Calcutta Topical

Extravagant military ceremonies and the start of the Calcutta (Kolkata) 'season'

This edition of the Calcutta Topical newsreel, produced by Indian cinema chain Madan Theatres, covers the Governor of Bengal's annual inspection of the Bodyguard and the arrival of the Calcutta (Kolkata) `Season’ with the new Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin. The sort of extravagant military ceremonies seen in the film took on increasing significance as the British struggled to shore up their power in the face of growing discontent across India.

Victor Bulwer-Lytton, 2nd Earl of Lytton, was the Governor of Bengal from 1922-1927, and briefly Acting Viceroy of India in 1926, until the appointment of Lord Irwin as the new Viceroy. Lord Irwin was Viceroy of India until 1931, during a period of great turmoil.