Metiaburuz Walking – The Lucknow of Kolkata
Kidderpore (Khidirpur), in the southern part of Kolkata, is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, rich in history and local character. A walk through Kidderpore reveals a lively, old-world charm—bustling streets, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant markets like the famed Fancy Market. Food lovers are spoilt for choice, from legendary biryani and chaamp at India Restaurant to Chowdhury Sweets’ hot kachoris and jalebis, Panchuda’s iconic bread and mutton, Chaturbhuj Mistanna Bhandar’s classic sweets, and Rahmania’s renowned mutton.
Spiritually, the area is marked by the flow of the Adi Ganga and the well-known Baba Panchanan Mandir at Watgunge. The traditional markets, brimming with everyday essentials and heritage wares, offer an experience no modern mall can match.
Khidirpur Walking Tour Hidden Historic Spots
Step back into history as you follow the footsteps of Wajid Ali Shah through one of Kolkata’s least-explored neighborhoods. Explore the traces of a “Little Lucknow” recreated by the exiled Nawab of Oudh, wander through the winding lanes of Metiabruz to visit the Royal Mosque and historic Imambaras, and uncover fascinating tales—from the legendary potatoes in biryani to myths of escaped tigers that still linger in local lore.
This walk covers the surviving landmarks of Wajid Ali Shah’s Metiaburuz phase:
BNR House (Garden Reach) – First residence of the Nawab in Calcutta (view from outside; permission required).
Gulshanabad Imambara – Oudh Family Burial Ground
Qasr-ul-Buka Imambara – “House of Mourning,” beautifully maintained inside.
Bait-un-Nijat Imambara (ruins) – Once grand, now largely lost.
Shahi Masjid – The Nawab’s personal mosque, founded by him.
Bichali Ghat – Controversial landing site.
Sibtainabad Imambara – burial place of Wajid Ali Shah and Birjis Qadr.
Begum Umda Mahal Imambara – Known for delicate glazed floral wall work.
Short History of Wajid Ali Shah
Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh, ascended the throne during a period of decline as the British East India Company tightened its control. In 1856, the kingdom was annexed, and he was exiled to Kolkata. Arriving in Kolkata, he settled in Metiaburuz, where he recreated a “mini Lucknow” through music, dance, and culture. He spent the rest of his life there and was later laid to rest at Sibtainabad Imambara. Biryani is said to have been brought to Kolkata by Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, who was deposed by the British in 1856.
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