Scottish Cemetery is an old cemetery in Kolkata, West Bengal, established by the Scottish people in Kolkata and it now under the maintenance of St Andrew"s Church of Dalhousie and St. John"s Church.
Establishment of Scottish Cemetery
Scottish Cemetery was established in the year 1820, catering to the specific needs of the large Scottish population in the Kolkata area.
Graves of Scottish Cemetery
The graves of the Scots including soldiers, missionaries, jute traders and businessmen, were attached to numerous enterprises in the area such as the headquarters of the British East India Company, and the administration of the British Empire in India, whose capital was Kolkata (1757 to 1911).
Functioning of Scottish Cemetery
Scottish Cemetery was utilised until the 1940s but was abandoned in the 1950s and neglected following India`s independence. Well over 90% of those buried bear recognisably Scots names such as Anderson, McGregor, Campbell and Ross. Around 10% Bengali Scots are buried here.
Geography of Scottish Cemetery
Scottish Cemetery is extending to 6 acres of land. Scottish Cemetery lies within the dense urban area on Karaya Bazar Road, near Park Circus Area of Kolkata, West Bengal. Scottish Cemetery is roughly square in plan and is laid out largely in a grid pattern, but with more random tombs, epitaphs and cenotaphs closest to the road, in the oldest, south-west section.
Plots of Scottish Cemetery
Scottish Cemetery contains over 1600 burial plots, with at least 2000 burials. The entrance of Scottish Cemetery bears the title "Scottish Cemetery" over an archway is flanked by a gatehouse. The entire cemetery is enclosed by a high wall.
Scottish Sandstones of Scottish Cemetery
The stones of Scottish Cemetery are generally of Scottish sandstone or granite. Since they bear inscriptions of their makers or sculptors, it is possible to assess that almost all have been made in Scotland and transported here for use. Apart from the indigenous Indian plant life, and buildings beyond the perimeter, the cemetery has a strong Scots character. Almost all original lead (used in lettering) and cast iron, was systematically removed in the second half of the 20th century.
Maintenance of Scottish Cemetery
In 2008 the Kolkata Scottish Heritage Trust (KSHT) was set up as a Scottish Charity to commemorate and build upon the historic links between Scot land and India. The restoration of Scottish Cemetery was identified as their first priority. Scottish Cemetery was cleared of the extensive jungle growth which had overtaken it and a full survey of monuments begun. This was done with support from the Royal Commission of Ancient and Historic Monuments for Scotland.
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