Fringing the Hooghly River, the city of Kolkata has a rich lineage in culture, history and cuisine, and a versatile ability to keep up with changing times. The capital of West Bengal and the birthplace of Indian communism, the city has many monikers – some perceive it as the ‘cultural capital of India’, while others know it as the ‘city of processions’ and yet more call it the ‘city of joy’. Through a long association with the British, there is much to show for its years as the showpiece capital of colonised India with its marvellous Victorian architecture which stand tall as testimonials to its past.