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Kolkata is a city located in the eastern part of India, specifically in the state of West Bengal. It is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River and is the capital of the state. Kolkata is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and bustling street life. It was once the capital of British India and played a significant role in the country’s independence movement. Today, Kolkata is a vibrant metropolis with a thriving arts and literature scene, delicious street food, and iconic landmarks such as the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial.
Have you ever dreamt of exploring the distant and exotic destinations of Southeast Asia? Places like Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka evoke images of fascinating cultures rich in traditions and delectable cuisines.
If you were to travel to these places by boat, you could sail across the Bay of Bengal and up the Hooghly River to a city in the far eastern region of India where the East converges with the West, resulting in a unique fusion of cultures. Your destination? Kolkata!
If you haven’t heard of Kolkata before, you might be familiar with its former name that it held for centuries: Calcutta. Due to the British colonial rule in India, many cities were given Anglicized names chosen by the British.
After India gained independence in 1947, several regions of the country eventually renamed cities, streets, and other entities with names in their native languages. The reasons behind these changes varied, but in many cases, they symbolized a deliberate departure from the colonial influences of the past.
For instance, in the native Bengali language, Kolkata has always been referred to as Kolkata. However, the British referred to the city as Calcutta. In 2001, the government of the Indian state of West Bengal officially changed the name of its capital city to Kolkata.
Nevertheless, traces of the name Calcutta can still be found in many places. Kolkata residents still receive their electricity from The Calcutta Electric Supply Corp., and students continue to attend Calcutta University. Additionally, theater enthusiasts will forever remember the iconic production of “Oh! Calcutta!”
Present-day Kolkata is one of the largest cities in India. With a population of nearly five million people (over 14 million in the greater metropolitan area), Kolkata enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather throughout the year. The city receives the majority of its 64 inches of annual rainfall during the monsoon season from June to September. More than 80% of its residents practice Hinduism.
Kolkata remains an enigma to many. There are few places like Kolkata where you can encounter such a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.
In many aspects, modern Kolkata is a city of striking contrasts. As the former capital of British India, it bears the remnants of enduring British influence. Certain parts of the city exhibit Western architecture, resembling a capital city one might find in Europe.
The city’s skyline features both skyscrapers and multi-story apartment buildings. However, Kolkata grapples with a severe housing shortage. Approximately one-third of the city’s population resides in urban settlements called bastis, which consist primarily of small, rundown, poorly ventilated huts with limited sanitation facilities and open spaces.
Despite overwhelming social, political, and economic challenges, Kolkata thrives, and its citizens exude a zest for life that is expressed through their passion for art and culture. Concerts, art exhibitions, and book fairs attract large crowds on a regular basis.
Many consider Kolkata to be the foremost center of culture in all of India. In fact, Kolkata is widely regarded as the birthplace of Indian nationalism and the epicenter of modern Indian literary and artistic thought.
In stark contrast to the city’s vibrant focus on arts and culture, millions of its residents live in extreme poverty amidst unimaginable living conditions. The plight of these individuals has prompted numerous organizations to prioritize the welfare of the underprivileged in Kolkata.
One of the most well-known groups is the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, which was established by Mother Teresa in 1948. Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her efforts in caring for the sick and elderly in the poorest areas of Kolkata.
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to explore India? Grab a companion and enjoy these activities:
- Do you think you’ll ever have the opportunity to visit Kolkata? Go online and check out Things To Do in Kolkata to discover more about the city’s sights and attractions. If you had to choose three things to see in Kolkata, what would you include on your list?
- Victoria Memorial is one of the top attractions for many visitors to Kolkata. Click the link to take a virtual panoramic tour of Victoria Memorial. Then, click the following link to learn about the history of this architectural marvel. Take note of at least five facts that you learn.
- From street vendors to upscale restaurants, Kolkata is also famous for its cuisine. If you want to experience a taste of Kolkata at home, try these Kid-Friendly Indian Recipes. Make sure to check the ingredient list first so you know what you need to buy from the grocery store!
Sources of Wonder
- http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/09/02/492447039/tk
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Kolkata
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