🖊️Samap Chatterjee

Amidst the bustling book stalls at the International Kolkata Book Fair, a unique stall brings out the history of different regions of Bengal.
Located at a corner of the fair ground, this one has become a hub for those eager to explore the forgotten stories and cultural heritage of the region.
The stall offers a wide range of books covering the histories of Kolkata, Durgapur, Nadia, Sundarbans, and many other regions of Bengal. From colonial-era narratives to local folklore and political movements, the collection is a treasure trove of knowledge.
The stall caters to very different audience. Professors, Educators or History enthusiasts are the main consumers from this stall.
“We believe history should be accessible to everyone, that is why we have curated a selection of books that highlight the uniqueness of every corner of Bengal,” said the stall owner. Many of these books are rare or not easily available in mainstream bookstores.
The stall also features biographies of key historical figures, memoirs, and books on Bengal’s art, architecture, and freedom movement. Lot of these books are written in Bengali, but there is also quite a large selection in English to cater to a wider audience.
As the engrossment to regional history grow, stalls like these play a momentous role in keeping Bengal's legacy alive. Whether it is about the Zamindars of North Bengal, the revolutionary movements of the early 20th century, or the nautical history of Bengal’s ports, this stall offers a window into the past for the readers.
The growing appreciation for local history is a testament to the success of stalls like these.