“Doomtullah,” they called it once. That’s right! Before the shops and the lights, Ezra Street had a different name and a different story.
Welcome to Ezra Street in Kolkata. This 350-meter stretch is more than just a bustling commercial hub. It is a place steeped in history. Let’s step back to the 19th century. David Joseph Ezra, a prominent member of Calcutta’s Jewish community, made this street his home. He was a trader in indigo and silk. He also exported opium. Ezra handled Arab trade ships that docked in Calcutta.
David Joseph Ezra invested wisely. He bought real estate in Chowringhee, Park Street, and Esplanade. He also invested in what became Ezra Street. Many colonial mansions were constructed in these areas. They remain important to the city’s architectural heritage. Ezra became Commissioner of the Calcutta Municipality in 1876. He was also appointed Sheriff of Calcutta in 1879.
Interestingly, the street is named after David’s son, Elias David Ezra. Elias made significant contributions to Calcutta. The Maghen David Synagogue still stands at one end of Ezra Street. Elias built it in 1884 in memory of his father. It showcases Italian Renaissance style. Inside, you’ll find intricate plaster work. Chequered marble flooring adds to its elegance. Stained-glass windows complete the picture. Elias David Ezra owned buildings at 59-62 Ezra Street.
Other communities also settled here. The city’s first Parsi fire temple was at 26 Ezra Street. Before the Parsi and Jewish communities arrived, the street was called “Doomtullah”. This name appears on Mark Wood’s 1784 map of Calcutta. It’s believed the street was named after the Doms. They were the untouchables who cremated the dead.
As Europeans settled in Calcutta, the Doms were displaced. By the 19th century, the area became a Jewish hub. This was largely due to the Ezras’ philanthropy. The Bengally Theatre was located at 25 Doomtullah. Gerasim Stepanovich Lebedev, a Russian linguist, founded it. It was the first European-style proscenium drama theatre in South Asia in 1795.
Today, Ezra Street is known for its light shops. Especially before Diwali, the street lights up. It is the biggest market for lights, fittings, and appliances in eastern India. The shops sell fairy lights, jhallars, and chandeliers. Most lights are now made in India.
Ezra Street tells a story of global residents. It reminds us of a time when Calcutta was a melting pot of cultures. The street’s history is a testament to the city’s diverse past. Take a moment to appreciate Ezra Street’s layered identity. It was once “Doomtullah”, then a Jewish community hub, and now a bustling market. A transformation occurred in this vibrant Kolkata street.