Photo Essay: The Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Ezra Street, Calcutta

The Zoroastrian Fire Temple (aka Parsee Church) in Ezra Street was built in 1839. As one of Calcutta's most unique heritage sites, its condition today cries out for restoration. Currently it is surrounded by lighting dealers. The building itself is derelict, but could be returned to its former (modest) glory quite easily, I should think...

(Enlarge first plate for lantern slide show)

(All photos ©by Brian Paul Bach, as stated)

Scenes From The India Of Old: Darjeeling

Here is a sampling of some lantern slides I took in the last century: As a break from the metropolitan routines of Calcutta, a few leisurely steps round the remarkable heights of Darjeeling, in the merry month of May...

The second night, there came the most gigantic thunder/lightning/rain storm I have ever beheld.

Most fitting, as Darjeeling means 'Place of the Thunderbolt'.

Indeed, it is Indra's playground!

And through it all, the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway still chugs up and down...

Darjeeling! Where tea and thunder meet...

(Enlarge first plate for lantern slide show)

(All photos ©by Brian Paul Bach, as stated)