Esplanade Mansion Life Insurance Corporation — Attraction in Kolkata

Nestled in the heart of Kolkata’s bustling Esplanade area, the iconic Esplanade Mansion stands as a solemn reminder of the city’s colonial past and architectural elegance. Once a majestic British-era structure, today, it is a fading relic of history, a place where time seems to have paused. Now owned by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, this grand edifice remains an important landmark, even as the city around it rushes into modernity.

An Architectural Marvel in Decline Built in the early 20th century, Esplanade Mansion was once among the finest British structures in Kolkata. Designed in the Edwardian and Indo-Saracenic styles, it boasts ornate balconies, arched windows, and a distinct red façade that was once a symbol of grandeur. However, years of neglect, pollution, and encroachment have taken their toll, leaving this historic building in dire need of restoration.

A Storied Past Originally constructed as a high-end commercial and residential complex, Esplanade Mansion was home to elite British officials, businessmen, and affluent Bengalis during its prime. The building’s location near Dalhousie Square, then the administrative hub of the British Raj, made it one of the most coveted addresses in Kolkata. Over time, however, as the British left and the city evolved, the mansion’s splendor began to fade.

In the post-independence era, LIC took over ownership, and the building saw an influx of offices, small businesses, and even makeshift residences. While still standing as a landmark, the mansion is now a shadow of its former self, awaiting urgent conservation efforts.

Fascinating Facts About Esplanade Mansion It was one of the earliest high-rises in colonial Calcutta, boasting luxurious apartments for the British elite. The intricate iron railings and vintage wooden staircases are reminiscent of a forgotten era of craftsmanship. Its location at the intersection of Kolkata’s busiest streets makes it a silent spectator to the city’s ever-changing landscape.

A Plea for Preservation While Kolkata prides itself on its heritage, buildings like Esplanade Mansion need immediate attention before they crumble into history. If restored, this iconic structure could once again shine as a testament to Kolkata’s glorious architectural and colonial past. For now, it remains a melancholic yet magnificent sight, a reminder that heritage, once lost, is...

For many years Esplanade Mansions was an obnoxious shade of pink. The recent restoration has left it dazzling white and spotless. It is located at the crossing of Esplanade Row East and Govt. Place East, opposite the Eastern gate of the magnificent Government House or Raj Bhavan.  Presently owned by the Life Insurance Corporation of India, which owns a number of heritage structures all over Calcutta, and has been, happily, restoring them. The building originally contained some 24 flats,  which were much sought after as they offered a view of Government House’s beautiful wooded gardens. It currently houses the offices of the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Railways, the Railway Claims Tribunal, the Vice Chairman & Member Technical’s offices, along with offices and rest houses of LIC. Several of the flats remain residential. Built in 1910 by Sir Rajen Mukherjee’s firm, Martin and Co., for Calcutta’s Jewish real estate magnate, David Joseph Ezra, Esplanade Mansions is probably the only art nouveau building in all of...

The guest house is placed at the heart of the city well communicated with the rest part of the city. The rooms are well maintained with dining facility available. There are six triple bedrooms with dorimitory facility available in the last two floors of the building. The entrance is near from the Raj Bhavan bus stop side. The building is very old of the British period and the lift is quite scary but overall the facilities...