description Calcutta Overview
*Calcutta* is a 1971 travelogue and historical study by British journalist Geoffrey Moorhouse. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the Indian city of Kolkata during a period of significant political and social upheaval, including the influx of refugees and the rise of the Naxalite movement. Moorhouse details the dense urban environment, economic struggles, and complex cultural fabric of the city. It is intended for readers interested in modern Indian history and urban sociology.
help Calcutta FAQ
What is Geoffrey Moorhouse's Calcutta about?
Calcutta is a 1971 travelogue and historical study of the Indian city now officially known as Kolkata. Geoffrey Moorhouse combines reporting on daily life with political and social history.
What historical period does Calcutta cover?
The book looks back to the era of Lord Curzon and the British Raj before concentrating on modern political change. It discusses West Bengal after the 1967 elections, refugee pressures, and the rise of the Naxalite movement.
Why does Calcutta focus so much on poverty and overcrowding?
Moorhouse was writing about a city experiencing severe social and economic pressure, including homelessness, unemployment, and refugee influxes. His journalistic approach emphasizes how those conditions affected streets, neighborhoods, and ordinary residents.
Is Calcutta a travel guide or a political history?
It is a hybrid of travel writing, urban reporting, and historical analysis. Moorhouse uses observations of streets and institutions to explain why Calcutta became associated with both cultural importance and major social problems.
explore Explore More
Similar to Calcutta
ui.x_see_all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
