3 गांवों को मिलाकर अंग्रेजों ने कैसे बसाया कोलकाता? | History Of Kolkata : Kolkata Ka Itihaas

Summary

This video script delves into the historical evolution of Kolkata, India, from a small village to the capital of British India. It narrates the strategic establishment of British East India Company's base in the region, leveraging its rich resources and trade potential. The script explores Kolkata's rise during the colonial era, its development into a bustling metropolis, and the eventual shift of India's capital to Delhi. It also touches upon the impact of the 1905 partition of Bengal and the city's role as a center of commerce and culture during British rule.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Kolkata, originally a small village, grew to become the capital of British India due to its strategic location along the Hooghly River, which facilitated trade and commerce.
• 🌊 The Hooghly River was crucial for the British East India Company as it allowed them to establish a foothold in Bengal, which was rich in resources and a hub for international trade.
• 🏘️ The city of Kolkata was formed by the merging of three villages: Sutanuti, Govindapur, and Kalikata, which were strategically located near the river for trade and military purposes.
• ⛵️ The British East India Company, under the leadership of Job Charnock, shifted its base from Murshidabad to the banks of the Hooghly River, marking the beginning of Kolkata's development.
• 📜 The Battle of Plassey in 1757 and the Battle of Buxar in 1764 were pivotal in establishing British control over Bengal, which eventually led to the formation of Kolkata as a major administrative center.
• 🏰 Kolkata was declared the Royal Capital of British India in 1886, reflecting its importance as an administrative and commercial hub.
• 🌆 The city was divided into two distinct areas: White Town, which was developed with European-style buildings and facilities, and Black Town, which was more traditional and inhabited by locals.
• 🏛️ The administrative setup of British India Company in Kolkata was complete by 1790, and by 1850, the city had developed significantly, with areas like White Town and Black Town taking shape.
• 🏢 The division of Bengal in 1905 and the subsequent rise of communal tensions led to unrest in Kolkata, which influenced the British to consider shifting the capital to a more stable location.
• 🚩 In 1911, the capital of India was moved from Kolkata to Delhi due to the growing unrest and the need for a more centrally located and stable capital city.

Q & A

Why was Kolkata initially chosen as the capital of British India?

Kolkata was chosen as the capital of British India because of its strategic location along the Hooghly River, which facilitated trade and commerce, and its rich history as a center for the textile industry.

What was the significance of the three villages that merged to form Kolkata?

The three villages - Sutanuti, Govindapur, and Kalikata - merged to form Kolkata, which became the center of British trade and administration in India. Each village had its own significance in terms of trade and strategic location.

Who is considered the founder of Kolkata city?

Job Charnock is often considered the founder of modern Kolkata. He was an agent of the British East India Company and played a key role in establishing the city along the Hooghly River.

What was the role of the British East India Company in the development of Kolkata?

The British East India Company played a pivotal role in the development of Kolkata by establishing trade, constructing infrastructure, and administering the city, which eventually led to it becoming the capital of British India.

Why was Kolkata's status as the capital of British India changed?

Kolkata's status as the capital was changed due to the Partition of Bengal in 1905, which led to unrest and the need for a more centralized and secure location. This prompted the British to shift the capital to Delhi.

How did the division of Bengal in 1905 impact Kolkata?

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 led to widespread protests and unrest in Kolkata, which was a significant factor in the British decision to shift the capital to Delhi to maintain control and stability.

What were the two distinct areas of Kolkata during the British era known as?

During the British era, Kolkata was divided into two distinct areas: White Town (or Fort William area), which was developed with European-style buildings and infrastructure, and Black Town, which was a more traditional area where most Indians resided.

Why was Delhi chosen as the new capital of British India after Kolkata?

Delhi was chosen as the new capital due to its historical significance, central location, and the belief that it would be a more stable and secure capital compared to Kolkata, which was facing political unrest and administrative challenges.

What was the impact of the Battle of Plassey on Kolkata's development?

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 resulted in British victory over the Nawab of Bengal, which solidified British control over the region and set the stage for Kolkata's growth as a major center of British power in India.

How did the textile industry influence the growth of Kolkata?

The textile industry was a significant factor in Kolkata's growth, as the region was rich in raw materials and had a long history of textile production. The British East India Company capitalized on this by establishing trade networks and promoting the industry, which contributed to Kolkata's economic development.