Kolkata served as the capital India during the British Raj until 1911. Once the centre of modern education, industry, science, culture and politics in India, Kolkata has witnessed intense political violence, clashes and economic stagnation since 1954. Since the year 2000, economic rejuvenation has spurred on the city's growth. Like other metropolitan cities in India, Kolkata continues to struggle with the problems of urbanisation: poverty, pollution and traffic congestion.

 

Kolkata, the "City of Joy", is one of the biggest metropolitan cities in India. Before Delhi, it served as the capital city of India under the British rule. From a small village in the 17th century, Kolkata has today emerged as the intellectual capital of India. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, boasts of a rich cultural heritage and is home to some exceptionally magnificent monuments. The Howrah Bridge of Kolkata is known throughout the world for its amazing engineering technique. Victoria Memorial, Belur Math, Birla Planetarium and Kali Mandir are other places in the city worth visiting.