Chandannagar Heritage Trails: Nritya Gopal Smiti Mandir & Chandannagar Library

On the G.T. Road, Bagbazar (বাগবাজার)  of Chandannagar (yes like Kolkata, French colony Chandannagar also has a Bagbazar), just opposite to HP Petrol Pump there is a beautiful palace - now the once-white domes have became blackish with the time but you can't miss it. And if you observe it closely, you would find the name of the building - 'Nitya Gopal Smriti Mandir O Chandannagar Pustakagar' (নৃত্যগোপাল স্মৃতি মন্দির ও চন্দননগর পুস্তকাগার) is inscribed on the top of the building. Many locals call it as 'Old Library'. 

In 1873 Jadunath Palit founded a library in Chandannagar. Palit along with Mahendranath Nandy and Motilal Seth also formed a theatre club. Later the library and theatre club merged and ran together on a rented house. But the journey of this library was not smooth due to financial issues and location was changed multiple times. At last the great philanthropist Sri Harihar Sett (হরিহর শেঠ) came as a savior. He founded a new palatial building for it during 1915 to 1920 in Bagbazar on the G.T. Road, donated it to the people of Chandannagar and named it after his father.

Main Gate of the Library

Harihar Sett was a historian, educationist and also a collector. He also founded the Krishnabhabani Nari Shiksha Mandir (named after his mother) in 1920, the first school for girls in the Hooghly district. 

Harihar Seth (Edited with Gemini)

Characterized by its magnificent dome structure, this grand, north-facing brick edifice stands as a testament to the fusion of colonial and native design. European Neoclassicism meets traditional artistry where stately Corinthian columns stand alongside intricate Hindu motifs. The exterior is richly decorated with a rhythm of arches and pilasters, featuring a distinct arrangement of three and two pillars framing the front, and four arched windows lining both sides. Inside, the exquisite craftsmanship culminates in a spectacular hall tailored for social gatherings.

Nritya Gopal Smiti Mandir & Chandannagar Library

Nritya Gopal Smiti Mandir & Chandannagar Library

Nritya Gopal Smiti Mandir & Chandannagar Library

north facade of the building (edited on Gemini)

Harihar Sett also became the Secretary of the Managing Committee named “Nritya Gopal Smrity Mandir – O – Chandannagar Pustakagar". The inauguration of the Building was done by Sri Surendra Nath Banerjee and the function was presided over by Mahamohopadhyan Haraprasad Shastri. The library houses a auditorium where Rabindranath Tagore gave a speech during a visit to Chandannagar.

Bust of Kaviguru Rabindranath in the main gate

Designated as a Sub-Divisional Town Library after the Government of West Bengal took over its management in 1975, this institution is a cornerstone of local heritage. Funded jointly by government grants and member subscriptions, it boasts an impressive collection of around 60,000 books. For years, it has been a major attraction for students and researchers, drawn to its unique journals and magazines on India's freedom struggle, as well as its extensive volumes on history, philosophy, and biography. The library is actively preserving its valuable books and historical manuscripts while upgrading its visitor experience by transitioning to computerized facilities.

This structure has been declared as heritage building by the Heritage Commission, West Bengal in 2019. 

Historically these libraries - Institute de Chandannagore (estd 1720), Chandannagar College Library (estd 1862), Chandannagar  Pustakagar (estd 1873) and Gondalpara Sammelan Town Library (estd 1922) served as intellectual hubs for specific social groups  — scholars, colonial administrators, or urban middle classes.        

Opening Time: 1 pm to 7 pm (Mon to Fri) [Sunday Closed]

Sources:  
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403776836_Libraries_of_Chandannagar_A_Cultural_Study_with_Special_Reference_to_Akshar_Bandhu_Granthaghar
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