Calcutta (Hindi: कलकत्ता, romanized: Kalkatta) was the former official name of the major Indian metropolis now officially known as Kolkata. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River in the Indian state of West Bengal, it served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911 and was a significant center for trade, administration, and education during the British colonial period.
Etymology and Name Change
The name "Calcutta" is believed to be an anglicized version of "Kalikata," one of the three villages (Kalikata, Sutanuti, and Gobindapur) that merged to form the city. The other theories for the origin of the name include "Kali-kshetra" (land of the Goddess Kali) and "Kalighat" (the sacred Kali temple). In 2001, the city was officially renamed Kolkata, reflecting its Bengali pronunciation, as part of a nationwide effort to revert to indigenous names for cities and places.
History
- Pre-Colonial Era: The area was primarily a collection of scattered villages with some trade activities prior to European arrival.
- British Colonial Era (17th-19th Century):
- Foundation: Job Charnock, an agent of the British East India Company, is often credited with founding the city in 1690 by establishing a trading post at Sutanuti. This claim is debated by historians, who point to pre-existing settlements.
- Growth: Fort William was constructed in 1696, and the city rapidly grew as a major trading hub and military base for the British.
- Black Hole of Calcutta: In 1756, the city was briefly captured by the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, leading to the infamous "Black Hole" incident.
- Capital of British India: Following the Battle of Plassey in 1757, British control was solidified. In 1773, Calcutta was declared the capital of British India, a status it maintained until 1911 when the capital was shifted to Delhi.
- Economic and Cultural Hub: During this period, Calcutta flourished as a center of commerce, education, science, culture, and politics. It became a prominent port city and a key administrative center for the British Empire in Asia.
- Indian Independence Movement (Early 20th Century): Calcutta played a vital role in the Indian independence movement, becoming a hotbed of political activism and intellectual thought.
- Post-Independence (Mid-20th Century onwards): After India gained independence in 1947 and the Partition of Bengal, Calcutta faced significant challenges, including an influx of refugees, economic stagnation, and political unrest. Despite these difficulties, it remained a major cultural and intellectual center.
Geography and Climate
Calcutta is located in the lower Ganges Delta on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi) upstream from the Bay of Bengal. The city experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate, characterized by hot, humid summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters.
Culture and Significance
Historically, Calcutta has been renowned for its vibrant intellectual and artistic life, often referred to as the "Cultural Capital of India" or "City of Joy." It has been home to numerous Nobel laureates, including Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa, Amartya Sen, and Ronald Ross. The city is famous for its literary traditions, art, cinema (especially Bengali cinema), traditional music, and rich culinary heritage. It is also known for its grand colonial architecture, a legacy of its British past.
Present Day
While the name "Calcutta" is still used colloquially and in historical contexts, the city is officially known as Kolkata and continues to be a major metropolitan area in India, serving as the capital of West Bengal. It remains an important economic hub, a major port, and a significant cultural and educational center.