The seat of West Bengal Government - Writers Building which is also referred to as "Mahakaran" in Bengali dialect stands majestically on a sprawling 10 acres of land consisting of a total of thirteen four storeyed edifices. The West Bengal Cabinet Ministers have their offices located in this majestic Raj era building.

The building is located on the northern shore of a water body locally called Lal Dighi in B.B.D. Bagh area. Various departments of the West Bengal government are housed in this building. It is an edifice of great political significance and memories of the Indian Independence Movement. Writer's building is now being used as Chief Minister's Office and secretariat.

History has is that the then collector of Kolkata assigned the land to British architect Thomas Linas for building a dwelling unit for the clerical staff and writers of the East India Company. Work on this classic building was completed in the year 1780.

Writers Building is one of the finest examples of classical European architecture anywhere in the world. According to renowned art critic Mr. Morris - "Writers Building is a reflection of the East India Company's intention to create diagrams of supremacy or grand structures with the message of hegemony or supremacy over the natives.

The present edifice has witnessed two changes in its façade due largely to the complains of the then British citizens who were of the opinion that Writers Building was like a "shabby hospital" Therefore, the East India Company in an effort to raise the image of Writers Building brought about significant changes in design and made it look more opulent and grand. Thus, this colossal building was transformed from a purely classical style to an impressive style of architecture.

In a nutshell, Writers Building is a fine example of the West's attempt to remodel the East's landscape to suit European taste.

Source: Wikipedia

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