Achi news desk-
Curzon Hall is one of Guwahati’s historic landmarks, representing the city’s rich heritage and the community’s aspirations for community spaces at pivotal moments in history. In the early 1900s, when there were no public places in Guwahati, only this humble hall was available for gatherings. This scarcity motivated the Assamese intelligentsia to support other areas, especially as the Indian independence movement gained momentum.
The beginning of Curzon Hall can be traced to Lord Curzon’s visit to Assam in 1900. To welcome the Viceroy of India, a committee was formed, headed by Manik Chandra Barooah and BA Jagannath Barooah, and a substantial sum of Rs. 14,000 were collected. However, Barooah foresaw the need for prudent financial management, given the economic challenges following the devastating Great Earthquake of 1897. He advocated utilizing surplus funds for a sustainable community asset, not just for momentary celebrations.
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Following Barua’s vision, Curzon Hall was built in 1903 near Magdat Bhavan, symbolizing a commitment to civic progress and public welfare. Lord Curzon expressed satisfaction with this initiative, and emphasized its importance by mentioning it in his personal diary. However, as Cotton College expanded, concerns arose about the hall’s proximity affecting the academic environment.
In response, Manik Chandra Barooah spearheaded the acquisition of a new site opposite Dighalipukhuri, which led to the construction of Nabin Chandra Bardoloi Hall in 1912. This new hall, named in honor of a pivotal moment in the national movement, continued the legacy of Curzon Hall. As a center for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange.
Over the years, the Curzon Hall has hosted a large number of historical events and prominent personalities, who have shaped the cultural landscape of Guwahati. From hosting dignitaries such as Henry Cotton and Rabindranath Tagore, to educational conferences championing institutions such as the University of Gehati, the hall played a central role in the intellectual and social fabric of the city.
Furthermore, Curzon Hall provided a platform for visionary leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Jayaprakash Narayan and CF Andrews, whose lectures inspired generations and left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.
Today, Curzon Hall stands as a symbol of Guwahati’s past, embodying the spirit of community resilience and progressive vision. His lasting legacy serves as a reminder of the people who, through foresight and dedication, contributed to the cultural enrichment and social advancement of the city.
