Nilmani Mitra
Nilmani Mitra was an Indian civil engineer and architect, who designed the famous mansions of 19th century Kolkata. He was the pioneer behind the Bengali settlement in Madhupur.
Early life
Nilmani was the descendant of Rudreshwar Mitra, the elder brother of Kashishwar Mitra who had built the eponymous ghat in Kolkata. Their family were originally residents of Gobindapur, who were driven out by the British East India Company during the construction of the second Fort William. Their family settled in Jelepara in Bowbazar and became impoverished. Nilmani was born to Sukhamay Mitra, at his maternal uncle's residence in the village of Barada in Diamond Harbour in 1828. This Dutta family is the descendant of Kandarpa Narayan Dutta Mazumdar, son of the mejo-kumar Harisharan Dutta of Datta Chaudhuri family of Andul.Nilmani spent his early childhood in his maternal uncle's house. He attended the London Missionary School in Bhowanipore and later went to the Free Church Institution. He, however, could not secure any job, apparently because of his poor handwriting. He, therefore, took admission in Roorkee Engineering College and became the first Bengali to become a graduate engineer.