Kolkata history

The history of Calcutta (now Kolkata) is a vivid example of how a trading post can transform into one of the greatest metropolises and cultural centres. Although settlements in this region have existed for millennia, the modern history of the city is inextricably linked to the era of European influence in India.

Traditionally, the founder of modern Calcutta is considered to be Job Charnock, an agent of the British East India Company. In 1690, he established a trading settlement here, which became the nucleus of the future city. The Company acquired rights to three villages — Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata — on the banks of the Hooghly River. It was from the name of the village Kalikata, where a famous temple of the Goddess Kali was located, that the city's name was derived.

Several key factors contributed to the city's rapid growth. Firstly, its strategic geographical location on the Hooghly River, a navigable distributary of the Ganges, ensured convenient access to the sea and turned it into a vital trading port. Calcutta quickly became the main centre of operations for the British East India Company in Bengal, through which active trade in jute, tea, opium, and textiles was conducted. Secondly, in 1772, Calcutta received the status of the capital of British India, which it retained until 1911. This status attracted administrative, financial, and human resources to the city, contributing to its booming growth.

Thanks to its capital status and wealth, the city was built up with magnificent European-style buildings, earning it the nickname "City of Palaces". Calcutta evolved into the largest commercial and financial hub of eastern India, hosting the country's second-largest stock exchange. Furthermore, in the 19th century, the city became the centre of the "Bengal Renaissance" — a powerful intellectual and cultural movement. To this day, the city is considered one of the main intellectual and cultural centres of India, the home of many writers, poets, and filmmakers.

Key Dates in the History of Kolkata

The history of Kolkata is a journey from a trading settlement to a cultural capital and one of the largest metropolises in India. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, becoming the centre of many iconic events in the country's history.

• 1690 — British East India Company agent Job Charnock establishes a trading post at the site of Sutanuti village, which is considered the founding date of the modern city.
• 1756 — The Nawab of Bengal captures the British Fort William, leading to the incident known as the "Black Hole of Calcutta".
• 1757 — The British, under the command of Robert Clive, retake the city after victory in the Battle of Plassey.
• 1772 — Calcutta officially becomes the capital of British India, kickstarting its rapid development as an administrative, cultural, and economic hub.
• 1814 — The Indian Museum is founded, the oldest and largest museum in the country.
• 1828 — Construction is completed on the memorial in honour of General David Ochterlony, now known as the Shaheed Minar monument.
• 1857 — The University of Calcutta is established, the first modern university in South Asia.
• 19th Century — The city becomes the centre of the "Bengal Renaissance" — a cultural and social movement that had a huge influence on all of India.
• 1911 — The capital of British India is moved from Calcutta to Delhi due to the growth of the national liberation movement in Bengal.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, the city becomes the capital of the state of West Bengal within independent India and accepts waves of refugees.
• 1950 — Mother Teresa founds the Missionaries of Charity order in Calcutta, which becomes a world-renowned charitable organisation.
• 1984 — The first metro line in India opens in Calcutta.
• 2001 — The official name of the city is changed from the English 'Calcutta' to the Bengali 'Kolkata' to reflect the local pronunciation.

Major Milestones in Kolkata's Development

The development of Calcutta (Kolkata) is the story of a trading post transforming into a metropolis that has been the economic, cultural, and intellectual engine of all India for centuries. Here are several key stages that defined the look and character of the city.

• Capital of British India (1772–1911)

  Upon receiving capital status, Calcutta became the "second city" of the British Empire. This period was marked by monumental European-style construction, earning the city the nickname "City of Palaces". The concentration of administrative power and capital turned Calcutta into India's main financial and commercial centre, while the port on the Hooghly River became a key node in the global trade of tea, jute, and opium.

• The "Bengal Renaissance" (19th Century)

  Calcutta became the cradle of a powerful cultural and social movement. This was an era of flourishing literature, art, science, and public thought, which gave India giants such as Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This cultural rise forever cemented the city's reputation as the country's intellectual capital.

• Industrial Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

  The city transformed into a major industrial centre. The economy was anchored by jute mills located along the Hooghly River, making Calcutta a global leader in the production of jute goods. Engineering, chemical, and paper industries also developed, attracting a workforce from across the country.

• Construction of Howrah Bridge (1943)

  The opening of this cantilever bridge was a major urban planning event. The bridge connected Calcutta with its industrial satellite city, Howrah, radically improving transport accessibility and logistics. Today, Rabindra Setu (its official name) is not only a vital artery but also one of the most recognisable symbols of the city.

• Development After Independence (Since 1947)

  Despite the capital moving to Delhi, Calcutta remained the capital of the state of West Bengal and continued to play the role of a significant economic hub. However, the partition of India led to a massive influx of refugees, which placed a huge strain on urban infrastructure and the economy, becoming one of the main challenges for the city in the second half of the 20th century.

• Launch of India's First Metro (1984)

  The construction and launch of the Kolkata Metro was a landmark project in modernising urban infrastructure. It was the first underground transport system in all of India, helping to partially solve the traffic congestion problem in one of the world's most densely populated cities.

• Transformation into an IT Hub (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

  At the turn of the century, the city began actively developing the information technology sector. The creation of technology parks, such as Salt Lake (Sector V), attracted major Indian and international IT companies to Kolkata. This shift from traditional heavy industry to a knowledge economy marked a new stage in the city's economic development.

The architectural appearance of Calcutta (Kolkata) is a unique narrative of its imperial past and dynamic present. As the capital of British India until 1911, the city absorbed the grandeur of European styles, earning the nickname "City of Palaces". Today, colonial buildings stand alongside modern structures, creating an eclectic and memorable cityscape.

Colonial Era: "City of Palaces"

The period of British rule left the most significant architectural legacy. Grandiose administrative buildings, mansions, and public structures defined the monumental look of the city centre. Several key styles dominated this period:

• Neoclassicism: This style, with its strict lines, columns, and porticos, was particularly popular in the early colonial period. Striking examples include the General Post Office (GPO) building with its massive dome and Corinthian columns, as well as the former Governor-General's residence, Raj Bhavan.
• Gothic and Neo-Gothic Style: Inspired by medieval European architecture, this style is reflected in one of the city's most recognisable buildings — the Calcutta High Court. Its pointed arches, turrets, and stained glass make it a vivid example of Victorian Gothic.
• Indo-Saracenic Style: This unique hybrid style became the hallmark of late colonial architecture. It combined elements of British, Mughal, Indian, and even Venetian architecture. The main masterpiece of this style is the Victoria Memorial — a majestic white marble structure built in memory of Queen Victoria. Its architecture harmoniously blends European principles with Eastern motifs, such as domes and carved elements.

Post-Independence Architecture and Modernity

After 1947, urban planning faced new challenges, such as rapid population growth. Architecture of this period shifted focus from imperial grandeur to functionality and modernism. Active development of new territories began. One of the landmark projects was Salt Lake (Bidhannagar) — a planned satellite city created to decongest the historic centre.

At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, Kolkata's architectural landscape began to change again. Modern business centres, shopping and entertainment complexes, and residential high-rises made of glass and concrete appeared, especially in new districts like New Town. Contemporary architecture strives to align with global trends, while the city maintains a respectful attitude towards its rich historical heritage, although many colonial buildings are in need of restoration.

Notable Figures Associated with Kolkata

For centuries, Calcutta (Kolkata) has been a cradle for many distinguished figures whose legacy has influenced not only India but the entire world. The city became the centre of the Bengal Renaissance and gave the world Nobel laureates, reformers, thinkers, and artists.

• Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941)

  Role: Poet, writer, composer, artist, and social reformer.
  Historical Significance: The first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore was born and died in Calcutta, and his work became a symbol of the Bengal Renaissance. He is the author of the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh, as well as the founder of Visva-Bharati University.

• Mother Teresa (1910–1997)

  Role: Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity.
  Historical Significance: She dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor on the streets of Calcutta. Her humanitarian work received worldwide recognition and was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. In 2016, she was canonised by the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

• Satyajit Ray (1921–1992)

  Role: Film director, screenwriter, author, and composer.
  Historical Significance: One of the greatest directors in world cinema. Ray was born, lived, and worked in Calcutta. His films, especially "The Apu Trilogy", brought international acclaim to Indian cinema. In 1992, he received an Honorary Oscar for his contribution to the art of cinema.

• Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902)

  Role: Philosopher, spiritual leader, reformer.
  Historical Significance: A key figure in introducing Indian philosophy (Vedanta and Yoga) to the Western world. Born in Calcutta as Narendranath Datta, he was the chief disciple of Ramakrishna. His speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893 was a huge success and contributed to the growing interest in Hinduism in the West.

• Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833)

  Role: Social and religious reformer, educator.
  Historical Significance: Considered the "Father of the Indian Renaissance". He founded the reformist society "Brahmo Samaj" in Calcutta and actively fought against customs such as Sati (the immolation of widows). His work laid the foundations for many social and educational reforms in India.

• Subhas Chandra Bose (1897–1945)

  Role: Leader of the Indian independence movement, politician.
  Historical Significance: One of the most influential freedom fighters in India, known as "Netaji" (Leader). Serving as President of the Indian National Congress and Mayor of Calcutta, he advocated for complete and unconditional independence from British rule.

• Amartya Sen (born 1933)

  Role: Economist and philosopher.
  Historical Significance: Winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics. His childhood and youth were spent in Bengal, and he began his education at the University of Calcutta. Sen's work on famine, poverty, and social choice theory has had a significant impact on global economic thought.