Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and is located in the eastern part of India on the eastern bank of the River Hoogly. The city holds a population of almost 4.5 million, with an extended metropolitan population of over fourteen million and is the fourth largest city of India. The city is located at 22°33′N, 88°20′E in the Ganges Delta and has an elevation ranging between 1.5 m (5 ft) to 9 m (30 ft). It enjoys a tropical wet-and-dry climate throughout the year. The annual average temperature is 26.8 °C (80.2 °F) while the monthly average temperatures range from 19 °C (66.2 °F) to 30 °C (86.0 °F). The winter season stays in the city for about two and a half months. During this time the temperature drops to maximum to 9 °C – 11 °C (54 °F – 57 °F). on the contrary the highest recorded temperature is 43.9 °C (111.0 °F) and the lowest is 5 °C (41.0 °F).
The city in terms of civilization dates to thousands of years back though it came into prominence under the British Raj. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 finally established the British power as the master of Bengal, followed by the rest of India. The battle made British concentrate on Kolkata and it became the capital of British India which continued till 1911. Kolkata gave birth to Renaissance that influneced the rest of India by means of politics, culture and society. Many of the modern Hindu social reform movements like anti- Sati Dah, widow remarriage originated in this city. In 1883, the National Conference was organised by Surendranath Banerjee and that ecame the pioneer. This witnessed a new phase of radical movements in the city that reached the pinnacle during the anti-paritition moivement of 1905. Besides the city has always been famous for its radical culture, rationalism and finally the seat of revolutionary activities, that was followed by the left movements and trade union movements later.
Due to several reasons and refugee problems, Kolkata, in spite of being the forerunner of private enterprise had to face economic stagnation. However, it is the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India and the northeastern states. From the year 2000, a kind of economic rejuvination is being noticed. The interest of the IT companies along with the traditional industries, favorable atmosphere and congenial government, have restored the lost glory of the city.
The educational scenario of Kolkata has aways been enriched and also the seat of culture. It is called the “cultural capital of India”. Only the University of Calcutta (founded in 1857) has more than 200 affiliated colleges.
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Kolkata
