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Key Highlights
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Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal. Considered to be the “City of Joy”, Kolkata is also regarded as the cultural capital of India. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River the city carries its lustrous past as well as the brimming future side by side.
History of Kolkata
In the late 17th century, an English administrator named Job Charnock halted at three peaceful hamlets: Gobindapur, Sutanuti, and Kalikata. Charnock did not want to return to Hooghly, where the British "factory" had been devastated by the Nawab's forces. It is at this moment that he looked favorably on these towns, where local trade was already thriving. The British leased the villages from the Sabarna Raychoudhuris for Rs 1300 per year. Settlements began and quickly evolved into a hub for trade and commerce.
Kolkata, the Capital of British India
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a historic and culturally significant city that served as British India's capital from 1773 until 1911(King George the V, changed the Capital to Delhi in his infamous visit to India in 1911).
- The city is full of British Raj-era buildings, including the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Writers' Building.
- Mother House, the main office of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, is located in Kolkata. On the premises is also Mother Teresa's tomb.
Facts About Kolkata
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Significance | Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was the capital city of British India until 1911. |
| Location | Eastern India, on the Hooghly River |
| Population | 14.8 Million |
| City Nickname | Known as the "City of Joy" due to its vibrant culture and festivals. |
| Cultural Festivals | Durga Puja, Kali Puja |
| Educational Institutions | Hosts institutions like the University of Calcutta, Presidency University, Jadavpur University, and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. |
| Tram Network | Kolkata has one of the oldest tram networks in Asia. |
| Cultural Institutions | Home to institutions like the Indian Museum, Birla Planetarium, and Academy of Fine Arts. |
Famous Places in Kolkata
| Place | Description |
|---|---|
| Howrah Bridge | The Howrah Bridge is an iconic cantilever bridge. It connects the city of Howrah to its twin city, Kolkata (Calcutta). |
| Victoria Memorial | Iconic marble building honoring Queen Victoria. |
| Dakshineswar Kali Temple | A Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. |
| Indian Museum | Established in 1814, Oldest and largest museum in India. |
Top Educational Institutes in Kolkata
- Aliah University
- Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
- Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
- Indian Statistical Institute
- Jadavpur University
- Presidency University, Kolkata
- Rabindra Bharati University
- Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
- University of Calcutta
- St Xavier's College
West Bengal, A Quick Look
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kolkata |
| Official Language | Bengali |
| Population | 10.42 Crores (Estimated 2021) |
| Borders | Bangladesh to the east, Nepal and Bhutan to the north, and the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand to the west. |
| Festivals | Durga Puja, Diwali, Saraswati Puja, Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) |
| Major Rivers | Ganges, Hooghly, Teesta, Damodar |
| Tourism Attractions | Sundarbans (largest mangrove forest), Darjeeling (famous for tea), Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Who is the founder of Kolkata?
Ans. Job Charnock, a British administrator is considered the father of Calcutta (Now Kolkata), Charnock to get away from Nawab’s influence leased the then-towns Gobindapur, Sutanuti, and Kalikata and laid the foundation for the metropolitan of Kolkata.
Ques. How old is Kolkata city?
Ans. Kolkata was founded in 1690 by a British administrator named Job Charnock. However, it is believed that people were living in that area for almost 200 years before Charnock’s arrival.
Ques. What is the old name of Kolkata?
Ans. The old name of Kolkata was Calcutta, it is believed to be an anglicized pronunciation of the word by the British but in 2001 the name was changed to the native Bengali Pronunciation of Kolkata.
Ques. Why Kolkata is called as City of Joy?
Ans. Kolkata is often referred to as the "City of Joy" after Dominique Lapierre's novel of the same name, which illustrates the resilience and optimism of the city's residents in the face of adversity. The novel was later made into a movie.
Ques. Which River Flows Through Kolkata?
Ans. The Hooghly River flows through Kolkata, contributing to its serene beauty and grandeur.
Ques. Was Kolkata the capital of India before Delhi?
Ans. India's capital city during the British Raj era was Calcutta till 1911. In Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911, King George V declared that the capital would move from Calcutta to Delhi.
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