Which Indian city is known as the ‘London of India’

Many cities in India have unique identities and interesting names. Jaipur is known as the Pink City, Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, and Mumbai is known as the City of Dreams. There is another city in India known by the interesting title of “London of India.”

This title is most often linked to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. It refers to the period in its history when the city had strong architectural, administrative, and cultural connections with other regions in London.

Although Kolkata is no longer the colonial city it once was and is currently a thriving Indian city, there is no shortage of reminders of its past. Many old structures and modes of transportation remind people of its past role in British India.

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The comparison between Kolkata and London has mostly been rooted in the past, that is, the British era. During the British era, the city, which was then referred to as Calcutta, was one of the most important urban centres in Asia.

The urban structure of the city, which included grand roads and impressive buildings, had been heavily influenced by European urban styles, particularly those of the British.

This gave the city the look and feel of European capitals, and the comparison between the two, that is, Kolkata and London, began to be drawn. This gave the city the nickname of the “London of India.”

The nickname, although not official, speaks volumes for the status of the city during the British era.

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The significance of Kolkata developed rapidly during the eighteenth century. The headquarters of the British East India Company were set up, and the city developed into a powerful hub.

For decades, Kolkata has been the capital of British India, and the title has been held since 1772 until 1911. During these decades, key decisions on how the country would be run, trade, and colonial matters were made in the city.

The fact that the city was the focal point of power prompted the British to invest heavily in its development. Buildings, courts, learning institutions, and trade centres were developed in the city.

This period defined the character of the city, and the legacy can be seen today.

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One of the most notable reminders of Kolkata’s rich history is its impressive architecture. There are many historical buildings constructed during British rule that still exist today as landmarks.

Some of the notable architectural influences on Kolkata’s landscape are from various European styles of architecture. Some of these styles are Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Neoclassical.

Some of the notable historical sites of Kolkata include the Victoria Memorial, a large white marble structure with gardens around it, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, famous for its Indo-Gothic style of architecture.

Some of the other notable sites include the Calcutta High Court, the Indian Museum, and the historical Writers’ Building, formerly a hub of British government offices.

These sites lend a historical air to parts of Kolkata.

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The location of Kolkata, situated along the banks of the Hooghly River, has been of critical importance to its development into a great city. This is because the river, being a distributary of the Ganges River, has been an important trade route for ships sailing from different parts of the world.

The colonial history of Kolkata indicates that the city’s ports were an important centre of trade during this time. Goods from Europe, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world were transported to and from Kolkata.

This similarity is compared to London, which is situated along the River Thames, an equally important water body for the city’s development.

The River Hooghly has been an important landmark of Kolkata, and its presence still plays an important role in the city’s landscape.

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Another aspect which contributes to the old-world charm of Kolkata is the presence of trams. The introduction of trams can be traced back to the nineteenth century.

While many cities have removed this facility over the years, Kolkata still has this facility. In fact, it is the only city in India which has this facility.

These vehicles moving at a slow pace through the busy streets give an old-world feel to the city, similar to those of Europe.

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Although it is known for its colonial style of architecture, Kolkata is also famous for its cultural impact.

Kolkata has always been known as an important centre of art, literature, theatre, and philosophy.

Kolkata has also had an important role to play in the Bengal Renaissance.

Kolkata is also famous as the place where Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Nobel Prize-winning philosopher and poet, lived.

Kolkata is also famous for Durga Puja, which is an important example of the cultural impact of this city.

During Durga Puja, Kolkata is filled with art and cultural activities, turning into a huge artistic extravaganza.

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Modern Kolkata is a city that is full of life and variety. New infrastructure, markets, and emerging industries are alongside old historical monuments and colonial architecture.

“London of India” is a name that was used to describe Kolkata because of the historical period during which the city was similar to London in terms of British design and governance. However, Kolkata has also managed to establish its own culture, which is unmatched by any other city.

This is what makes Kolkata such an interesting city.

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