Roys' Archive

#Aranipress was a #letterpress that was owned and run by my grandfather Sachindra Nath Roy, (a Ceramic Engineer, BHU) in the ground floor of our Behala Sourin Roy Road residence, Ambika Mandir. The primary job of the press was printing of India’s first ceramic journal, a monthly called #IndianCeramics edited, typeset and printed in the press. (since 1962 according to source : Press in India) 

Back in the days of my childhood I have seen my Dad, Partha Roy, help him with running both the journal and the press (this was in the 80s). It involved acquiring articles and advertisements, final proofing and global shipments to the subscribers. There was a whole team dedicated to the press itself... typesetters, block makers, proof readers and people involved in he actual operation of the #heidelbergletterpress My interest in typography I believe, stems from here. 

One of the oldest houses in Behala, Ambika Mandir. Built by Rai Bahadur Ambika Charan. I still live in the same House! This house is also referred to as the Purono Bari.

AMBIKA CHARAN RAI, Rai Bahdur of Behala - Bengal Born in 1827, at Behala, near Calcutta; son of Babu Durga Prasad Rai, was twelfth in descent from Raja Gajendranath Rai, who was a Minister in the Court of Delhi in the reign of the Emperor Jahangir. The family was settled at Anarpur near Dum-dum, but removed to Behala towards the close of the century, on account of the Maratha raids. The Rai Bahadur entered the service of Government in 1842, and in 1862 was appointed Chief Translator of the Calcutta High Court, Appellate Side. Had taken an active and enlightened part in municipal affairs, especially in connection with the South Suburban Municipality, of which he had been the elected Chairman ever since the introduction of the elective system. He had also been distinguished for public benefactions, in the building of schools, digging of tanks, and in other ways. On the occasion of Her Majesty's Jubilee he obtained from Government the title of Rai Bahadur, and a gold medal with the following inscription : "Presented by Government to Umbica Churn Roy, Zamindar, Chief Translator, High Court, and Chairman, South Suburban Municipality, with the title of Rai Bahadur, in recognition of meritorious and faithful services to the State and Public. Presented on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen Empress's Jubilee,16th February 1887, to Umbica Churn Roy of Behala, 24 Pergunnahs."

He had four sons: 1) Surendranath Roy, B.A., B.L., of the High Court, Calcutta;  2) Satyendranath Roy ;  3) Amarendranath Roy ;  4) Sourindranath Roy.