Kolkata

Job Charnock, an agent of the East India Company, is traditionally associated with founding the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) when he set up a trading post on the Hooghly River in present-day West Bengal. This marked the beginning of British colonial influence in the region and laid the groundwork for the development of Kolkata as a major center of commerce and governance.

The Battle of Plassey was a decisive victory of the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies. The battle was fought in Murshidabad, near Kolkata, and marked the beginning of British rule in India. Robert Clive's victory paved the way for the expansion of the British Empire across India, profoundly influencing the history, politics, and economics of Kolkata and the entire subcontinent.

The British government took direct control over India from the East India Company following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This event marked the beginning of the British Raj, with Kolkata (then Calcutta) as the capital of British India until 1911. It became a hub of political activity and economic development and played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence.

The Indian National Congress (INC), a political party central to the Indian independence movement, was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) but held its sessions in various cities including Kolkata. Kolkata served as the venue for crucial INC meetings, making it a focal point for the development of strategies and discussions about the country's future.

King George V announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Kolkata to Delhi during the Delhi Durbar in 1911. This decision ended Kolkata's status as the capital city, though it remained a major center for commerce, culture, and politics. The move was partly a response to political unrest and the strategic advantages of Delhi's location.

The Bengal Famine of 1943 was a devastating famine in British India that affected the Bengal province (now split between Bangladesh and India) during World War II. Kolkata, then the capital of Bengal, witnessed massive food shortages, resulting in the deaths of an estimated two to three million people due to starvation, malnutrition, and disease. This tragedy highlighted the British administration's failure to address the crisis effectively.

The Great Calcutta Killings, also known as the Direct Action Day riots, occurred in Kolkata and were one of the worst instances of Hindu-Muslim violence before India's independence. Organized political actions led to communal riots that spiraled out of control, resulting in casualties and destruction. These events signaled the rising tensions that eventually led to the partition of India in 1947.

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. At the time, Kolkata, one of the major cities in newly independent India, played a significant role in the independence movement. Although the partition of Bengal led to widespread upheaval and displacement, Kolkata emerged as a crucial economic and cultural center in post-independence India.

The Bangladesh Liberation War began on March 26, 1971, and had a profound impact on Kolkata due to its proximity to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). During the conflict, Kolkata became a refuge for millions of Bangladeshis fleeing the violence, dramatically influencing the city's demographics, economy, and social fabric. The war ended with the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh.

The 2001 Kolkata attack was a terrorist attack on the American Center in Kolkata on January 22, 2002. The attack involved a group of gunmen who opened fire on the security personnel, resulting in the deaths of five policemen. This incident emphasized the city's vulnerability to terrorism and led to increased security measures and counter-terrorism efforts in Kolkata and other Indian cities.

The Kolkata Metro, India's first underground metro railway, began its expansion in the 21st century. In 2013, significant sections of the metro were opened to the public, improving urban transportation in the city. This expansion has continued to enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to the economic and social development of Kolkata as a modern metropolis.