Calcutta

Calcutta, officially Kolkata since 2001, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges, and is a major cultural and commercial center of eastern India.

History and development

Calcutta began as a trading post established by the British East India Company in the late 17th century. It grew rapidly and became the capital of the Bengal Presidency, and later the seat of British administration in India for much of the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1911 the capital was moved to Delhi. After India's independence in 1947, Calcutta remained a focal point of commerce, politics, and culture, while undergoing industrial and social changes that shaped the region.

Geography and climate

The city sits on flat alluvial plains near the Bay of Bengal. It has a tropical wet-dry climate, with hot summers, a pronounced monsoon season, and mild winters. The Hooghly River provides historical and commercial significance, and the broader metropolitan area encompasses several districts.

Demographics and culture

As of the 2011 census, the city proper had a population of about 4.5 million, with the Kolkata Metropolitan Area home to over 14 million people. Calcutta has a long tradition of literature, arts, theatre, cinema, and education, and was central to the Bengal Renaissance. Durga Puja is a major cultural festival. The city hosts numerous museums, universities, and cultural institutions, contributing to its reputation as a scholarly and artistic hub.

Landmarks and economy

Prominent landmarks include the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu), and the Indian Museum. The city has historically been a major port and remains a diversified economy with services, manufacturing, and logistics, supported by institutions of higher learning and a growing information technology sector. Transportation infrastructure includes Howrah Station, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, the Kolkata Metro, trams, and road networks.