South Park Street Cemetery

South Park Street Cemetery is a Christian burial ground in the Park Street neighborhood of Kolkata that spans just over three hectares and is enclosed by tall brick walls. The site holds close to 1900 graves with monuments in varying forms, including tall obelisks, flat tomb slabs, and covered sarcophagi.

The burial ground was established in 1767 as one of the first sites outside church precincts in the city. British military personnel and administrative officials were interred here during colonial rule through the early 19th century.

The gravestones carry inscriptions in several languages and display motifs from classical antiquity alongside European gothic ornaments. This mix emerged through collaboration between British patrons and Indian stonemasons during the colonial era.

Access is located at the junction of Mother Teresa Sarani and Lower Circular Road, where staff collect a small entrance fee for maintenance work. Pathways between burial plots are mostly level but can become slippery during rainy weather.

Many tomb monuments forgo traditional Christian symbols such as crosses or angels and instead display urns, columns, or abstract geometric patterns. This design reflects Enlightenment philosophical currents that were common among European settlers in the late 18th century.

Location: Ward No. 63, Kolkata Municipal Corporation

Inception: 1767

GPS coordinates: 22.54657,88.36039

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:26