Turning pages of history: Metiabruz walk to be held on January 6

Kolkata: In light of a growing interest to know the city's heritage, particularly among the youth, a Metiabruz walk will be held on January 6.

Metiabruz was the first planned city around Kolkata, which was the capital of the British Empire. It was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Oudh whom the British had painted as a villain to serve their own interests.

The famous Hindi movie Shatranj ke Khilari directed by Satyajit Ray was based on the life of the Nawab. With the passage of time, interest in the Nawab has been growing among young historians and intellectuals in the country. He was a gifted writer, lyricist, composer, katthak dancer and dramatist and above all was known for his secular spirit.

He had built a mini Lucknow in Metiabruz that had mapped roads, gas lights, drainage system, markets, castles and citadels. He was also a lover of animals and built a zoo with numerous animals like tiger, birds and reptiles.

The curator of Asiatic Society Mr Blith had supplied the animals to the Nawab and Charles Darwin used to

keep track of the animals through Mr Blith. The animals were kept at Azad Manzil

and Murassa Manzil in Metiabruz.

The Nawab had also built a printing press in Metiabruz. He founded the Madrassa Sultan e Awadh, where occidental science was taught with theology and calligraphy was an important subject as well. Physical training and horse riding were also taught to the students.

He had written more than 40 books which include plays, an autobiography, almanac and a history of Hindusthani classical music. Musical stalwarts like Sourindramohan Tagore and Jadubhatta were among his friends. He took training in Katthak dance under Pandit Durgaprasad and Thakurprasad, the ancestors of Pandit Birju Maharaj.

The Nawab has been blackened in the pages of history by the British with malafide intentions and identified him with Awadhi biryani and his multiple wives.

Professor Shamim Ahmed of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira College will be the walk's leader. He has recently written a book on the Nawab.

He will be assisted by a group of research scholars like Sadique and Suman Sengupta and the sole purpose of the walk will be to know the neighbours. The group will interact with local people as well.