History & Heritage of Sealdah
Uncover the fascinating story of Sealdah. From its origins as Shrigaldwipa and the resting tree of Job Charnock, to Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah's 1756 battle and the development of modern rail and road links.
Etymology & Shrigaldwipa Swamps
In ancient geographical records, the area of modern Sealdah was known as Shrigaldwipa (meaning Jackal Island). The name is derived from the Bengali words Sheal (jackal) and Daha (a pool or lake). This reflects the landscape of the area before colonial settlements—a swampy, low-lying wetland where wild jackals roamed.
The area was also historically referred to as Baithakkhana (literally a sitting place). This name refers to a large Peepul/Banyan tree where traders and merchants from the eastern districts rested and formed groups before entering the main settlement. Job Charnock, the founder of Calcutta, is said to have spent time smoking under the shade of this Peepul tree.
Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah's Battle of 1756
In June 1756, Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah marched on Calcutta to capture the British Fort William. To defend the town, the British had constructed the Maratha Ditch (now Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road).
The Nawab's army crossed the Maratha Ditch at Sealdah, engaging the British forces in a brief battle in the local paddy fields. The Nawab successfully breached the defenses, leading to the capture of the city. In 1758, the British purchased the surrounding villages, including Sealdah, from Nawab Mir Jafar and consolidated them as the 55 villages of Dihi Panchannagram.
Harrison Road & Circular Road Development
The Maratha Ditch was filled in 1799, paving the way for the construction of Circular Road (now APC Road). Between 1889 and 1892, the British built Harrison Road (now Mahatma Gandhi Road) to connect Sealdah Station with the Hooghly River crossings.
Harrison Road was one of the first streets in Calcutta to be illuminated by electricity, which accelerated the growth of the Baithakkhana paper market and nearby printing hubs.
Historical Timeline
Mughal Empire Grant
Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar grants East India Company the rights to rent 38 villages surrounding their early settlement, including Sealdah.
Maratha Ditch Excavation
A defensive ditch (the Maratha Ditch) is excavated to protect Calcutta from Bargi invasions. The ditch ran along what is now Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road.
Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah's Siege
The last independent Nawab of Bengal leads his troops across the Maratha Ditch at Sealdah to attack the British. A major battle is fought in the local rice fields.
Dihi Panchannagram Formation
The British purchase 55 villages (Dihi Panchannagram) from Nawab Mir Jafar, restructuring Sealdah into a formal municipal village block.
East Bengal Railway Launch
Train operations begin with a simple tin-roofed shed terminal, connecting Calcutta to Kushtia (in modern-day Bangladesh).
Walter Glanville Station Building
Architect Walter Glanville designs and completes the permanent brick-and-mortar Sealdah Station structure.
First Horse Tramway
Kolkata's first horse-driven tramway begins operations from Sealdah Station to Armenian Ghat via Bowbazar.
Harrison Road Construction
Harrison Road (now Mahatma Gandhi Road) is built to connect Sealdah Station with the Hooghly river crossings.