Calcutta

Definition

Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, is a major city in India that served as the capital of British India from 1772 until 1911. The city became a significant center of trade and commerce during British colonial rule, influencing patterns of Indian emigration as people sought opportunities abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Calcutta was established as a trading post by the British East India Company in the late 17th century, which laid the foundation for its growth as a commercial hub.
2. During the 19th century, Calcutta became a primary point of departure for Indian laborers emigrating to work on plantations in places like Fiji, Mauritius, and Trinidad.
3. The city's role as a cultural and educational center attracted many reformers and intellectuals who pushed for social changes and inspired movements against colonial rule.
4. Calcutta's rapid urbanization during British rule led to significant demographic shifts, as people from various regions migrated to the city seeking economic opportunities.
5. The legacy of Calcutta's colonial past continues to influence contemporary issues such as migration patterns and socio-economic challenges faced by the region.

Review Questions

• How did Calcutta's development as a commercial hub impact Indian emigration patterns during British colonial rule?
  • Calcutta's establishment as a commercial hub by the British East India Company attracted many individuals seeking economic opportunities. This created a dynamic environment where people, particularly from rural areas, were drawn to the city for jobs. As a result, Calcutta became a key departure point for Indian emigrants heading to plantations in places like Fiji and Mauritius, significantly influencing emigration trends during British colonial rule.
• Analyze the role of Calcutta in the cultural and intellectual movements of India during the 19th century.
  • Calcutta was central to the Bengal Renaissance, fostering an environment that encouraged intellectual discourse and cultural revival. The city's universities and institutions became breeding grounds for social reformers who advocated for changes in education, gender rights, and national identity. This intellectual movement not only challenged colonial policies but also inspired a sense of nationalism among Indians, linking the cultural aspirations of Calcutta with broader political resistance.
• Evaluate how Calcutta's historical significance has shaped contemporary issues related to migration and socio-economic development in India.
  • Calcutta's historical role as a gateway for emigration has led to ongoing migration trends within India. Contemporary issues such as urbanization, poverty, and employment opportunities can be traced back to its colonial past. As people continue to migrate towards Calcutta for better prospects, it has created challenges regarding infrastructure and social services. Thus, understanding Calcutta’s history is essential for addressing modern socio-economic dynamics and formulating effective policies.

Related terms

British Raj: The period of British rule over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947, marked by significant political, social, and economic changes.

Indentured Labor: A system where laborers were contracted to work for a specific period under defined conditions, often used during colonial times to transport Indian workers abroad.

Bengal Renaissance: A cultural and intellectual movement in Bengal during the 19th and early 20th centuries that encouraged social reform, modernization, and nationalism.