Kolkata’s urban form reflects a layered history shaped by trade, colonial administration, migration, and everyday practices of living and working in the city. This walk approaches heritage not as a static backdrop, but as an entry point to examine how public spaces, markets, transport systems, and housing evolved in response to economic and social change.

The walk moves through key areas such as Sealdah Station (a major transportation hub), Bow Bazaar (a historic marketplace), Bow Barracks (a heritage neighbourhood), B.B.D. Bagh—formerly Dalhousie Square (the administrative centre), and Park Street (a cultural hub). Each stop highlights the interplay of commerce, mobility, and informal economies in shaping Kolkata’s spatial and social life. Through close observation of street vendors, hawkers, and informal traders, participants will see how everyday negotiations unfold between state regulation, market forces, and claims to urban space.

The Walk foregrounds connections between past and present, infrastructure and livelihood, movement and settlement- encouraging young learners to critically reflect on how historical trajectories continue to influence contemporary urban challenges such as displacement, gentrification, and the contested right to public space.

Through on-ground observation and guided discussion, participants will discover how ordinary spaces reveal the complexity of the city, and gain insights into the systems that sustain Kolkata's social, spatial, and economic life.

Urban Heritage, Public Space and contestations, Market, Housing, Transportation, and Economic Development Story.

A detailed curatorial note and walk route will be shared with registered participants.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Cap or hat for sun protection
• Notepad and pen (optional)
• Camera or smartphone for photos