Kolkata
Country: India
Region: Asia
Period: 1772-1911CE
Location: 22.5675°N, 88.37°E
Description
Calcutta (now Kolkata), located on the banks of the Hooghly River in eastern India, was the capital of British India from 1772 until 1911. Under British colonial rule, it became the economic, cultural, and intellectual center of India, growing rapidly into one of the most important cities in the British Empire. The city was a hub for British administrative and commercial activities in India, with significant European influence in its architecture and infrastructure.
Modern Remains
Today, Kolkata retains much of its colonial-era architecture, including grand buildings like the Victoria Memorial, the High Court, and the Howrah Bridge, reflecting its history as the capital of the British Raj. The city also features sprawling markets, cultural institutions, and educational centers that carry forward its legacy as a center of learning and culture. While it is no longer the capital of India, Kolkata remains a major political, economic, and cultural hub of eastern India. The city's colonial past is still visible in the streets, monuments, and museums that showcase its rich and complex history.