The Cemetery That Takes You Back in the 18th Century
What comes to your mind after reading the word ‘cemetery’? Are you afraid of visiting one? Well, most of us in India will answer this question with a strong Yes. Since childhood, we have heard at least 2 horror stories about a local cemetery. The stories would seem true if it is old, no longer taken care of, and not visited by the relatives of the dead. One such historic cemetery is situated at Park Street, Kolkata. It is famous as a haunted place that many adults still fear to visit. But is this a hangout place for ghosts or just an old site with no visitors of the dead? Let’s find out.
The South Park Street Cemetery in the Mother Teresa Sarani is said to be one of the oldest non-church cemeteries in the world. Established in 1767, the history is as old and rich as the famous Battle of Plassey which established a strong supremacy of the British colonizers in India. It is one of the largest Christian cemeteries in India with more than 1600 graves. With one look, you will ascertain that this wasn’t a cemetery for the commoners. The burials of scholars, captains, majors, and their relatives occupy most of the space.
A cemetery is not a place where ghosts wait to haunt people. Looking from the most obvious side, it is a place of rich heritage. The South Park Street Cemetery was closed in 1790. It was reopened shortly and people buried their relatives until the 1830s. Many of the horror stories had been made on the assumption that it was closed due to paranormal activities. However, upon visiting the place, the reason for the closure will seem quite obvious. There’s hardly any space to step foot beside the pathways. The cemetery could not accommodate one more burial after 1830.
It is an extremely quiet place. Thus, the perception of ‘being haunted’ is already in the minds of people. But that is how a cemetery should be, right?
History & Architecture
Anyone visiting this place will find it surreal because of its distinguished architectural plan. The cemetery is connected from one corner to the other with pathways intersecting at almost right angles. These paths also have drains surrounded by them to ensure cleanliness. The layout reminded me a bit of Harappan civilization with similar street designs. The unique tomb styles are a mixture of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic revival styles, indicating the Britishers paid importance to minute details. The unversed visitors might get confused as these tombstones have a few temple-like features (conical top).
Some of the famous historical personalities resting here are:
- Sir William Jones (scholar and founder of the Asiatic Society)
- Walter Landor Dickens (son of Charles Dickens)
- Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (poet & pioneer of the Young Bengal movement)
- Lieutenant-General Sir John Clavering
- Lieutenant-Colonel Valentine Blacker (1778–1826), Surveyor General of India
While the notable tombs list contains the name of Colin Mackenzie, the staff had no idea about it when asked.
William Jones’ tombstone is the tallest in this cemetery.
The Cemetry in 21st Century
Coming to the condition of the cemetery, it is well-maintained and clean. It has lush surroundings that make the place look scenic and attract many camera lenses (I am one of them). However, a few of the tombstones need immediate restoration badly. Unlike the Lothian Cemetery in Delhi, there is a dedicated office and staff to look after the Park Street Cemetery.
This cemetery used to have fewer visitors. Not because it is haunted but because the relatives of the buried are long gone. After the advent of social media, people started to search for an “Instagrammable” place in the heart of the city. What could be better than a quiet place with much greenery and a huge area? Scribes of “I love you” on the tombstones are enough to give an insight into the kind of people visiting the place and destroying a rich heritage site. So, if you are someone who searched for ‘What to do in South Park Street Cemetery?’ and stumbled upon this article, I would kindly request you to not disturb the dead by creating a nuisance. Take a walk, read the memorials, and pay your respects.
Some Common Questions Answered
If you are a history lover and happen to be in Kolkata, you will find this place serene. For those who are scared of the ghost aspect, this article gives you many reasons for not believing in them and visiting this place.
Is photography allowed in Park Street Cemetery?
Yes, it is included in the normal ticket price. If you have a digital camera, you need to pay Rs. 50 to capture the pictures.
Is Park Street Cemetery haunted?
I did not feel any ghosts accompanying me during my visits.
South Park Street Cemetery Photos
