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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, stands proudly as the capital of West Bengal, which is situated along the banks of the Hugli River.
Hinduism is the predominant religion (73%), followed by Muslims (23%), Buddhists (1%) and Jains (1%).
Bengali remains the predominant language spoken in Kolkata, the city is a linguistic mosaic, with various other languages being spoken.
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