The centuries-old building has been turned into a historical asset, showing the way to conservationists
Photo: Lina Bose The Hooghly River, a significant distributary of the Ganges interwoven into a network of cultural and regional interactions and exchanges, also served as a waterway of global significance, attracting merchants, missionaries, statesmen, soldiers and labourers from Asia and Europe.
Serampore, a town on the bank of the River Hooghly in Hooghly district of West Bengal, has drawn media attention during the last few decades, for the various historical elements rooted across the riverine stretch.
The town is dotted with historical structures, but over years, they have been overshadowed by the construction of multi-storied buildings, losing vibrance, vitality and visibility from the material, cultural and social aspects.
Conventional archives showcase the historical development and efflorescence of Serampore as a riverine town. It flourished as a commercial centre under Danish rule, competing with neighbouring Calcutta on every aspect and flaunting lavish physical infrastructures and ambience. But over years, siltation on River Hooghly made the town an unpopular port but it remained a popular rest stop for traders.
In 1786, a British inn-keeper named James Parr started the Denmark Tavern and Hotel in a riverfront property to cater to the travelling merchants.
With the change of power and rule and with the decline of Serampore as a trading hub, the tavern, along with many other buildings, were left in ruins. The dilapidated compound turned into a place of crime and decay.
Walking down the alleys and byways of this erstwhile European trade centre, one can find several such remains of centuries-old houses and structures peeping through the old trees.
The Indo-Danish Tavern would also have vanished had it not been restored under the ‘Serampore Initiative’, launched by The National Museum of Denmark, in collaboration with West Bengal Heritage Commission in 2009.
A ruined crossed pathway in the tavern. Photo: Moumita Kundu
Restoration work began on this tavern in 2015. In 2018, it was opened before the public.
The project offered a hopeful vision to the conservationists, architects, academicians and residents of the town about how to revamp ancient historical structures.
The tavern has its own rich history, in its early days, it served as an overnight stop for Europeans on their way to sea. The city went through multitudinous changes over the years that enfeebled its diverse cultural character.
The National Museum of Denmark restored the building's history and stories, transforming the ancient space into a revitalised hotel. The renovation sparked interest among heritage aficionados and set an example of how a building can be transformed from an outdated one into a popular tourist destination.
The backyard. Photo: Moumita Kundu
The tavern has now become the ideal weekend destination for individuals traveling from all districts and locations across West Bengal. The main attraction of the property is the large restaurant managed by the Park Hotel group on the ground floor.
The space witnessed several historic events and also provided a backdrop for countless narratives. The restoration has also successfully retained the building’s unique historical aura.
This old-world charm has become the tavern’s selling point, setting it apart on the tourism stage. It has been converted into a local historical asset – people visit the town today to catch a glimpse of the bygone era.
The restoration of the tavern not only helped people connect with the past but also created a sense of belongingness. The initiative reflected that to make heritage inclusive for all, intergenerational approaches need to be developed.
The project also significantly improved the quality of life for residents around the Danish Tavern, increasing the tourist footfall.
The restaurant. Photo: Author
People visiting the location frequently assemble and discuss the rich historical stories related with the space. The few antiquities that survived were also salvaged and kept on the front façade of the structure to give the tavern a more artistic vibe.
Once the property was restored, it became a commercial, self-sustaining structure. Thus, it no longer needs to rely on government funds for its upkeep and restoration.
The tavern's repair and renovation set as an example of how historic structures and buildings may be repurposed while preserving its original state and value.
Lina Bose is a senior research scholar, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.
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