Writer's Building

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Location: North of BBD Bagh

Significance: Seat of West Bengal Government

Writer’s building is basically the seat of West Bengal Government wherein are located the offices of West Bengal Cabinet Ministers. Sprawling over an area of 10 acres, it consists of thirteen four storied edifices and is also called "Mahakaran" in Bengali. As the story goes, the British architect Thomas Linas was assigned this land by the then collector of Kolkata for building an office for the writers and clerical staff of East India Company. The work was completed in the year 1780.

It is said that the building is one of the finest specimen of classical European architecture in the world. The renowned art critic Mr.Morris had said that the monument reflects British intentions of supremacy over the natives. However, the façade of the building earned flak from British citizens owing to its hospital like look and underwent two changes which made it even more grand and opulent. It can be said that Writers Block is a monument which stands for British attempt to remodel the East's landscape and suit European taste. It is now open to the general public between 9A.M. to 6 P.M. on weekdays.