Capital of West Bengal, Know About the Capital City

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, stands proudly as the capital of West Bengal. Situated along the banks of the Hugli River, Kolkata is a city rich in history, cultural diversity and economic significance. In 2001, the city underwent a name change from Calcutta to Kolkata, reflecting a modern and dynamic identity.

Capital of West Bengal – Geography and Demographics

Covering an area of 34,267 square miles (88,752 square km), West Bengal is a densely populated state in India. Kolkata, with its strategic location on the Hugli River Riverside, serves as the bustling capital. The state experiences a varied climate, ranging from tropical wet-dry in the south to damp subtropical in the north. Despite its small land size, West Bengal is home to a diverse population, with the majority residing in rural areas. The urban population is concentrated in and around Kolkata.

West Bengal’s Capital – Economic Landscape

The industrial landscape of West Bengal is characterized by key regions such as the Hugli River belt and the Damodar River area. Kolkata, as the economic hub, hosts significant industrial zones, including steel production facilities in Durgapur and Burnpur, as well as a prominent railway manufacturing plant in Chittaranjan. These industrial centers contribute substantially to the economic development of the state.

Cultural Harmony of Kolkata, West Bengal’s Capital

Kolkata has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions. The city’s inhabitants, representing various faiths, coexist harmoniously. Hinduism is the predominant religion (73%), followed by Muslims (23%), Buddhists (1%) and Jains (1%). Kolkata is known for its celebration of religious festivals, where people from different beliefs come together to observe and participate in various cultural events.

The West Bengal’s Capital – Language

While Bengali remains the predominant language spoken in Kolkata, the city is a linguistic mosaic, with various other languages being spoken. Hindi, Urdu, Harayanvi, Rajasthani, Bihari, Tamil, Assamese, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarati contribute to the linguistic diversity. Bengali and English, serving as the official languages, are written in both scripts, reflecting the multicultural ethos of the city.

An Overview of West Bengal

• West Bengal, located in eastern India, is the thirteenth largest state in the country.
• It holds the fourth position in terms of population among Indian states.
• The state shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, fostering cross-cultural interactions.
• West Bengal also has territorial boundaries with Assam, Sikhism, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand, contributing to its diverse landscape.
• Renowned as an intellectual and artistic center, West Bengal played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.
• The state has a history of numerous freedom fighters who actively participated in the struggle for independence.
• The economy of West Bengal is reliant on small and medium-scale enterprises, as well as agriculture.
• Despite its historical and cultural significance, West Bengal has faced challenges post-independence, including political violence impacting development.
• The Human Development index (HDI) in West Bengal ranks comparatively low among Indian states.
• The gender ratio in the state is balanced at 947 females per 1,000 males.
• Following Bihar, West Bengal is the second most densely populated state in India.
• The literacy rate in West Bengal stands at 77.08%, reflecting a focus on education, though there is room for improvement.

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