Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Australian Visits Ancestral Tomb in Kolkata
Jason Walker, a lawyer from Australia, visited Kolkata to see the last remaining tomb of his ancestors in what was once the North Park Street Cemetery.
The cemetery was destroyed a long time ago, and now a church stands in its place.
Jason's family has been in India for almost 200 years, working in different jobs like farming, the military, and policing.
He first came to Kolkata as a child and has visited many times since.
This time, he chose Kolkata over Delhi because of the bad air in Delhi.
He enjoys exploring the city and trying local foods, even though some things have changed over the years.
Jason feels a strong connection to Kolkata and his family's history there.
Jason Walker, an Australian lawyer, visited the last surviving tomb of his ancestors in Kolkata, which was once part of the North Park Street Cemetery.
The cemetery was razed in 1953, and the land is now occupied by the Assembly of God Church and its associated buildings.
Walker's family has roots in India dating back nearly two centuries, with ancestors working in various fields such as indigo, tea, military, and policing.
He first visited Kolkata in 1981-82 as a child and has returned several times since, drawn to the city's energy and history.
Walker decided to visit Kolkata instead of Delhi due to the annual pollution emergency in Delhi.
- Who
- Jason Walker, an Australian lawyer, and his ancestors
- What
- Visiting the last surviving tomb of North Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata
- When
- During a recent trip to India, avoiding Delhi due to pollution
- Where
- Assembly of God Church, Park Street, Kolkata
- Why
- To connect with his family history and ancestral roots in India
- Visitor
- Jason Walker, a lawyer from Melbourne
- Location
- Assembly of God Church, Park Street, Kolkata
- Tomb
- Robertson Monument, last surviving tomb of North Park Street Cemetery
- Cemetery
- North Park Street Cemetery, razed in 1953
- Family History
- Walker's family roots in India date back nearly two centuries
- Occupations
- Indigo, tea, military, policing, public works department
- First Visit
- 1981-82, at age seven or eight
- Reason for Visit
- Avoided Delhi due to pollution, decided to visit Kolkata