Tour Guide for General Post Office (GPO), Kolkata

Tour Guide for General Post Office (GPO), Kolkata

Welcome to the General Post Office (GPO) in Kolkata! This iconic structure is not just the city’s primary postal hub but also an architectural marvel and a historical landmark. Let’s take a journey through its rich past and stunning design.

1. Introduction & Importance

  • The GPO Kolkata is the central post office of the city and one of the most famous buildings in India’s postal system.
  • It serves as the headquarters of the West Bengal Circle of the Indian Post.
  • Known for its grand domed architecture and Corinthian columns, the GPO is a landmark of British colonial heritage.

2. Historical Background

  • Built in 1868 by British architect Walter B. Grenville, who was also responsible for several key structures in colonial Calcutta.
  • Constructed during British rule to improve communication and mail services in India.
  • Located in the B. B. D. Bagh (Dalhousie Square) area, which was the center of British administration in Bengal.
  • It was strategically built on the site of the old Fort William, where the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta incident (1756) took place.

3. Architectural Highlights

  • The GPO’s grand white dome, standing 220 feet high, is its most striking feature.
  • It has massive Corinthian columns in the front, giving it a majestic neoclassical look.
  • The interior features high ceilings, marble flooring, and a central hall, enhancing its colonial-era charm.
  • A Philatelic Bureau is inside the GPO, displaying rare and historic stamps from India.

4. The Black Hole of Calcutta Connection

  • Near the GPO, you’ll find a small plaque marking the site of the Black Hole of Calcutta, where British prisoners were allegedly confined in 1756.
  • This historical event remains a controversial part of Kolkata’s colonial past.

5. Present-Day Significance

  • The GPO is still operational today, handling thousands of letters, parcels, and financial services.
  • It is also a heritage site, attracting history enthusiasts, tourists, and architecture lovers.
  • Visitors can buy special commemorative stamps from the Philatelic Bureau.

Conclusion

The General Post Office of Kolkata is more than just a postal hub—it is a symbol of British architectural grandeur, historical events, and India’s evolving postal system. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or a curious traveler, the GPO is a must-visit landmark in Kolkata!

 

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