ORIENTAL SCENERY.
Second Series.
No. I.
PART OF THE ESPLANADE, CALCUTTA.
The Esplanade lies between Fort William to the south, and the town of Calcutta to the north, which are distant about half a mile; Cheringhee on the east, and on the west the river Hoogley, a branch of the Ganges. The Orphan House, with towers at the angles, is seen on the opposite side of the river, which is here three-quarters of a mile wide. Ships of considerable burden come up as high as Calcutta. The Dutch East Indiamen, French and Danes, proceed many miles farther to their respective settlements of Chinsura, Chandernagore, and Serampore.
This and the five following views of Calcutta were taken in the year 1792.
No. II.
VIEW ON THE CHITPORE ROAD, CALCUTTA.
In this view on the Chitpore road (taken in the Monsoon season) appears the house of a native Bengal merchant; the style of architecture in its ornamental parts is Mahommedan, except in the turret, which is an unsuccessful attempt at the Grecian, as introduced by the Portuguese. These incongruities very frequently occur in modern Indian buildings, whose owners have intercourse with Europeans.
Part of a Bazaar, or market, is seen, and a small Hindoo temple of modern construction.
No. III.
THE COUNCIL HOUSE, CALCUTTA.
The Council House stands on the north side of the Esplapade, and is the principal place at the Presidency of Bengal, where the affairs of the East India Company are transacted. The house, with pillars, has an example of a Virandah, or open Corridor; a mode of building of considerable utility in tropical climates. The roofs of the houses in Calcutta are generally terraced, and on which it is not unusual to walk after sunset; they are also of great advantage in collecting rain in those places where the water is not good.
