Citizens' initiative restores Tollygunge Ghari Ghar heritage gateway
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Kolkata: Kolkata Restorers, a collective of citizens who love the city and its heritage, have restored the Tollygunge Ghari Ghar, a Grade I heritage structure off Deshpran Sasmal Road near the Tipu Sultan mosque.
Constructed around 1877 by Prince Raheemuddin Shah, a great-grandson of Tipu Sultan, the gateway once supported a large clock on top, hence the local name Ghari Ghar. The archway serves as an entrance to the imambara inside the lane.
The gateway features Tuscan-style columns and inscriptions in Nastaliq Urdu and Bengali. "This is more than just a gateway; it is a historical marker of Tipu Sultan's lineage, a centre of Shia ritual life, and a testament to colonial-era architecture," said architect Anjan Mitra, who was advised on how the restoration should be done.
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After taking permission from the Wakf trustees led by Humayun Mirza, a descendant of Tipu Sultan as well as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the cracks were repaired and the structure was given lime paint. The marble plaques on the gate were cleaned, and the archway was illuminated. Kolkata-based company Techno Electric funded the entire cost of restoration.
The translation of the Nastaliq script carries the following interpretation: "This graceful tower, crowned with a noble arch, has been raised as a place of beauty and reflection — worthy of reverence, like a place of prayer.
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Though time may pass and eras may shift, this structure stands firm, embodying the refined taste and noble spirit of its maker."
"The tower is a royal memorial, constructed by a descendant of one of the subcontinent's most revered freedom fighters — Tipu Sultan, the martyr and protector of his people," said Mudar Patherya, who has coordinated the Kolkata Restorers initiative.
"Its creator, Sayyid Mohamed Raheemuddin, was the son of Abdul Rahman, grandson of Abdus Salam, and great-grandson of Tipu Sultan. Through this structure, he preserved a legacy of dignity, courage, and devotion to heritage. This tower was erected in 1877. The arch offers a rare glimpse into Kolkata's 19th century Muslim aristocracy and how local landmarks retain lived memory," he added.
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