Polymer research in Calcutta University in the early years (till 1960) was mostly confined to polymerization of drying oils, synthesis of alkyds, modified alkyds and phenolic resins, chemical transformation of cellulose to cellulose esters and ethers and evaluation of their solution properties. Later, since the 1960s, research activities began to be initiated in some new and advancing frontiers by the research group led by the author covering (i) vinyl polymerization using novel initiators with particular reference to reaction kinetics and mechanistics, radical transfer reactions and end-group analysis, (ii) polymerization/photopolymerization using lone or redox initiator systems and some charge transfer complexes as initiators with special reference to analysis of roles of solvents and additives and of the observed environmental effects, and interpretation of kinetic nonidealities, (iii) graft copolymerization of vinyl and related monomers on many natural and synthetic polymers such as cellulose, starch, wool, natural rubber, jute, ramie, flax, sisal fibre, polychloroprene, PVC, polyethylene etc., (iv) polymer crosslinking and polymer degradation, (v) polymer blends with special reference to elastomer-plastomer blends to achieve toughening of brittle plastics and stiffening of rubbers with scope for forming interpenetrating polymer networks (INPs), (vi) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from dynamic vulcanization of selected elastomer-plastomer blends, (vii) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites covering evaluation of the scope for use of jute and modified jute fibres, E-glass fibres, N-glass fibres and glass fibre-jute fibre hybrids as reinforcing agents and some thermosetting resins as matrix materials, (ix) conductive composites based on conductive carbon black as reinforcing particulate filler and some elastomeric polymers as the matrix materials, (x) inherently conducting polymers with particular reference to synthesis of polyanilines with stable processibility, (xi) textile treatments and modifications for improved property balance, surface finish and diverse applications, and (xii) polymer analysis and characterization encompassing microstructure, evaluation of physical, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties, thermooxidative stability, photostability, rot resistance, dyeability in case of textiles, crosslink density and some aspects of polymer rheology and morphology.