Heritage structures of Bengal

Great Eastern Hotel Kolkata – The Jewel of the East with a Rich Colonial Legacy   Kolkata’s oldest grande dame, the Great Eastern Hotel, opened its doors in 1840 — long before India’s first war of independence — and has since witnessed the city’s transformation. Discover its fascinating origins, legendary guests, and enduring heritage.  The above photograph was captured between 1850- 1870 & is preserved in Victoria & Alburt Museum.  From Bakery to Grand Hotel: The Vision of David Wilson  David Wilson began as a confectioner and ran a bakery at the site even before the hotel existed. When the Auckland Hotel opened, the bakery was incorporated — and for decades, the breads and cakes of the Great Eastern Hotel became a legend in Kolkata. By the 1860s, the company was renamed to The Great Eastern Hotel Wine & General Purveying Co., adopting the name inspired by the famous Great Eastern ship — a clever early marketing move, as many traveller...