Kolkata

Kolkata, originally referred to as Calcutta, serves as the capital and most populous city of the Indian state of West Bengal, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Kolkata has an estimated population of 4.5 million within the city limits and over 15 million in its metropolitan area, making it the seventh most populated city in India and the third-largest metropolitan region in the country. This vibrant metropolis, situated about 80 kilometers west of the Bangladesh border, functions as the principal financial and commercial center for eastern and northeastern India, significantly influencing the region’s economic framework.

Kolkata’s history is characterized by cultural relevance, political prominence, and intellectual brilliance. Kolkata, sometimes regarded as India’s cultural capital, has served as a hub for art, literature, and philosophy, fostering several prominent thinkers and creatives from the subcontinent. As the second-largest Bengali-speaking city worldwide, it has played a crucial role in maintaining and developing Bengali language and culture. The city’s intellectual past is highlighted by its distinction of possessing the largest number of Nobel laureates among Indian cities, reflecting its continuing dedication to education and academic endeavors.

The beginnings of Kolkata may be traced to three settlements that existed before the city’s official formation. These villages were governed by the Nawab of Bengal, who was subordinate to the Mughal Empire. The city’s contemporary form started in 1690, when the East India Company obtained a commercial license from the Nawab. This crucial event initiated Kolkata’s evolution as a significant colonial outpost when the Company established Fort William, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into a vast city.

The city’s course was significantly changed by the events of 1756, when Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah seized Fort William. This occupation was ephemeral, since the subsequent year witnessed the Nawab’s loss at the Battle of Plassey. This conflict, characterized by the betrayal of his commander Mir Jafar to the East India Company, led to a power transfer with significant implications for both Kolkata and the Indian subcontinent overall.

Kolkata thrived as the de facto capital of British India under the administration of the East India Company and then the British Crown until 1911. During this era, the city ascended to the status of the second-largest in the British Empire, exceeded just by London. Kolkata became the focal point of colonial governance, acting as the core of bureaucracy, politics, law, education, science, and the arts in India. This period witnessed the city transform into a cultural amalgamation as European influences merged with Indian customs, resulting in a distinctive urban environment and social structure.

The 19th and early 20th centuries marked Kolkata’s emergence as the origin of the Bengali Renaissance, a sociological and literary movement that significantly influenced Indian culture. The city evolved into a hub for progressive ideas, social change, and creative creativity. During this period, Kolkata generated some of India’s most esteemed philosophers, artists, and social reformers, who jointly influenced the trajectory of modern Indian history.

As the fervor of Indian nationalism proliferated throughout the subcontinent, Kolkata emerged as a pivotal center of the independence struggle. The city’s streets and institutions transformed into centers of political engagement, characterized by fervent discussions, protests, and the emergence of revolutionary beliefs that finally facilitated India’s liberation from colonial domination.

The 1947 partition of Bengal, occurring with India’s independence, was a pivotal moment in Kolkata’s history. The partition of the territory based on religious affiliations resulted in considerable population alterations and socio-economic difficulties. In the years subsequent to independence, Kolkata, formerly the foremost hub of Indian business, culture, and politics, encountered decades of political instability and economic stagnation. The city contended with the inflow of Hindu immigrants from East Bengal (now Bangladesh), significantly transforming its urban environment and political dynamics.

Notwithstanding these hurdles, Kolkata’s spirit remained unyielding. The city was significant during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, accommodating the government in exile of Bangladesh and facilitating the liberation struggle. This era illustrated Kolkata’s steadfast dedication to humanitarian efforts and its capacity to function as a haven for individuals fleeing political unrest.

The second part of the 20th century saw Kolkata progressively ceding its status as India’s largest metropolis to Mumbai (formerly Bombay). This change in status did not reduce the city’s cultural and intellectual importance. Kolkata sustained its unique identity, marked by its tightly-knit districts called ‘paras’ and the tradition of ”adda’—informal, intellectual discussions that are essential to the city’s social fabric.

The architectural environment of Kolkata reflects its colonial history and cultural development. The city features various imperial landmarks that signify its historical significance. The Victoria Memorial, a grand marble edifice honoring Queen Victoria, stands as a prominent emblem of the city. The Howrah Bridge, a cantilever structure across the Hooghly River, is both an engineering feat and a vital link between Kolkata and its twin city, Howrah. The Grand Hotel, embodying colonial elegance, remains a testament to the city’s hospitality and magnificence.

The cultural diversity of Kolkata is enhanced by the presence of several communities that have inhabited the city for generations. It houses India’s sole Chinatown, a lively enclave that has maintained its distinct cultural character. The city has remnants of Jewish, Armenian, Greek, and Anglo-Indian groups, each enhancing Kolkata’s international identity. The city’s cosmopolitan background is evident in its food, festivals, and social practices, establishing Kolkata as a genuine melting pot of cultures.

Kolkata’s connection to the Bhadralok culture—a designation for the educated, cultured, and socially polite Bengali middle and upper classes—has significantly influenced its intellectual and social milieu. The city has been intricately associated with the Zamindars of Bengal, including Bengali Hindu, Bengali Muslim, and tribal nobles, whose support of the arts and culture has profoundly influenced the city’s past.

The city’s dedication to education and knowledge is reflected in its many nationally significant institutions. The Academy of Fine Arts fosters creative potential, and the Asiatic Society serves as a stronghold of academic study. The Indian Museum, the oldest and biggest in India, contains an extensive collection of artifacts that document the subcontinent’s rich past. The National Library of India, with its vast collection, functions as a valuable resource for scholars and bibliophiles.

The institution of Calcutta, founded in 1857, is recognized as the first modern institution in South Asia. In conjunction with its associated colleges, it has generated a multitude of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions across several domains, including literature, science, politics, and philosophy. The institution has significantly influenced the intellectual discourse of the region and remains a hub of academic achievement.

The contribution of Kolkata to the arts, especially cinema, is significant. The city is the epicenter of the Bengali cinema industry, endearingly referred to as Tollywood. This dynamic film industry has generated several highly lauded films and has played a pivotal role in defining Indian cinema overall. The city’s theaters, encompassing both classic and contemporary styles, remain sites for intellectually stimulating performances and cultural manifestations.

Kolkata is home to several notable institutes in the field of science and research. The Geological Survey of India, the Botanical Survey of India, and the Zoological Survey of India play a crucial role in the nation’s scientific research. The Calcutta Mathematical Society and the Indian Science Congress Association promote scientific dialogue and innovation. Additional prominent institutions comprise the Horticultural Society, the Institution of Engineers, the Anthropological Survey of India, and the Indian Public Health Association, each significantly contributing to their respective domains.

Kolkata’s advantageous position on the Hooghly River has established it as an essential port city. The Port of Kolkata, the oldest functioning port in India, is essential to the nation’s marine commerce. This ancient port has significantly influenced the city’s economy and linked it to international trade networks.

The city’s affiliation with excellence is further emphasized by its involvement with Nobel laureates. Four Nobel laureates and two Nobel Memorial Prize recipients are associated with Kolkata, highlighting the city’s intellectual capacity and its contribution to world knowledge and peace.

Kolkata, although hosting prominent cricket stadiums and teams, uniquely serves as India’s football hub. The city’s fervor for football is unmatched, with intense rivalries among local clubs attracting large audiences and cultivating a distinctive sports culture.

Durga Puja, the Hindu festival commemorating the goddess Durga, is one of the most dynamic elements of Kolkata’s cultural calendar. Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations have been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to their grandeur and creative excellence. This yearly event converts the city into an expansive open-air art museum, exhibiting the talent and dedication of its inhabitants.

Kolkata’s designation as the ‘City of Joy’ embodies its essence—a metropolis that derives enjoyment and warmth from its communal ties, intellectual endeavors, and cultural wealth, notwithstanding the adversities it has encountered over the years. The term, popularized by Dominique Lapierre’s novel and its following film adaptation, encapsulates the essence of Kolkata’s tenacity and the tenacious spirit of its inhabitants.