Calcutta (Kolkata) – Key Facts for Competitive Examinations
Introduction
Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the capital of British India until 1911. It played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. It also contributed to social reforms and economic development. It remains a significant cultural, educational, and political center of India.
Historical Significance
- Foundation:
- Established by Job Charnock in 1690 as a trading post of the British East India Company.
- Officially became the capital of British India in 1772.
- British Era & Colonial Importance:
- Fort William (built in 1706) served as the main military base of the British.
- Black Hole Tragedy (1756): Siraj-ud-Daulah captured Calcutta; British prisoners were allegedly suffocated in a small prison.
- Battle of Plassey (1757): British (led by Robert Clive) defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, establishing British control over Bengal.
- Partition of Bengal (1905): Implemented by Lord Curzon to divide Hindus and Muslims; revoked in 1911 due to protests.
- Shift of Capital (1911): British moved India’s capital to Delhi to weaken the revolutionary movement in Bengal.
Role in India’s Freedom Movement
- Indian National Congress (INC) Sessions:
- Calcutta hosted INC sessions in 1896, 1901, and 1911.
- 1906 Session: First time the word Swaraj (self-rule) was used.
- Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911):
- Started in protest against Bengal’s partition, promoting indigenous goods and boycotting British products.
- Revolutionary Activities:
- Anushilan Samiti & Jugantar: Secret revolutionary societies operated from Calcutta.
- Alipore Bomb Case (1908): Aurobindo Ghosh’s brother Barindra Ghosh was arrested for conspiring against the British.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose:
- Born in Calcutta (1897), he played a key role in India’s freedom struggle.
- Founded Forward Bloc in 1939.
- Gave the famous slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”
Cultural & Educational Importance
- First Modern University in India:
- University of Calcutta (1857) – One of the oldest universities in India.
- Alumni include Rabindranath Tagore, C.V. Raman, and Jagadish Chandra Bose.
- Bengali Renaissance:
- Social reform movements led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Swami Vivekananda.
- Brahmo Samaj (1828): Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy to reform Hindu society.
- Newspapers & Publications:
- Bengal Gazette (1780): India’s first newspaper was published in Calcutta.
- Anandabazar Patrika & The Statesman – Important newspapers started in Calcutta.
- Nobel Prize & Literature:
- Rabindranath Tagore (First Indian Nobel Laureate, 1913) was from Calcutta.
- Wrote Jana Gana Mana (India’s National Anthem) and Amar Sonar Bangla (Bangladesh’s National Anthem).
Economic & Industrial Importance
- Port & Trade:
- Kolkata Port (1870): One of the oldest ports in India.
- A major hub for tea, jute, and textile industries.
- First Railway Connection:
- 1854: First passenger train in eastern India ran between Howrah & Hooghly.
Key Landmarks & Institutions
- Victoria Memorial (1921): Built in memory of Queen Victoria.
- Howrah Bridge (1943): One of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world.
- Indian Museum (1814): Oldest museum in India.
- Belur Math: Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple & Kalighat Temple: Important religious sites.
Modern Importance
- Capital of West Bengal.
- Hub of Indian cinema, literature, and politics.
- Major IT and business hub.
Objective Questions
- Who is considered the founder of Calcutta?
a) Robert Clive
b) Job Charnock
c) Warren Hastings
d) Lord Curzon - When was the University of Calcutta established?
a) 1857
b) 1860
c) 1875
d) 1882 - Which revolutionary organization was based in Calcutta?
a) Anushilan Samiti
b) Abhinav Bharat
c) Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
d) Ghadar Party - What was the main objective of the Swadeshi Movement?
a) Promote foreign goods
b) Demand complete independence
c) Promote indigenous goods and boycott British products
d) Establish a new British colony - In which year was the capital of British India shifted from Calcutta to Delhi?
a) 1905
b) 1911
c) 1920
d) 1935
Subjective Questions
- Discuss the role of Calcutta in India’s freedom struggle.
- Explain the impact of the Bengal Renaissance on Indian society.
- Describe the importance of the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal.
- What were the reasons behind the Partition of Bengal in 1905?
- Analyze the contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to India’s independence movement.
Conclusion
Calcutta has been a significant political, cultural, and economic center of India. Its historical role in India’s freedom struggle and contributions to education, social reform, and industry make it a vital topic for competitive exams.