Calcutta’s importance was based upon its strategic location on the Hugli (Hoogly) River linking the Bay of Bengal with the north Indian plain. In front of banks lined with the warehouses and homes of Indian (or Gentoo) merchants, the Hugli bustles with river traffic. Country boats with bamboo decks and a horse-headed pleasure craft ply up and down the river. The tall ship flying a British flag in the middle of the composition is similar to the type Thomas and William Daniell used during their travels up the river. Thomas & William Daniell
