Calcutta

Calcutta, officially renamed as Kolkata, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, it was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911.

History

• Founded in 1690 by Job Charnock (disputed)
• Became the capital of British India in 1772
• Served as a major political, commercial, and cultural center during the colonial era
• The capital was moved to New Delhi in 1911 due to rising nationalism and administrative concerns

Cultural and Educational Hub

• Home to institutions like University of Calcutta, Presidency University, Indian Statistical Institute
• Known for Durga Puja, Rabindra Sangeet, and Bengali cinema
• The city has produced Nobel Laureates like Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa

Modern Kolkata

• Major industries: IT, jute, leather, finance, and education
• India’s first Metro Rail started here in 1984
• Important infrastructure: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata Port Trust, and Howrah Bridge

Landmarks

• Victoria Memorial
• Indian Museum
• Howrah Bridge
• St. Paul’s Cathedral