Why are Kolkata homes so special?

Many of Kolkata's old buildings reflect diverse European architectural styles that in time became imbued with Bengali and Marwari (or classical Rajasthani) influences, creating a blend of Indo-European design, unique to the city.

But many who inherit these homes are tempted to sell their land to property sharks who promise free flats to them as bonuses. They say that upkeep and maintenance are too great a cost to bear.

Sadly, the sale of an old property to a land developer means its immediate demolition, and scores of homes in Kolkata are being demolished each week to be replaced by dull cookie-cutter builders' flats.

Author Amit Chaudhuri has been at the forefront of a campaign to save Kolkata's heritage homes which has found wide support.

Video shot by Ronny Sen, music by Tajdar Junaid