Writers' Building Kolkata: The Political Nerve Centre of British India

Writers’ Building Kolkata: From Colonial Nerve Centre to Symbol of Freedom

In the heart of Kolkata’s B.B.D. Bagh (Dalhousie Square) stands a striking red structure that has witnessed centuries of change — the Writers’ Building. Once the administrative backbone of British India and later the Secretariat of West Bengal, this monumental edifice is more than just an old office block. It has been a stage for revolution, a seat of governance, and a silent witness to the struggles and triumphs of Bengal.

Who Built the Writers’ Building?

The story of the Writers’ Building begins in 1777, when architect Thomas Lyon constructed it under the orders of Governor-General Warren Hastings. Originally, it was meant to house young clerks of the East India Company, known as “writers.” These officers handled paperwork, records, and accounts that kept the Company’s expanding empire running.

The name “Writers’ Building” endures from this very purpose — a reminder that this grand landmark started as a workplace for junior clerks before growing into a symbol of power.

Writers' Building, Calcutta, circa 1900.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons – Public Domain

Early Officers and Administration

The corridors of the Writers’ Building once buzzed with the footsteps of men who shaped colonial governance. Among them were:

• Warren Hastings – The first Governor-General of Bengal, who oversaw its construction.

• John Shore – A civil servant who started as a writer and went on to become Governor-General.

• Sir Philip Francis – A member of the Supreme Council of Bengal, remembered for his fierce political rivalry with Hastings.

These figures represent the early bureaucracy that defined the East India Company’s rule in India.

Origins & the British Era

At first, the Writers’ Building was modest — just a functional block for Company clerks. But as British control deepened, the structure expanded, both in scale and significance. Its growth mirrored the consolidation of British power in Bengal, and by the 19th century, it stood as a commanding colonial landmark in Calcutta, the capital of British India.

Colonial Expansion & Architecture

The structure is more than its administrative legacy—its design and construction reflect the architectural tastes of the British Empire.

Architectural Features

Beyond administration, the Writers’ Building is also an architectural statement. Designed with a blend of Victorian and neoclassical styles, its striking features include:

• Greco-Roman pillars that reflect European grandeur.

• Colonial verandas lining the façade.

• A red-brick exterior adorned with pediments and arched windows.

This distinctive design makes it one of the most recognizable colonial-era buildings in Kolkata.

📖 Related Post: Read about Victoria Memorial, another iconic structure from British India – https://historywalkindia.blogspot.com/2025/06/victoria-memorial.html

Role in the Freedom Struggle

The Writers’ Building is etched in history not only as an office of colonial authority but also as a site of revolutionary defiance.

On December 8, 1930, three young revolutionaries — Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta — stormed into the building to assassinate Colonel N.S. Simpson, the Inspector General of Prisons infamous for his cruelty. Though the act cost them their lives, it transformed the Writers’ Building from a symbol of oppression into a beacon of resistance.

Today, their statues stand proudly in front of the building, and the surrounding area is named B.B.D. Bagh in their honour.

Impact of the Act

Their bravery transformed this colonial office into a beacon of resistance. Today, statues of the trio stand proudly in front of the building, in the area now known as B.B.D. Bagh.

Post-Independence Significance

After India gained independence in 1947, the Writers’ Building found a renewed purpose. It became the administrative headquarters of the Government of West Bengal, housing the office of the Chief Minister and key departments. For decades, this was where policies were drafted and decisions made that shaped modern Bengal.

Known locally as Mahakaran Kolkata, the building became synonymous with political power in independent India.

Haunted Legends and Spooky Incidents

Like many colonial-era landmarks, the Writers’ Building has its share of ghost stories. Locals and staff have reported:

• Footsteps echoing in deserted corridors.

• Furniture shifting on its own at night.

• Whispers and strange sounds in empty rooms.

Some say these eerie events are tied to the building’s violent past — particularly the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the interrogations of political prisoners once held within its walls.

Current Status and Renovation

Today, the Writers’ Building is undergoing major restoration and conservation work. The project aims to:

• Preserve its original architectural details.

• Modernize its facilities for continued government use.

• Open sections as a heritage attraction in the future.

Even though public entry is restricted, the building continues to dominate the skyline of B.B.D. Bagh, standing as a proud reminder of Kolkata’s layered history.

⭐️ Writers’ Building in Kolkata Tourism Circuit 

Though not open for internal tours, the Writers’ Building Kolkata continues to be a prominent landmark in local heritage tours. Tourists visiting BBD Bagh often pause to admire its colonial architecture, flanked by iconic structures like the General Post Office and St. Andrew’s Church.

⭐️ How to Include It in Your Kolkata Itinerary 

If you're planning to explore historical places in Kolkata, make sure Writers’ Building is on your list. It’s best visited on weekdays during working hours to view the building in full operation, and to explore nearby attractions in central Kolkata.

📍 Location Tip: Club your visit with stops at Dalhousie Square, Prinsep Ghat, and the Indian Museum for a deeper understanding of the city’s layered past.

Writers’ Building set against the administrative heart of colonial-era Kolkata.

Conclusion

The Writers’ Building is far beyond just an old red-brick structure. It represents the evolution of Bengal’s identity—from colonial rule to freedom, from suppression to governance. Its walls hold stories of policy and protest, discipline and defiance. Visiting this monument is a step into the layered narrative of Kolkata itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions to help you plan your visit and understand more about the Writers’ Building.

Q1) What Makes Writers’ Building a Must-See?

Ans: Few British era buildings in Kolkata carry such weight of history, revolution, governance, and urban legend. Whether you’re a photographer, historian, student, or cultural enthusiast — this site offers a narrative few other places can match.

Q2) Is entry to the Writers’ Building free?

Ans: Yes, but public access is currently limited to the exterior. The inner offices are not open to general visitors.

Q3) What are the visiting hours?

A: It’s generally accessible Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Closed on weekends and public holidays.

Q4) Can tourists go inside the building?

A: No, entry is not permitted for tourists without special authorization. You can, however, view the building from outside and visit the statues in front.

Q5) Why is it called ‘Writers’ Building’?

A: The term "Writers" refers to the junior clerks of the East India Company, who were the first occupants of the building in the late 18th century.

Q6) Is the Writers’ Building also known as Mahakaran Kolkata?

A: Yes. In modern-day Bengali and official communication, it is often referred to as Mahakaran, meaning the main secretariat.

Q7) Are guided tours available?

A: Some heritage walk organizers in Kolkata include Writers’ Building in their BBD Bagh itinerary, though access is limited to the exterior view.