Country | India |
Area | 206.08 km2 (79.151 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 22.56263, 88.36304 |
Highest elevation | 9 m (30 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengal. Positioned on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, it is situated approximately 80 km (50 miles) west of the border with Bangladesh. As the primary financial and commercial center of eastern and northeastern India, Kolkata plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy.
With an estimated population of 4.5 million in the city proper and over 15 million in the Kolkata Metropolitan Region, it is one of the most populous metropolitan areas globally. This vibrant city is renowned for its cultural, historical, and intellectual significance and is often regarded as the cultural capital of India.
Historically, the area now known as Kolkata was comprised of three villages under the Nawab of Bengal’s rule during the Mughal era. In 1690, the Nawab granted the East India Company a trading license, leading to the establishment of Fort William and the development of the area by the Company. The city’s prominence grew after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British defeated Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah, establishing Calcutta as the de facto capital of British India until 1911.
During British rule, Calcutta was the second-largest city in the British Empire, after London. It served as a center for administration, politics, law, education, science, and the arts. The city was a hub for the Bengali Renaissance and played a crucial role in the Indian nationalist movement.
The partition of Bengal in 1947 significantly impacted Kolkata. Following India’s independence, the city experienced decades of political violence and economic stagnation before rebounding in the late 20th century. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Kolkata hosted the government-in-exile of Bangladesh and saw an influx of Hindu refugees from East Bengal, shaping the city’s demographics and politics.
Kolkata’s architecture reflects its rich history, featuring imperial landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the Grand Hotel. The city’s cultural heritage includes India’s only Chinatown and remnants of Jewish, Armenian, Greek, and Anglo-Indian communities. Known for its close-knit neighborhoods (paras) and freestyle conversations (adda), Kolkata is deeply connected to the Bhadralok culture and the Zamindars of Bengal, including Bengali Hindu, Bengali Muslim, and tribal aristocrats.
The city is home to numerous institutions of national importance, such as the Academy of Fine Arts, the Asiatic Society, the Indian Museum, and the National Library of India. The University of Calcutta, established in 1857, is the first modern university in South Asia and has produced many notable figures in the region. Kolkata also hosts several prestigious scientific institutions, including the Geological Survey of India, the Botanical Survey of India, and the Indian Science Congress Association.
Kolkata is a major center for the Indian Bengali film industry, known as Tollywood, and has a vibrant arts scene. The city is famous for its grand celebrations of the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. Additionally, Kolkata is associated with four Nobel laureates and two Nobel Memorial Prize winners, highlighting its intellectual heritage.
The Port of Kolkata is India’s oldest operating port, and the city’s economy is diverse, encompassing sectors such as finance, IT, manufacturing, and trade. Despite challenges, Kolkata remains a dynamic metropolis known for its resilience, cultural richness, and historical significance. Often referred to as the “City of Joy,” Kolkata continues to be a vital center of commerce, culture, and education in India.
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