Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is the cultural capital of India and the capital of the state of West Bengal. The city has a rich history and a vibrant culture that is evident in its art, food, and literature. There are many interesting facts about this city that most people are unaware of.
Today, Kolkata is a thriving cultural centre, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to explore its rich history, architecture, and culture. In this blog post, we will explore ten interesting facts about Kolkata that you may not know, from its ancient landmarks to its modern-day attractions.
Whether you are a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or a culture lover, Kolkata has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover the fascinating city of Kolkata.
List of the 10 Fascinating Facts About Kolkata, West Bengal You Need to Know
It is a city of contrasts, where colonial buildings coexist with modern skyscrapers and where rich culture and history blend with vibrant nightlife and entertainment. Kolkata is also home to some interesting facts that you may not know. Here are some of them:
1. The Capital of British India was Kolkata
From 1772 to 1911, Kolkata, previously Calcutta, served as the capital of British India. It was the centre of British colonial power in India, and the British East India Company used it as their main base of operations.
The city played a crucial role in the British Raj, and its architecture and culture reflect the influence of British rule. Today, Kolkata is a thriving metropolis that retains its colonial charm, and its history is still evident in its many landmarks and monuments.
2. Kolkata is home to The Great Banyan Tree
The oldest and largest banyan tree in the world has spent the last 342 years living in Kolkata. The Great Banyan Tree, which has an area of over 14,500 square metres and is estimated to be about 1,200 years old, is located in Kolkata’s Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden.
The Great Banyan Tree managed to escape two cyclones in 1864 and 1867, but sadly, in 2020, a cyclone devastated West Bengal and seriously harmed the tree’s branches and peripheral stem. Botanists had to cut the 51-foot main trunk to allow the rest of the tree to survive.
3. Second Oldest Cricket & Football Club
Let’s learn a little about football and cricket in Kolkata. Eden Gardens is the third-largest cricket ground in the world in terms of seating capacity. The second-oldest cricket and football club in the world, behind the most well-known MCC, is the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CCFC).
Additionally, the Calcutta Football League, which began in 1898, is the second-oldest football league in the world. Do you require further information? Another one is Salt Lake Stadium, which has the second-largest seating capacity of any football stadium in the world.
4. Largest Planetarium in Asia!
The city of Kolkata has traditionally supported science and technology, and many of the world’s most known scientists have come from there. As of right now, Birla Planetarium, which is the second-biggest in the world, is the largest planetarium in Asia.
It was built in 1963 and opened by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the prime minister at the time. Additionally, let us point out that Science City is the largest hub for science culture on the Indian subcontinent.
5. The Country’s Oldest Zoo
Kolkata is home to the Alipore Zoological Gardens, which is the oldest zoo in India. The zoo was established in 1876 and is spread over 46.5 acres. The zoo has a rich history and a diverse collection of animals, including some rare and endangered species.
It is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and primates. The zoo also has a large collection of birds, reptiles, and fish. Visitors can explore the zoo and observe these animals in their natural habitats.
6. The World’s Oldest Polo Club
The Calcutta Polo Club, established in 1862, is the oldest polo club in the world. Polo is a sport that was introduced to India by the British, and the Calcutta Polo Club played a significant role in its development.
The club has hosted many international matches, and some of the world’s most prominent polo players have played on its grounds. Today, the club continues to promote and develop polo in India and is a popular destination for polo enthusiasts from around the world.
7. The World’s Largest Book Fair is Held in Kolkata
The Kolkata Book Fair is the largest book fair in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. The fair was first held in 1976 and has since become a cultural landmark of the city.
The fair features a wide range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, academic, and children’s books, as well as magazines and journals. The fair also hosts cultural events, including music, dance, and theatre performances, making it a lively and vibrant celebration of literature and culture.
8. Kolkata is Home to the Busiest Cantilever Bridge in the World
The Howrah Bridge in Kolkata is a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River. It was completed in 1943 and is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with an average daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and pedestrians.
The bridge is a significant landmark of the city and is featured in many movies and books. It is also a popular destination for tourists who can walk across it and enjoy the spectacular views of the river and the city skyline.
9. The Oldest Port in India is Right Here!
The Kolkata Port, established in 1870, is the oldest port in India and has played a significant role in the country’s economic development. The port is located on the banks of the Hooghly River and is a major gateway for trade and commerce in the region.
It handles a wide range of cargo, including coal, iron ore, petroleum, and agricultural products, and is connected to major ports around the world. The port also offers various services, including warehousing, storage, and transportation, making it a crucial hub of economic activity.
10. The Oldest Museum in India is in Kolkata
The Indian Museum, established in 1814, is the oldest museum in India and is located in Kolkata. The museum has an extensive collection of artefacts, including sculptures, paintings, and other objects that represent the rich cultural heritage of India.
Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the country’s history, art, and culture. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Egyptian mummy, the Buddhist stupa from Bharhut, and the Ashoka pillar.
The Bottom Line
Kolkata is a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors and residents alike. It is a place where history, culture, art, and cuisine blend together to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere, and Kolkata has something for everyone.
In this article, we have discovered 10 interesting facts about Kolkata that showcase its charm and diversity. We hope these facts have inspired you to learn more about this fascinating city and maybe even visit someday.
Explore More:
- Top 9 Historical Places to Visit in Kolkata
- Kolkata’s 10 Most Famous Places to See
- Top 8 Destinations to Visit Near Kolkata
- Kolkata Nearby Places to See in November 2023
- Durga Puja in Kolkata – Why You Should Never Miss
- 14 Most Popular Hill Stations Near Kolkata
- 10 Places to See Near Kolkata in August (Monsoon) 2023
- Top 11 Destinations to Visit near Kolkata in July 2023
