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The History of Kolkata, West Bengal

67 local experts
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From dinosaurs to explorers to wars, here's what 67 local experts had to say about the history of Kolkata, West Bengal.

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Anyone considering moving to my city i.e. Kolkata must know that this city is also called the City of Joy. Kolkata stands for its rich heritage, book-lovers, Nobel Laureates, Swami Vivekananda, and Mother Teresa. Kolkata people are very welcoming and love to explore food and places.

Amandeep, says: 2020

Kolkata is wonderful city in terms of its historical importance. Places to visit include, Victoria Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, Alipur Zoo and Botanical Garden. Food, specially street foods are also of great attraction. Visitors will also be able to taste a secular environment in the city which they can experience by visiting temples, mosques, gurdwara and establishments of different religions.

Kowsika, says: 2020

Kolkata as it is know now was earlier called Calcutta. The City of Joy. This is one of the metropolitan cities in India and know for it; s cultural and historic heritage. The former capital of India during the British rule, it still maintains the glimpses of that era. A beautiful city with a great weather and lovely people.

Parminder, says: 2020

Kolkata has a lot of history attached to it. It also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, ambience and nightlife. The people here are very friendly but also politically opinionated which makes up for some interesting conversations every time you step out of your hotels. Heat and humidity are two big issues which you would have to contend with though.

Kolkata has one of the densest populations one will ever see in a metropolitan city, even by Indian standards. The older parts of the city still show many traces of Bengal’s colonial past. This colonial history has influenced much of the city’s vibrant culture and diverse cuisine. Some visitors might be shocked at the visible poverty, but no one can help noticing the wonderful crafts, textiles, music and the people’s sheer zest for living despite daily vicissitudes. This aspect of the city becomes most evident during the massive annual Durga Puja – originally a religious festival which has come to transcend transcend barriers of caste, creed and race and evolved into a model of community spirit and human harmony.

Pushpak, says: 2020

Kolkata, the City of Joy, has a deep impact on first time visitors. The city, dubbed to have soul by many residents, can change your perception of life, love and living. The ancient facade of the Victoria Memorial, built in honor of the late Queen Victoria of England, takes you back to the time of the British rule. The city is a perfect concoction of the yesteryears and the contemporary world. The city that bleeds art through the works of Satyajit Ray and innumerable Bengali literary scholars is also not devoid of progress, with six Nobel Laureates directly affiliated to this major Indian Metropolis.

Harshit, says: 2020

It’s of immense historical significance, with rich heritage and culture. It thrives with life. People here are more than welcoming. The additional perk is the renowned bengali cuisine. All said, I will mention Rabindranath Tagore.I live in the city that once belonged to such literary stalwarts. And I’m proud.

Monika, says: 2020

Kolkata is a city of joy, a city full of life. It is a city of culture and heritage. It has the best street foods and here the accommodation is very cheap. All the festivals are celebrated in Kolkata. Anybody who will once come in Kolkata, will always feel Home and would carry a part of it to wherever they go and strew its tenderness and love and flavour all over.

Amareswar, says: 2020

If someone moves to Kolkata, he or she should be ready to embrace its beauty in all its glory as being one of the oldest cities of India, Kolkata is often misconstrued as a backward city. But this is certainly not the case. This city is a wonderful place with nice and cooperative people just like the rest of India. The weather may not be welcoming to some but once the person adapts to it, it is quite pleasant (specially during monsoon). There are many historical places to visit too – Victoria Memorial being the most prominent.

My city is called the ‘City of Joy’. Public transport is the lifeline of this city. There’s no death of historical monuments here. Starting from the Howrah Bridge to Victoria Memorial, the famous horse carriage rides, it has it all. The National Library situate here is the largest library in the country.

The victoria memorial which was built by Lord Dalhousie. The historical place of Barrackpore where Sepoy Mutiny was started in the year 1857 is considered the first freedom struggle in India. The cantilever bridge over the Hugli river is famous, was built by British Government. This famous cantilever bridge is Howrah bridge.

Priyanka, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of love. While moving to the city, know about it’s grand festival Durga Puja. one has to know the importance of Ganga ghats to each and every Bangali. The city makes one nostalgic. It embraces people coming from outside the city with open arms. One has to know about its culture and heritage.

Susanne, says: 2020

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is a place where you will find peace and solace. The city strikes a perfect balance between modern culture and heritage. You will find a foodie and an avid reader in almost all the corners. But the primary reason why you should consider moving to Kolkata should be to experience how well we welcome diversity.

Safvan, says: 2020

Kolkata is the City of Joy. Here people welcome each newbie with much warmth; the visitor doesn’t always need to be formal about what he/she wants, just asking with a smile on face will get his/her job done. Kolkata still carries its heritage with beauty and grace and it is one of those rare places where you can easily survive even with limited budget.

Sanjana, says: 2020

Joy. Who does not want a little bit of joy in life? one will find that in abundant because it is the ‘City of Joy’. From the colonial monuments to the mouth-watering street foods – in Kolkata, one will catch a glimpse of the entire globe. The Muslims celebrate Durga Puja with equal excitement and the Hindus make merry on Eid. Kolkata is really the melting pot of cultures.

Harish, says: 2020

Kolkata is a city in West Bengal, India. Its rich of its heritage and culture. The native language of this city is Bengali. It is known as the city of joy due its culture. People here are concerned with politics, arts and science and technology. Kolkata is also famous for its food.

Surekha, says: 2020

Kolkata is the cultural capital of India, with mouth-watering food, a very rich history, many amazing places to visit, and much more. It is much more than just a city it is filled with people from all walks of lives, and emotions bursting through the city. With so many places to visit and so many activities, you can never be a victim of boredom.

Kolkata is also called the City of Joy. There are historical sites present here like Dakshineshwar Temple, Victoria Memorial, and other famous spots. The people of Kolkata also very helpful and generous towards newcomers in the city. Kolkata is known for grandly holding Durga Puja yearly.

Nikhil, says: 2020

Kolkata is a city of Joy. It is the capital of a state called West Bengal in India. Though the weather is hot and humid, you will enjoy the green surroundings. People here are extremely helpful and friendly. There are many historical monuments in this city.

Ravina, says: 2020

Kolkata, known as The City Of Joy, is a source of happiness to 1,000s. With its rich culture and heritage, music and aura, it stands out from the rest of the cities. Kolkata is vibrant and equally contrasting, with vintage stores and luxurious shopping malls. With bustling streets and people of different backgrounds, it is a city one should consider moving to. However, one should keep in mind that Kolkata tends to be crowded, so he or she must be prepared to walk in large crowds where no one knows each other, but exchanges smiles.

Jayati, says: 2020

Kolkata is “City of buildings”! Kolkata has the Kolkata International Airport and the Metro Rail. Kolkata pride itself for having historical monuments like Shahid Minar and the hanging Howrah bridge across the river Ganga built during the British period. Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial are among the top destinations in Kolkata. Kolkata is also the spiritual hub boasting of age old temples, churches, and mosques. Kolkata Biryani is one of the delicious dishes to try for someone new in the city.

Kolkata is a place resided by myriads of people. The food here is delicious and this city has in store a lot of things unknown and mysterious. Moving to this city is pocket-friendly too. There are a lot of historical places to look forward to. Last but not the least this city will never fail to surprise anyone.

Aaditya, says: 2020

Anyone moving to Kolkata must be aware of her glorious history, stunning British-Dutch architecture and an enriched cultural-art- heritage backdrop. Also, the crux of Kolkata is the life associated with the city. Kolkata is the queen of the cities and joy beholds here. From lowest living cost among the metropolitan cities to people with really kind hearts, Kolkata is has it all.

The city that, I am currently residing in Kolkata. It is known as the city of lights. It has a great historical significance, as it was one of the capital of the British empire. The historical buildings from the British time are still prevalent. In this city also resides the biggest stadium of India, the Eden garden stadium. The people of this city love fish. Many renowned laureate and scholars are from this city like Rabindranath Tagore, Partho Chatterjee etc.

Farooq, says: 2020

Someone moving tomy city, Kolkata, should be prepared for a crowded public transport system and a rainy weather. However, there are many eateries offering delicious food and old heritage buildings to admire. My city was colonized by the British Raj and has also been heavily influenced by Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese and French culture, contributing to a beautiful blend of international and national culture.

Aayushi, says: 2020

Kolkata in eastern India, the capital of West Bengal is known as ‘joy’. It is rich in culture and is a city full of history. It was the first capital of British India. The weather is best during winters (December-January). Many know the city for Durga puja, a five-day festival honoring the patron goddess of Bengali Hindus. Bengalis refer to her as Maa Durga, Mother Durga, and families dress up, give each other gifts, and visit the many pandals (shrines) usually set up by neighborhood association. The city has lot to explore and the limitation of time here allows me to express this very little part of the vast culture one can experience here.

Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy is in the state of West Bengal. The city holds the rich heritage and culture of the state of Bengal. It has been the land of great poets such as Tagore and Nazrul Islam while also the very place where revolutionaries such as Subhash Chandra Bose were born. The city is filled with colonial architecture, luscious greenery while you can find the melodies of folk music echo down the streets. The beautiful patachitra and chalchitra artforms uphold the beauty of Bengal’s reforms. The city welcomes travelers with open arms and one discovers oneself in his quest to discover Kolkata.

Kolkata is popularly known as the ‘City Of Joy’. It is known for its diverse variety of cuisines ranging from stale Bengali diets to Indian version of Chinese delicacies. Kolkata is home to multiple religius an ethnic communities for quite a long time now. It has a rich history also. The British identified it as their initial capital city before independence. Kolkata ws home to the great Indian nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore who refused knighthood offered by the British on patriotic and moral grounds.

Lakshmi, says: 2020

Kolkata welcomes its guest very warmly. There are many temples and some historic monuments like Victoria Memorial and Dakshineswar Kali Mandir which are famous and I recommend. Kolkata is famous for types of sweets available here, especially sweet called “Sandesh”. Do visit here once in a lifetime.

Vishal, says: 2020

It is known as the City of Joy. Kolkata has a sprawling street life and is a perfect place for a foodie. The architecture is a sight to behold since it has had an influence of history through its pages. From being a princely state to an urban extravaganza, the city offers it all.

A person who wants to move to my city should have a good knowledge of its culture and heritage. The person should educate himself or herself on the culinary tradition to get the complete essence of the place. A note of advice the people of my city are laid so if anyone moves here learn to enjoy life and find joy in the smallest for example drinking teas out of an earthen pot.

Manideep, says: 2020

Kolkata is a city whose charm lies in its old beauty- the old roads, rickshaws, monuments and its authenticity that breathes out of everything you try out as an outsider. It might seem backward and slow paced compared to other metropolitan cities in India like Mumbai and Delhi, but that is its charm that the people who stay here, are not in a rush, enjoy their lives more freely and for them peace is more important than earning a few more bucks. Consider friendly people while you move here and knowing the Bengali language might be a plus point, though most people do speak Hindi. Also, a loud western dressing may be avoided at public places.

Mohammed, says: 2020

Kolkata is as the city of joy. He should wholeheartedly let himself out and explore the streets and its delicious food. With the touch of several medieval period buildings Kolkata is one of the most visited places in India. The most accredited food to this place is the great Kolkata biryani.

Joshua, says: 2020

Kolkata is the second most populous city in India. It steeped with, heritage and culture. It experiences, a temperate climate through the year. The city is flanked by rivers on three sides, thereby making ideal river port destination. The rich fertile alluvial soil aids in cultivation of various crops namely rice and jute. Nonetheless It is often termed as “City of Joy”.

Kolkata carries the legacy of the first British capital in Colonial India under British rule. But that is by far the least of its attractions, as Kolkata is home to a multitude of communities like Armenians, Chinese, and Jews whose existence in the rest of the country is very minimal. Kolkata is the perfect city for food lovers, as every street of this city is sprawling with the taste and aroma of each community’s brew.

Kolkata is famously known as the ‘city of joy’ as the city provides a good atmosphere of the living. The city is very rich in culture and architecture. There are numerous shopping malls, hospitals, nursing homes, five-star hotels. There are also many tourist spots and historical places which easily attract tourists. The city also celebrates Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Bengali community.

Amanjot, says: 2020

Kolkata is called city of joy and happiness, that’s not only limited. It has well l culture, people’s e good behaviour to other person, helping men and animals or birds. Lots of pilgrimage, monument and scripture situated here not only my travelers came here for learn lots of good things and more.

Nikhil, says: 2020

Kolkata, as it rightly called, is the City of Joy. It cherishes a very rich cultural heritage. People here are extremely generous and deeply rooted. The city has a soothing lifestyle for anyone willing to live in a developed city but also at the same time being away from its hustle and bustle.

Kolkata is a city with a lot of diverse culture. One should live here to experience the variety of festivals and food. There are lots of different food history that can be explored while staying in the city and taste new kind of cuisines. The local folk culture is beautiful in its own array.

Kolkata is a metropolitan city where everything is available starting from malls, cinema halls, parks, even historical monuments. People here can speak English properly and the value of price is very inexpensive here especially food, room rent and dresses, travel expenses and more. It is a developing city and people here are broad-minded. We love art and culture very much and like to gain knowledge by learning something new.

Kolkata is the city of Joy and is recognized for the vast number of historical sights it contains. The places to visit are Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Indian Museum, etc. The living cost in Kolkata is less than that in other metro cities of India. The north of the city contains beautiful houses in all their ancient glory.

Knowing a little Hindi or Bengali will be very helpful. Should be always smiling because here people love the simple and smiling personality. In Kolkata, there are many historical places like Victoria Memorial, Alipur Zoo, etc.

Durdana, says: 2020

Kolkata is titled “The City of Joy” And it really is. Here is not just beauty in the natural streets but in the built bridges anand monuments. The largest Science centre lies here. It is just incredible and one shouldn’t take twice to move here.

Taruna, says: 2020

Kolkata, the city of joy. It is well known for the traditional culture of Eastern India. The city attracts the tourists because of its serenity and the ancient culture of food and festivals. Kolkata, being the capital of West Bengal is the centre of all the trade and commerce. The Sundarbans at the coastal region of the city is a great tourist attractions mainly for the Royal Bengal Tigers.

Somaya, says: 2020

Kolkata is very warm in nature. This city is culturally sound. One can find various heritage sites here as it was being India’s capital city before independence. Anyone can relate with this city as it can make anyone comfortable to stay here. The lifestyle is unique and culturally sound.

Kolkata welcomes people of any language, culture and viewpoints. There are 100s of inhabitants here who doesn’t know its native language of Bengali, or have no clue about its rich cultural heritage. Still, if someone is interested, Kolkata is the city of joy. It had been the capital of India and is one of the four metropolitan cities of the country. Bengalis like me will warmly welcome any foreigner to their city and make them feel like their home.

Kolkata is the city of joy. You should be comfortable with the Bengali Language. You should be able to tolerate humid summers. Even If You are not very rich you can live a good life the city. The land of bookworms Kolkata, or Calcutta, as still lovingly called by the Bengalis, College Street or ‘Boi Para’ (Colony of Books) is the largest book market in India.

Aarthy, says: 2020

Kolkata is known as the “City Of Joy”. It’s a city with plenty of opportunities. It’s a very big city with almost everything available that anyone can imagine. Here you can see millionaires roaming the streets in their luxury cars and beggars sleeping unfed beside the roads on the footpaths. It has a lot of heritage such as Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial. Kolkata is well connected with the rest of the world by air, water, rails and roads.

Kolkata is called the city of dreams. The beauty of Kolkata lies in the historical significance of the buildings and its aesthetic value. Kolkata has a vast population that comprises mostly the Bengalis but people from other states as well from other nationalities also reside here. Kolkata is also famous for being the birthplace of prominent personalities like Subhash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, etc.

Prakash, says: 2020

Kolkata is well known for its mere bengali culture, the old school way of living life, its famous bengali dishes, one of them being “Rosogolla”, there are plenty different ways to say it, but this is exactly how a genuine bengali blood would always say it. I forgot to mention the magnificent monument, Victoria Memorial, which also resides here!

Kolkata is the city of joy, and one time it was also the capital of india. There is lot of thing to visit, experienced and many things. Kolkata is also the metropolitan city. It is the 6th richest city of india. Here you can see the ancient heritage like Victoria memorial, Howrah etc.

Venkat, says: 2020

Kolkata is city of joy in India. Well renowned for its cultural diversity with people from different religions as well co-living peacefully. Such an example of Victorian work can be seen in all its heritage buildings. Victoria Memorial, The dead letter building, Raj Bhavan to name a few. It welcomes all its connoisseurs with the mysterious Howrah Bridge which is almost 200 years old still glorious first ever hanging bridge over the biggest river of India The Ganges.

Pardeep, says: 2020

For someone moving to Kolkata the following should be taken into consideration:

(a) The climate is hot and humid for most of the year, so for someone not used to living in tropical climatic conditions this might make their stay uncomfortable.

(b) The city is a heaven for foodies. Especially for people who love spicy food and experiencing new tastes to enrich their palette. Exploring the street food scene can be quite an adventure.

(c) The city is dotted with heritage era buildings and colonial architectural marvels. For people so inclined exploring the city can be its own reward.

(d) The people are quite friendly and warm. Roaming the city and finding new and interesting places can be quite fun the old fashioned way. One can usually find people quite willing to help out in giving directions with a smile.

(e) Kolkata also has the lowest living costs among the metropolitan cities in India.

If the climate is not a problem, moving to Kolkata can be quite an enriching experience.

Lourdu, says: 2020

Kolkata is a city of rich heritage with very warm people. Law and order is good. Apartments are available for sale and rent in all budgets. Conveyance facility is great. Multi cuisine restaurants are available with sumptuous food at great price. Kolkata is famous for its bengali sweets, especially ‘Rosogolla’. A perfect city.

Kolkata is the City of Joy. Besides its old colonial charm, Kolkata offers a quality lifestyle in the cheapest possible expense. It is a heaven for food lovers. There are is no way to get bored in the city that first experienced the Renaissance after Europe. The city thrives in culture and sharing joy.

Tannia, says: 2020

Kolkata the city of joy is known for its culture and tradition. The city has many renowned monuments which people can visit. The city is also famous for its different style of food and sweets. The city provides many earning opportunities. It is also famous for Durga Puja.

Sayani, says: 2020

The city is known for city of joy. One can visit and enjoy each and every moment here by roaming and celebrating stuffs together with the people of Kolkata. The city is full of monuments and other scenic beauties. Kolkata’s attractions also lies in its unusual public transportation system as it offer multiple modes of transport like hand puller rickshaw to older trams and metro trains to boats. The best time to visit the city is during its biggest festival which is the Durga Puja. At that time the entire city is dressed up in amazing lights and stay awake 20 four hours with big crowd migrating from various parts of West Bengal and other parts of the world.

Pankaj, says: 2020

The city is quite congested with roads not as good and reaching one’s destination may take a lot of time and patient. The climate here is hot and humid with high level of pollution. However, people are friendly and helpful. The cost of living here is affordable. The city is rich in cultural heritage and famous for film festivals and book fairs.

Nalini, says: 2020

Someone moving to Kolkata should be prepared to be accustomed to the din of the busy city. The city has its own heritage which is very fascinating in its own very special way. It has all the relics of the British Empire still standing tall at many places. It has a unique cultural background which too is very diverse.

Sindhu, says: 2020

The city Kolkata is one of the oldest cities in India. It has a vast cultural heritage. It is an amalgamation of many old cultures such as the Armenians, Jews, Portuguese, French, Dutch, English, Moghul and Bengali. It provides work to many people and recreation spaces. The Universities, Colleges and Schools churn out some of the best professionals world wide. People are friendly and accept visitors and strangers heartwarmingly.

Savibha, says: 2020

Kolkata is the ‘city of joy’. The best thing of this city is ‘street food’. You will find every kind of character here that will amaze you. The culture, the heritage, the ancient buildings will mesmerize you. This place is one of the known places of devotion to God. Kolkata is second to none.

Aswathy, says: 2020

It is one of the metro city. It is also the capital of the state. It has many historical buildings and sites. Many famous historical figures have resided in this city. It also has the largest cricket stadium of the country with the seating capacity of more than 20k.

Suyash, says: 2020

Kolkata the capital of West Bengal is known for the adverse history and it’s street foods. In Kolkata you will find a wide range of products and people. We have so many religion is to enjoy. The most famous festival is Durga puja in Kolkata. Here the people take part in every religion.

Colloquially known as City of Joy, this city has a rich history. With people of all sects living here harmoniously, it is a sterling example of unity in diversity. With a bright and sublime sights, the essence leaves a sweet aftertaste and a tang of nostalgia. It can be intensely hot and humid in the peak of summer. Being one of the few metropolitan city in India, it abounds in opportunities and resources. With efficient municipalities and a strong governance the city is a safe haven. Widely dispersed transport systems allow for easy and cheap commute. Easy accessibility and helpful members of society make it a wonderful place.

Kolkata is a city of joy. This city never sleeps. We have everything out in Kolkata from historical monuments such as victoria memorial to places of refreshment such as malls, cafes etc. People in this city are very friendly and loving. It’s one of the best cities for me.

Ashiya, says: 2020

Kolkata is one of the four Metro cities of India and the state capital of West Bengal. It is the city where heritage, culture and modernism walk hand in hand. On one side you can catch up and hire any kind of modern mode of transport to commute, on the other hand you can also have the luxury of enjoying a tram ride.

Melinda, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of joy. Know the cheap and tasty food which includes the delicious sweets and the mouth smacking fish dishes, the loud crowd, the helpful and arguing strangers, the colourful religion and traditions, the heat and humid weather, the cheap transports and last but not the least, historical places.

Vidhya, says: 2020
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