Agri-Horticultural Society of India, Calcutta, West Bengal
June 3rd, 2009 § 1 Comment
Once operating as the de facto Agriculture Ministery of the Central Government till 1900, (Calcutta was the capital of India during the British raj,) the Agri-Horticultural Society of India was my oyster on the morning of April 23. I was lucky enough to nab an exclusive tour of grounds with Deputy Secretary Rabindra Nath Adhikary thanks to the Khaitan family that has supported and overseen the society through the generations. Imagine being able to touch and photograph volumes of meeting minutes dating back to the 1820s. And that was just the library. Here is the society, in pictures. (If you’ve visited our local Kampong or Fairchild Tropical Gardens here in Miami, you may see some familiar trunks, leaves, fruits and flowers!) I also seriously recommend you check out their very well done website if you are interested in learning more about its history and cultural significance.
Flower of the Elephant Tree
Now you know why
Same tree
New leaves
Lily pads
Anyone know what this is?
I don't think this is durian but it looks like it runs in the smelly family
A kind of bottle brush
Closer yet
Baobab tree from Africa, this will blow your mind, especially the myths and culture section: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baobab
At this point I was taking pictures of everything even if my gracious guide didn't point them out...
Still with me? I saved the best for last...
Thank you Dr. Aparajuta Mitra, for showing me your petri aloe and banana plants!
A special thank you to Sri Nirupom Sen (aka Gogal) for his thoughtful explanation of the records and history of the society -- and his own journey! Not to mention his culinary recommendations (Bengali mustard fish, appam and uttapam, puchka and pani puri...) Did you know the Indian wine industry is growing at a rate of 40%?
Amazing photos of an amazing trip, Jackie!