Kolkata formely known as Calcutta is the Capital of West Bengal. This City of Palaces' is gateway to the East. There are many beliefs behind the name of Kolkata some people say that the city has derived its name from word 'Kalikshetra' meaning land of goddess 'Kali' while others believe that Kolkata owes its name to lime (kali) and burnt shell (kata) a material for whose manufacturing the place was famous. While others think that since city was situated besides the Canal (khal) it came to be known as Kolkata. The city has been a home to people from different walks of life be it legends such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Satyajit Ray in the past to personalities such as Mahasweta Devi, Aparna Sen, and Annanda Shankar Ray in the present.
People and Population
The major population of Kolkata is Bengali but it is also home to Punjabi, Marwari, Christian, Sikh and people of other communities. It is an integrated mosaic of all the castes and religions of India. And is home to some 4.85 million people. Its population density is 24760/sq. km. The main language of people of Kolkata is Bengali.
Economy
The famous stock exchange of the city, Calcutta Stock Exchange is the second largest stock exchange of India. The economy of Kolkata is booming with many trades and industries like jute, steel, leather, textiles. Some famous companies like Bata India, Berger Paints, Birla Cooperations, Coal India limited, ITC Bank, Orient Fan have their headquarters situated here.
Geography
Country
India
State
West Bengal
Capital City
of the state of West Bengal
Latitude
22 degree 82 minutes North
Longitude
88 degrees 20 minutes East
Altitude
17 feet from sea level
Distance from sea
60 miles from Bay of Bengal
International Time
( + 5 1/2) hours from GMT
Temperature
Winter(12-27C) Summer(24-38C)
Average Rainfall
160cm
Total Population
15.97 million(2001) - including Howrah and suburbs 4.85 million(2004) - under Kolkata Municipality Corp
