Journals from one of the greatest fluvial cultures of the sub-continent
In-depth Impressions of the Erstwhile Bengal
Journals from one of the greatest fluvial cultures of the sub-continent
In-depth Impressions of the Erstwhile Bengal
Ancient Bengal
Bengal
For thousands of years and even more Bengal was known to the Greeks and Romans as home to some of the most thriving 'Janapadas', also known as Kingdoms. Some historians believe that it is the gigantic war power of the 'Gangaridai' kingdom situated in the Gangetic Delta of Bengal that forced Alexander the Great to withdraw his intentions from India. From the Vedic period to the centuries-old journey of the tussle between Hinduism and Buddhism, Bengal brought opulence to the Occident rulers through trade, commerce, and diplomatic strengths. A pivotal point of diverse religious confluence and movements, Bengal has upscaled lives and civilisations through its mighty rivers. Its waters have witnessed one of the most influential renaissances of the century.
Bengal by its mighty Rivers
The Fourteenth Century Moroccan traveller Ibn Batuta had described Bengal as a "land with abundance". The Bengal Delta was born out of thousands of years of evolving doctrines of the Ganges aka Ganga and the Brahmaputra. Their numerous tributaries and branches transformed Bengal into a complex and rich riverine country.
In the medieval period, Bengal constituted regions known as Varendrabhumi and Pundravardhana. Ganga and Brahmaputra from their primordial lives drew the peripheries of present-day Bangladesh, Assam, and Bihar.
Bhagirathi and Hooghly connate to the mighty Ganga. Padma, the lower reaches of Brahmaputra and the Meghna concludes to the region of the Central Presidency Division of present-day West Bengal, the Khulna, and Dhaka division of present-day Bangladesh. One of Kalidas's works mentions the Vanga Kingdom and the Kingdom of Gangaridai.
Bordering the regions of the then Khasi and Jantia Hills, Mizoram, Chittagong, Cachar, Karimganj, Sylhet, Dhaka, etc. the ancient Kingdom of Samatata was formed. The 16th century Dutch Merchant Van Lindolan had termed Bengal as the ‘granary of the east’.
Bengal as a Philosophy
‘Bengal’ came from the expression ‘Bangla’ or ‘Vangla’, used by Arabian and Persian chroniclers to describe the country 13th century onwards; it gradually came to denote the entire province that stood between Bihar on the one hand and Kamrup on the other. It was this name that was adopted by the Portuguese as ‘Bangla’ and subsequently by other European traders, which led to the name ‘Bengal’— which also gave its name to the Bay of Bengal to its south. Some historians also believe that the famous Ain-i-Akbari gave birth to the name Bengal.
What do we do at Bengal by the Hooghly?
& Who are we?
We fell in love with the erudite scholarship of Bengal. Its vast offerings allure us as we mature in its waters. We cherish Bengal's existence in her true essence. Having spent a decade in the creative travel segment, we innovate cultural experiences from Bengal's fertile, mundane, and untamed. We are a team of wholehearted researchers on Bengal's every nook and cranny. Our humble inspiration lies in the philosophy of Bengal's elementary and yet original lifestyle.
Mission Hooghly
& beyond
As much as Hooghly has played a significant role in shaping lives for thousands of years, the mighty river remains uncharted, under utilised, and most importantly undiscovered. Hooghly endured its age old traditions of trades, commerce, cultures and if not anything but producing the alluvial deposits for the Ganges delta.
Inayat Khan in the Shahjahannama writes in detail about how the growing number of firingi (European) merchants in the region contributed to the gradual growth of Bandar (port) Hooghly at the cost of Satgoan. Before Hooghly Saptagram or Satgoan had received tradesmen from across the world. While travelling through the western delta of Bengal in 1515, Portuguese traveller Tom Pires mentions Satgoan or Saptagram as one of the chief trading cities in Bengal. He writes, ‘It has a good port; it has a good entrance. It is a good city and rich, where there are many merchants’.
Beyond the glorious affairs of the Hooghly and its residents the trade route once connected the Silk trade to the European and Asean Explorers. Those who wanted to rise up during their sailing duties and make some extra pennies, Hooghly provided them with fortune of wealth. However it was more than materialistic assets. The human capital sourced from the Hooghly made Europeans a regular. Their influence in our societies, cultures, economics, rituals, and lifestyle brought significant developments.
Amidst what was intentionally subdued was Hooghly's ancient heritage and traditions. Once an epicenter for Vaishnabaits and numerous religious movements became a hub of commerce. Eventually with the arrival of the British and the birth of Calcutta, the jewel of the crown stole every limelight. This has significantly progressed towards far more concentration of resources, opportunities, and attention to an engaging confluence of orient and the occident.
Mission Hooghly is objected and dedicated to rediscovering and unearthing the forgotten secrets, traditions, legends, myths, stories, and cultures through research, walks, and curated experiences of Bengal beyond Calcutta.
Contribute!
If you are a history lover and neighbourhood rejuvenator we will be more than happy to get introduced to you and we will try to work together with you in the restoration of attention and faith in Hooghly.
A Cohesive Thrust
Bengal by the Hooghly Collective
We build the Collective as a measure of developing an able workforce to lead experiential travel programs across Southern and Central Bengal. As a result, our intentions are directed to build human resources who are environmentally and socially literate.
Identification of Future Workforce
Our journey starts with identifying and acknowledging the to-be leaders of tomorrow. This includes collaboration with right stakeholders of the society and working as a primitive unit to implement programs to bring progressive change in career paths and minimsie possible future brain-drain.
Training & Skill Development Program
Therafter, we take the offsprings on a journey unlike any other. A thoroughly practical training program is adhered to exercise skills that will be useful for future Bengal. This is the most exciting chapter of our initiative to be able to see the transformation in close quarters.
Preserving the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Bengal is a repository of undocumented Cultural Heritage. We are aiming to build future Ethnographers to be able to conduct research and documentation independently which will reward the province like no other.
Celebration of Cultural Diversity
During our courses with the kids, we integrate and practice the idea of a secular and cosmopolitan upbringing which we were fortunate enough to receive during our childhood. It creates an immense bond among them beyond every parameter.
A Journey to a Brighter Bengal
We strongly believe in this entire operation of transforming Bengal into a brand new Avataar of futuristic change and innovative discoveries. Our efforts are adjoined with every traveller exploring Bengal with us and being part of the pathbreaking evolution.
People behind the thought
Anirban: Founder & Explorer
Vaishali: Training & Collaborations
Vaishali: Training & Collaborations
One who knows to travel knows the world better than most of us. Anirban is soul-searching his passion for travelling and discovering the unseen from the mainstream. He is followed by a passionate & ardent team of explorers who ensure your trails in and around Bengal as unique & experiential. He also leads Darjeeling Walks, an Award Winning Community Travel Ogranisation based in Darjeeling. Bengal by the Hooghly is his brainchild to develop a Collective as a future-ready workforce in the niche travel segment of Bengal. Since the last decade, he has been an active trotter in the tourism industry. Besides travelling, he is a filmmaker.
Vaishali: Training & Collaborations
Vaishali: Training & Collaborations
Vaishali: Training & Collaborations
A classical vocalist by profession, Vaishali is a passionate discoverer. She believes in solo exploration and sensitive analysis of her subjects. Coming from a strong background in literature studies, she carries a diversified portfolio. From theatre to music, cinema to travelling her interests fall in a wide range of themes and contents. She is an excellent writer and critic. She is in the leadership of Baithak in the Hills: Musicians in Residence, a one-of-a-kind curated program to cultivate and celebrate indigenous traditions of music in the Eastern Himalayan Region. With Bengal by the Hooghly she leads the Training team and interacts with future opportunities. She often idealises perfectionist through her works.
Ritobroto: Research & Documentation
Vaishali: Training & Collaborations
Ritobroto: Research & Documentation
While beauty is meant to be savored through the senses, the technological skeleton supporting a beautiful creation must stay hidden from plain sight. Thus, while we pause to amaze at the Chala roofed temples of Bengal, we overlook the underlying system of arches that make this architectural marvel possible. When we gasp at the ethereal beauty of the Bengal Muslin, we are left oblivious to the clever technology that went into the weave. However, we are not to be blamed for this oversight, because that is how the craftsmen meant us to see his creation: to admire the poetry and ignore the ink. However, the pleasure in discovering the technology can be no less rewarding. Rito is a technologist by profession and a historian by passion, his interest lies in understanding the beautiful science behind a beautiful art – join him in his research under the open sky and between terracotta ruins.
signature trails
Calcutta by the Hooghly
Calcutta by the Hooghly
Calcutta by the Hooghly
The Jewel of the English Crown had flourished along the prolific course of the Hooghly River. Several trades prospered here between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, steering the promising dockyard as one of the busiest in the whole of Asia. Explore one of its finest professions on this trail.
Barrackpore
Calcutta by the Hooghly
Calcutta by the Hooghly
The first retreat of the British in India had observed it all. Mangal Pandey's bravery during the Sepoy Mutiny, Lady Canning's love for the riverside or Bengal's benevolent leader Rani Rasmoni's command over the Brits! You name it! Over the coming years, the Cantonment rose to prominence due to its geographical position and also because
The first retreat of the British in India had observed it all. Mangal Pandey's bravery during the Sepoy Mutiny, Lady Canning's love for the riverside or Bengal's benevolent leader Rani Rasmoni's command over the Brits! You name it! Over the coming years, the Cantonment rose to prominence due to its geographical position and also because of its proximity to the other European-dominated trade towns across the Hooghly River. Explore this intriguing town on a heritage walk with us.
Serampore
Calcutta by the Hooghly
Chandernagore
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Serampore on the Hooghly was a centre of global trade. Indian cotton, oils, sugar, and spices were sold from the port town of Saptagram to Burma, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, China, Persia, and the Arab world. The foreign merchants paid in silver, gold, pearls, porcelain, camphor, wood, and trop
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Serampore on the Hooghly was a centre of global trade. Indian cotton, oils, sugar, and spices were sold from the port town of Saptagram to Burma, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, China, Persia, and the Arab world. The foreign merchants paid in silver, gold, pearls, porcelain, camphor, wood, and tropical spices. The Indo-Danes trade transformed the town into an opulent one. Unravel the legacies and legends on a leisurely stroll with us.
Chandernagore
Chandernagore
Chandernagore
The Portuguese were the first to settle in Chandernagore in 1537 but were eventually defeated by the great Shah Jahan in 1632. The British East India Company then followed and set up a factory here in 1651. Chandernagore was once a French colony and is still under the influence of French language and culture. The Hooghly dominates the lan
The Portuguese were the first to settle in Chandernagore in 1537 but were eventually defeated by the great Shah Jahan in 1632. The British East India Company then followed and set up a factory here in 1651. Chandernagore was once a French colony and is still under the influence of French language and culture. The Hooghly dominates the landscape and people use ferries to commute to other towns. Explore the connected history and cultures of the French and the Bongs in this quaint French pocket of the erstwhile Bengal.
Chinsurah
Chandernagore
Chinsurah
The Dutch formed their East India Company (V.O.C - Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) around 1602, two years after the East India Company of the English. This was merely the result of an act of union among some smaller joint stock companies founded by the Dutch maritime interests during the 1590s. Bengal played a crucial role in the trade
The Dutch formed their East India Company (V.O.C - Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) around 1602, two years after the East India Company of the English. This was merely the result of an act of union among some smaller joint stock companies founded by the Dutch maritime interests during the 1590s. Bengal played a crucial role in the trade of sugar, saltpetre and indigo that led to the rapidly increasing demand for Indian textiles. With the collapse of the Portuguese and the fall of the port at Saptagram, migration of small traders and peasant communities slowly followed to Chinsurah and the Dutch got an entry to carry on their trade in this region. Through stories and legends, discover the bygone days of the Dutch settlement of Bengal on a day walk with us.
Bandel
Chandernagore
Chinsurah
During the time of the Portuguese and the Mughals, Bandel came into existence as a thriving port on the Hooghly. Primarily, the unofficial Portuguese privateers, freebooters, convicts, and adventurers came to this region to make their own fortune, away from the stifling official structures located on the west coast of India. This was call
During the time of the Portuguese and the Mughals, Bandel came into existence as a thriving port on the Hooghly. Primarily, the unofficial Portuguese privateers, freebooters, convicts, and adventurers came to this region to make their own fortune, away from the stifling official structures located on the west coast of India. This was called their ‘shadow empire’. While travelling through the western delta of Bengal in 1515, Portuguese traveller Tom Pires mentions Satgoan or Saptagram as one of the chief trading cities in Bengal. He writes, ‘It has a good port; it has a good entrance. It is a good city and rich, where there are many merchants’. Explore the intriguing slice of Potuguese Bengal on an intrepid trail with us.
Cossimbazar
Chandraketugarh
Cossimbazar
Dating back to the early 17th century, the port-town of Cossimbazar was of great importance, long before the foundation of the Mughal city of Murshidabad. The first European traders set up factories here, and after the ruin of Satgaon due to the silting up of the mouth of the Saraswati river, it gained a position as the great trading cent
Dating back to the early 17th century, the port-town of Cossimbazar was of great importance, long before the foundation of the Mughal city of Murshidabad. The first European traders set up factories here, and after the ruin of Satgaon due to the silting up of the mouth of the Saraswati river, it gained a position as the great trading centre of Bengal, which was not challenged until the foundation of Calcutta. The English, Dutch and French East India companies, all maintained factories at Cossimbazar. In 1658, the first English agency of the East India Company was established here. Trace the stories with our storytellers on a multi-day trip.
Murshidabad
Chandraketugarh
Cossimbazar
Discover Bengal during the period of Mughal Ruler Murshid Quli Khan’s rule. Before the advent of the British, the city of Murshidabad was the capital of Bengal with a poignant significance in Indian History as in 1757 when the British defeated Siraj–ud–Daula, the last independent Nawab of Bengal in the Battle of Plassey, after which the
Discover Bengal during the period of Mughal Ruler Murshid Quli Khan’s rule. Before the advent of the British, the city of Murshidabad was the capital of Bengal with a poignant significance in Indian History as in 1757 when the British defeated Siraj–ud–Daula, the last independent Nawab of Bengal in the Battle of Plassey, after which the entire nation was brought under the British Colonial Rule. Even after the conquest of Bengal by the British, Murshidabad remained the seat of administration and commerce for some time. An abode of Mughal architectural and cultural legacies, the town boasts substantial history and heritage related to the ancient Bengal Silk trade.
Chandraketugarh
Chandraketugarh
Bengal Fish Trail
Chandraketugarh is a city that never existed. The name, like so much else about this site and its 2,500-year-old history, is borrowed from local myths in the absence of actual research. Discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1907, it was relegated to be of “no interest” for years. Venture on a day-trip with us to unravel the tales behind the foundation of these ancient ruins.
Bengal Fish Trail
Purulia: The Hermitage of South Bengal
Bengal Fish Trail
Discover the erstwhile Bengal through stories of its exquisite fisheries and fishermen colonies. Get on a boat trip to explore interesting fishing tales and taste culinary delights from the region, cooked exclusively for you. Meet the regional chefs and fishing enthusiasts, interact with them and learn about the secrets behind and the or
Discover the erstwhile Bengal through stories of its exquisite fisheries and fishermen colonies. Get on a boat trip to explore interesting fishing tales and taste culinary delights from the region, cooked exclusively for you. Meet the regional chefs and fishing enthusiasts, interact with them and learn about the secrets behind and the origins of greatly nostalgic and mouth-wateringly delicious fish recipes with a pinch of history as they prepare some of Bengal's most favourite dishes and serve them to you absolutely fresh and perfectly hot. With loads of timeless fish recipes and unmissable chef's specials on offer, this tour is an absolute commitment to your foodie souls.
Bengal Craft Tour
Purulia: The Hermitage of South Bengal
Purulia: The Hermitage of South Bengal
The immensely talented craftsmen from Bengal rely on centuries-old traditions and indigenous methods to make breathtaking craft items with their matchless skills and creativity. Witness the magic of the age-old crafts and know about the utility of crafts inspired by the folk culture on this tour that has been curated to showcase the rich
The immensely talented craftsmen from Bengal rely on centuries-old traditions and indigenous methods to make breathtaking craft items with their matchless skills and creativity. Witness the magic of the age-old crafts and know about the utility of crafts inspired by the folk culture on this tour that has been curated to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bengal embodied in its traditional crafts.
Purulia: The Hermitage of South Bengal
Purulia: The Hermitage of South Bengal
Purulia: The Hermitage of South Bengal
Purulia was once an integral part of the scared Vajra-Bhumi. Located at the Western front of present-day Bengal, the destination offers a distinguished and sublime experience for the ones stuck in the metropolis. Not only immersive but also unrepeated, Purulia takes you back to the root of once a prolific course of tribal civilisation. Id
Purulia was once an integral part of the scared Vajra-Bhumi. Located at the Western front of present-day Bengal, the destination offers a distinguished and sublime experience for the ones stuck in the metropolis. Not only immersive but also unrepeated, Purulia takes you back to the root of once a prolific course of tribal civilisation. Ideal for the much-loved soul of yours looking for wilderness dipped in culture and the Rural Bengal ecstasy.
Go deeper!
Speciality Travel
There are days when you feel like you should pace it slow and invest yourself to be immersed in the lifestyle. These tours are life-changing experiences. Take them if you want to connect to the Soul-Bengal!
Ancient Bengal
Ancient Bengal is a playground of Historians, Archaeologists, Inter-religion Researchers, Explorers, and those who are looking for cultivating the early developments of Buddhism in Bengal. Discover the unsung legends and myths on a long walk with our team of Explorers.
Vaishnavism in Bengal
Traverse through a periodic tour of a religious renaissance of Bengal. From the arrival of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the sea-change of Shiva worshippers into Vishnu will blow your mind away.
Bengal Baul Trail
Baul as they are referred to is no less than a distinctly different clan of Folk Musicians. Our triumph in this tour makes you experience and visualise the practice as a livelihood. Join us on a trip to realise the belief system from a deeper perspective.
Experience the Royal Bengal
Long before the Delhi Sultanate rose to its supreme power, Bengal defeated them twice and constructed pillars of faith that was considered as the then one of the powerful Islamic Rule of South Asia.
An ode to Bengal's finest craftsmanship
Textiles in Bengal did not develop themselves only as a trade but has established a way of living. We ought to take you through a learning experience not only to know the craft in detail but also to dialogue with the artisans in close quarters.
durga pujo 2024 | exclusive
Countryside Bengal
Countryside Bengal
Countryside Bengal
Starting at 8:30am we will take you to an exploration of an erstwhile village of Countryside Bengal. Gram Bangla, known for its exquisite and elaborate Durga Puja affairs, boasts age-old traditions and unique rituals hosted by Zamindar estates.
Calcutta
Countryside Bengal
Countryside Bengal
Starting from 9am this walk will lead you to some of the most iconic Bonedi Bari Pujas of Calcutta. Considered to be the den of arts, cultures, traditions, and movements, Old Calcutta will amaze you, truly. Its centuries-old rituals practiced in numerous households are signs of a bygone glory. Explore Old Calcutta neighbourhoods and its surroundings during Durga Puja this year on this trail with us.
In-house, Calcutta
Neighbourhooods of Calcutta
Neighbourhooods of Calcutta
The story of Aantchala and Shabeki Gharana must have mesmerised you always. Explore the majestic courtyards and porticos in all their glory and fame from close corners. Take a walk to one of the zamindar households of the old town and participate in their family rituals. Top up your day with an authentic Bhog Meal and exquisite family tales.
Neighbourhooods of Calcutta
Neighbourhooods of Calcutta
Neighbourhooods of Calcutta
To most of us, Pujo brings delightful excuses to get together with our families and friends. Along comes some of Bengal's delectable delicacies that adds lasting flavours to this majestic festival. Join us to celebrate this significant Cultural Heritage on an immersive Adda session followed by music and snacks. Experience the age-old Para symptoms first hand!
blogs & adda
The Danish Connection
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
French Heritage in Bengal
Coming soon!
French Heritage in Bengal
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
French Heritage in Bengal
Stay tuned!
Mughal Court Musicians
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
This will intrigue you!
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
Vaishnavaits and the Bhakti Movement
Many tales and folklores of Bengal beyond Calcutta!
talk of the town
