PUTUL BARI, SOVABAZAR: Putul Bari translated into English means ‘house of dolls’. Located near the Sovabazar jetty, this abandoned, dilapidated and once-ornate building still stands out with its centurion and two unclothed maidens on the terrace. Every time a train passes, the building rattles and ghostly tales come alive of wealthy owners or zamindars who once inhabited the building and sexually exploited the ‘nautch-girls’.
Amit Datta
RACECOURSE: Stand outside the racecourse on a foggy night and chances are you will see a beautiful white horse galloping over the stands, who the locals call William Saheb’s shada ghora. The story goes that a gentleman named George Williams had five horses, of which his favourite was a pearl white called Pride. She won races, fame and money for her master. With age, Pride slowed down and ceased to be the ‘Queen of the Tracks’. Her last was the Annual Calcutta Derby where she lost the race and Williams lost a fortune. She was found dead on the race tracks the following day and many allege that Williams murdered the horse in a fit of rage.
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HASTINGS HOUSE, ALIPORE: Locals believe that the ghost of Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India, still visits this house, in search of valuables. The legend goes that during his transfer from Calcutta to England, Hastings misplaced a black bureau. This bureau contained not only valuables, but also papers that would have prevented his impeachment later in the UK. People have reported hearing footsteps going up the stairs for it. Hastings House is now home to the Institute of Education for Women.
Amit Datta
KOLKATA DOCK, KIDDERPORE: This one is a tale of historic vengeance. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh renounced his throne and kingdom because the East India Company promised him passage to England. The Nawab spent his last days waiting at the dock while the company betrayed him. The fable says that his ghost, along with spirits of soldiers and sailors who were with him, lurk around the docks waiting for revenge. The Nawab was fond of Hindustani classical music and dock workers believe haunting notes of music can be heard in the area. Now only if this ghost could get a passage to 10 Downing Street.
Amit Datta
NATIONAL LIBRARY: It is believed that the ghost of the wife of Lord Metcalfe roams the halls of the library. She was a stickler for keeping things in place. So the story goes that when people are alone in the library, they feel the presence of someone breathing down their neck. Especially when a book hasn't been kept back at the spot it was removed from!
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