History of Calcutta
- Founding of Calcutta
- 18th Century Growth
- Bengal Renaissance
- Early 20th Century Activism
- Post-Independence Challenges
- Modern Kolkata
Kolkata, historically known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and one of the major cultural, commercial, and educational centers of India. The city’s history dates back to the late 17th century when the British East India Company established a trading post in the region. Calcutta’s strategic location on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River made it an ideal site for trade and commerce. In 1690, Job Charnock, an administrator of the East India Company, is traditionally credited with the founding of the city, although this has been contested by modern historians. The British developed Calcutta as a major port city, which eventually became the capital of British India until 1911.
In the 18th century, Calcutta rapidly grew in importance as a commercial and administrative center. The city’s growth was fueled by the booming trade in jute, opium, and indigo, among other commodities. The British constructed several significant buildings during this period, including Fort William, which served as the military and administrative headquarters. Calcutta also saw the establishment of numerous educational institutions, such as the University of Calcutta, which played a pivotal role in the intellectual and cultural development of the region. By the end of the 18th century, Calcutta had become a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from different parts of India and beyond.
The 19th century marked a period of social and cultural renaissance in Calcutta, often referred to as the Bengal Renaissance. This era was characterized by a surge in literary, cultural, and intellectual activities. Prominent figures such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Rabindranath Tagore emerged during this period, advocating for social reforms, education, and the revival of Bengali literature and arts. The city became a hub for the Indian independence movement, with numerous political activities and organizations contributing to the struggle against British colonial rule. The Indian National Congress, one of the principal organizations leading the independence movement, held several important sessions in Calcutta.
The early 20th century saw continued political and social activism in Calcutta. The partition of Bengal in 1905 by the British government sparked widespread protests and led to the Swadeshi Movement, advocating for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made products. Calcutta’s political landscape was marked by significant events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre‘s aftermath and the subsequent rise of revolutionary activities. In 1911, the British shifted the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi, but the city remained an important political and cultural center. The period also saw the growth of industries, particularly in jute and textiles, further solidifying Calcutta’s position as an economic powerhouse.
Post-independence, Calcutta faced numerous challenges, including the influx of refugees following the partition of India in 1947, which strained the city’s resources and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Calcutta continued to thrive as a center of culture, education, and politics. The city witnessed significant labor movements and political activities, particularly with the rise of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal. In the latter half of the 20th century, Calcutta experienced industrial decline and infrastructural issues, but efforts have been made to revitalize the city’s economy and urban landscape. Today, Kolkata, as it is now known, continues to be a vibrant metropolis, reflecting its rich historical legacy and cultural heritage.