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Kumartuli's 300-Year-Old Idol-Making Hub Set for Major Heritage Revamp
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News18•15-10-2026, 17:53
Kumartuli's 300-Year-Old Idol-Making Hub Set for Major Heritage Revamp
- •The West Bengal government has appointed the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority as the nodal agency to develop Kumartuli into a living cultural heritage district.
- •The project aims to improve infrastructure, upgrade facilities for artisans, and enhance tourism while preserving the neighbourhood's unique character and heritage.
- •KMDA will prepare a detailed project report, an integrated master plan, and cost estimates backed by GIS-based mapping and stakeholder consultations.
- •Kumartuli is a 300-year-old historic hub featuring around 166 studios producing nearly 8,500 idols annually, contributing significantly to Bengal's economy and cultural identity.
Key Questions Answered
The West Bengal government has appointed the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) as the nodal agency to develop Kumartuli into a living cultural heritage district.
Located in north Kolkata, Kumartuli has a history stretching back roughly three centuries. Today, around 166 studios produce nearly 8,500 idols, accounting for 35 to 40 per cent of Kolkata’s idol-making market with a turnover exceeding ₹200 crore.
Yes, veteran artisan Ganesh Pal noted that a similar initiative to improve neighbourhood conditions had been drawn up in 2005, though it ultimately failed to materialise.
