Currency building setup in 1833 in Calcutta (Now Kolkata), India. Currency building was previously office of the Agra Bank and from here many major decisions regarding monetary policies,trade in 19th century were taken. This was the head office of Agra Bank and in those days Agra Bank had multinational presence, branches was in Lahore (Now in Pakistan) even in Edinburgh and Shanghai, other branches were in Agra, Bombay (Now Mumbai),Madras,Karachi (Now in Pakistan). It was housed as Reserve Bank of India till 1937 and now it is beautifully neglected heritage because somehow it is repaired from outside but real picture can be seen from inside.
This is a three storied building and designed in Italian style. The building from out side is covered with white sand-lime plaster and floor covered with marble and chunnar sandstone. Photography is not allowed inside the Currency building, that’s why I could not capture the massive iron vault inside. Vault is marvelous but it has very ghostly feeling. When new larger mint was setup in Taratala (Near Majerhat Bridge) Kolkata, until then the currency of British India counted/Sorted in this building. This is a huge three storied building and visitors are only allowed in ground floor. Frontal portion of the Building has been restored to some extent but other side of the building is rundown, restoration work is in progress for last couple of years, very slow progress has been noticed. It is a protected monument, taken over by Archeological Survey of India.
After the main entrance, there is a book store of Archaeological Survey of India inside the premises and most probably this is the only book store of Archaeological Survey of India in kolkata.
To See the Album of Currency Building, Please Click the Photo Below
Location of Currency Building Kolkata:- Near to B.B.D Bag Bus Terminus, Mangoe Lane.
Address of Currency Building Kolkata:- 1, Surendra Mohan Ghosh Sarani, Kolkata
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This is such a beautiful heritage building. Wish it was well preserved. I had the opportunity to see a similar structure, which was the old Mint house at Strand Road. It was used as the residence of IG CRPF.
I really like it whenever people get together and share opinions.
Great blog, continue the excellent work!