Calcutta

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Calcutta, officially known as Kolkata since 2001, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, and is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India. The port of Kolkata is India's oldest operating port and its sole major riverine port. As of the 2011 census, the city had a population of 4.5 million, while the population of the city and its suburbs was approximately 14.1 million, making it the third-most populous metropolitan area in India.

History

Kolkata was the capital of the British Indian empire until 1911 when the capital was relocated to Delhi. The city was a centre of the Indian independence movement and remains a hotbed of contemporary state politics. Post-independence, Kolkata has faced intense urbanization challenges and economic stagnation, but has recently seen an economic rejuvenation, especially in sectors like IT and real estate.

Geography

Kolkata is located in the eastern part of India at 22.5726°N 88.3639°E / 22.5726; 88.3639

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. It has a tropical wet-and-dry climate that is designated Aw under the Köppen climate classification. The city spans an area of 185 square kilometers (71 sq mi), ranging from 1 to 9 meters (3 ft 3 in to 29 ft 6 in) above sea level.

Economy

The economy of Kolkata is diverse, with sectors such as steel, mining, cement, pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, and electronics. The city is also known for its thriving cultural scene, which includes the Bengali film industry, theatres, and cultural festivals. The Kolkata Stock Exchange is one of the oldest stock exchanges in India.

Culture

Kolkata is known as the "Cultural Capital of India" for its vibrant culture, art, and literary scene. It has produced many of the country’s most renowned poets, writers, film producers, and Nobel Prize winners. The city is famous for its Durga Puja festival, which attracts many visitors annually. Kolkata has been the birthplace of modern Indian artistic and literary thought.

Education

Kolkata is a major educational hub in India. The city hosts some of India's prestigious universities, such as the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, and Presidency University. There are also several research institutes of national importance like the Indian Statistical Institute and the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics.

Transport

Kolkata is well-connected by land, water, and air. The Kolkata Metro, which began operations in 1984, was the first metro railway in India. The city is also served by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, located approximately 17 kilometers (11 mi) from the city center.

Demographics

The majority of Kolkata's residents are Bengali speakers. Hindi, Urdu, and English are also widely spoken. The city has a diverse religious landscape, with Hinduism being the predominant faith, followed by Islam, Christianity, and others.

Challenges

Despite its cultural richness and economic resurgence, Kolkata faces several urban challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, poverty, and overpopulation. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues, with emphasis on sustainable development and infrastructure improvements.

See also

• List of people from Kolkata
• Culture of Kolkata
• Economy of Kolkata