Kolkata Horse Carriages: A Ride Through History

 

Kolkata Horse Carriages: A Ride Through History

While wandering near the iconic Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, camera in hand, I stumbled upon a nostalgic sight — beautifully adorned horse carriages parked and trotting around, carrying excited tourists. As I spoke with the carriage operators, I learned that rides typically cost between ₹500 and ₹700 for a group of five, though rates can vary based on demand. For many of these drivers, their livelihood depends entirely on these rides, which offer about 20 minutes of scenic travel starting and ending at the gates of Victoria Memorial along Queens Way.

Horse-drawn carriages are a treasured tourist attraction here, with around 50 still operating in the area. They serve as a living reminder of Kolkata’s colonial past, offering visitors a charming glimpse into a bygone era. Although the number of carriages has dwindled over the years, they remain a beloved part of the city's tourism experience, particularly during the cooler winter months.

However, concerns about the welfare of the horses have been raised by animal rights activists. These discussions have led to proposals for alternatives, such as electric carriages. Despite these concerns, horse-drawn rides continue to survive, providing essential income for many coachmen and operators.

A typical ride covers a scenic loop — from the carriage stand, past the Race Course South Gate, through Fort William, and back. On request, some rides even extend up to the picturesque Princep Ghat. The best time to enjoy this experience is between 5 PM and 8 PM, when the carriages and horses are splendidly decorated and illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

Historically, owning a horse-drawn carriage was a significant status symbol, reserved for royalty, nobility, or the affluent. In earlier times, goods were transported by horse wagons, but by the 1830s, horse-drawn buses and eventually trams revolutionized urban transport, gradually overshadowing hackney carriages.

Today, carriage drivers (known as coachmen, coachees, whips, or hackmen) typically earn ₹25 per hundred rupees, with the remainder going to carriage owners. For special events like weddings, they can charge between ₹600 and ₹700 per ride. On a good day, a driver may earn between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000, though earnings can fluctuate depending on tourist demand.

Horse carriage rides are not unique to Kolkata. In cities like London, they have been a cherished tradition for over 150 years, especially around Central Park and Hyde Park. Even Queen Elizabeth II famously used horse-drawn carriages for state and ceremonial events, with the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace managing these splendid vehicles. Her love for horses was well-known, beginning from the tender age of three.

Thus, horse-drawn carriages, deeply rooted in tradition, continue to charm and connect us to a rich historical tapestry — not only in Kolkata but around the world.

Photos and Text by: Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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