Kolkata(West Bengal)
Kolkata, India’s second largest city, is a timeless celebration of human existence, once luxurious and extravagant, refined and passionate, which will done in the future, but pretty down. A mighty 350-year-old metropolis on India’s east coast, the capital of West Bengal lives on in conflict and spectacular scenery.
Nothing is normal in this country. Known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, by all means, the artistic, cultural and intellectual capital of the country. The streets of Kolkata are hot, bustling, chaotic and teeming with life and creativity. Driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class, the city has created a beautiful juxtaposition of old colonial charm and the up-and-coming hipster culture that thrives among the hundreds of residents. ten years of the country.
Kolkata has a fantastic night life, and along the entire length of Park Street is home to many bars and pubs where you can enjoy a night out. Kolkata’s street food is famous all over the country, and the city has cafes and restaurants everywhere, where you can enjoy local Bengali food or try regional dishes like Jhalmuri or Ghugni Chaat.
History of Kolkata
The capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata is located in the eastern part of India and is one of the most popular cities in India. Due to its strategic location, the city has seen many political and social upheavals in the past and that is why its history occupies an important place in the timeline of throughout the Indian subcontinent and the rest of the world.
Kolkata has also experienced some of the most famous government policies, which have greatly influenced its culture.
Early Time
Kalikata is mentioned in the scrolls of Mughal Emperor Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) and also in Bengali poet Bipradas’ Manasa-mangal (1495). Kolkata’s history as a British colony, known to the British as Calcutta, dates back to the establishment of a trading post by Job Charnock, an agent of the English East India Company, in 1690.
Charnock had a conflict with the leaders of the Mughal Empire at the port of Hugli (Hooghly) and was forced to leave, after which he tried to establish himself in other places along the river. When the Mughal authorities, unwilling to lose what they had gained from the trade of the English country, allowed Charnock to return again, he chose Calcutta as his seat of business. The site was obviously carefully chosen, protected by the Hugli (Hooghly) River to the west, a stream to the north, and a salt lake to the east.
Dutch, French and European settlements are high on the west coast, so entering the sea is not dangerous, as in the case of Hugli port. The river is wide and deep; The only downside is that the wetlands on the east side and the swamps in the area made the area unsanitary.
Also, before the arrival of the English, three towns in the country – Sutanati, Kalikata and Gobindapore, which would later become part of Calcutta – had been designated as a route for Indian traders to migrate from the port of Satgaon. , in front of the surface. The presence of these customers may have been responsible for the selection of the Charnock site.
In 1696, when a rebellion broke out in the neighboring region of Burdwan, the Mughal rulers had become friendly with the growing region. Factory workers, who asked for permission to fortify their shops, or factories, were generally given a word to protect themselves. The Mughal government defeated the rebels easily, but the brick and mud fortifications of the settlers remained and became known as Fort William.
In 1698, the English obtained letters patent that allowed them to purchase the zamindari rights (the right to collect money, in fact, property) of the three villages. This area around Fort William—Calcutta—became the seat of the British colony known as the Bengal Presidency.
City Growth
In 1717, the Mughal Emperor Farrukh-Siyar granted the East India Company freedom to trade for an annual payment of 3,000 rupees; This arrangement gave a great impetus to the growth of Calcutta. A large number of Indian traders flocked to the city. The servants of the company, under the banner of the company, trade freely and privately.
When the southwestern Marathas launched an attack against the Mughals in the western region of Bengal in 1742, the English received permission from ʿAlī Vardī Khan, the nawab (ruler) of Bengal, to invade the north and east through in the city. forming pits on the ground. This came to be known as the Maratha Ditch.
Although it was not completed to the southern end of the settlement, it marked the eastern part of the town. In 1756, the nawab’s successor, Sirāj al-Dawlah, captured the fortress and looted the city. Many Europeans were imprisoned in a small prison known as the Calcutta Black Hole, and many died.
Robert Clive, one of the founders of British power in India, and British Admiral Charles Watson captured Calcutta in January 1757. The Nabob was soon defeated at Plassey (June 1757), after which the government was secured Britain and Bengal. Gobindapore was cleared of its fields and a new Fort William was built on its present site, overlooking the Hugli and Calcutta, where it became the symbol of the British advance.
From Kalikata to Kolkata
Kalikata is believed to be the ancient name of the city and derived from the Bengali word ‘Kalikshetra’ which means ‘Land of Goddess Kali’. There is also a belief that the city got its name from its original settlement and wealth of canals (khal). The British gave the city the name Calcutta, which is an anglicised version of the Bengali name Kalikata. In 2001, the Indian government changed the name of Calcutta to Kolkata.
Best Things To do in Kolkata
Howrah Bridge – Capture the beautiful scenery
An archetypal piece of art, Howrah Bridge is the best place to fall in love with your better half while traveling in Kolkata. Walking on the sixth longest bridge is an unforgettable experience and just one of the fun things to do in Kolkata. Visiting the Howrah Bridge is one of the best things to do in Kolkata at night.
Eden Garden – Immerse yourself in history
One of the best things to do in Kolkata is to visit Eden Gardens. Take in the panorama of the place and get to know the world’s most beautiful cricket stadium.
Eden Gardens was established in 1864 in Kolkata and is one of the famous tourist spots in Kolkata. Although it is a cricket stadium, it occasionally hosts football matches.
Tram ride – Explore the city like the Bengalis do
Kolkata is one of the few places where trams are still running and enjoying the ride is one of the best things to do in Kolkata, India. Get a taste of old Kolkata with a fun tram ride. One of the most beautiful parts of Kolkata, these trams are a way of life of the city that helps millions of office workers to get around every day.
With a capacity of 24 passengers and equipped with television and FM radio, these convertible trams now make four trips a day in the north and south of the city. Riding with one will give you the time of your life!
Science City – Update your knowledge
The best place to visit for families and couples, Science City Kolkata is a friendly and accessible place for people of all ages and walks of life. One of the best things to do in Kolkata in a day is to visit this place of knowledge and wisdom, what Kolkata is known for! It is the largest science museum in India under the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
