve Battalion. In the 1930s, Sir Owain Jenkins lived here. He later became a distinguished industrialist. Jenkins mentioned he left due to the stinking smell of the adjacent market.
After India’s independence in 1947, refugee families from East Pakistan sought shelter here. Despite non maintenance, the building was in fairly good condition twenty years ago. Eventually, the encroaching families left. A portion of the roof caved in. The building became full of debris. With broken windows and wild foliage, it looked like a haunted place.
In 2001, decorated pottery was found near the mound. This discovery led to an extensive excavation. The excavation revealed remnants of an early civilization. It dated back far beyond the days of Christ. Statuettes, terracotta, and seals belonging to the Shunga period were unearthed. These items resembled those found in Chandraketugarh. These findings suggest that Calcutta has a more glorious history of an ancient civilization.
In 2006, wild trees and debris were removed from the structure. A crescent shaped stairway to the arched opening was discovered. A balcony supported by pillars was repaired. However, further restoration has been suspended. Today Clive House is a protected monument. It stands as a reminder of Kolkata’s rich and mysterious past. A past far older than many realize. A visit here is a step back in time. It is a chance to connect with the layers of history beneath our feet.