About Kolkata

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of West Bengal. It lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, 80 km (50 mi) west of the Border with Bangladesh. It is the primary financial and commercial centre of eastern and northeastern India. It is the centre of the Kolkata Metropolitan Region. Calcutta was the second largest city in the British Empire, after London and was the centre of bureaucracy, polities, law, education, science and the arts in India. During India's freedom movement, Calcutta became the principal abode of the freedom fighters. Kolkata's architecture includes many landmarks like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Second Hooghly Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, James Prinsep Monument, Kolkata Gate, etc.. The city's heritage includes India's only Chinatown and remnants of Jewish, Armenian, Greek and Anglo-Indian Communities. Following independence in 1947, Calcutta, which was once the premier centre of Indian commerce, culture, and polities, now hosts premier institutions like Geological Survey of India, National Library, Tollywood Film Industry and many more. Four Nobel laureates Sir Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, C.V. Raman and Mother Teresa are awarded the prize for their work while residing in the city. Hence, Kolkata is considered to be the cultural capital of India having produced renowned poets, authors, singers, actors, musicians, film directors, educationists and critiques. The city is also famous for its passion with popular games like football and cricket. The city has produced leading political personalities even after independence till very recently. Kolkata is also famous for food, particularly the diversities of cuisines and sweets. The city also holds the unique distinction of running the first metro rail underground and water. Kolkata is the only city in India which still has trams on the streets.