Kolkata - The City of Joy

A Historical and Cultural take on Kolkata - the city of joy

Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is a city of contrasts and a melting pot of cultures. Located on the east coast of India in the state of West Bengal, Kolkata has been an important center of politics, education, and commerce for centuries.

But I (and many like me) cherish the city for its rich history, cultural diversity, and delicious food. Here through this blog my intention is to rejuvenate the City's beautiful yet somewhat lost radiant past and upbeat presence.

Let's start from its rich history: Kolkata has a rich and fascinating history that goes back to the 16th century when it was ruled by Nawabs of Bengals, who were Muslim rulers.

In the late 1700's the city was increasingly governed and regulated by East India company. Then the inevitable happened - war broke between the then Nawab of Bengal (Siraj ud-Daulah) and British company. Though the British got a momentary setback after losing Cossimbazar and then Calcutta (now - Kolkata) but with the infamous act of treachery from Mir Zafar the then Military general of the Nawab - East India Company able to defeat Siraj ud-Daulah and gain complete control over Bengal.

Nevertheless, the city played a key role in India's independence movement and was the birthplace of several important political leaders. From the greatest of philosopher Swami Vivekananda to first non-European Noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore, from greatest of Spiritual leader Sri Ramkrishna Paramhamsa to one of greatest reformer of societal norms Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and all indelible freedom fighter from Subhash Chandra Bose to charismatic trio of Binoy Badal Dinesh and many more Kolkata is blessed with many such dignified personalities across its history.

Moving to the cultural side of the city, well it is a recognizable aspect which the city is proud of. Famous for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic scene. Be it Literature, Films, Arts or Festivals. It is an unique experience a traveler must relinquish for once.

The city has a large Bengali community, but it is also home to people from all over India and the world. This cultural diversity is evident in the city's festivals, food, and art, making Kolkata a truly eccentric and diverse place to visit.

Talking about Festivals, how can one not mention the celebration of "good over evil" by paying the holy homage to, Goddesses Durga or famously "Maa Durga" as we say in native way. And yes, since 2021, UNESCO declared Durga Puja as "intangible cultural heritage of humanity".

Coming to Literature, Arts and Films - Kolkata is the Birthplace of Indian Cinema. first feature film "Raja Harishchandra" made here in 1913. Film industry in Kolkata known as 'Tollywood'. Music and Songs like "Rabindra Sangeet", folk music is an integral part of city's cultural heritage. 

But the essence and heredity of Literature and Arts is deep rooted in Bengali culture. As the city provided with many profound poets and writers throughout history. From Noble winner Rabindranath Tagore to Visionary and Oscar winning Directory and Writer Satyajit Ray, father of modern Bengali grammar Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to one of greatest revolutionary poet Kavi Nazrul Islam they all have contributed enough to put a rich legacy for the City and Bengal to follow and cherish.

Now before diving into the "Bengal Delicacies" let's have a brief visit into the intense side of the city, I mean the Political and Revolutionary side of it!!

The city has been a witness to several significant political events, including the Indian independence movement, the Swadeshi Movement, the Quit India Movement, and the Communist rule.

As they say, the birthplace of communalism in India is Bengal. But the spark was ignited post the infamous Partition of Bengal (1905) carried by Lord Curzon based on communal identities. This is one of the many colonial approaches which shape the history of New India as the nation move towards Independence and beyond. From establishing the world's biggest Transportation network to architectural brilliance of Howrah Bridge and Victoria memorial these in today's era remain one of hotspot and significance to the City's countenance.

East India company did emphasize on the economic growth of the city as it served as Capital for British India and was a major center of trade and commerce. The city was hub for Jute industry and played crucial role in the Industrial Revolution in India. Regrettably the city failed to sustain this imperial seat of economic prowess.

Amidst this decline of economic chain- Kolkata do have some silver lining to showcase its industrial and business objective. Kolkata Metro, first metro line of India established and started operation in 1984. The Kolkata Circular Trail is a popular tourist activity in Kolkata, India. It is a unique way to explore the city by train and it takes visitors on a circular route around the city, covering some of the most popular and historic sites.

I don't wish this article to be a political face nor intended to be motivated one however when we talk about Kolkata, can't forget ...yes food of-course (will come to that later!!) - it's the rise and fall of leftist movement termed - "Naxalite". The movement in Kolkata (and in parts of Bengal) was born out of deep sense of frustration among rural and urban poor. The movement focused on land rights, unemployment and social equal rights. However, the ideology falls apart as the movement slowly turned into guerrilla-style tactic to challenge the Government. A movement that's started in early 1960s slowly diminishes by 1990s.

The ironic part is that the movement that originated from the leftist slowly subsided while Bengal was having Left Government for almost over 3 decades. Despite all these political and social turmoil, the city never lost its grip on its culture, festivals, arts, literature and celebrations.

Will not wait further as after such intense history we all must adore the eloquent famous Bengali dishes and sweets. Bengalis love food, be it Fish, Meat, Sweets or Kolkata style Biriyani. The Bengali cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh and local ingredients, a love for sweet and sour flavors.

"Aloo" (Potato) as they say in Bengali is probably one of the most favored and used item in majority of Bengali dishes and guess what this "Aloo" what makes the taste bud fall in love with Kolkata style Biriyani. Birthplace of Sweets like Misti Doi (Sweet yoghurt) or "Rassogollas" and rightly so being GI tagged are one of few famous confections.

No i am not ignoring the Puchkas (Fuckha), yes, it is what is being called even in English!! It's worth a try. The list may be long enough to breach the disk capacity on google server (just a mindless thought!!)

Cultural and Economical shift: Today the City has changed a lot as it is evolving with latest trend, footfall of western culture is distinctly visible. As the City tries to cope up with relentless push from ever demanding economic social and political need which saw the extinction of Kolkata's iconic trams and double decker buses with almost diminishing horse pull rickshaws("Tanga"), what makes Kolkata a city to treasure is that it didn't forget its everlasting essence on culture, history and festivals and it still has the same jostle and embraces itself with blend of varied enthusiasm.

The city is yet to be fully mature on economic and business need nevertheless the endeavor it puts on to make some headway for industrial growth reaped some benefit like it is one of the important IT hubs in the country, developments of new highways, ports are few noteworthy selections. But surely very few cities will come close to Kolkata when we have to relinquish the magnificent culture, festivals and tongue sipping taste buds.

A City of Joy indeed!!