Semaphore Towers In West Bengal India – Optical Telegraph In India

Semaphore Towers In West Bengal India: Semaphore tower is an optical telegraph systems using a line of stations (typically towers) for the purpose of conveying textual information by means of visual signals. There are two main types of such systems; the semaphore telegraph which uses pivoted indicator arms and conveys information according to the direction the indicators point, and the shutter telegraph which uses panels that can be rotated to block or pass the light from the sky behind to convey information.

In India, semaphore towers were introduced in 1810. A series of towers were built between Fort William, Kolkata to Chunar Fort near Varanasi. The towers in the plains were 75–80 ft (23–24 m) tall and those in the hills were 40–50 ft (12–15 m) tall and were built at an interval of about 13 km-16 Km (8.1 mi)

The amazing technology of semaphore towers died prematurely after the introduction of the electric telegraph, which was officially introduced in India in 1854.

Many of the semaphore towers in the Kolkata – Varanasi line have collapsed to dust but quite a few have survived the test of time and centuries of administration ignorance and natural disasters and can still be seen in the present. Many are in reasonably good condition while some are on the verge of crumbling.

Here are 10 Semaphore Towers In West Bengal India: 

1. Fort William, Kolkata District: Kolkata, West Bengal – Google Map
2. Khatirbazar, Andul District: Howrah, West Bengal – Google Map
3. Dilakash, Jangipara District: Hooghly, West Bengal – Google Map
4. Parbatichak, Arambagh District: Hooghly, West Bengal – Google Map
5. Goghat, Arambagh District: Hooghly, West Bengal – Google Map
6. Tantipukur, Bishnupur District: Bankura, West Bengal – Google Map
7. Ramsagar, Bishnupur District: Bankura, West Bengal – Google Map
8. Ondagram, Bishnupur District: Bankura, West Bengal – Google Map
9. Arra District: Bankura, West Bengal – Google Map
10. Joychandi Hill District: Purulia, West Bengal – Google Map

READ MORE: Gwalior Fort Information, History Madhya Pradesh

Even a few years ago a semaphore tower next to the Bankura railway station, was demolished to give way for a stadium. Something which is only possible in a country like India.

While the semaphore towers in France and other several countries are maintained in their original condition. Several of these are even used for demonstration purposes making tourists aware of the optical telegraph.

Can this be done in India or shall we leave the semaphore towers to crumble to dust ??????