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Kolkata

Introduction

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital city of West Bengal, India. It has a rich history dating back to the 8th century when it was founded by the Bengali kingdom of Mughal Empire. Today, Kolkata is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and Asia, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Key Facts

  • Capital: West Bengal
  • Population: approximately 14 million
  • Language: Bengali, English, Hindi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Postal Code: 700001 to 700999

Geography and Climate

Kolkata is situated in the eastern part of India, near the Bay of Bengal. It is bounded by the Ganges River to the east and North Kolkata to the west. The city has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

  • Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) in winter and 28°C (82°F) in summer
  • Annual rainfall: around 2,000 mm (79 in)

History

Kolkata has a long history dating back to the 8th century when it was founded by the Bengali kingdom of Mughal Empire. The city played an important role in the Bengal Sultanate and later became a major trading center during the British colonial era.

  • Old City: built on the site of the ancient Bengali kingdom, it has a rich history dating back to 1204
  • Victoria Memorial: built by Charles Lock Eastlake in memory of Queen Victoria

Significance

Kolkata is known for its cultural and historical significance. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Hindu festival of Durga Puja and the Bengali New Year.

  • Durga Puja: one of the most significant Hindu festivals in India
  • Bengali New Year (Boishakh): celebrated on April 14

Contributions

Kolkata has made significant contributions to various fields. The city is home to several world-renowned educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Engineering at Calcutta and the University of Calcutta.

  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Calcutta: one of the premier engineering universities in India

Notable Attractions

Here are some of the most notable attractions in Kolkata:

  • Victoria Memorial: a grand monument built by Charles Lock Eastlake to commemorate Queen Victoria
  • Indian Museum: one of the oldest and largest

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-03 06:55:30
  • Keywords: Kolkata, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/kolkata