Population (Year-2009):  50,80,519 
Density per Sq. KM:            27,462
Metropolitan:               1,54,14,859

Kolkata (previously called as Calcutta), the capital of West Bengal State, is situated in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly with Howrah (Municipal Corporation area of Howrah) on the western bank of the river. When referred to as Calcutta, it usually includes the suburbs, and thus its population exceeds 15 million, making it India's third-largest metropolitan area and urban agglomeration as well as the world's 8th largest agglomeration. Due to the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city since pre-independence era, Kolkata has been nicknamed “the City of Palaces”.

History of Kolkata: Kolkata (the then Calcutta) was the capital of British India from 1700–1912. The building architecture in the city was largely influenced by the conscious intermingling of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Islamic schools of design. Unlike other large cities of the country, whose construction stresses minimalism, the layout of much of the architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British. It had a much lesser influence by the Portuguese and French.

Kolkata is noted for its revolutionary history, ranging from the Indian struggle for independence to the leftist and trade union movements.

Kolkata comprised of three villages i.e. Kalikata, Sutanuti and Govindapur, in the period before the arrival of the British and during the direct rule of the Nawab of Bengal Siraj-Ud-Daulah. The city's name was always pronounced "Kolkata" or "Kolikata" in the local Bengali language. Its official English name was changed from "Calcutta" to "Kolkata" in 2001, reflecting the Bengali pronunciation.

The archaeological discovery at Chandraketugar site provides evidence human habitation for over two millennia. The city's documented history, however, begins with the arrival of the British East India Company in 1690, when the Company was consolidating its trade business in Bengal. Job Charnock, an administrator with the Company was traditionally credited as the founder of this city. However some academics challenged the view and in response to the public interest litigation, the High Court ruled in 2003 that the city does not have a specific founder.

The Dutch, the Portuguese and the French had their eyes in the area. So, the British build a fort near Govindapur in order to consolidate their power in the late 17th century to defend them from other foreign powers. In 1702, the British completed the construction of old Fort William which was used to station its troops and as a regional base. Calcutta was declared a Presidency City, and later became the headquarters of the Bengal Presidency. The British upgraded the fortification in 1756 when faced with frequent skirmishes with the French forces who had settled in Hooghly about 40 KM from the Fort William in the then Calcutta. The presence of French culture is felt in the area till now.

It was 1956, the turning point of British rule in India through the land of Kolkata. Bengal was under the rule of Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daulah, the direct political disciple of his grandfather, was aware of the global British interest in colonization and hence, resented the British politico-military presence in Bengal represented by the British East India Company. He was annoyed at the company's alleged involvement with and instigation of some members of his own court in a conspiracy to oust him. His charges against the company were mainly three fold. Firstly, that they strengthened the fortification around the Fort William without any intimation and approval; secondly, that they grossly abused the trade privileges granted to them by the Mughal rulers, which caused heavy loss of customs duties for the government; and thirdly, that they gave shelter to some of his corrupt officers. Hence, when the East India Company started further enhancement of military preparedness at Fort William in Calcutta, Nawab asked them to stop. The Company ignored his directives, so Siraj-Ud-Daulah retaliated and captured Kolkata (Shortly renamed as Alinagar) in June 1756. After Siraj-Ud-Daulah's conquest of Calcutta, the British responded by sending fresh troops from Madras to recapture the fort and avenge the attack. In 1757, Siraj-Ud-Daulah met the British at Plassey 170 KM north of Calcutta but betrayed by a conspiracy hatched by Jagat Seth, Mir Jafar (though no longer Principal paymaster of armed forces, Mir Jafar retained a substantial number of foot soldiers and cavalry), Krishna Chandra, Umi Chand etc,. Siraj-Ud-Daulah lost the battle and had to escape. Later on, he was arrested and executed. The British domination on Indian land begins.

Calcutta was named the capital of British India in 1772. In the early 19th century the marshes surrounding the city were drained and the government area was laid out along the banks of the Hooghly River. Richard Wellesley, the Governor General (1797–1805), was largely responsible for the growth of the city and its public architecture which led to the description of Calcutta as "The City of Palaces". The city was a centre of the British East India Company's opium and indigo trade during the 18th and 19th century; locally produced opium was sold at auction in Kolkata, to be shipped to China.

By the early 19th century, Kolkata was split into two distinct areas: one British (known as the White Town), the other Indian (known as Black Town). The city underwent rapid industrial growth from the 1850s, especially in the textile and jute sectors; this caused a massive investment in infrastructure projects like railroads and telegraph by British government. A large number of Jute Mills were established around Calcutta. Throughout the nineteenth century, a socio-cultural reform, often referred to as the Bengal Renaissance resulted in the general uplifting of the people. In 1883, Surendranath Banerjee organised a national conference — the first of its kind in nineteenth century India. Gradually Calcutta became a centre of the Indian independence movement, especially revolutionary organisations. The 1905 Partition of Bengal on communal grounds resulted in widespread public agitation and the boycott of British goods (Swadeshi movement). These activities along with the administratively disadvantageous location of Calcutta in the eastern fringes of India, prompted the British to move the capital to New Delhi in 1911.

During World War II, Calcutta and its port were bombed several times by the Japanese. Millions starved to death during the Bengal famine of 1943, caused by a combination of military, administrative and natural factors. In 1946, demands for the creation of a Muslim state led to large-scale communal violence resulting in the deaths of over 4,000 people.  In 1971, war between India and Pakistan and formation of independent Bangladesh led to the mass influx of thousands of refugees into Kolkata resulting in a massive strain on its infrastructure.

Now, Kolkata is one of the important cities where the people come for the job or trade but never returns, perhaps, considering its richness in culture, variety of food, living comfort and economy.

Transport system: The city has Metro rail, circular rail, tram in addition to bus, mini-bus and taxi services. In some areas shared Auto-rickshaws ply from point to point. There are four rail stations i.e. Howrah, Sealdah, Kolkata and Shalimar, from where long distance mail/express trains start. In addition, a large number of suburban rail stations are also used by the commuters. The bus and taxi fare is the cheapest in Kolkata.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Domestic and International Airport (Dumdum airport) is the only civil aviation airport at the out-skirt of the city.

From 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, water transports (motor launches) ferries passengers from either sides of the River Hoogly at various points.

Last Updated on Monday, 10 January 2011 22:20