The city life of Calcutta was full of contrasts, according to Durgacharan Ray. 1. In the 19 th century, Calcutta was brimming with opportunities — for trade, commerce and jobs. 2. But on the hand, another aspect of its life was — its cheats, thieves, its appalling poverty and the poor quality of housing. The Gods themselves were cheated by the shopkeepers. 3. There was confusion of caste, religious and gender identities in the city. All social distinctions that appeared to be natural and normal seemed to be breaking down. The contrasting images were of wealth and poverty, splendour and dirt, opportunities and disappointments. 4. High levels of pollution were a consequence of the huge population that depended on dung and wood as fuel in their daily life. 5. Main polluters were the industries and establishments that used steam engines run on coal. 6.The city was built on marshy land, the resulting fog combined with smoke generated thick black smog and Calcutta’s inhabitants inhaled grey smoke, specially in winter. A new pollutant coal — was added by the railways. The body that controlled industrial pollution was Bengal Smoke Nuisance Commission.