Fact About Kolkata

Information about Kolkata

Calcutta (formerly Calcutta), is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and one of the country major cities. It is the cultural capital of India and is well known for its historical and commercial importance. Below are detailed information about Kolkata:

General information

City Name: Kolkata (in English: Kolkata)

Previous Name: Calcutta

Location:

Eastern India, on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Geographical Location: 22.57° North Latitude and 88.36° East Longitude.

Area: About 206.08 sq km.

Population: About 47 lakhs (as of 2021 estimates, about 15 million in metropolitan areas).

Language: Bengali (main language), English and Hindi are widely used.

History

Establishment:

The British East India Company founded the city in 1690.

Calcutta was the capital of British India from 1773-1911.

Name Change:

In 2001, the name of the city was changed from Calcutta to Calcutta.

Historical movement:

Calcutta was one of the centers of Indian independence movement.

Administrative and economic importance

Administrative Center:

Administrative headquarters of the state of West Bengal.

Economic Importance:

Kolkata is one of the major commercial and economic centers of India.

Major industries: Jute, tea, information technology, tourism and port operations.

Port:

Calcutta Port (renamed Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Port) is the major sea port of Eastern India.

Tourist and cultural places

Historical Places:

Victoria Memorial.

Howrah Bridge.

Eden Gardens.

St. Paul Cathedral.

Education and Culture:

Indian Museum – The oldest museum in India.

Rabindra Sarovar.

Calcutta University and Presidency College.

Religious places:

Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Belur Monastery

Entertainment:

Science City.

Alipore Zoo.

Transportation system

Metro Rail:

India first metro rail service was launched in Kolkata (in 1984).

Tram:

The only city in India where trams still run.

International Airport:

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Famous personality

Rabindranath Tagore: First Asian Nobel laureate.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: Freedom Fighter.

Mother Teresa: Won the Nobel Prize for working for the poor.

Satyajit Ray: Famous filmmaker.

Festival

Durga Puja: Kolkata main and biggest festival.

Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Rath Yatra: Very popular.

Specialty

Literature and Art:

Calcutta is known for literature and art.

The famous "Kolkata Book Fair" is known internationally.

Food:

Rasgolla, sweet curd, minced meat, and street food (eg Phuchka, Ghugni).

Kolkata is a unique city in its blend of tradition, culture and modernity. It is a diverse and vibrant center of India.