West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in eastern India, renowned for its deep historical roots, literary legacy, political activism, and vibrant culture. It shares international borders with Bangladesh and domestic boundaries with Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, and Odisha. The capital city, Kolkata, was once the capital of British India and remains a major urban, economic, and cultural center.
Historical background
The region of Bengal has been prominent since ancient times, mentioned in early Sanskrit texts and part of empires such as the Maurya Empire and Gupta Empire. During the Mughal era, Bengal became a prosperous subah (province).
The turning point came with the Battle of Plassey (1757), when the British East India Company defeated the Nawab of Bengal, laying the foundation for colonial dominance in India.[1] Kolkata served as the capital of British India until 1911.
In 1947, during the Partition of India, Bengal was divided into East Bengal (now Bangladesh) and West Bengal. The partition led to massive migration and communal upheaval.[2]
Political landscape
West Bengal has a distinguished political history:
- Played a major role in the Indian Independence Movement
- Was home to leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- Post-independence, governed by the Indian National Congress until 1977
- From 1977 to 2011, ruled by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), forming the longest-serving elected communist government in the world
- Since 2011, governed by the All India Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee[3]
Administrative structure
West Bengal has 23 districts. It operates under a unicameral legislature and follows the parliamentary system of governance.
- Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose (as of 2024)
- Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
- High Court: Calcutta High Court
Economy
West Bengal has a diversified economy comprising agriculture, industry, and services. Major economic highlights include:
- Leading producer of rice, jute, and tea
- Darjeeling tea is globally acclaimed
- Industrial hubs in Durgapur, Haldia, Asansol, and Kolkata
- Financial sector and IT services have seen rapid growth in Salt Lake Sector V
- Important ports: Kolkata Port and Haldia Port[4]
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census:
- Population: ~91 million
- Literacy rate: 76.3%
- Official language: Bengali
- Major religions: Hinduism, Islam, with minorities of Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists[5]
Culture and heritage
West Bengal is known as the cultural capital of India. Major contributions include:
- Rabindranath Tagore – First Asian Nobel Laureate (1913)
- Rich heritage in Bengali literature, classical music, Baul tradition, and theatre
- Globally renowned film personalities like Satyajit Ray
- Traditional festivals: Durga Puja (listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
- Cuisine: fish curry, rice, sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, mishti doi
Transport and infrastructure
- First metro system in India (Kolkata Metro, 1984)
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata
- Major railway hubs: Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol
- Dense road networks, national highways, and bus transport
- Inland water transport plays a key role in riverine areas
Education and research
West Bengal has several prestigious institutions:
- University of Calcutta (est. 1857)
- Jadavpur University
- Presidency University (Kolkata)
- IIT Kharagpur
- Indian Statistical Institute
- Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore
Geography and natural resources
- Sundarbans – Largest mangrove forest and tiger reserve in the world
- Darjeeling Himalayas – Rich in tea estates and biodiversity
- Major rivers: Ganges, Hooghly, Damodar, Teesta
- Diverse ecology, from deltas to hills
Key facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation | 15 August 1947 |
| Capital | Kolkata |
| Governor | C. V. Ananda Bose |
| Chief Minister | Mamata Banerjee |
| Area | 88,752 sq. km |
| Population (2011) | ~91 million |
| Official Language | Bengali |
| High Court | Calcutta High Court |
See also
- Kolkata
- Mamata Banerjee
- Indian Independence Movement
- Sundarbans
- Communist Party of India (Marxist)
- Partition of Bengal (1947)
- Durga Puja
References
- ↑ https://www.britishlibrary.cn/en/articles/the-battle-of-plassey
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-the-partition-of-bengal/article29204311.ece
- ↑ https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/west-bengal-elections-mamata-banerjee-history-7297110/
- ↑ https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/west-bengal-seeks-investments-in-agriculture-and-ports-121121000117_1.html
- ↑ https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB.html